Aviano Oct. 10

October 2010

Please Help! WE HAVE BUYERS!

AVIANO Real Estate Market Report

The Aviano market is heating up, and we have buyers with immediate needs for an Aviano residence! For example, a couple with four children is seeking a five-bedroom home with or without a basement. We have another couple with two children seeking a single level (basement optional). Our list of buyer needs goes on and on. If you own a Savino, San Mateo, Blanca or Mirador, we can offer you almost an immediate sale. Traditional Sale or Short Sale, The Bruno Group has expertise in both types of transactions. List your home with us and you’ll see why homeowners are thrilled with our level of service and their home’s sale. We are in need of sellers, and we offer a hassle-free listing, backed by our performance guarantees.

OUR EXCLUSIVE SELLER GUARANTEE:

Your home sold in 64 days, at a price acceptable to you, or we will pay you $5,000 cash*. Visit www.HomeSoldGuarantee.com or call 602.369.0988.

SHORT SALE PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE:

Your home sold and 100% release from your mortgage in 30 days, or we will pay you $1,500 in cash*. Visit www.QuickMortgageRelease.com or call 602.369.0988.

ACTIVE LISTINGS

PENDING SALES

CLOSED 2010 YTD

OVERALL

# Listings

11

22

59

92

List/Sold Volume

$6,901,900

$11,122,900

$27,412,950

$45,437,750

List/Sold Low Price Avg High

$424,900 $627,445 $1,595,000

$375,000 $506,345 $750,000

$370,000 $464,626 $677,000

$360,000 $499,941 $1,595,000

Approx. Low Sq. Ft. Avg High

2,751 3,852 6,850

2,751 3,967 5,714

2,417 3,738 6,850

2,417 3,798 6,850

List/Sold Low Price Per Avg Approx Sq. Ft. High

$117 $157 $233

$108 $129 $178

$85 $128 $202

$86 $133 $233

Days On Low Market Avg High

0 95 239

3 81 331

0 73 336

0 78 336

Exquisite

Statistics gathered from MLS. Values reflect single-family residences.

Decadent Indulgences for Purists

9 WAYS TO AVOID FORECLOSURE REINSTATEMENT: Bring your loan current FOREBEARANCE: Temporary payment plan REFINANCE: New loan with reduction in monthly payment LOAN MODIFICATION: Modify original loan terms SELL THE PROPERTY: Use equity to payoff or pay difference RENT THE PROPERTY: Must make loan current SHORT SALE: Negotiate with bank to accept sale

Mortgage Interest Rates Historic Lows Continue

for less than your loan amount

DEED IN LIEU OF FORECLOSURE: “Friendly Foreclosure” BANKRUPTCY: Will stall foreclosure (for a very short time),

Gratify Your Chocophile Cravings

but not prevent it.

Paul Bruno

Mobile: 602.369.0988 Paul@PaulBrunoGroup.com

www.TheBrunoGroup.com

If you find yourself in a distressed situation, don’t let time run out. We can help you. Please call The Bruno Group with any questions you may have. Also, please don’t forget to visit our website at www.TheBrunoGroup.com and click on “Aviano Homeowners” to sign up for our FREE weekly Aviano Real Estate update, delivered right to your inbox every Friday. This will keep you abreast of what is happening in the Aviano Market and let you know “what the home down the street sold or is pending for.” There is never any obligation to buy or sell a home to receive our weekly report.

*Based on lender-approval. Conditions apply. 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

ISSN-1939-9650

Vincent’s Sublime Chocolate Cake

Aviano’s

Real Estate Report

Chocolate Masters:

GOURMET CHOCOLATIERS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS

Featuring Vincent Guerithault on Camelback 602.224.0225 | VincentsOnCamelback.com

FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE INGREDIENTS 1 lb. semi-sweet chocolate 1/2 lb. unsweetened butter 8 eggs, separated 1 3/4 cups sugar

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” – CHARLES M. SCHULZ

METHOD Cut chocolate into small pieces and melt with the butter over boiling water in double boiler. (Can also be melted in microwave on low temperature.) Remove from heat and blend in egg yolks which have been beaten. It is important that the chocolate has cooled a bit so the egg yolks do not cook when blending. Blend slowly to insure all ingredients are mixed well. Set aside. Whip egg whites until they form stiff peaks, gradually adding sugar as you beat. Gently fold chocolate mixture into egg white mixture, blending well. Fold into a greased and floured 8-inch cake pan and bake at 375 degrees for approximately 40 minutes.

What is it about chocolate? Revered in ancient times as the food of the gods, it seems that even the most sensible of souls can’t resist the siren call of this delectable and indulgent treat. However, true chocolate aficionados know that living “La Vida Cocoa” means experiencing the finest high-quality chocolates available. From creamy praline truffles to white chocolate ganaches, chocolate connoisseurs know that there’s chocolate, and there’s, well, chocolate! You know the kind: Gourmet, artisanal chocolate that flutters your heart with one glance at the exquisite wrapping and packaging. Gourmet chocolate, according to the Fine Chocolate Industry Association, is produced by small chocolate makers, or artisans. The chocolate must be made under the care of a chocolate artisan who has studied and perfected his or her craft. High-end, artisanal chocolates are usually high in cacao content and lower in sugar than run-of-the-mill chocolate brands. Although more costly, it’s worth every penny to a true chocolate enthusiast. But just how does an ordinary cacao bean get transformed into an artisanal chocolate? Much like coffee, there are many factors that contribute to making superior chocolate. The varietal of bean, the origin and environment where the beans grow and how the bean is processed all determine how the gourmet chocolate tastes. Many high-quality chocolates will refer to its “cacao content,” which simply means the amount of cacao present in that particular chocolate. Generally speaking, the higher the cacao content the more intense the chocolate flavor will be. All this aside, we all know that chocolate is delicious. And, since cacao is packed with antioxidants, it’s good for you! That’s all we need to know, really. Read on for where to find some of the most exquisite and mouth-watering artisan chocolates around.

Charles Chocolates CharlesChocolates.com Founded in 2004, this San Francisco-based gourmet chocolate company has won numerous awards for its fine chocolate confections. Owner Chuck Siegel ensures everything is made by hand using the finest chocolates, herbs, fruits and nuts—as well as organic cream and butter. A few highlights: edible chocolate boxes, tea-infused chocolates, and do-ityourself chocolate truffle-making kits.

Eleanor Joseph Confections EleanorJosephConfections.com If you like truffles, be sure to try these all-natural, hand-made treats created right here in Phoenix. Among Eleanor’s enticing truffle flavors: Champagne, Apricot Brandy, White Chocolate Crème Brulee, and two spicy truffles—Spicy Mama and Devil May Care, both made with hot peppers. Be sure to try the unique Wine Pairing Medallions, as well. Each coin is crafted to be paired with specific wine varietals.

Cocoa Dolce Artisan Chocolates CocoaDolce.com Founder Beth Tully left her corporate gig at age 50 and followed her heart, opening this fine chocolate establishment in Wichita, Kansas. And what a shop it is! Check out the gorgeous edible artworks on her website (you can select and see each individual chocolate up close before ordering!).

Norman Love Confections NormanLoveConfections.com From studying in France to wowing guests at the Ritz-Carlton, pastry chef turned chocolatier Norman Love opened his own chocolate salon in 2001 and never looked back. Offerings include black, dark, milk and white chocolates, as well as tantalizing truffles. Of note is Black, Love’s new ultra-premium line of intense dark chocolate (be sure to check out the Black Sipping Chocolate as well).

Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolates ElbowChocolates.com Featured everywhere from Oprah to InStyle, these artistic treats include such unique flavors as Strawberry Balsamic Caramel, Tequila Lime, and Venezuelan Spice, a dark ganache infused with a chili-spice blend.

“Chocolate doesn’t make the world go around... but it certainly makes the ride worthwhile!” – AUTHOR UNKNOWN

today’s cost of money: how low can you go? Take yourself back to 1981. Reagan led our country, MTV launched into living rooms, IBM released the first PC, Post-It notes were invented, and the world was obsessed with Di and Charles’ Royal Wedding. Oh yes, that’s also the year that your $400,000 mortgage payment was $5,572.97 a month. Back in 1981, the annual average interest rate was a whopping 16.6 percent. If you’re thinking of refinancing or buying a home, now truly is the time to do it. We are currently at a point where mortgage interest rates are at an all-time historic low. According to Freddie Mac, 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 4.35 percent at press time. But let’s get some perspective on just how low that number really is. Last year at this time, the 30-year rate averaged 5.12 percent, and in 2000, the average annual interest rate was 8 percent; nearly double what it is today. Want to see more annual rates going back to 1970 when records were first kept? There’s a great chart to view at www.FreddieMac.com/pmms/pmms30.htm. So what does all this mean to the bottom line— your wallet? Let’s compare the cost of money today versus recent history. With the same example of a $400,000 loan, the current

interest rate of 4.35 percent makes your monthly payment $1,991.25 (principal and interest only). Not bad! In 2000 (the interest rate was then 8 percent), your monthly payment would have been $2,935.06. Even this time last year with those fantastic rates, your payment would have been $2,176.72 per month. Today’s calculated mortgage payment shows how the current rates truly are at historic lows. Why are rates so low? There are two reasons for this. First, it’s no secret that we are currently in one of the worst recessions in US history. And this kind of bad news has translated into a record low in mortgage rates. There is a lot of downside risk in the stock market these days. As a result, savvy investors have invested in mortgage-backed securities, increasing the demand and driving up their yield. Because mortgage rates offered to the consumer have an inverse relationship to the investment yield, mortgage rates have been plummeting.

Oddly enough when you look at the record number of foreclosure filings in the United States over the past few years, one has to wonder who wants to buy mortgage-backed securities during a time of high home-loan defaults? And that question leads to the second reason why mortgage rates are at historic lows. Last year and early this year, the Federal Government bought huge blocks of mortgage-backed securities to keep mortgage rates from spiking and to make sure that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could sell the securities to survive. Remember the question of who in the world wants to buy US mortgage-backed securities when home-loan defaults are at a record high? The answer is: everyone in the world. Mortgage-backed securities are essentially a mutual fund-like pool of newly issued home loans. While loan defaults in the pool may slightly hurt

the investment return to the investor, the defaults are diluted by the majority of the loans in the pool that are performing. What is more important to an investor is whether the entity issuing the securities (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in this case) are financially sound. Since Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are now owned by the Federal Government, their mortgage-backed securities have an implied guarantee that investors find very attractive. The global recession and world-wide debt woes have resulted in many countries teetering on the verge of bankruptcy. Despite how bad the US economy may seem, investing in US-backed securities is still very appealing versus other alternatives, bringing money from investors worldwide into our mortgage-backed securities market. The substantial demand in recent months has turbo-charged the drop in mortgage rates. Until the stock market returns to stability, there is expected to be heavy demand for investments in mortgage-backed securities, keeping these record mortgage rates in place. But like all good opportunities, they often disappear quickly.

OCTOBER 2010 Pumpkin and Chili Party Schnepf Farms, Thursdays – Sundays in October 480.987.3100 | SchnepfFarms.com Ahh – fall is finally here! Make the annual trek to this celebration-of-the-season part of your family’s tradition. Autumn-themed games and entertainment include hay rides, the 10-acre celebrity corn maze, live music, carnival rides, pony rides and of course, picking out that perfect pumpkin. Bring your appetite for tons of delectable seasonal treats. Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet Symphony Hall, October 7th – 9th 602.495.1117 | PhoenixSymphony.org Marvel as The Phoenix Symphony magically brings two masterpieces to life during the Rediscovered Masters series featuring Romeo and Juliet and Hans Krasa’s Brundibar. Complementing the symphony during this series is The Phoenix Symphony’s Chorus as well as The Phoenix Boys Choir. Illustrator Maurice Sendak’s enchanting images from his most recently published children’s book will also accompany the performance. Jerry Seinfield Dodge Theatre, October 9th 602.379.2800 | LiveNation.com You still laugh along every night on syndicated TV, now don’t miss a rare opportunity to see this comical genius perform live during his North American tour. Seinfield has made his mark in pop-culture history with his unique and distinguishable brand of humor. Come see what’s new in “Jerry’s world.” Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure State Capital District, October 10th 602.544.2873 | KomenPhoenix.org Join in the fight against breast cancer with the largest 5K event in Arizona. As a runner/walker, you’ll be part of a vast group of those in support of finding a cure for this disease. You may sign up to run in memoriam of a lost loved one, or in celebration of a brave survivor. Before and after the race, enjoy the multitude of booths and exhibits that will have information, freebies and goodies. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast ASU Gammage, October 19th – 24th 480.965.5062 | ASUGammage.com This Academy-Award winning Disney hit is brought to life on stage in a captivating and delightful presentation. One of life’s best lessons is learned in the tale of a girl who dares to look past a man’s beastly exterior and love the true prince inside. Dazzle at the exquisite sets and costumes, and sing along to all your favorite musical numbers such as Be Our Guest and the self-titled number Beauty and the Beast. The 9th Annual First Press Weekend of Wine The Musical Instrument Museum, October 29th 480.774.8466 | FirstPressArizona.com Sip, mix and mingle at the spirited Grand Tasting featuring more than 100 celebrated wines. Watch local chefs enter culinary battle to claim the championship plate at the 4th annual Food Fight. Delight in mouth-watering culinary treats all while taking in the inspiring visuals of the Musical Instrument Museum. The MIM houses a collection of over 10,000 instruments from around the world, nearly 300 multisensory exhibits and a 299-seat MIM Music Theater.