pinnacle peak luxury lifestyle

The Tax Man ComethStrategies To Reduce Your Tax Burden

Dessert Delight!Virtu’s Chocolate Mousse Tiramisu

Step Up To The Plate

Elaborate Table Settings

March | April 2014

Pinnacle Peak Luxury

Featured Cover

Property Presented Exclusively

by Kaplan & KarbonArizona Best Real Estate | 11333 N. Scottsdale Rd. | Suite 100 | Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Vicki Kaplan480.677.1330

[email protected]

Kelly Karbon480.313.4952www.besthomesinscottsdale.comKelly@BestHomesInScottsdale.com

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

11333 N. Scottsdale Rd. Suite 100Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Specializing in the Pinnacle Peak Area

Results Driven. Client Focused. Global Exposure.

E L E VAT E Y O U R L U X U RY R E A L E S TAT E E X P E R I E N C E . Call For A Confidential Consultation...

Featured Candlewood Cover Home By Kaplan & Karbon

10922 E Southwind Lane 3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 2,690 SQFT | $629,900

Rarely available in this luxury, guard gated, Troon North golf course community. For the discerning buyer who wants a custom built home, but one smaller in size for ease of care, one with character, fine finishes, offering privacy and with unobstructed mountain views, this is a home to be seen. Offering an open, flowing floor plan with a unique mix of high end finishes, an expansive covered patio running the length of the home with travertine leading to a pool with sparkling water and stacked stone water feature--so perfect for year round entertaining. Tucked away, a private patio and fireplace invites conversation and stargazing. And, for intimate, quiet moments, a charming, private garden area with spa is found off the master suite. Elegantly casual, easy living.

ADDRESS SQFT BED BATH LIST PRICE LIST PRICE PER SQFT

Currently For Sale28777 N 105th Way 2,611 3 3 $559,000 $214.09 10922 E Southwind Ln 2,690 3 2.5 $629,900 $234.16 10893 E Dale Ln 3,077 3 3 $709,000 $230.42 10962 E Southwind Ln 3,302 4 3.5 $724,900 $219.53 10909 E Southwind Ln 4,560 4 4.5 $800,000 $175.44 10893 E Southwind Ln 3,221 4 3.5 $856,000 $265.76 10907 E Via Dona Rd 3,456 4 4 $895,000 $258.97 29100 N 108th Pl 3,557 4 4 $899,000 $252.74 10975 E Mark Ln 3,491 4 2.5 $939,000 $268.98 10505 E Cinder Cone Trl 3,943 3 3.5 $959,000 $243.22 10883 E Sutherland Way 3,455 4 3.5 $959,000 $277.57 10970 E Dale Ln 5,020 4 4 $1,075,000 $214.14 10698 E Skinner Dr 4,464 4 3 $1,085,000 $243.06 10656 E Cinder Cone Trl 4,427 4 4.5 $1,325,000 $299.30 10526 E Cinder Cone Trl 3,640 3 3.5 $1,349,000 $370.60 10557 E Cinder Cone Trl 104 3,818 4 4 $1,399,900 $366.66 10438 E Balancing Rock Rd 4,905 5 4 $1,600,000 $326.20 10682 E Cinder Cone Trl 4,405 4 3.25 $1,695,000 $384.79 10730 E Monument Dr 5,100 4 4 $1,795,000 $351.96 10745 E Skinner Dr 5,662 4 6 $2,795,000 $493.64

Sale Pending29095 N 105th St 5,046 3 4 $1,795,000 $355.73 29218 N 107th Way 5,900 4 5.5 $2,400,000 $406.78

CANDLEWOOD ESTATES MARKET UPDATE

Is a refund on the horizon for you? Not many of us look forward to April 15—most commonly referred to as “Tax Day”. Several new tax laws took effect in 2013 that may impact your tax bill when you file your 2013 federal income taxes. For those with taxable incomes of more than $450,000, the top statutory income tax rate on ordinary income has increased from 35% to 39.6% and the top statutory tax rate on long-term capital gains and qualified dividends has increased from 15% to 20%. Because of this, income deferral strategies and investments that generate tax-free income have become even more valuable. Let’s look at a few strategies that could help reduce your tax burden. As with all tax strategies, please consult a tax professional for advice regarding your particular situation.

1031 LIKE-KIND EXCHANGES: A 1031 exchange is a swap of one business or investment asset for another. A 1031 is not restricted to real estate, but that is what gets the most discussion. The 1031 exchange allows you to change the form of your investment without cashing out and recognizing a taxable capital gain. Therefore, your investment continues to grow tax deferred. For example, you can continue to roll over the gain from one piece of investment real estate to another—there is no limit on how many times you can do a 1031 exchange. Income taxes are avoided until you sell for cash. Advice from a tax professional is crucial because there are specific rules you must be aware of.

TAX-DEFERRED ANNUITIES: Tax-deferred annuities can be valuable if you have exhausted other forms of tax-favored retirement savings, such as 401(k)s and IRAs. Invest a lump sum into the annuity and let it compound tax free for a long time—usually a decade or longer. When you do pull the money out, the profits are taxable as ordinary income.

LONG-TERM GROWTH SECURITIES: This is an investing concept where a security will appreciate in value for a relatively long period of time. Securities held for more than one year are taxed at a lower, long-term capital gains tax rate.

QUALIFYING INSTALLMENTS SALES: An installment sale is a sale of property where you receive at least one payment after the tax year of the sale. Installment sales can be a valuable tool to help sellers defer tax. But there is risk involved since the buyer may default on a future payment.

TAX-EXEMPT MUNICIPAL BONDS: Municipal bonds are issued by states, cities, and counties to raise funds. Interest income from holders of municipal bonds is often exempt from federal income tax and may also be exempt from state income tax.

INGREDIENTS1lb bittersweet chocolate6 eggs (whites only)1 c granulated sugar1 c water3 c heavy cream1 package lady finger cookies1 vanilla bean4 c espresso12-8oz mason jars

FOR THE MOUSSEMelt chocolate over a double boiler until smooth and silky. In a small heavy sauce pot, place the sugar and water over medium heat and bring to the “softball stage” approximately 235-240 degrees. In the meantime, in a stand mixer, whisk the egg whites to a stiff peak. Once the egg whites are at stiff peaks, on a low speed, slowly drizzle the sugar water mixture into the egg whites to make a meringue. Set the meringue aside. Scrape the inside of the vanilla bean to get as much of the seeds as possible and mix with the cream. Whisk the cream in a stand mixer until you are at stiff peaks as well. Fold the chocolate into the meringue carefully, incorporating thoroughly. Take the chocolate meringue and fold that into the whipped cream to create a silky chocolate mousse.

FOR THE TIRAMISUIn the bottom of a mason jar spoon a layer of the mousse. Dip the ladyfingers in the espresso as you go or they will turn to mush! Place a dipped ladyfinger into the mason jar and top with more mousse. Repeat one more time and smooth out the top! Allow the mousse to set overnight and garnish with what you wish!

44th Annual Scottsdale Arts FestivalScottsdale Center for the Performing Arts | March 14-16480.499.8587 | ScottsdalePerformingArts.orgThe Scottsdale Arts Festival has been recognized for its high-quality fine arts since 1971. The Festival showcases nearly 200 jury-selected artists from throughout the United States and Canada who work in painting, sculpture, glass and ceramics, jewelry, photography and more. Works of art are available for purchase directly from the artists and through the Festival’s online art auction.

Masters of MovementOrpheum Theatre | March 27-30602.381.1096 | BalletAZ.orgMasters of Movement features works by acclaimed modern day dance choreographers that push the boundaries of classical ballet. Alejandro Cerrudo, acclaimed choreographer from Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, presents Off Screen, with dance inspired by film scores. It’s slinky and modern, with sexy steps and eccentric moves. Ib Andersen’s elegant and intricate masterpiece Symphonie Classique returns with costumes by Martin Pakledinaz, two-time Tony Award winning designer.

2014 Windsor Square Home and Garden Tour Windsor Square Historic District | March 30602.619.4444 | WindsorSquarePhoenix.orgLocated at Central Avenue and Camelback Road in the central corridor of Phoenix, Windsor Square is one of the most sought-after historic neighborhoods in Arizona. The breathtakingly beautiful Windsor Square neighborhood is rich with history with many homes that are 60 to 75 years old. Started in 1929, the 260-home neighborhood is considered to be one of the first few suburbs of the city of Phoenix. The historic home and garden tour is a self-guided walking tour featuring 12 historic homes, a beautiful garden, plant societies and a beer garden.

Music in the GardenDesert Botanical Garden | April 4480.481.8188 | DBG.orgSituated at the base of a saguaro-lined butte, Music in the Desert Botanical Garden pairs great live local bands with the most enchanting venue in the Valley. Fabulous Food Fine Catering and Events provides a chef-attended station featuring weekly specials for an additional charge. The Patio Café will also be open during the concert with items for purchase from the café menu. A full cash bar, wine flights and wine by the bottle are available for purchase.

Scottsdale Culinary FestivalScottsdale Center for the Performing Arts | April 8-13480.945.7193 | ScottsdaleFest.orgThis festival draws more than 40,000 visitors looking to enjoy fabulous food, fun and festivities. No matter what kind of culinary experience you crave, there’s something for everyone! If you love great food, fine wine and boutique brews, the Scottsdale Culinary Festival is a priority on your itinerary. This six-day celebration of the culinary arts has something for everyone, from exquisite multi-course meals and wine-and-chocolate pairings to the Great Arizona Picnic.

MARCH | APRIL 2014

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE TIRAMISU

Virtù, Honest Craft480.946.3477 | VirtuScottsdale.com

In Good Taste Event Calendar

The Tax Man Cometh...

Setting the stage for a spring fete for friends and family? Whether it’s Easter, Passover, or simply a gourmet spring fling, set your table with flair this season. Jot down these ideas to make your meal the most memorable of the spring party season. First, you’ll need to choose a color scheme. Spring’s trendiest hues this year include tranquil sky blues, vintage purples, and minty greens, often paired with contrasting pinky reds, vibrant yellows, and energetic spicy oranges. Neutral tans and subtle, elegant grays also play their part in the most elegant table settings of the season. Choose one or two soothing hues for a tranquil Easter brunch, or pick two opposing hues for an up-to-the-minute spring dinner party. After you choose your hues, flowers are the next element of your table setting, and often the most fun to select. What type? What size? What vases? How many on the table? For an elegant look, pair soothing blue hydrangeas with bright purple tulips for a punch of spring color. Or get a tropical look by mixing bright yellow and orange blooms together with a softer more elegant gray or white. This will surely bring the look of sunshine to your table. When selecting a vase, go elegant and subdued—think silver, white, or gold—if your flowers are bright

and eye-catching. If the floral arrangement is more subtle, look for a bright, fun vase to show them off. For an average size dining table, one substantial arrangement may be enough, but several smaller arrangements scattered down the center of the table is even more elegant and can be enjoyed by all your dining companions no matter where they are seated. While you’re thinking flowers, place a few arrangements throughout your home, say in the entryway, and in your living room to greet guests as they enjoy visiting your abode. When selecting china and table linens, it’s best to make sure either one or the other is a neutral color. Vibrant orange placemats and linen napkins will pair deliciously with pure white china and dazzling crystal and sparkling silverware, for example. Or look for bright, trendy china in say purple or green hues and pair these with classic white or gray linens for a very modern and current look. Patterned placemats, napkins, even napkin rings in your color scheme can elevate the look of your table setting in seconds flat. The icing on the cake? Sparkling crystal wine and water glasses and gleaming silverware are the finishing touches that will set the stage for a spring affair to remember. Bon appétit!