Perched behind the gates of Scottsdale's sought-after Sonoran Arroyos community, this 4,026-square-foot single-level estate delivers a resort-caliber backyard rarely found in North Scottsdale: a sparkling pebble-tec pool wrapped in natural boulders, a raised fire pit lounge, and travertine patios framed by mature desert landscaping under wide-open Arizona sunsets. Inside, 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths unfold across an airy split floor plan anchored by a dramatic arched entry with iron-and-glass double doors, soaring ceilings, and walls of glass that flood the living spaces with light and pool views. A functional kitchen opens to generous gathering rooms, while the primary suite offers a private retreat away from secondary bedrooms - ideal for guests or a home office setup.
A 3-car garage and desert-toned tile roof complete the curb appeal on a meticulously maintained lot. Located in the 85259 zip code near McDowell Mountain Ranch, this gated Sonoran Arroyos address puts hiking trails, golf, top-rated shopping and dining, and easy Loop 101 access within reach. Homes with this combination of privacy, pool, and gated-community setting move fast - schedule your private tour of 12120 E Cortez Dr today.
This stretch of 85259 sits in the McDowell Mountain foothills around the guard-gated Ancala community, where a private country club, upscale Via Linda dining, and direct McDowell Sonoran Preserve trail access replace strip-mall convenience. It's a quiet, golf-and-desert-lifestyle pocket of north Scottsdale with top-rated Scottsdale Unified schools and HonorHealth's Shea campus a short drive west.
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Daniel Peden is a real estate broker, investor, and developer based in Scottsdale, Arizona, and serves as the Designated Broker of FirstTeam Scottsdale. Known for his entrepreneurial leadership and strategic perspective on real estate, Daniel brings a rare combination of brokerage expertise, development experience, and investment insight to Arizona’s luxury housing market.
Daniel partnered with Janelle Flaherty to launch FirstTeam Scottsdale, establishing a brokerage built around professionalism, collaboration, and exceptional client service. Together they are focused on attracting top agents and delivering a premier real estate experience for buyers, sellers, and investors throughout Arizona’s luxury markets.
Daniel is a veteran of the United States Air Force, where he served as a Captain. His military service instilled the leadership, discipline, and commitment to excellence that continue to guide his approach to business, partnerships, and client relationships.
As the founder of Daniel Mark Group, Daniel leads a luxury real estate investment and development company focused on acquiring, renovating, and developing high-end residential properties throughout Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and the greater Phoenix area. His hands-on experience in development allows him to evaluate properties not only as a broker, but also through the lens of an investor and builder—giving clients a deeper understanding of value, design potential, and long-term investment opportunities.
Daniel is also a partner in Grand Canyon Home Supply, a design and materials showroom specializing in cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and tile. This involvement in the design and construction side of the industry further enhances his ability to guide clients through renovation opportunities and value-creating improvements.
Prior to focusing on real estate, Daniel held leadership roles in corporate America and a Fortune 50 company. This background sharpened his expertise in complex negotiations, strategic planning, and relationship management—skills that now translate directly into delivering exceptional outcomes for buyers, sellers, investors, and developers.
Daniel approaches real estate with the mindset of an owner, investor, and strategist. He is passionate about improving communities through thoughtful development, building strong partnerships, and helping clients make informed, high-level real estate decisions.
At FirstTeam Scottsdale, Daniel works alongside top agents and industry professionals to deliver a high-level real estate experience for Arizona’s most discerning clients.
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