Brady Holland
Senior Mortgage Banker
V.I.P. Mortgage, Inc. 8414 N. 90th St. | Suite 102 Scottsdale, AZ 85258 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
85026 PERMIT 1441
Real estate financing can be a daunting task. And that is especially true in today’s world where lenders are more cautious about lending due to economic uncertainty. I understand that choosing a mortgage is one the biggest decisions that you will make. You want the best interest rate and you want the pre-approval, application, and close of escrow process to be hassle-free. I understand. I listen to your needs. And I respond quickly and deliver. Let me put my nearly two decades of residential lending experience to work for you! • The needs of every client are different. I specialize in tailoring a loan and financing strategy that will best fit the individual needs of each client. • Have you ever closed on a mortgage and later had remorse that you may have picked the wrong loan program or paid too much in fees? I offer a benefit analysis on every loan to ensure that the loan program and the associated costs are the best fit and in the best interest of the client. • I use the latest lending technology to deliver a loan credit decision in hours, not days. • Closing thousands of loans over the course of my career assures you that as an industry veteran I have the knowledge and expertise to handle every situation. • My impeccable reputation is my best asset. I always strive to exceed your expectations and earn your business for life!
Call me today!
Arizona Homeowner May | June 2011
Welcome to spring. While most of the rest of the country is just starting to warm to a slight thaw, we are in for a treat. March and April offer some of the best weather of the year in the Valley. Enjoy it while you can! Mortgage lending has gone through a lot of changes this past year. To help you understand, here are some questions I commonly receive from clients: Q: With the real estate market in disarray we are leaning toward renovating our home rather than trying to sell it. How do we go about getting a loan for this? A: The cheapest way to finance a smaller home improvement project is by securing an equity line or second mortgage. We still have a few investors we work with that offer those. But with fixed rates so low, many clients are opting for our fixed rate 1st mortgage renovation loan. Here, we refinance your existing mortgage to a low fixed rate and then addin an additional amount to pay for your home improvement project. Q: We think our house is worth less than what we owe and we would like to refinance out of our existing ARM loan before it rises. What are our options? A: To refinance, you typically need 5-10% equity. But if your existing loan is FHA or VA there are some options to refinance without an appraisal.
If you have a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan you can owe more on the loan than the house is worth and still qualify for a refinance. And lastly, you can also call your existing lender and make a case for them to modify your loan to a fixed rate. Give me a call and I’d be happy to help you review your options. Q: We are considering a purchase and like the fixed rate but were amazed at how much lower the ARM rates are. Is it wise to choose an ARM? A: On a 30 year fixed mortgage the lender guarantees the rate for 30 years. On an ARM loan such as a 5/1 ARM, the rate is fixed for 5 years and adjusts every year thereafter based on the movement of the ARM index. Since the lender is only guaranteeing the fixed rate portion for 5 years, they offer the rate at a 1/2%-1% discount to the fixed rate. We are at a 40 year low with mortgage rates so the assumption is that rates will be quite a bit higher in the coming years, making a good case for you to lock in a 30 year fixed rate at today’s lows. However, with the ARM rates even lower it can make sense and save you money if you plan to move or refinance before your ARM loan adjusts. I don’t recommend a monthly or 1 year ARM as they are high risk with adjustments in the short run. But we do offer a 3/1, 5/1, 7/1, and 10/1 ARM where the rate is fixed for 3, 5, 7, or 10 years before adjusting annually thereafter. With careful planning you can save a lot of money with an ARM loan program.
MORTGAGE RATES Brady Holland
Senior Mortgage Banker NMLS 180079
Office: 480.278.8993 Cell: 480.272.3282 E-Fax: 480.223.4290 BHolland@VIPMtgInc.com
as of 2/24/11
Loan Rates for $150K-$417K: • 30-Year Fixed: 5.000%/5.115% APR • 15-Year Fixed: 4.375%/4.566% APR • 5/1 ARM: 3.625%/3.727% APR
Loan Rates for $418K-$1.5M: • 30-Year Fixed: 5.625%/5.684% APR • 5/1 ARM: 4.375%/3.535% APR • 7/1 ARM: 5.000%/4.008% APR
*Note: All rate quotes offered at 0% points for primary home purchase or no cash-out refinance financing with 720+ FICO score. Loans under $417K are quoted based on 20% equity while loans over $417K require 20%-30% equity. Other financing options are available upon request. NMLS 145502 AZ BK#0909074
Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net
custom closets
Getting Dressed Goes From Mundane To Marvelous
scrumptious summer side dish Maria Maria’s Mango Cerviche
Event Calendar May | June 2011 Arizona Wish Ball Westin Kierland Resort, May 14th 602.395.9474 | WishAZ.org Come celebrate the mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Arizona at this hosted cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner and dancing program. Your participation benefits hundreds of children with lifethreatening or life-immobilizing illnesses and helps them to see their most heartfelt wishes come true.
Celebrating Women Tea Fundraiser Phoenix Art Museum, May 22nd 602.265.4014 | TheHarpFoundation.org Spend a lovely afternoon in celebration of the women in your life. Hear keynote speaker Cynthia Richmond on the power of interpreting our dreams, take a self-guided exploration of the museum and indulge in a delicious afternoon tea. The event is hosted by The Harp Foundation, which provides soothing harp music for hospital and hospice patients. Live & Let Die: The Music of Paul McCartney Symphony Hall, June 10th – 11th 602.495.1999 | PhoenixSymphony.org Are you a tried and true McCartney fan? Were you blown away by the Phoenix Symphony’s salute to The Beatles last year? Don’t miss Tony Kishman’s award-winning re-creation of the sound and look of Paul McCartney at this special weekend event. Japanese Origami and Music Musical Instrument Museum, June 19th 480.478.6000 | TheMIM.org As part of the museum’s Summer Series for Kids, artist and musician Kuniko Yamamoto will guide children in the art and tradition of origami. Along with sharing folding techniques, children will learn the symbolic meanings of origami design. Followed by a flute and koto concert, the program promises to spark imaginations and encourage cultural discovery. Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Cleveland Indians Chase Field, June 27th – 29th 602.514.8400 | Arizona.Diamondbacks.MLB.com Take me out to the ball game. Join fellow D-Back fans at this three-game home stand against the Indians. But first, take a guided tour of the ballpark and get your fill of hot dogs and peanuts before you settle in for the game. Play ball!
C LO S E T • M A K E OV E R S There are a handful of areas in every home that get daily use. And, if you get dressed every day, your closet is one of them! For an area that is used with such frequency, it only makes sense to have a closet that is functional, ergonomic, streamlined and pleasing. Why are so many homeowners interested in a closet makeover? Unless your home was custom-built, you probably have closets that are a simple homebuilder standard; sometimes as barren as a rod and a shelf. A custom design can transform your closet from crowded and bland to an organized and user-friendly space. Often, closets may have a rod that is hung too low or too high for either the homeowner or for the clothing items themselves. Then, there is the issue of wasted space below the hanging clothes. With a custom closet, you can have multiple levels of shelving, rods and storage that are adjustable and truly maximize your space. Redoing your closet can offer many advantages. Whether it’s a small ancillary closet or a large walk-in closet, having your items neatly organized, easily accessible and arranged aesthetically can do wonders for your frame-of-mind. Since many of us begin our day with getting dressed, the sense of order in a well-organized closet can help cultivate a state of calmness to our entire day. One of the best things about designing a closet plan from scratch is that you are able to determine exactly what type of items you’ll be storing and how you’ll be accessing them. Have a ton of shoes scattered about your closet floor? Do you collect baseball caps? Do you have seasonal items that you’d like to store out of your way but still have within reach? Looking for a more orderly way to keep your laundry hamper? Need extra shelf space for multiple handbags? Could you benefit from dividers in your drawers for ties and socks? Lastly, do you want your closet to reflect the rest of your home: a space that you enjoy spending time in and wouldn’t be embarrassed to bring house guests to? One of the most popular items in walk-in closets is an island or peninsula accompanied with a bench. Having an island allows for plenty of drawer space and it’s a built-in countertop – a great place to switch out handbags, re-charge your cell phone or stash your wallet and change. A bench is an excellent addition as well as it’s perfect for putting on shoes. Many homeowners are moving the “getting dressed” part of life out of the bedroom and into the closet. With so much closet storage, you may find that a large dresser or bureau is unnecessary as bulky bedroom furniture; leaving more room for a sitting area, exercise equipment or elaborate electronics. While you’re contemplating your ideal walk-in closet, it’s fun to consider the multitude of options and conveniences now available. Some homeowners are adding three-way, full-length mirrors, ironing boards or stackable washers and dryers. Home improvements that add value to your home, add enjoyment for you and that may help you eventually sell your home faster and for top dollar are typically the wisest ways to invest in your property.
Your Home
Now that summer is approaching, many Arizonans are planning and anticipating their escapes from the Arizona heat. This year, vow to bring home more than just jetlag and a new beach hat. Use these very basic tips to turn your vacation photographs from the mediocre to “mantel worthy.”
PHOTOGRAPHING PEOPLE
Perhaps you are attending a family reunion or simply just want to take shots of your own family. Group shots can be challenging. It seems that someone always has their eyes closed, is looking away or in the case of very young ones, crying or running out of the shot! One way to try to keep smiles on faces and eyes open is to ask everyone to close their eyes until you say “Open!” At that point, snap the shot. You’ll find that the silliness of it also brings about genuine smiles and happy expressions. When you’re arranging several people together for a photo, keep good composition in mind. Avoid lining everyone up like an elementary class photo. Instead, arrange your subjects in staggered positions:
BEACH VACATIONS
When shooting ocean scenes, place the horizon line either high or low. Avoid centering it in the photograph. Placing it low gives the emphasis on the sky and is an excellent format for sunsets. Placing it high gives more importance to the beach and is nice when you want to highlight sand castles or sun bathers. Non-traditional beach shots are important too. Taking photos of the boardwalk, the snack hut or a group of surfers waxing their boards tells a complete story of where you were and what you experienced. Get down low and take close-up photos of sea shells, the foamy tide as it retreats from the sand or your toddler’s hands filling a sand bucket. Schedule at least one evening for a group shot at sunset. Typically, the 10 minutes right after the sun sinks below the horizon gives the best lighting. The skies are raked with pink, orange and blue and the lighting is soft and pretty. Plan to dress in coordinating clothing.
White and khaki always looks great on a beach and be sure to be barefoot!
AMUSEMENT PARKS
Theme parks are bursting with photo opportunities full of vibrant colors and action. Try your hand at a bit of photojournalism and take a series of photos that tell a story. Begin your story with a posed shot at the park’s grand entrance and end with a candid of tired, dirty kids dragging themselves back to the hotel room. Nighttime provides more opportunities for terrific photos. To capture the beauty of a theme park at night, turn your flash off and hold steady! A slow shutter speed will create that desirable “blur” of lights on moving rides. Photographing fireworks can be tricky. Use a tripod if you can – you’ll always get your best results when you do. Find a good spot where you’ll avoid obstructions such as trees or light poles and take note of which way the wind might be blowing to avoid photographs filled with gray smoke. Turn your flash off when shooting fireworks and set your camera to infinity or landscape mode.
NATIONAL PARKS
Most national parks have a distinguishing special feature such as a geyser or monument. It may seem cliché, but your photo album wouldn’t be complete without some photographs dedicated to just that. When shooting a landmark, it may be effective to position your family members near it to show scale. A photo of a fallen sequoia tree suddenly has more impact when shown how it towers over people. When photographing a landscape, the best photographs are composed with a visual interest in the foreground. For instance, a photo of far-away mountains can be beautiful. But shot with bright wildflowers dotting the foreground looks even better. Use the rule of thirds in your pictures. Centering a monument or lighthouse in the photo looks choppy and unattractive. Rather, move it off center. It gives your photo that dynamic visual appeal and brings your picture to life. Most auto-focus cameras will focus on the center of the frame, so remember to lock your focus on your subject before shooting.
CEVICHE WITH MANGO AND AVOCADO
Local Flavor!
Mamma Mia! ASU Gammage, May 17th – 22nd 480.965.3434 | ASUGammage.com Perhaps you’re a veteran of this fun, smash-hit musical. Or maybe you’ve only seen the film. Or, alas, perhaps neither! Don’t miss this heart-warming and toe-tapping tale of love, laughter and friendship; all set to musical artists ABBA’s greatest hits. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a dance in your heart.
some sitting, some kneeling, maybe even lounging about on the ground. It provides more of a visual interest and shows your subjects in a more relaxed state. When photographing people, you may find that the candid shots turn out to be your favorites. Capturing a child’s pure joy as the cotton candy is handed over to them or Mom’s serene expression as she gazes at the ocean will tell the true story of your memorable vacation. One of the most important guidelines for capturing the best shot of people is to always shoot at their eye level. So squat down if you need to and avoid the uncomplimentary shot of looking down at or perhaps peering up at someone. You’ll also find that your best people pictures are those where the focus is solely on the individual(s). So take extra care to position your subjects against a plain, non-distracting background and get in close so your subject fills most of the frame. Lastly, many people don’t realize that the use of flash in daytime, outdoor shots is usually called for. Use your fill-flash on bright and sunny days to avoid dark shadows on faces. On cloudy and overcast days, a flash will lend an extra light source to better illuminate your subjects against their surroundings.
485 C - Bright Red 484 C - Dark Red 469 C - Brown 4525 C - Light Tan Black
Method: 4 ripe hass avocados 16 oz. mahi-mahi ceviche (see recipe) 8 oz. mango sauce (see recipe) 4 Tbs. mango, diced 4 Tbs. red onion, diced 4 Tbs. red bell pepper, diced 4 Tbs. jicama, diced Peel mango, remove pit, then blend all 4 Tbs. scallions, sliced 4 Tbs. cilantro, chopped ingredients until smooth. 2 Tbs. serano pepper, chopped Mango Sauce: 2 mangos 1/2 cup orange juice 1/4 cup cider vinegar 1 habanero pepper 2 chile de árbol, toasted 2 garlic cloves
Mix the ceviche with the mango sauce and add remaining ingredients. Season with salt. Cut open the avocado and remove pit. Score with knife and season with salt. Place ceviche on top of avocado. Garnish with mango Dice fish and marinate with lime juice, sauce, lime round and cilantro. salt and oregano. Let marinate four Serves 4 hours and drain liquid. Basic Ceviche: 1 pound mahi mahi 3/4 cup lime juice 2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. dried oregano
Featuring Maria Maria MariaMariaRestaurants.com
Event Calendar May | June 2011 Arizona Wish Ball Westin Kierland Resort, May 14th 602.395.9474 | WishAZ.org Come celebrate the mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Arizona at this hosted cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner and dancing program. Your participation benefits hundreds of children with lifethreatening or life-immobilizing illnesses and helps them to see their most heartfelt wishes come true.
Celebrating Women Tea Fundraiser Phoenix Art Museum, May 22nd 602.265.4014 | TheHarpFoundation.org Spend a lovely afternoon in celebration of the women in your life. Hear keynote speaker Cynthia Richmond on the power of interpreting our dreams, take a self-guided exploration of the museum and indulge in a delicious afternoon tea. The event is hosted by The Harp Foundation, which provides soothing harp music for hospital and hospice patients. Live & Let Die: The Music of Paul McCartney Symphony Hall, June 10th – 11th 602.495.1999 | PhoenixSymphony.org Are you a tried and true McCartney fan? Were you blown away by the Phoenix Symphony’s salute to The Beatles last year? Don’t miss Tony Kishman’s award-winning re-creation of the sound and look of Paul McCartney at this special weekend event. Japanese Origami and Music Musical Instrument Museum, June 19th 480.478.6000 | TheMIM.org As part of the museum’s Summer Series for Kids, artist and musician Kuniko Yamamoto will guide children in the art and tradition of origami. Along with sharing folding techniques, children will learn the symbolic meanings of origami design. Followed by a flute and koto concert, the program promises to spark imaginations and encourage cultural discovery. Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Cleveland Indians Chase Field, June 27th – 29th 602.514.8400 | Arizona.Diamondbacks.MLB.com Take me out to the ball game. Join fellow D-Back fans at this three-game home stand against the Indians. But first, take a guided tour of the ballpark and get your fill of hot dogs and peanuts before you settle in for the game. Play ball!
C LO S E T • M A K E OV E R S There are a handful of areas in every home that get daily use. And, if you get dressed every day, your closet is one of them! For an area that is used with such frequency, it only makes sense to have a closet that is functional, ergonomic, streamlined and pleasing. Why are so many homeowners interested in a closet makeover? Unless your home was custom-built, you probably have closets that are a simple homebuilder standard; sometimes as barren as a rod and a shelf. A custom design can transform your closet from crowded and bland to an organized and user-friendly space. Often, closets may have a rod that is hung too low or too high for either the homeowner or for the clothing items themselves. Then, there is the issue of wasted space below the hanging clothes. With a custom closet, you can have multiple levels of shelving, rods and storage that are adjustable and truly maximize your space. Redoing your closet can offer many advantages. Whether it’s a small ancillary closet or a large walk-in closet, having your items neatly organized, easily accessible and arranged aesthetically can do wonders for your frame-of-mind. Since many of us begin our day with getting dressed, the sense of order in a well-organized closet can help cultivate a state of calmness to our entire day. One of the best things about designing a closet plan from scratch is that you are able to determine exactly what type of items you’ll be storing and how you’ll be accessing them. Have a ton of shoes scattered about your closet floor? Do you collect baseball caps? Do you have seasonal items that you’d like to store out of your way but still have within reach? Looking for a more orderly way to keep your laundry hamper? Need extra shelf space for multiple handbags? Could you benefit from dividers in your drawers for ties and socks? Lastly, do you want your closet to reflect the rest of your home: a space that you enjoy spending time in and wouldn’t be embarrassed to bring house guests to? One of the most popular items in walk-in closets is an island or peninsula accompanied with a bench. Having an island allows for plenty of drawer space and it’s a built-in countertop – a great place to switch out handbags, re-charge your cell phone or stash your wallet and change. A bench is an excellent addition as well as it’s perfect for putting on shoes. Many homeowners are moving the “getting dressed” part of life out of the bedroom and into the closet. With so much closet storage, you may find that a large dresser or bureau is unnecessary as bulky bedroom furniture; leaving more room for a sitting area, exercise equipment or elaborate electronics. While you’re contemplating your ideal walk-in closet, it’s fun to consider the multitude of options and conveniences now available. Some homeowners are adding three-way, full-length mirrors, ironing boards or stackable washers and dryers. Home improvements that add value to your home, add enjoyment for you and that may help you eventually sell your home faster and for top dollar are typically the wisest ways to invest in your property.
Your Home
Now that summer is approaching, many Arizonans are planning and anticipating their escapes from the Arizona heat. This year, vow to bring home more than just jetlag and a new beach hat. Use these very basic tips to turn your vacation photographs from the mediocre to “mantel worthy.”
PHOTOGRAPHING PEOPLE
Perhaps you are attending a family reunion or simply just want to take shots of your own family. Group shots can be challenging. It seems that someone always has their eyes closed, is looking away or in the case of very young ones, crying or running out of the shot! One way to try to keep smiles on faces and eyes open is to ask everyone to close their eyes until you say “Open!” At that point, snap the shot. You’ll find that the silliness of it also brings about genuine smiles and happy expressions. When you’re arranging several people together for a photo, keep good composition in mind. Avoid lining everyone up like an elementary class photo. Instead, arrange your subjects in staggered positions:
BEACH VACATIONS
When shooting ocean scenes, place the horizon line either high or low. Avoid centering it in the photograph. Placing it low gives the emphasis on the sky and is an excellent format for sunsets. Placing it high gives more importance to the beach and is nice when you want to highlight sand castles or sun bathers. Non-traditional beach shots are important too. Taking photos of the boardwalk, the snack hut or a group of surfers waxing their boards tells a complete story of where you were and what you experienced. Get down low and take close-up photos of sea shells, the foamy tide as it retreats from the sand or your toddler’s hands filling a sand bucket. Schedule at least one evening for a group shot at sunset. Typically, the 10 minutes right after the sun sinks below the horizon gives the best lighting. The skies are raked with pink, orange and blue and the lighting is soft and pretty. Plan to dress in coordinating clothing.
White and khaki always looks great on a beach and be sure to be barefoot!
AMUSEMENT PARKS
Theme parks are bursting with photo opportunities full of vibrant colors and action. Try your hand at a bit of photojournalism and take a series of photos that tell a story. Begin your story with a posed shot at the park’s grand entrance and end with a candid of tired, dirty kids dragging themselves back to the hotel room. Nighttime provides more opportunities for terrific photos. To capture the beauty of a theme park at night, turn your flash off and hold steady! A slow shutter speed will create that desirable “blur” of lights on moving rides. Photographing fireworks can be tricky. Use a tripod if you can – you’ll always get your best results when you do. Find a good spot where you’ll avoid obstructions such as trees or light poles and take note of which way the wind might be blowing to avoid photographs filled with gray smoke. Turn your flash off when shooting fireworks and set your camera to infinity or landscape mode.
NATIONAL PARKS
Most national parks have a distinguishing special feature such as a geyser or monument. It may seem cliché, but your photo album wouldn’t be complete without some photographs dedicated to just that. When shooting a landmark, it may be effective to position your family members near it to show scale. A photo of a fallen sequoia tree suddenly has more impact when shown how it towers over people. When photographing a landscape, the best photographs are composed with a visual interest in the foreground. For instance, a photo of far-away mountains can be beautiful. But shot with bright wildflowers dotting the foreground looks even better. Use the rule of thirds in your pictures. Centering a monument or lighthouse in the photo looks choppy and unattractive. Rather, move it off center. It gives your photo that dynamic visual appeal and brings your picture to life. Most auto-focus cameras will focus on the center of the frame, so remember to lock your focus on your subject before shooting.
CEVICHE WITH MANGO AND AVOCADO
Local Flavor!
Mamma Mia! ASU Gammage, May 17th – 22nd 480.965.3434 | ASUGammage.com Perhaps you’re a veteran of this fun, smash-hit musical. Or maybe you’ve only seen the film. Or, alas, perhaps neither! Don’t miss this heart-warming and toe-tapping tale of love, laughter and friendship; all set to musical artists ABBA’s greatest hits. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a dance in your heart.
some sitting, some kneeling, maybe even lounging about on the ground. It provides more of a visual interest and shows your subjects in a more relaxed state. When photographing people, you may find that the candid shots turn out to be your favorites. Capturing a child’s pure joy as the cotton candy is handed over to them or Mom’s serene expression as she gazes at the ocean will tell the true story of your memorable vacation. One of the most important guidelines for capturing the best shot of people is to always shoot at their eye level. So squat down if you need to and avoid the uncomplimentary shot of looking down at or perhaps peering up at someone. You’ll also find that your best people pictures are those where the focus is solely on the individual(s). So take extra care to position your subjects against a plain, non-distracting background and get in close so your subject fills most of the frame. Lastly, many people don’t realize that the use of flash in daytime, outdoor shots is usually called for. Use your fill-flash on bright and sunny days to avoid dark shadows on faces. On cloudy and overcast days, a flash will lend an extra light source to better illuminate your subjects against their surroundings.
485 C - Bright Red 484 C - Dark Red 469 C - Brown 4525 C - Light Tan Black
Method: 4 ripe hass avocados 16 oz. mahi-mahi ceviche (see recipe) 8 oz. mango sauce (see recipe) 4 Tbs. mango, diced 4 Tbs. red onion, diced 4 Tbs. red bell pepper, diced 4 Tbs. jicama, diced Peel mango, remove pit, then blend all 4 Tbs. scallions, sliced 4 Tbs. cilantro, chopped ingredients until smooth. 2 Tbs. serano pepper, chopped Mango Sauce: 2 mangos 1/2 cup orange juice 1/4 cup cider vinegar 1 habanero pepper 2 chile de árbol, toasted 2 garlic cloves
Mix the ceviche with the mango sauce and add remaining ingredients. Season with salt. Cut open the avocado and remove pit. Score with knife and season with salt. Place ceviche on top of avocado. Garnish with mango Dice fish and marinate with lime juice, sauce, lime round and cilantro. salt and oregano. Let marinate four Serves 4 hours and drain liquid. Basic Ceviche: 1 pound mahi mahi 3/4 cup lime juice 2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. dried oregano
Featuring Maria Maria MariaMariaRestaurants.com
Arlene Friedman
Arizona Homeowner May | June 2011
Associate Broker
Established & Recognized
Valuable information just for you! It has been a pleasure to research and compile this information for you in my semi-annual Metro Phoenix Economic Snapshot. It’s my goal to present our local market’s economy and the state of our housing market in a smart, concise format. This synopsis of information is meant to arm you with facts and statistics to help you make well-educated decisions regarding real estate and other financial moves.
Experience and expertise
I realize you have many options in choosing a REALTOR. Thank you for your valued business, and referring your friends and colleagues to me. As a member of the Premier Marketing Group and an agent at Realty Executives for 25 years, I have the knowledge and expertise to guide you through your real estate transactions with ease. In today’s market, working with an agent who is organized, meticulous with details and a true professional is more important than ever. I truly care about my clients and will put your best interests and needs ahead of anything else.
The Property Tax Formula Value x Assessment Ratio x Tax Rate = Taxes
VALUE
ASSESSMENT RATIO
THE ASSESSOR ONLY VALUES YOUR PROPERTY AND HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HOW MUCH OF THAT VALUE IS TAXED.
THE ASSESSMENT RATIO SET BY THE LEGISLATURE DETERMINES HOW MUCH OF THE PROPERTY’S VALUE WILL BE TAXED.
The legislature has established statutory formulas for valuation of certain properties. They are:
A change in assessment ratio for one class of property will directly affect the taxes paid by all other classes of property.
WHO DOES IT? Assessors appraise each property using the standards prescribed by the Department of Revenue.
• Electric Utilities • Pipelines • Shopping Centers • Agricultural Property • Golf Courses
Please call me today!
WHO DOES IT? The legislature alone can create or change property classes and their related assessment ratios.
The three major classes and their related assessment ratios are: • 20% Commercial • 16% Vacant land • 10% Residential
TAX RATE
TAXES
THESE ELECTED BODIES ARE THE ENTITIES THAT DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF TAXES OWED ON YOUR PROPERTY.
THE TREASURER COLLECTS AND DISTRIBUTES THE TAXES AND HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE AMOUNT LEVIED AGAINST EACH PROPERTY.
WHO DOES IT? The governing bodies of each taxing jurisdiction develop a budget each year and set a tax rate to fund that budget.
They are: • County Supervisors • City Councils • School Boards • Community Colleges • Special Districtss
WHO DOES IT? The county treasurer sends out the tax bills and distributes the taxes to the taxing jurisdictions.
The treasurer also sells the lien on any property when the taxes are not paid.
WHAT IS FULL CASH VALUE (FCV)?
FCV is synonymous with market value. FCV is defined as an arms-length transaction for cash, and does not include personal property, good will, financing cost, commissions, appraisal cost, etc.
Business: 480.998.0676 Cell: 602.549.9114 ArleneFriedman@cox.net If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.
FCV is set by the county assessor each year using a mass appraisal system (MAS) comprised of a cost model and a market model. The cost model is used to value commercial and industrial (Class 1) property and apartments (Class 4). Vacant land (Class 2) is valued based upon sales of similar properties. Some properties are valued using methods or formulas mandated by statute. The taxes levied against the FCV are referred to as “secondary taxes,” and are used for annual debt payment (bonds) and budget overrides, that have been APPROVED BY THE VOTERS, and special district budgets (fire, library, hospital, etc.).
Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net
custom closets
Getting Dressed Goes From Mundane To Marvelous
scrumptious summer side dish Maria Maria’s Mango Cerviche