Scottsdale AZ Real Estate & Lifestyle

Live Better in Scottsdale - eXp Realty

Heather Tawes Nelson

True Food Kitchen Scottsdale and Phoenix AZ – Cooking Smarter for Health and Happiness

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True Food Kitchen Organic Food Scottsdale and PhoenixTrue Food Kitchen is a popular local restaurant with locations in Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona. It hit the ground running about two years ago in the Biltmore Fashion Park in Phoenix and has not slowed down since.

True Food Kitchen’s success is based on its philosophy of fresh, healthy, satisfying food that tastes good. Most of the items used are sourced locally and are organic. The menu changes frequently as new items come into season and others cycle out.  True Food Kitchen works closely with Dr. Andrew Weil and the tenets of his Food Pyramid. The best part of eating here is that you get a delicious, filling meal and do not have to feel guilty when you leave.

Occasionally, True Food Kitchen will host a special event and yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending a cooking demonstration. The theme for the demonstration was “Cooking Smarter for Health and Happiness” and it was led by the Executive Chef Michael Stebner, who opened the original restaurant a couple of years ago.

Upon seating, we were served a drink called “Red Moon” that contained pink grapefruit juice, yuzu, agave nectar and soda. It was refreshing without being too sweet and I would definitely order it again. Chef Stebner took the opportunity to open up and talk with us about the restaurant’s focus and how eating fresh, in-season produce not only tastes great, it is great for your health as well.

We then moved on to a demonstration of how to make three dishes that are favorites among diners. As each dish was being prepared, the audience members were given their own portion of the dish to enjoy. The first item was Shiitake & Tofu Lettuce Cups, a hugely popular appetizer.  The ingredients cooked quickly in the wok and the aroma of ginger, garlic and teriyaki sauce smelled delicious. As promised, the dish was extremely flavorful and yet was not heavy or greasy.

The second course was something I had been looking forward to trying for a while. It was a Spaghetti Squash Casserole, which, when ready resembles a bubbling lasagna with spaghetti squash standing in for the pasta. Not only is it relatively easy to make, the finish product tasted as good as I thought it would.

The final course was a sorbet made with orange juice, agave nectar and olivello juice. The olivello juice was new to me and is actually made from sea buckthorn berries which are antioxidant powerhouses. The sorbet was a refreshing and delicious way to end the demonstration.

Overall, it was a great afternoon with a really entertaining and informative course. Not only did I get a great meal, I walked away with recipes and tips on some of the best local organic farmers’ markets that I had not been to previously. If you have an opportunity to attend one of these demonstrations, I highly recommend it.

More Information:
True Food Kitchen
Biltmore Fashion Square, Phoenix, AZ
Scottsdale Quarter (across from Kierland), Scottsdale, AZ
(602) 774-3488
www.TrueFoodKitchen.com
–  Newport Beach, CA and other locations as well

Phoenix and Scottsdale AZ Luxury Condo Sales – December 2010

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– December 2010 Scottsdale and Phoenix Luxury Condo Sales –

Here are the results for December 2010 for the Phoenix and Scottsdale luxury condo market. In this analysis, I define the luxury condominium market as condos for sale with an asking price of $1 million or more.

December was a decent month for the Scottsdale and Phoenix area luxury condo market. By the end of the month, we had the highest-priced condo sale of the year as well as another luxury condo in pending status.

December’s luxury condo sale was in Phoenix, in the elegant community of Two Biltmore Estates. This unit had three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 3,960 square feet and phenomenal views of the golf course, mountains and city lights. This was the most expensive condo sale of 2010 and the final sales price was $2,250,000.

The pending sale was in Optima Camelview of Scottsdale. This unit had an asking price of $1,195,000. It is a new, fifth floor unit with three bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms and has 2,848 square feet.

December 2010 Luxury Condo Sales in Scottsdale and Phoenix

December was a nice suprise to end the year with. Going in, there were no pending sales, so the forecast looked to be disappointing. However, the Two Biltmore Estates sale closed in a mere 15 days. Additionally, the pending sale at Optima Camelview should help January’s sales figures if it closes this month.

Search Phoenix and Scottsdale Luxury Condos for Sale

Disclaimer: Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Data and information was pulled from the Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) as of 1/1/2010 and can change at any time. The analysis looks at resale luxury condos in Scottsdale and Phoenix over the last 12 months. There may be new home inventory in these figures if the developer is using the MLS to market its homes.
Copyright © 2011  Heather Tawes Nelson

Scottsdale AZ Single-Family Luxury Home Market – December 2010

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– December 2010 Luxury Home Sales –

Here are the figures for December 2010 on the luxury home market in Scottsdale, Arizona. This is a monthly report that looks at luxury homes sales activity in Scottsdale where the homes have asking prices over $1 million. The last 12 months of resale data are included in this analysis.

– December 2010 –
 
Scottsdale Homes Priced Between $1,000,000 – $1,499,999
– Active Scottsdale Homes on the Market: At the end of December, there were 269 homes for sale in this price point. This was down slightly over November and is tracking behind the 12 month average of 307.
– Pending Scottsdale Home Sales: Seventeen homes were pending at the end of the month. While this is a big drop over November, we see this trend seasonally as buyers typically do not go under contract with the same frequency in December. The 12 month average for this price segment is 24.
– Scottsdale Homes Sold: There were 26 home sales in December, which was the second best performance we saw in the last year. Eighteen is the average monthly sales figure for the last 12 months.
– Sales Price to Listed Price: 88.4% – This is pretty typical for this figure which stays in the high 80%’s and low 90%’s.

Scottsdale Luxury Real Estate Sales December 2010 Between 1 and 1.5 million

 

Scottsdale Homes Priced Between $1,500,000 – $1,999,999
– Active Scottsdale Homes on the Market: 168 homes were on the market at the end of the month, which is the same as what we saw at the end of November.   The 12 month average is 194.
– Pending Scottsdale Home Sales: Only 9 homes were pending at the end of the month. Again, seasonality is coming into play. The 12 month average for pending sales is 15.
– Scottsdale Homes Sold: There were 5 home sales in December, the same as we saw in November. After a strong start to the year, sales activity tapered off in the last half. The 12 month average is 9.
– Sales Price to Listed Price: 92.7% – This is on the higher end of typical as sellers are getting closer to their asking prices for their homes.

Scottsdale Luxury Real Estate Sales December 2010 Between 1.5 and 2 million


Scottsdale Homes Priced Between $2,000,000 – $2,999,999
– Active Scottsdale Homes on the Market: 160 homes were for sale in this price range. This is down one from November and is below the 12 month average of 176.
– Pending Scottsdale Home Sales: Eight homes were pending sale, which is on par with the 12 month average.
– Scottsdale Homes Sold: There were eight home sales in December,  which is the best we have seen since June. This figure is also ahead of the 12 month average of 7.
– Sales Price to Listed Price: 86.9% – This number fluctuates a lot, but this is a pretty typical ratio for this price segment.

Scottsdale Luxury Real Estate Sales December 2010 Between 2 and 3 million


Scottsdale Homes Priced $3,000,000+
– Active Scottsdale Homes on the Market: There were 110 homes for sale at the end of December, below the 12 month average of 122.
– Pending Scottsdale Home Sales:  Pending sales saw a large drop to 2, down from 7 in November. The 12 month average is 4.
– Scottsdale Homes Sold: Seven homes sold in excess of $3 million in December. This is the best performance we have seen all year and it is more than double the 12 month average of 3.
– Sales Price to Listed Price: 86.4% – This is pretty good for this segment. Buyers still got a decent discount off of asking price, but not as large as seen in previous months.

Scottsdale Luxury Real Estate Sales December 2010 Over 3 million

Overall, December was a decent month for the Scottsdale AZ luxury real estate market. Due to strong pending numbers in November, we saw some really good sales results in December. Inventory decreased or stayed level in all categories. Pending sales were more or less down in December, which is a seasonal pattern we see. This means January 2011 sales figures will likely be weak.

To see the detailed data behind this report, please visit my Scottsdale luxury real estate market reports page and click on the “Scottsdale Market Trends” report.

Disclaimer: Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Data and information was pulled from the Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) as of  1/1/2011 and can change at any time. The analysis looks at single-family luxury resale homes in Scottsdale AZ over the last 12 months. There may be new home inventory in these figures if the developer is using the MLS to market its homes. This blog represents the opinion of the author. No warranties implied or expressed.
Copyright © 2011 Heather Tawes Nelson

Scottsdale AZ Single-Family Homes for Sale – December 2010

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– December 2010 Scottsdale Home Sales –

Here are the figures for December 2010’s Scottsdale AZ Home Sales. This analysis covers all of 2010 home sales activity in Scottsdale on a monthly basis. You can also see the month-over-month changes and the monthly sales price to list price ratio. Scottsdale single-family resale homes are the focus of this report.

Scottsdale AZ Residential Real Estate Sales December 2010 and 2010

  Scottsdale AZ Real Estate Sales Results for 2010

December 2010 Highlights for Scottsdale AZ Homes for Sale:

  • Active Scottsdale Homes for Sale: Inventory of homes on the market dropped off at the end of the month to 2,585, below the 12 month average of 2,719. This is  not a huge surprise as many listing contracts have December 31st as the expiration date. We may see this number creep back up in January 2011.
  • Pending Homes Sales in Scottsdale: Pending home sales were down from November’s 477 to 430 at the end of the December.  This is the lowest this figure has been in the last 12 months. However, we see this seasonal pattern every year since many folks hold off on writing contracts until after the holidays.
  • Scottsdale Homes Sold: Home sales saw a nice 21.2% uptick in December to 400. This is the highest this figure has been since June of 2010 and is ahead of the 12 month average of 363.

December 2010 Scottsdale home sales ended the year with a decent finish. Home sales posted strong numbers and inventory was down. However, the lower pending sales number in December means we will need to make up some ground in order to have a decent January.  We will also want to watch for inventory of homes for sale creeping back up in the new year.

Search Scottsdale AZ Homes for Sale

Disclaimer: Data and information was pulled from the Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) as of 1/1/2011 and can change at any time. The analysis looks at single-family resale homes for sale and home sales in Scottsdale AZ over the last 12 months. There may be new home inventory in these figures if the developer is using the MLS to market its homes.
Copyright © 2011 Heather Tawes Nelson

What To Do in Scottsdale AZ: Pamper Yourself at Primp and Blow

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Grayhawk Scottsdale AZ Hair Care Primp and Blow Bklow Dry Bar – Primp and Blow Blowouts Scottsdale –

Just recently,  Primp and Blow opened in Scottsdale’s Hayden Peak Crossing in Grayhawk. Primp and Blow is a Blow Dry Bar which pretty much means what it sounds like. In the course of about 30 minutes, you can go into Primp and Blow, get your hair shampooed and the stylists will blow out your hair in the style you request. There is no hair cutting and there are no color treatments – simply hair styling.
Additional services offered by Primp and Blow include up-do’s, makeup application, hair therapy treatments and eyelash application. For the gentlemen, there is a Men’s Package that includes a hair treatment and style.

I had the opportunity to stop by last week and try out the signature “Blow Out” service which was $35 for 30 minutes. I was helped promptly by friendly staff and led over to the shampoo area to get started. My stylist was great and asked a lot of questions about how I wanted my hair done. About 30 minutes later, I had a fun, new hairstyle and was relaxed after a quick bit of downtime.

The space itself is contemporary and comfortable. White is the dominant color and the design is sleek. To pass the time, Primp and Blow provides iPads for its customers to use.

Reservations are easy to make with an online booking capability available through the website. Or, you can always call for an appointment.  Currently, Wednesday night blow out and makeup specials are being offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Overall, I enjoyed my visit to Primp and Blow and will definitely plan on going back the next time I have a special event or need a little “me” time.

Primp and Blow Hair Blow Dry Bar Scottsdale AZ Grayhawl

More Information:
Primp and Blow
20567 North Hayden Road, Suite 110
Scottsdale AZ, 85255
– Next to Pure Sushi and across the parking lot from Starbuck’s
(480) 419-1000
www.primpandblow.com

Flickr photo credit: eiko_eiko

Where to Eat in Scottsdale AZ: Rare Earth Pizza & Wine Bar

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Troon Views at Rare Earth Pizza and Wine Bar Scottsdale AZTucked into Scottsdale’s Troon neighborhood is a little gem called Rare Earth Pizza & Wine Bar. It occupies a second-floor location just south of the intersection at Dynamite and Alma School.

Rare Earth has a great front patio to enjoy the Troon and Pinnacle Peak area. Inside, you will find an open area comprised of a bar with seating, a couple of comfortable sitting areas as well as traditional dining room seating. Art from featured  local artists is displayed prominently. Often, there is live music to entertain diners.

Rare Earth’s menu includes a choice of several appetizers, salads, sandwiched and their signature handmade thin crust pizzas. We had the opportunity to try the Pretzel Board where you are served soft pretzels and your choice of three dipping sauces – including honey mustard, cheddar, chocolate or peanut butter. We also enjoyed the caprese salad which was nice and fresh.

On the pizza front, there are 16 pre-selected options to choose from running from standard favorites like Margherita to more exotic flavors like Prosciutto and Fig. In addition there is a “Breakfast” Pizza which comes complete with sausage, bacon and egg as well as a vegan pizza called the Pizza “Rhea.” If none of these selections appeal to you, they also offer a Create Your Own Artisan Pizza option. We had the Margherita the last time we were there and really liked it. The crust was thin and crispy and the pizza was very tasty.

Rare Earth is also a wine bar and it has a varied selection of sparkling, white and red wines. Virtually all of the selections are available by the glass or bottle. By the glass prices range from about $7 to $14. For non-wine drinkers, there is also an ample selection of beers. Servers are happy to help you with recommendations as many of the wines are from smaller producers. Additionally, Rare Earth does do retail sales so that you can enjoy your wine at home.

There is a daily Happy Hour from 4-6PM which includes food and beverage specials and currently there is a Monday Half-Price Bottle promotion.

Rare Earth Coffee and Wine Bar Scottsdale AZ Troon 85262More Information:
Rare Earth Pizza & Wine Bar
28190 N Alma School Pkwy.
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
(480) 513-6252
www.rareearthwine.com

Whisper Rock of Scottsdale AZ – Home Sales Through September 2010

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– Whisper Rock Real Estate Update –

Whisper Rock is an exclusive, private golf community located in the foothills of North Scottsdale, Arizona. The elegant homes are situated on and around the two golf courses designed by Tom Fazio and Phil Mickelson.

Below are two charts outlining home sales at Scottsdale’s Whisper Rock for 2010. The first chart takes a look at the number of homes currently on the market. The second chart looks at home sales for the first three quarters of 2010 as well as year-to-date figures.

Homes for Sale at Whisper Rock Scottsdale AZ 85266

Homes Sold in Whisper Rock Scottsdale 2010

Home sales in Whisper Rock were doing well in Q1 and Q2 with four sales apiece. Sales dropped off quite a bit in Q3 to a single sale. And, as of October 26th, there were no pending sales yet for the 4th quarter. Average sales price also saw a decline quarter after quarter, although the average size of the home sold also dropped correspondingly. Discounts off of asking price grew over the course of the year with an average 11% off of asking price for year-to-date.

About Whisper Rock in Scottsdale, Arizona
Whisper Rock  is an elegant community that spreads over 800 acres of premier North Scottsdale real estate. Homesites are large at Whisper Rock, averaging about 2 acres per lot and the custom homes are truly stunning. The terrain around Whisper Rock is rolling hills and its elevation provides for some wonderful city light and mountain views. Onsite amenities include a fitness center with pool and spa, miles of trails, tennis and basketball courts and so much more.

Membership in the Whisper Rock Golf Club is by invitation only and is limited to 329. Golf members enjoy the challenging Upper and Lower courses designed by Fazio and Mickelson.

Search Whisper Rock Homes for Sale

Disclaimer: Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Data and information was pulled from the Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) as of 10/26/2010 and can change at any time. The analysis looks at home sale activity in the golf community of  Whisper Rock in Scottsdale, Arizona. This blog represents the opinion of the author. No warranties implied or expressed.
Copyright © 2010 Heather Tawes Nelson

Estancia in Scottsdale AZ- Home Sales Through September 2010

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Estancia Luxury Golf Community Scottsdale AZ

– Estancia Real Estate Update October 2010 –

Estancia is an elegant, guard-gated community encompassing 640 exclusive acres in North Scottsdale. It has its own private golf club and has some of the most beautiful mountain and city light views around.

Here are the home sales numbers for Estancia through September of 2010. The first section looks at current homes for sale in Estancia as well as the number of pending home sales in Estancia. The second report breaks out home sales in the community by each quarter as well as year-to-date figures for 2010.

Estancia Scottsdale AZ Real Estate for Sale October 2010

Estancia Scottsdale AZ Home Sales Through Q3 2010

As you can see, Estancia home sales started off the year very strongly, with 60% of the home sales occurring in the first quarter. The homes sold during this period also had the highest sales price per square foot of all of the quarters. Q2 saw about half of the homes sales activity of Q1, with five sales. Of note, the highest and lowest sold prices of the year occurred in Q2. Q3 sales were dismal with a single sale and the lowest price per square foot of the year. On a more positive note, the five currently pending sales should bode well for Q4’s performance.

About Estancia in Scottsdale, Arizona
Estancia is a lovely community tucked into the foothills of North Scottsdale. Estancia is just south of the famed Troon courses players come from all over the world to play. Homes at Estancia are expansive and larger lot sizes mean more privacy for residents.

Although you do not have to live in Estancia to be a member of the Estancia Golf Club, many residents do choose to join the excellent club with an award-winning course designed by Tom Fazio. To ensure members enjoy a lot of playing time, memberships are capped at 325. The large clubhouse is elegantly appointed and has formal and casual dining areas, a fitness center and pool, pro shop and much more.

Search for Estancia Homes for Sale

Disclaimer: Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Data and information was pulled from the Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) as of 10/21/2010 and can change at any time. The analysis looks at home sale activity in the golf community of  Estancia  in Scottsdale, Arizona. This blog represents the opinion of the author. No warranties implied or expressed.
Copyright © 2010 Heather Tawes Nelson

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