Unique Homes Magazine highlights Silverleaf — "a bright spot in Scottsdale real estate" –  as one of the top communities and developments around the world with outstanding luxury amenities.

A recent Unique Homes magazine online article noted that golf courses continue to be a popular "premium centerpiece" in luxury developments. However, "smart developers know that today’s buyers are seeking other high-level perks, as well . . .Unique Homes explores developments worldwide with excellent golf courses and much more." The article highlighted the following about the Scottsdale, Arizona community of Silverleaf:

Silverleaf is turning out to be a very apt name for this upscale community that is part of DC Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona. Maybe it’s the prime location — set against the McDowell Mountains on the highest buildable location in Scottsdale — or the thoughtful neighborhood design, or ranking in Travel + Leisure Golf’s top 25 golf communities for 2008, but home sales at this luxury community are a bright spot in Scottsdale real estate. Sale during the first quarter of 2008 topped $70 million, which is almost half of 2007’s $138 million.

Silverleaf is a private, gated enclave of custom estate homesites and classically designed neighborhoods tucked into the canyons of the McDowell Mountains. Each neighborhood is distinct and makes the best use of the community’s prime location, which offers views of the entire valley. At build-out, Silverleaf will feature about 700 homes on 2,000 acres. Price points range from the $800,000s to more than $11.5 million. (www.UniqueHomes.com, "More than Just Golf," Jennifer Martin, Sept. 2008 Online Extras)

Silverleaf offers a way of achieving fulfillment, turning everyday living into inspired living. Here, from its custom homes with their distinctive floorplans and architecture to its expansive custom homesites offering dramatic desert settings. The social amenities are immediately accessible, along with the luxury of this private residential club,  offering a complete way to experience the beauty of Silverleaf. 

This Sonoran Desert refuge features a wide variety of upscale amenities including a full service Club and Spa as well as a Tom Weiskopf signature par-72 championship golf course winding along 7,322 yards of inspiring terrain and beauty.

For more information on the Silverlead lifestyle or for a list of Silverleaf at DC Ranch homes and lots for sale, visit The Silverleaf Group.

About The Silverleaf Group 

The Silverleaf Group is part of DMB Realty and the DMB family of companies, developers of Silverleaf. 

The experts who make up The Silverleaf Group are exclusively dedicated to providing Scottsdale real estate services in the world-class community of Silverleaf at DC Ranch. Located in the heart of Silverleaf at the Silverleaf House, their community-based Realtors® are a valuable resource with first-hand knowledge of this refined lifestyle that attracts so many. 

The Silverleaf Group has been a part of this renowned community since the first shovel touched the soil. Their knowledge and experience is simply unmatched when it comes to luxury real estate within the gates at Silverleaf. Contact the team with any questions or to schedule a private tour of this exclusive community.

"Don’t miss out on Verrado’s flawless greens." - Golf Digest, May 2008

In Golf Digest’s May issue, four courses were selected for the magazine’s "Star Power" ranking. Raven Golf Club at Verrado™ in Arizona was ranked #1 among those four. To be ranked in the same company as Troon North and TPC Scottsdale solidifies Verrado’s reputation as one of the premier golf experiences in the Valley of the Sun. Since its pening, Raven Golf Club at Verrado has been the recipient of a number of additional awards and honors including:

• Named one of the annual "Ten Best New Golf Courses in the U.S.," list by Golf Magazine, 2005
• Named to the list of the "40 Best Golf Courses You Can Play," by Golfweek, 2005
• Named No. 1 Public Golf Course in Phoenix, by Sports Illustrated  

Designed by Tom Lehman and John Fought, the 7,200-yard course at Raven Golf Club holds a solid reputation as a top golf destination in the United States. Situated on the vistas in Buckeye, Raven’s outstanding layout winds through the foothills of the community of Verrado, with magnificent views of the White Tank Mountains.

Contact Verrado Realty today and see for yourself how easy it is to own a beautiful custom home or homesite within the exclusive desert golf community of Verrado, located just steps away from this superb Southwest golfing destination in the Phoenix-Buckeye area of Arizona.

About Verrado Realty

Since 2004, Verrado Realty has been helping clients fulfill their dreams of homeownership in the Southwest Valley. Their Realtors® offer superb knowledge regarding Arizona’s finest luxury communities and golf properties and the homes and homesites available within them. Building upon a legacy of quality, professionalism and integrity, their expert team of Realtors® is dedicated to providing exceptional real estate services to both buyers and sellers.

Verrado Realty is part of the DMB Realty family of companies. DMB Realty has been responsible for the sales and marketing of award-winning communities, such as Verrado, DC Ranch and Silverleaf.

Last month, the Phoenix Business Journal reported on the positive impact that affluent baby boomers are having on recent home sales within several Arizona developments, including Silverleaf.

An excerpt from the article reads:

Silverleaf, a luxury master-planned community in North Scottsdale, also may be benefiting from affluent baby boomers. Silverleaf recorded strong sales of $92 million for the first four months of 2008, compared with $138 million for all of 2007.

Developer DMB Associates opened Silverleaf in 2004, and it was ranked in Travel & Leisure’s Top 25 U.S. Golf Communities in 2008.

"While we were pleased with our sales performance in 2007, we are of course thrilled with the even greater success we are seeing in 2008," said Brent Herrington, vice president of DMB, in a news release.

Silverleaf homes range in price from $800,000 to $11.5 million. 

Real estate sales for the Silverleaf community are handled by The Silverleaf Group, which is part of the DMB Realty and DMB family of companies, developers of Silverleaf. Custom homes, custom home sites and homes for lease are currently available.

About the Silverleaf Group

The experts who make up The Silverleaf Group are exclusively dedicated to providing Scottsdale real estate services in the world-class community of Silverleaf at DC Ranch. Located in the heart of Silverleaf at the Silverleaf House, our community-based Realtors® are a valuable resource with first-hand knowledge of this refined lifestyle that attracts so many. The Silverleaf Group has been a part of this renowned community since the first shovel touched the soil. Their knowledge and experience is simply unmatched when it comes to luxury real estate within the gates at Silverleaf.

Silverleaf. The Pure Enjoyment of Life

Tucked into the canyons of the McDowell Mountains in North Scottsdale, Silverleaf is a private enclave of luxury custom estate homesites and intimate homes. Offering a classically designed Tom Weiskopf golf course, exquisite Club House and Spa, and world-class amenities, Silverleaf stands alone among private residential properties; catering to the most discerning of clientele.

Sustainable Development at Marabou Ranch in Steamboat Springs, Colorado Maintains Carbon Neutral Footprint

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. – In Spring 2008, developers of Marabou, a sustainable ranch preservation community in Steamboat Springs, Colo., announced the completion of more than $60 million in construction – including amenity buildings, trails, river restoration, solar panels, new fences, and paved roads – with a better than carbon neutral footprint.

In combination with the rest of Marabou’s construction, the rustic, yet luxurious amenity structures have a carbon neutral footprint due to a focused and detailed design and construction program employed by the developer. To achieve this status, Marabou Managing Partner Jeff Temple solicited input from the Colorado Division of Wildlife, Routt County, wildlife biologists, ranching experts, the Army Corps of Engineers, and even the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Marabou also hired Environmental Solutions, Unltd. to serve as a sustainability consultant throughout the development process. The organization regularly monitors the construction and operations of Marabou, offering suggestions to improve energy efficiency, reduce waste and employ preservation practices. Environmental Solutions recently performed extensive research to evaluate the project’s carbon footprint.

"Marabou wanted a third party to execute a quantitative evaluation of its carbon emissions to measure just how they were delivering on their promise to be a sustainable community," said Lyn Halliday, president of Environmental Solutions.

Based on methodology and guidelines provided by the EPA, World Resources Institute and the United Nations, Halliday’s research showed Marabou’s net carbon emissions to be approximately negative one million pounds of carbon per year – meaning the project actually reduces more carbon emissions than it creates.

"The research process was extremely helpful, generating new ideas for additional ways to conserve energy and protect the environment," said Halliday.

Marabou does emit some carbon. The study compared the amount of carbon generated by Marabou’s amenity buildings, on-site activities, and routine maintenance, to the amounts of carbon reduction resulting from voluntary investments on the part of the Marabou development and management teams. The evaluation was based on the entire 1,717-acre ranch, including Marabou’s 12 amenity buildings, as well as four additional structures used by maintenance and on-site management staff. It did not include private residences, as none have yet been constructed.

Marabou’s agricultural practices and soil sequestration practices were the largest contribution to carbon reduction. According to the new Farmers Union Carbon Credit Program, carbon can be stored in soil through no-till crop production, long-term grass seeding practices, native rangeland enhancement, and methane capture projects. Marabou’s grass-fed beef program, as well as its riparian, grassland and wildlife preservation efforts,
results in the reduction of more than 2.5 million pounds of carbon each year.

Marabou is a model for green agricultural ranch operations by incorporating rotational grazing, which is better for the land and yields healthier cattle. Riparian zones have been carefully mapped to avoid cattle intrusion. A wildlife management plan provides for the protection of an elk calving area and a Columbian sharp tail grouse lek, as well as the creation of bio-islands and habitat improvement for the ranch’s abundant wildlife.

Some key management practices that reduce Marabou’s carbon emissions include the use of on-site solar panels and wind-generated power purchased from Colorado-based wind farms. Marabou also employs an extensive recycling program to reduce waste transported to landfills each year. These energy conservation practices more than offset the fuel used for Marabou’s agricultural activity, landscaping, and other maintenance-related
practices.

Marabou’s amenity buildings are designed for the common use of homestead owners and their guests. They include the River House Lodge and Dead Horse Saloon; the Downstream Spa; the Casting Room Theater; the River’s Edge Fitness Center; the Outfitter’s Cabin; an equestrian center; and six well-appointed Owners’ Cabins, which can be reserved by homestead owners for four weeks per year.

The buildings are clustered together to reduce the impact the buildings have on the native wildlife. Marabou requires all contractors and subcontractors to be Built Green® certified, and all Marabou amenity buildings have achieved a Built Green® average of 140 points. The minimum requirement is 70 points.

The structures feature insulated foundations; low-E windows; zoned thermostats; Energy Star rated appliances, lighting and exhaust fans; structured insulated panels for room insulation; low flow shower heads; and furnaces with a 90 percent or higher efficiency rate.

Construction teams also used engineered lumber – which is made of recycled material and creates far less waste than conventional lumber – throughout 90 percent of the buildings. The siding on Marabou’s horse barn is salvaged wood from Wyoming fencing, and the River House Lodge interior features rescued cherry wood from 100 percent sustainable sources. The Casting Room Theater building has a "living roof"; home to native grasses that provide natural insulation.

All private residences, ultimately 62 at full build-out, will be custom homes, several of which have recently completed a design review process. Construction on the first owners’ residences is slated to begin this year. Marabou’s design guidelines were crafted using Built Green® principles and provide an appendix of sustainable building criteria for owners.

"All homestead owners are required to incorporate a minimum level of green building practices, and if an owner embraces a high enough level of ‘built green’ in their home, they are eligible for a $10,000 payment from Marabou," said Temple. "We were encouraged to discover that owners are choosing to go above and beyond that requirement to embrace energy efficiency, indoor air quality, water conservation and wildlife preservation as a way of life."

About Marabou

Marabou is a unique ranch preservation community in Steamboat Springs, Colo. Planned for only 62 custom homesteads on 1,717 acres of active ranchland, Marabou remains a working cattle ranch. Residents and their guests can participate, at their discretion, in all aspects of ranching from herding cattle, mending fences and baling hay on the property to caring for the horses that live there. Marabou Master Guides lead this experience in

the same way they teach residents to fly fish, mountain bike, downhill and cross country ski, and hike the rolling terrain. The ranch is 1,717 acres, of which 1,325 are preserved as open space forever. Homesteads exceed six acres and are priced from $2.9 million.

Marabou has attracted national attention for its exemplary environmental leadership. The EPA recently awarded Marabou membership in the Green Power Leadership Club. Only businesses that replace significant portions of the electricity they use with green power are invited to be partners in this organization. In October 2007, Marabou received the first annual Sustainable Business of the Year Award at the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association’s Centennial Celebration, in recognition of its vast achievements in sustainable business practices. Marabou was selected from a pool of more than 30 members of the Sustainable Steamboat Business Program, created in March 2007.

Marabou Ranch is a member of the DMB Realty Family of Companies. DMB Realty - Representing the Most Desired Destinations, Properties and Lifestyles Available Today. DMB Realty is a professional residential Real Estate Sales and Marketing Company headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ. They  provide innovative sales expertise, strategic branding and marketing support and complete Brokerage services for a variety of communities and destinations throughout the western United States, including Marabou Ranch. Marabou Realty – a DMB Realty company  – is the exclusive listing agent for this community.

Trees. Families. Legacies.

Appears Many Things Grow Well In the Forest

Whether you are looking to move up, move around or you have friends and family interested in joining this premier Flagstaff, AZ community, please join the real estate sales team for an exclusive viewing of available homes and homesites within the community of Forest Highlands.

The annual Spring Home Tour at Forest Highlands is scheduled for Saturday, May 31st from Noon to 4pm and will be held at the DMB Realty at Forest Highlands Showcase Center. Complimentary light fare and refreshments will be served.

Within the gates of this private community, you may find the home of your dreams in the forest. Perched on 1,100 rolling acres of Ponderosa Pines in Flagstaff, Arizona, a home in Forest Highlands provides a picturesque, four-season canvas where lifelong memories are created. Two clubhouses and championship Weiskopf golf courses await you, while exclusive trail systems, parks, play areas and fishing ponds encourage time spent together.

Pricing for custom homes at Forest Highlands range from the $600,000s to $3.2 million, while custom home sites are priced from $395,000 to $1.475 million.

RSVP for the Spring Home Tour by May 24th by calling 928.556.8606 or by emailing AlisonRucker@dmbinc.com.

Stop by the Showcase Center, located at the gates of Forest Highalnds, the day of the tour (May 31, 2008) to receive a map of showcased homes.

Estates West, a national magazine showcasing luxury real estate and lifestyles, featured the "Top 50 Developments" in their Spring 2008 edition.

Highlighted in this issue were:

Tehama | Carmel, California
These two exclusive gated communities on the Monterey Peninsula made the Top 50 for their unique blend of beauty, privacy, luxury and sustainable living. Clint Eastwood’s private Carmel enclave of Tehama shares a common infrastructure with the Monterra development, as well as a Jay Moorish-designed world class golf course, a new social fitness center and a desire keep the natural beauty of the land alive for generations to come. "Just like its sister property, Tehama, Monterra prides iself on protecting and preserving its natural surroundings." For more information call 866.625.2075 or visit www.tehama-carmel.com.

Marabou | Steamboat Springs, Colorado
"Much more than a place to live, this Colorado community is also a working ranch where residents can tap into their inner cowpoke by mending fences, harvesting hay and caring for horses…In keeping with the natural theme, all dwellings must be built employing sustainable principles, from using renewable resources to conserving water." For more information call 877.879.7919 or visit www.marabouranch.com.

 
The Crossing at Willow Bay | Sandpoint, Idaho
"This development has stolen our hearts with its laidback, boater-friendly lifestyle. Boasting 800 feet of waterfront on the Pend Oreille River…in Northern Idaho, The Crossing is pure heaven for water enthusiasts." For more information call 800.653.7007 or visit www.crossingwillowbay.com.

About DMB Realty

DMB Realty, its communities and brokerages, represent the most desired destinations, properties and lifestyles available today.  DMB Realty is a professional residential Real Estate Sales and Marketing Company headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ. They provide innovative sales expertise, strategic branding and marketing support and completed Brokerage services for a variety of communities and destinations throughout the Western United States including real estate in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho and Texas. For more information, view their new online presence at www.dmbrealty.com.

Spring 2008 is an exciting time at Skywater Over Horseshoe Bay as it prepares for the release of two new neighborhoods and the addition of the community’s newest amenity.

The first of these latest openings is Water Lily. Released in early April, this neighborhood will offer approximately 52 homesites situated around Skywater’s beautiful “Fish Camp.” Consisting of an 8-acre fishing pond, 1-acre breeding pond and 1-acre children’s pond, “Fish Camp” joins an already abundant outdoor amenity line-up.

The fishing ponds will be stocked primarily with bass and will allow only small boats to navigate the waters so as not to disturb the developing habitat or homes surrounding the ponds. Ponds will be ready for fishing by next spring. 

“Skywater’s Fish Camp is an amenity that is truly unique to this area,” said Molly Biglari, owner of Lakes and Hills Development, developers of Skywater.  “It will take homeowners back to a time when the pace of life was much slower and fishing could define a Saturday afternoon.”

The second opening this year will be Skywater’s fifth neighborhood. Yet to be named, homesites will be available for purchase later this summer and will highlight some of Skywater Over Horseshoe Bay’s best features – rolling hills and lake and golf course views. 

The sales for the first three neighborhoods for Skywater over Horseshoe Bay have been extremely successful – Azure, Bravetop and Blue Canto. Azure and Bravetop are virtually sold out with utilities and infrastructure nearing completion.  Blue Canto was released in part last fall with tremendous success; additional homesites will be released this spring. Infrastructure in this third enclave is underway and is scheduled to be completed by August. 

“We strive to set Skywater apart from all other communities through responsible development, amenities and overall lifestyle,” said Biglari. “We are so pleased that our buyers have responded so positively to what we are doing here.”

Fast Facts About Skywater

Skywater Over Horseshoe Bay, listed by Skywater Realty - A DMB Realty Company, has more amenities to offer its residents than any community of its kind. At 1,600 acres, Skywater represents the last large-acreage custom home community in the Horseshoe Bay area. 

• Four 18-hole championship golf courses, including a new Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course
• Three clubhouses
• Seven miles of hiking trails
• Four resort-style pools
• Whitesand beaches
• Skywater Deck House, with direct, private access to Lake LBJ
• Sky Harbor Club, with its own private fleet of rental boats, equipment and concierge services

For more information on Skywater, visit www.skywatertexas.com or call 830-596-7600.

Mike Jashinski of Tehama Realty and DMB Realty Estate Properties was recognized by DMB Realty for his accomplishment of being ranked as the #2 Realtor in gross sales volume on the Monterey Peninsula for 2007.

Mike is knowledgeable, passionate and dedicated to the distinctive communities of Tehama and Monterra which has led to satisfied clients, happy homeowners and tremendous sales success.

With an impressive career that spans over 28 years in the luxury real estate market, Mike has served as a top-producing salesman, National Sales Manager and Vice President of Sales for a number of luxury communities and notable sales organizations. His influence as a top-producing salesman and manager is apparent throughout successful properties in California, Virginia, New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona.

For more information contact Mike Jashinski at mjashinski@dmbrealtynetwork.com or 831.622.9300 or 831.625.2075

About Tehama Realty

Led by Clint Eastwood, the developers of Tehama have created a sanctuary of 90 home sites set amid the rolling hillsides and protected canyons high above Monterey Bay. More than 85% of its land has honorably been preserved as natural open space. Covering over 2,000 acres, Tehama offers one-of-a kind estate sites from $2.5 million to $6.25 million. Tehama Realty is proud to represent this phenomenal community. Tehama Realty is a member of the DMB Realty family of companies.

About DMB Realty Estate Properties

In 2007 DMB Realty Estate Properties expanded to provide our in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market and boutique-style personal attention to luxury buyers and sellers throughout greater Monterey, Carmel and Carmel Valley. Along the Monterey Peninsula there is breathtaking beauty. Whether it is visible from behind the private gates of exclusive communities like Monterra and Tehama, the storied village of Carmel or the sunshine of Carmel Valley, the team can take you there. DMB Realty Estate Properties is a member of the DMB Realty family of companies.

Verrado’s most recent $1.8 million sale just one of several over the last few months — 2008 started off with another luxury home sale for $1.9 million

Buyers seeking million dollar homes are choosing to purchase in the West Valley’s Verrado community. Earlier this year, in January, a luxury home in Verrado sold for $1.9 million, following another late 2007 custom home sale in Verrado for $2.5 million — one of the most expensive home sales in the Southwest Valley.

"Custom-home buyers want the best home for their money in the best location for their lifestyle," said Verrado Realty custom sales agent, Tim Klier. "Verrado provides buyers with new luxury home options right on or near one of the Valley’s finest golf courses and surrounded by outstanding mountain - and city-light views.

Klier closed the $1.9 million custom home sale in Verrado. The 5,207 square foot Rural Mediterranean-style home, built by Alexander Custom Homes, includes a spacious 1,655 square foot second-level master bedroom suite with 360-degree views of the Raven Golf Course at Verrado and the White Tank Mountains.

Verrado is a modern community nestled in the foothills of the White Tank Mountains. Recognized for its use of twon-building principles and regionally appropriate architecture, Verrado is a place to experience the best of home, town and Arizona. With its engaging lifestyle and celebration of learning, Verrado fosters a sense of community and expression of individuality. The community is a development of Scottsdale-based DMB Associates, Inc.

For more information about the community of Verrado and custom luxury homes and homesites for sale, visit Verrado Realty online today or call 623. 792.5900

About Verrado Realty

Verrado Realty is a member of the DMB Realty family of companies. DMB Realty - Representing the most desired destinations, properties and lifestyles available today. DMB Realty is a professional residential Real Estate Sales and Marketing Company headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ. They provide innovative sales expertise, strategic branding and marketing support and complete Brokerage services for a variety of communities and destinations throughout the western United States.

About Alexander Homes

Promises of quality, distinction and unparalleled craftsmanship. Alexander Homes specializes in crafting premium Arizona homes. The homebuilder’s award-winning career spans fifty plus years. Each of the nearly 1,000 Alexander custom homes displays distinctive style and exquisite craftsmanship. Alexander Homes provides an impressive custom home warranty, detailed home care information and clear, concise communication in every aspect of the building process. (AZ ROC051818)