Arizona Resource Martinez July 10

July / 2010

Facing a foreclosure or a short sale is a difficult process – emotionally, financially and physically overwhelming. Many people do not know how to ask for help or might feel too embarrassed or ashamed. For others, they may be depressed and feel like there is no way out from under the financial burdens. Reality is, nearly 1 out of 6 homeowners in America are behind on their mortgage payment – you are not alone.

We have teamed up with a local Valley law firm to assist us in providing the most current, up-to-date information regarding the legal and tax ramifications of selling your home through a short sale process. We were there in the good times and we want to be there for you in the bad times as well – don’t wait to ask for help. Your privacy and comfort is our highest priority – please call us today.

www.AZShortSaleResource.com

We are Experts in Foreclosure Properties With the changes in the market, there have been an increasing number of foreclosed properties for sale. My team and I recently opened a REO (Real Estate Owned or in other words, bank owned) department and we are now working with banks to list and sell these homes. Smart investors buy when everyone else is selling and sell when everyone else is buying. If you or someone you know is interested in learning how to make a smart investment in this market, please call myself or any member of my team. We are your real estate experts no matter what kind of market it is!

hot weather blues?

6 Cool Ideas for Chilling Out

What Makes CDPE Advanced Agents Stand Out? CDPE Advanced agents have access to regular industry updates from the Distressed Property Institute, an industry organization dedicated to educating real estate agents on how to effectively serve homeowners in distress. The Institute works closely with the federal government and lending institutions to help shape policy. Because of this affiliation, CDPE Advanced agents are the first to know about new programs or policy changes that directly affect the homeowners we serve, and have plans to help our clients see those benefits. Due to their enhanced resources and current information, CDPE Advanced agents typically close up to 90% of short sale transactions.

Distressed Sales Are On The Rise Office: 602.942.7000 NateM@remax.net www.NatesHomes.com www.NatesLuxuryHomes.com Toll Free: 800.284.1158 Fax: 602.532.7352 RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS 7111 W. Bell Road, Suite 101 Glendale, AZ 85308 Each office is independently owned and operated.

Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net

Distressed sales are again on the rise, reaching 29% in January and nearly 1 million distressed sales during the last year. It is also reported that distressed home sales – such as short sales and real estate owned (REO) sales – accounted for 29% of all sales in the U.S. in January: the highest level since April 2009. The peak occurred in January 2009 when distressed sales accounted for 32% of all sales transactions. After the peak in early 2009, the distressed sale share fell to 23% in July, before rising again in late 2009 and continuing into 2010.

summer energy bills Tips for Saving Cold Cash

appetite for asian?

Roy’s Ahi Poketini

Event Calendar July 2010 13th Annual New Works Festival Phoenix Theatre, July 9th – August 1st 602.254.2151 or phoenixtheatre.com This fun and interactive month-long festival showcases new plays in a one-of-a-kind format. Not only do the actors and writers participate in the storytelling, but the audience plays a large part as well with the story progression. Lively and unique, it’s your chance to participate in the theatre!

Prowl and Play Phoenix Zoo, July 10th 602.273.1341 or phoenixzoo.org Ever wonder what goes on at the zoo at night? Take a guided night hike along the dark trails and hear stories from the Park Rangers on what takes place after the gates are closed. Cool off in the Leapin’ Lagoon or catch a ride on the Sneak-a-Peek Safari Train and find out what sort of silly antics the “animals” are up to when no one is around!

Organic Wine Tasting Armitage Bistro, July 21st 480.502.1641 or armitagewine.com Trying to include organic items into your diet? Why not start with your vino? The two leading organic wineries in Napa, Long Meadow Ranch and Frog’s Leap, are featured as the local sommelier presents a large variety of whites and reds.

Even better, this wine tasting is free to guests who make a $10 purchase of food.

Damon Wayans Tempe Improv, July 22nd – 25th 480.921.9877 or tempeimprov.com As part of a large family of talented comedians and actors, Damon Wayans has plenty of material to entertain the crowds. Wayans has been performing stand-up for 28 years now and has included many movie credits to his resume such as Last Action Hero and Bulletproof.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. San Francisco Giants Chase Field, July 24th 602.462.6500 or arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com Three cheers for our home team as they battle it out against the Giants at Chase Field. Of course, what baseball game would be complete without peanuts and Cracker Jacks?

Make sure to arrive early – the first 15,000 fans will receive infielder Mark Reynold’s replica jersey.

Summer is here … and so is the sizzling heat. Of course, for us Arizonans that means almost nonstop air conditioning which translates to increased energy consumption. Not good for your wallet or the environment. Make this the summer you get a handle on your cooling costs—no more excuses. Try these easy tips to reduce your home energy costs. Your piggy bank and the planet will thank you!

Get your air conditioning in tip-top shape. Here in the Valley, we use air conditioning more than any other area in the country. So we should be sure our systems are working at optimum efficiency. First off, make sure to check your air conditioning system for any problems, necessary replacement filters or parts, or repairs. Be sure your unit and coils are cleaned of dirt and debris, so your AC won’t have to work harder than it’s supposed to.

Dirty air filters restrict air flow and will cause your system to run longer than necessary.

Routine maintenance from a professional can keep your AC running at its best.

Rethink your thermostat. Set your thermostat five degrees higher this summer and you’ll save about 10 percent on cooling costs, according to the University of Phoenix’s green @ home tips. Take it a step further and install an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat and save as much as $115 per year. This allows you to program daily settings so your AC isn’t running at full capacity while no one is home.

Check for drafts. The more hot air that gets in, the more you have to crank the AC. Same goes for cool air that seeps out of cracks. Look for air leaks around doors, windows, vents, and attics. Repairs are quick and easy with proper caulking, weather stripping, and insulation. Also, make sure that doors and windows are shut tight all day long.

Use fans (in some cases, sparingly). Raising your thermostat and using fans? Great.

Just don’t run the fans when no one is in the room to feel the benefit. Fans do not cool the air, only circulate it. So when we’re under a fan, it is cooling our bodies, but not the air itself.

Remember, fans use energy too so use them only when people are present. One fan that’s always a plus: A whole-house fan installed in the attic which draws hot air out and brings cooler nighttime air in.

Decrease the square-footage you’re cooling. This may be one of the only times less square footage is better than more! Try isolating rarely-used rooms in your home. Close vents and buy vent covers so you aren’t unnecessarily cooling rooms that are usually unoccupied (think guest rooms and formal dining rooms). Close the doors to these rooms, if possible, and consider them off-limits until cooler weather prevails.

Plant deciduous (leafy!) trees on the south and west side of house. This will provide ample shade to keep your home much cooler during these long hot summer months. Similarly, porch and patio covers, awnings, and solar window screens will provide shade, keeping your home cooler longer.

Put off cooking and cleaning. Well, at least using the oven, washing machine and dryer.

Save these heat-producing tasks for later in the day say, after 8 pm, if at all possible. These appliances create ample heat in your home that will only cause your AC unit to kick it up a notch. During cooler days, cook several meals at once and freeze them until sizzling days when all you’ll need to do it run the meals through the microwave, suggests the Consumer Energy Center (www.consumerenergycenter.org). Think no-cook, cold meals such as salads, cold soups, and sandwiches. And try using low-use energy appliances such as electric skillets and the microwave, which uses two-thirds less energy than your stove.

Your Home

1. Treat yourself to an all-natural popsicle.

Skip the scary-ingredient supermarket concoctions and make your own instead. Simply freeze homemade lemonade, limeade, orange or grape juice in popsicle molds or in ice cube trays with toothpicks inserted. Nothing could be easier … and no kid can resist this classic summer treat.

Yum! 2. Slip and slide at two very unique water parks. Two of the most popular watering holes in our area offer incredibly different experiences for daredevils. First, there’s the action-packed theme park Wet ‘n’ Wild (www.phoenix.mywetnwild.com) in Glendale built just two years ago and now Arizona’s largest water park. Don’t miss the Maximum Velocity Dueling H2O Coaster – you have to see it to believe it. Something in a natural setting more your speed? Slide Rock State Park (www.azstateparks.com/parks/slro/index) in Sedona offers visitors natural scenic beauty and a place to wade and cool off in a natural creek. A slick chute in the rock lets visitors ride a natural slide down the creek.

3. Lace up your skates and hit the ice.

It’s hot outside, so why not go ice-skating at a local (note – indoors!) ice rink? At the Ice Den, (www.coyotesice.com) located in North Scottsdale, you can skate right next to the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes Hockey club. Pretty cool! This 120,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art ice skating

and entertainment center is also home to restaurants and a fitness center. Finally, a chance to bundle up this summer!

4. Be cultured. You’ve come to the right spot if you like museums. The Phoenix metro area boasts numerous museums where you can escape the heat and learn something to boot. Are you an art buff? Head to the Phoenix Art Museum (www.phxart.org), home to more than 18,000 works of American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, as well as fashion design.

The Heard Museum Phoenix (www.heard.org) provides visitors with a look at American Indian cultural art and fine art, set in 10 exhibition galleries. Got kids? You’ll all love the Children’s Museum of Phoenix (www.childrensmuseumofphoenix.org). The museum provides hands-on, interactive exhibits designed for kids ages birth to 10. A few other spots to beat the heat: the Hall Of Flame Museum of Firefighting (www.hallofflame.org); the Arizona Mining & Mineral Museum (www.admmr.state.az.us); the Arizona Military Museum (www.azdma.gov/museum/index.html); the Arizona Doll and Toy Museum (www.azcama. com/museums/doll_toy); and the Arizona Capitol Museum (www.lib.az.us/museum/).

5. Get a brain freeze! Nothing says summer around here more than a trip to the ice cream

parlor. Beat the heat at a few of the local favorites, from trendy to classic to retro cool: The Gelato Spot (four locations in the Valley), Sweet Republic (Scottsdale), Mary Coyle Ol’ Fashion Ice Cream Parlor (Phoenix), Culver’s (several locations), and Udder Delights (Gilbert).

6. Host a movie marathon. Here’s a chilly idea: Invite a few friends over, crank up the AC, and watch a marathon of snow-themed flicks. A few to try: Dr. Zhivago, Fargo, Snow Dogs, Snow Falling on Cedars, and Vertical Limit. Serve frozen treats and drinks and ask friends to join in on the fun by wearing a hat and mittens.

Ahi Poketini AHI & AVOCADO MIXTURE 8 oz fresh sashimi grade Ahi, 1/2 inch diced 1 avocado, 1/2 inch diced 1 pinch Shichimi Togarashi (Japanese seven-spice blend) 1 pinch Hawaiian red sea salt 2 Tbsp. soy sauce 1/2 tsp. rice wine vinegar 1 oz. ogo (seaweed), chopped 1 tsp. Sriracha brand sauce 1 tsp. truffle oil 1 tsp. Rayu (hot sesame seed oil) 1 tsp. Furikake (rice seasoning) 1 tsp. white sesame seeds

Local Flavor!

Hot Summer Nights Concert Series City Center, July 10th, 24th 480.319.8700 or citycenterofcitynorth.com Dance under the stars at this concert series, featuring the Valley’s most talented musical acts. Not just catered towards adults, there will also be face painting, balloon animals and cotton candy. Concert goers can also enjoy exclusive discounts from participating restaurants and retail shops the evening of the event.

Too hot to handle doing much of anything this summer?

Try these ideas to keep your cool and have fun at the same time.

Gently toss ingredients together in a small mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

Featuring Roy’s 7151 W. Ray Road • Chandler 480.705.7697 or roysrestaurant.com

WASABI AIOLI 1/2 cup kewpie mayonnaise 1/4 cup wasabi powder 1/2 cup water 2 limes, juiced 2 tsp. honey Salt and pepper, to taste GARNISH Tobiko (flying fish roe) Shiso leaf Kaiware (daikon radish sprout) In a small bowl, whisk together wasabi powder and water to form a loose paste. Add mayonnaise and continue to whisk until smooth. Add lime juice and honey. Season with black pepper to taste.

Coat the inside of a chilled martini glass with wasabi aioli. Place a small mound of Ahi and avocado mixture in center of glass. Garnish with caviar, kaiware sprouts and shiso.

Event Calendar July 2010 13th Annual New Works Festival Phoenix Theatre, July 9th – August 1st 602.254.2151 or phoenixtheatre.com This fun and interactive month-long festival showcases new plays in a one-of-a-kind format. Not only do the actors and writers participate in the storytelling, but the audience plays a large part as well with the story progression. Lively and unique, it’s your chance to participate in the theatre!

Prowl and Play Phoenix Zoo, July 10th 602.273.1341 or phoenixzoo.org Ever wonder what goes on at the zoo at night? Take a guided night hike along the dark trails and hear stories from the Park Rangers on what takes place after the gates are closed. Cool off in the Leapin’ Lagoon or catch a ride on the Sneak-a-Peek Safari Train and find out what sort of silly antics the “animals” are up to when no one is around!

Organic Wine Tasting Armitage Bistro, July 21st 480.502.1641 or armitagewine.com Trying to include organic items into your diet? Why not start with your vino? The two leading organic wineries in Napa, Long Meadow Ranch and Frog’s Leap, are featured as the local sommelier presents a large variety of whites and reds.

Even better, this wine tasting is free to guests who make a $10 purchase of food.

Damon Wayans Tempe Improv, July 22nd – 25th 480.921.9877 or tempeimprov.com As part of a large family of talented comedians and actors, Damon Wayans has plenty of material to entertain the crowds. Wayans has been performing stand-up for 28 years now and has included many movie credits to his resume such as Last Action Hero and Bulletproof.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. San Francisco Giants Chase Field, July 24th 602.462.6500 or arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com Three cheers for our home team as they battle it out against the Giants at Chase Field. Of course, what baseball game would be complete without peanuts and Cracker Jacks?

Make sure to arrive early – the first 15,000 fans will receive infielder Mark Reynold’s replica jersey.

Summer is here … and so is the sizzling heat. Of course, for us Arizonans that means almost nonstop air conditioning which translates to increased energy consumption. Not good for your wallet or the environment. Make this the summer you get a handle on your cooling costs—no more excuses. Try these easy tips to reduce your home energy costs. Your piggy bank and the planet will thank you!

Get your air conditioning in tip-top shape. Here in the Valley, we use air conditioning more than any other area in the country. So we should be sure our systems are working at optimum efficiency. First off, make sure to check your air conditioning system for any problems, necessary replacement filters or parts, or repairs. Be sure your unit and coils are cleaned of dirt and debris, so your AC won’t have to work harder than it’s supposed to.

Dirty air filters restrict air flow and will cause your system to run longer than necessary.

Routine maintenance from a professional can keep your AC running at its best.

Rethink your thermostat. Set your thermostat five degrees higher this summer and you’ll save about 10 percent on cooling costs, according to the University of Phoenix’s green @ home tips. Take it a step further and install an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat and save as much as $115 per year. This allows you to program daily settings so your AC isn’t running at full capacity while no one is home.

Check for drafts. The more hot air that gets in, the more you have to crank the AC. Same goes for cool air that seeps out of cracks. Look for air leaks around doors, windows, vents, and attics. Repairs are quick and easy with proper caulking, weather stripping, and insulation. Also, make sure that doors and windows are shut tight all day long.

Use fans (in some cases, sparingly). Raising your thermostat and using fans? Great.

Just don’t run the fans when no one is in the room to feel the benefit. Fans do not cool the air, only circulate it. So when we’re under a fan, it is cooling our bodies, but not the air itself.

Remember, fans use energy too so use them only when people are present. One fan that’s always a plus: A whole-house fan installed in the attic which draws hot air out and brings cooler nighttime air in.

Decrease the square-footage you’re cooling. This may be one of the only times less square footage is better than more! Try isolating rarely-used rooms in your home. Close vents and buy vent covers so you aren’t unnecessarily cooling rooms that are usually unoccupied (think guest rooms and formal dining rooms). Close the doors to these rooms, if possible, and consider them off-limits until cooler weather prevails.

Plant deciduous (leafy!) trees on the south and west side of house. This will provide ample shade to keep your home much cooler during these long hot summer months. Similarly, porch and patio covers, awnings, and solar window screens will provide shade, keeping your home cooler longer.

Put off cooking and cleaning. Well, at least using the oven, washing machine and dryer.

Save these heat-producing tasks for later in the day say, after 8 pm, if at all possible. These appliances create ample heat in your home that will only cause your AC unit to kick it up a notch. During cooler days, cook several meals at once and freeze them until sizzling days when all you’ll need to do it run the meals through the microwave, suggests the Consumer Energy Center (www.consumerenergycenter.org). Think no-cook, cold meals such as salads, cold soups, and sandwiches. And try using low-use energy appliances such as electric skillets and the microwave, which uses two-thirds less energy than your stove.

Your Home

1. Treat yourself to an all-natural popsicle.

Skip the scary-ingredient supermarket concoctions and make your own instead. Simply freeze homemade lemonade, limeade, orange or grape juice in popsicle molds or in ice cube trays with toothpicks inserted. Nothing could be easier … and no kid can resist this classic summer treat.

Yum! 2. Slip and slide at two very unique water parks. Two of the most popular watering holes in our area offer incredibly different experiences for daredevils. First, there’s the action-packed theme park Wet ‘n’ Wild (www.phoenix.mywetnwild.com) in Glendale built just two years ago and now Arizona’s largest water park. Don’t miss the Maximum Velocity Dueling H2O Coaster – you have to see it to believe it. Something in a natural setting more your speed? Slide Rock State Park (www.azstateparks.com/parks/slro/index) in Sedona offers visitors natural scenic beauty and a place to wade and cool off in a natural creek. A slick chute in the rock lets visitors ride a natural slide down the creek.

3. Lace up your skates and hit the ice.

It’s hot outside, so why not go ice-skating at a local (note – indoors!) ice rink? At the Ice Den, (www.coyotesice.com) located in North Scottsdale, you can skate right next to the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes Hockey club. Pretty cool! This 120,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art ice skating

and entertainment center is also home to restaurants and a fitness center. Finally, a chance to bundle up this summer!

4. Be cultured. You’ve come to the right spot if you like museums. The Phoenix metro area boasts numerous museums where you can escape the heat and learn something to boot. Are you an art buff? Head to the Phoenix Art Museum (www.phxart.org), home to more than 18,000 works of American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, as well as fashion design.

The Heard Museum Phoenix (www.heard.org) provides visitors with a look at American Indian cultural art and fine art, set in 10 exhibition galleries. Got kids? You’ll all love the Children’s Museum of Phoenix (www.childrensmuseumofphoenix.org). The museum provides hands-on, interactive exhibits designed for kids ages birth to 10. A few other spots to beat the heat: the Hall Of Flame Museum of Firefighting (www.hallofflame.org); the Arizona Mining & Mineral Museum (www.admmr.state.az.us); the Arizona Military Museum (www.azdma.gov/museum/index.html); the Arizona Doll and Toy Museum (www.azcama. com/museums/doll_toy); and the Arizona Capitol Museum (www.lib.az.us/museum/).

5. Get a brain freeze! Nothing says summer around here more than a trip to the ice cream

parlor. Beat the heat at a few of the local favorites, from trendy to classic to retro cool: The Gelato Spot (four locations in the Valley), Sweet Republic (Scottsdale), Mary Coyle Ol’ Fashion Ice Cream Parlor (Phoenix), Culver’s (several locations), and Udder Delights (Gilbert).

6. Host a movie marathon. Here’s a chilly idea: Invite a few friends over, crank up the AC, and watch a marathon of snow-themed flicks. A few to try: Dr. Zhivago, Fargo, Snow Dogs, Snow Falling on Cedars, and Vertical Limit. Serve frozen treats and drinks and ask friends to join in on the fun by wearing a hat and mittens.

Ahi Poketini AHI & AVOCADO MIXTURE 8 oz fresh sashimi grade Ahi, 1/2 inch diced 1 avocado, 1/2 inch diced 1 pinch Shichimi Togarashi (Japanese seven-spice blend) 1 pinch Hawaiian red sea salt 2 Tbsp. soy sauce 1/2 tsp. rice wine vinegar 1 oz. ogo (seaweed), chopped 1 tsp. Sriracha brand sauce 1 tsp. truffle oil 1 tsp. Rayu (hot sesame seed oil) 1 tsp. Furikake (rice seasoning) 1 tsp. white sesame seeds

Local Flavor!

Hot Summer Nights Concert Series City Center, July 10th, 24th 480.319.8700 or citycenterofcitynorth.com Dance under the stars at this concert series, featuring the Valley’s most talented musical acts. Not just catered towards adults, there will also be face painting, balloon animals and cotton candy. Concert goers can also enjoy exclusive discounts from participating restaurants and retail shops the evening of the event.

Too hot to handle doing much of anything this summer?

Try these ideas to keep your cool and have fun at the same time.

Gently toss ingredients together in a small mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

Featuring Roy’s 7151 W. Ray Road • Chandler 480.705.7697 or roysrestaurant.com

WASABI AIOLI 1/2 cup kewpie mayonnaise 1/4 cup wasabi powder 1/2 cup water 2 limes, juiced 2 tsp. honey Salt and pepper, to taste GARNISH Tobiko (flying fish roe) Shiso leaf Kaiware (daikon radish sprout) In a small bowl, whisk together wasabi powder and water to form a loose paste. Add mayonnaise and continue to whisk until smooth. Add lime juice and honey. Season with black pepper to taste.

Coat the inside of a chilled martini glass with wasabi aioli. Place a small mound of Ahi and avocado mixture in center of glass. Garnish with caviar, kaiware sprouts and shiso.

July / 2010

Facing a foreclosure or a short sale is a difficult process – emotionally, financially and physically overwhelming. Many people do not know how to ask for help or might feel too embarrassed or ashamed. For others, they may be depressed and feel like there is no way out from under the financial burdens. Reality is, nearly 1 out of 6 homeowners in America are behind on their mortgage payment – you are not alone.

We have teamed up with a local Valley law firm to assist us in providing the most current, up-to-date information regarding the legal and tax ramifications of selling your home through a short sale process. We were there in the good times and we want to be there for you in the bad times as well – don’t wait to ask for help. Your privacy and comfort is our highest priority – please call us today.

www.AZShortSaleResource.com

We are Experts in Foreclosure Properties With the changes in the market, there have been an increasing number of foreclosed properties for sale. My team and I recently opened a REO (Real Estate Owned or in other words, bank owned) department and we are now working with banks to list and sell these homes. Smart investors buy when everyone else is selling and sell when everyone else is buying. If you or someone you know is interested in learning how to make a smart investment in this market, please call myself or any member of my team. We are your real estate experts no matter what kind of market it is!

hot weather blues?

6 Cool Ideas for Chilling Out

What Makes CDPE Advanced Agents Stand Out? CDPE Advanced agents have access to regular industry updates from the Distressed Property Institute, an industry organization dedicated to educating real estate agents on how to effectively serve homeowners in distress. The Institute works closely with the federal government and lending institutions to help shape policy. Because of this affiliation, CDPE Advanced agents are the first to know about new programs or policy changes that directly affect the homeowners we serve, and have plans to help our clients see those benefits. Due to their enhanced resources and current information, CDPE Advanced agents typically close up to 90% of short sale transactions.

Distressed Sales Are On The Rise Office: 602.942.7000 NateM@remax.net www.NatesHomes.com www.NatesLuxuryHomes.com Toll Free: 800.284.1158 Fax: 602.532.7352 RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS 7111 W. Bell Road, Suite 101 Glendale, AZ 85308 Each office is independently owned and operated.

Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net

Distressed sales are again on the rise, reaching 29% in January and nearly 1 million distressed sales during the last year. It is also reported that distressed home sales – such as short sales and real estate owned (REO) sales – accounted for 29% of all sales in the U.S. in January: the highest level since April 2009. The peak occurred in January 2009 when distressed sales accounted for 32% of all sales transactions. After the peak in early 2009, the distressed sale share fell to 23% in July, before rising again in late 2009 and continuing into 2010.

summer energy bills Tips for Saving Cold Cash

appetite for asian?

Roy’s Ahi Poketini