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 July | August 2011
WELCOME TO SUMMER! And it’s not just the temperature that’s heating up around here. Metro Phoenix home sales are at a record pace with 8,000-10,000 homes sold each month over the past six months. These numbers compare favorably to what we’ve seen in some of our boom years half a decade ago. Even the struggling high-end luxury home market is seeing a marked improvement. On the flip side of things, foreclosures have also continued at a steady pace. We need buyers to buy up that excess home inventory to stabilize home values. And that’s exactly what’s been happening. Let’s hope this surge in home buying continues.
Today’s Interiors
Clean, Contemporary & Comfortable
Q: We have seen a lot of our friends and neighbors short sale their homes. Can you explain how everyone seems to be able to do short sales without any negative consequences? A: A short sale occurs when a homeowner wants to sell their home and the mortgage balance is higher than the offer price. In that instance the homeowner has to apply with the lender to get them to approve the short sale loss. Arizona has some unique anti-deficiency laws that protect some homeowners from getting sued for the loss that a first mortgage lender takes on a short sale. But whether the anti-deficiency laws protect each short sale homeowner varies greatly between one person to the next. I would definitely recommend that you contact an attorney to review the specifics of your liability before entering into a short sale contract. And short sales are considered only slightly better than a foreclosure in the eyes of mortgage lenders. As a result there is usually a 2-5 year wait before you can get a new mortgage following a short sale. And you also need to know that since a short sale will negatively impact your credit report that you will have trouble applying for new loans and credit cards for 2-3 years following a short sale. Q: I am going through a divorce and my ex is keeping our house and mortgage. I would like to buy a new home to live in. Will my old mortgage cause any problems? A: If your divorce decree states that your ex gets the house and liability for the mortgage then as long as that mortgage is current you can qualify for a new home loan. However, in an age of foreclosures and short sales you should make sure you are refinanced off of that old house. If your ex later has late mortgage payments or loses the house to foreclosure, it will impact your credit since you were a co-signor on the loan.
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 4/18/11
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. All rates quoted are subject to change without notice. NMLS 145502 AZ BK#0909074
Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net
fresh flavor at your fingertips Growing Your Own Culinary Herbs
an inventive summer treat The Latilla’s Banana Bread Tempura
Event Calendar July | August 2011 Scottsdale ArtWalk Downtown Scottsdale, Every Thursday Evening ScottsdaleGalleries.com Check out over 100 art galleries in Downtown Scottsdale during these popular weekly events. Enjoy meeting local artists and fraternizing with gallery owners. Whether you are an art connoisseur or just out for people watching, come find out why locals and visitors alike love the ArtWalk.
Hot Summer Nights Concert Series City Center, July 23rd 480.319.8700 | CityCenterOfCityNorth.com Dance under the stars at this concert series, featuring the Valley’s most talented musical acts. Scheduled for the 23rd is The JJ’s Band offering pop, rock, Motown and disco. 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. Movies at the Museum Phoenix Art Museum, July 24th 602.257.1222 | PhxArt.org There may not be any popcorn or Red Vines, but movies at the museum are just as enjoyable and the films are followed by a group discussion. As a part of the National Theatre Live series, The Cherry Orchard will be recorded live at the Olivier Theatre in London and simulcast to the museum. Set at the very start of the twentieth century, this film captures a poignant moment in Russian history as the country rolls inexorably towards the October Revolution of 1917. Prowl and Play Phoenix Zoo, August 13th 602.273.1341 | 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! Josh Groban in Concert US Airways Center, August 19th 877.686.5366 | CenterPhoenix.org In Groban’s Straight to You tour, fans will celebrate in his new album, Illuminations. Described in his bio as “…one where folk meets classical, where art meets intimacy, where immediacy meets timelessness and where, most importantly, Groban was free to express himself more fully, more truly than ever before,” this new project is said to be his best yet.
While the once-popular Old World, Tuscan-style of interior design continues to move out of favor in today’s homes, a look that’s modern and in-the-moment is the contemporary style. Perhaps once considered cold, stark and lifeless, the contemporary style of today is anything but. Instead, it’s fresh, clean and uncluttered with the focus on comfort. The fundamentals of a contemporary décor are clean lines, a subtle sophistication, unfussy accessories and neutral color palettes with pops of bold color as accents.
Showcasing Your Space
A contemporary décor highlights the room itself. Often windows are left bare and walls have minimal art and mirrors adorning them. The idea is to celebrate the architectural lines and structural elements of the rooms themselves. Open space is important. Avoid displaying collections or too many accessories.
Color
Color is a critical component of the contemporary style. Generally neutrals such as white, black, taupe, dove gray or beige are the main colors. Of course, you can add some drama with bright or bold color accents. Try neutral walls and furnishings combined with bold accent pillows and dramatic artwork. Or, paint one wall a bold color and use neutrals everywhere else. Black and white as a color combination continues to be timeless and elegant, as are the use of monochromatic schemes. Decorating a room with various tones of the same color is soft and soothing.
Furnishings
Think smooth, clean lines. Geometric shapes define contemporary furniture. Avoid too many curves and decoration on furniture. A bed may be a simple platform style, or have exposed legs. Generally you won’t see fussy bed skirts or tasseled pillows piled high on the bed. Headboards are uncomplicated but can make a statement in their simplicity. The use of glass, metal, stone and light wood is another key to contemporary furnishings. Fabrics are natural and textural with minimal prints. Linen, jute, silk and cotton are popular choices. Think fresh, pure and natural.
Flooring
Indeed, floors are usually kept bare. Light wood, stained concrete, even cork and bamboo can be good choices. Generally floor-to-floor carpeting doesn’t work with this style, but the use of area rugs in bold, geometric patterns (or with no pattern at all) helps to bring style, color and warmth to your space.
Lighting And Artwork
Lighting is one of the most important elements to your entire space, but often never receives the attention it deserves. Light fixtures themselves can be sculptural and serve as the artwork in your room. Use spotlights directed onto artwork and onto focal points of the room such as a dramatic architectural element. When placing artwork upon your walls, go for large, statement pieces rather than a collection of small pieces. Frames should be clean-lined in high-gloss or matte finishes. Sculptures on a stand with museum lighting can be the conversation point for your entire home. Even beautiful plants can serve as artwork. Use large and dramatic plants in simple containers. And, like your other artwork, use lighting to highlight them.
Keep In Mind
When it comes to contemporary design, just think elongated lines, basic colors and strong shapes. Less is always more. Go for structural, geometric, organic. But remember to add comfort and warmth to your spaces with rich, textural fabrics and rugs. The use of color accents will keep your room from seeming sterile and bland and will make your home as inviting as the ones you admire in home décor magazines!
Your Home
BEST BETS FOR YOUR GARDEN
Not only do the following herbs grow well indoors, they’re a great starting point for a chef’s use.
•Basil
Fresh basil paired with juicy summertime tomatoes is a bit of magic in itself. Basil loves full sun and moist, but well-drained soil.
•Rosemary
Potted rosemary is easy to grow and will survive for years. It prefers southern or western exposure and requires six hours a day of sunlight. Perfect for Arizona!
•Thyme
This hearty plant needs minimal watering and grows well in an arid, air-conditioned environment. Plus, its tiny purple flowers make for a pretty display.
•Sage
This is a great herb for drying. By the time fall rolls around, you’ll have saved enough to create scrumptious autumn-inspired dishes and perhaps even have several bundles left over for an amazing seasonal herb wreath.
•Cilantro
For the best flavor and lush, leafy foliage, growing cilantro needs plenty of sun. However, keep it shaded during the hottest part of the day. High temperatures will rush the plant into flowering, followed by seeds. Once this herb sets seeds, it will stop producing leaves.
BANANA BREAD TEMPURA Ingredients: 8 slices banana bread tempura batter as needed 4 Tbs. maple syrup 16 slices banana 4 tsp. sugar
Local Flavor!
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Chase Field, July 15th – 17th 602.514.8400 | Arizona.Diamondbacks.MLB.com Three cheers for our home team as they battle it out against the Dodgers at Chase Field. Of course, what baseball game would be complete without peanuts and Cracker Jacks? Make sure to arrive early on the 17th as the first 5000 kids 12 and under receive a free Back-to-School Backpack!
What do the nation’s top chefs name as their number-one secret to success? Using fresh, locally-grown ingredients to create dishes that capitalize on the abundant flavors from those good-quality, simple elements. As you may plan to kick your own culinary skills up a notch, your first step should be one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to take your meals from “blah” to “ahh”: cooking with herbs you’ve grown yourself. Not only is growing an indoor herb garden fairly easy, it looks really great as an addition to your kitchen décor. If you have small kids in the house, getting them involved makes for a fun summertime family project too. First, decide what herbs you’ll plant and where you’ll keep them. If you’d like to create a popular “herb bowl” with several varieties, just be sure that they all require similar amounts of sunlight and moisture. Otherwise you can plant in containers that can be separated from each other and portable so that you can move your plants around for ideal temperature control, etc. Make sure the container(s) you choose are at least 6-12 inches deep. Next, buy seeds, purchase small plants, or even ask friends for herb cuttings to get you started. Seeds are a great choice, as transplanting plants from outside can also bring unwanted pests along. Use a soilless potting mix that is light and welldraining. After you’ve planted, take care that you’re supplying your plants with the right amount of water and light. Feed once a month with fertilizer, ensuring it’s a fertilizer safe for consumable plants. Lastly, allow the plants some time to acclimate. Once you see new growth, you can start using your herbs. The more you use your herbs, the better they grow. So snip your plants often to encourage abundant, leafy results!
4 Tbs. whipped cream 4 scoops cinnamon ice cream mint syrup as needed 4 lace tuiles (or light wafer cookie) 4 mint sprigs
Preparation: 1. Preheat fryer or oil to 325 degrees. 2. On a steel plate or sheet pan, shingle out the bananas and sprinkle a little sugar on each piece. Caramelize with a torch but do not burn. Reserve for plating. 3. Dip the banana bread into the cold tempura batter and place into hot oil. Cook until golden brown and flip over. Continue to cook until golden on both sides. Remove from the oil and place onto dry paper towels. 4. Assembly: Place one slice of the fried banana bread onto the plate. Top with two slices of caramelized bananas. Place another slice of bread topped with two bananas. 5. Next place a dollop of whipped cream and then the lace tuile. Place the scoop of ice cream on the tuile and garnish with the mint. 6. Finish the plate with the maple syrup and mint syrup.
Featuring The Latilla at The Boulders 480.488.9009 | TheBoulders.com
Serves Four
Event Calendar July | August 2011 Scottsdale ArtWalk Downtown Scottsdale, Every Thursday Evening ScottsdaleGalleries.com Check out over 100 art galleries in Downtown Scottsdale during these popular weekly events. Enjoy meeting local artists and fraternizing with gallery owners. Whether you are an art connoisseur or just out for people watching, come find out why locals and visitors alike love the ArtWalk.
Hot Summer Nights Concert Series City Center, July 23rd 480.319.8700 | CityCenterOfCityNorth.com Dance under the stars at this concert series, featuring the Valley’s most talented musical acts. Scheduled for the 23rd is The JJ’s Band offering pop, rock, Motown and disco. 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. Movies at the Museum Phoenix Art Museum, July 24th 602.257.1222 | PhxArt.org There may not be any popcorn or Red Vines, but movies at the museum are just as enjoyable and the films are followed by a group discussion. As a part of the National Theatre Live series, The Cherry Orchard will be recorded live at the Olivier Theatre in London and simulcast to the museum. Set at the very start of the twentieth century, this film captures a poignant moment in Russian history as the country rolls inexorably towards the October Revolution of 1917. Prowl and Play Phoenix Zoo, August 13th 602.273.1341 | 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! Josh Groban in Concert US Airways Center, August 19th 877.686.5366 | CenterPhoenix.org In Groban’s Straight to You tour, fans will celebrate in his new album, Illuminations. Described in his bio as “…one where folk meets classical, where art meets intimacy, where immediacy meets timelessness and where, most importantly, Groban was free to express himself more fully, more truly than ever before,” this new project is said to be his best yet.
While the once-popular Old World, Tuscan-style of interior design continues to move out of favor in today’s homes, a look that’s modern and in-the-moment is the contemporary style. Perhaps once considered cold, stark and lifeless, the contemporary style of today is anything but. Instead, it’s fresh, clean and uncluttered with the focus on comfort. The fundamentals of a contemporary décor are clean lines, a subtle sophistication, unfussy accessories and neutral color palettes with pops of bold color as accents.
Showcasing Your Space
A contemporary décor highlights the room itself. Often windows are left bare and walls have minimal art and mirrors adorning them. The idea is to celebrate the architectural lines and structural elements of the rooms themselves. Open space is important. Avoid displaying collections or too many accessories.
Color
Color is a critical component of the contemporary style. Generally neutrals such as white, black, taupe, dove gray or beige are the main colors. Of course, you can add some drama with bright or bold color accents. Try neutral walls and furnishings combined with bold accent pillows and dramatic artwork. Or, paint one wall a bold color and use neutrals everywhere else. Black and white as a color combination continues to be timeless and elegant, as are the use of monochromatic schemes. Decorating a room with various tones of the same color is soft and soothing.
Furnishings
Think smooth, clean lines. Geometric shapes define contemporary furniture. Avoid too many curves and decoration on furniture. A bed may be a simple platform style, or have exposed legs. Generally you won’t see fussy bed skirts or tasseled pillows piled high on the bed. Headboards are uncomplicated but can make a statement in their simplicity. The use of glass, metal, stone and light wood is another key to contemporary furnishings. Fabrics are natural and textural with minimal prints. Linen, jute, silk and cotton are popular choices. Think fresh, pure and natural.
Flooring
Indeed, floors are usually kept bare. Light wood, stained concrete, even cork and bamboo can be good choices. Generally floor-to-floor carpeting doesn’t work with this style, but the use of area rugs in bold, geometric patterns (or with no pattern at all) helps to bring style, color and warmth to your space.
Lighting And Artwork
Lighting is one of the most important elements to your entire space, but often never receives the attention it deserves. Light fixtures themselves can be sculptural and serve as the artwork in your room. Use spotlights directed onto artwork and onto focal points of the room such as a dramatic architectural element. When placing artwork upon your walls, go for large, statement pieces rather than a collection of small pieces. Frames should be clean-lined in high-gloss or matte finishes. Sculptures on a stand with museum lighting can be the conversation point for your entire home. Even beautiful plants can serve as artwork. Use large and dramatic plants in simple containers. And, like your other artwork, use lighting to highlight them.
Keep In Mind
When it comes to contemporary design, just think elongated lines, basic colors and strong shapes. Less is always more. Go for structural, geometric, organic. But remember to add comfort and warmth to your spaces with rich, textural fabrics and rugs. The use of color accents will keep your room from seeming sterile and bland and will make your home as inviting as the ones you admire in home décor magazines!
Your Home
BEST BETS FOR YOUR GARDEN
Not only do the following herbs grow well indoors, they’re a great starting point for a chef’s use.
•Basil
Fresh basil paired with juicy summertime tomatoes is a bit of magic in itself. Basil loves full sun and moist, but well-drained soil.
•Rosemary
Potted rosemary is easy to grow and will survive for years. It prefers southern or western exposure and requires six hours a day of sunlight. Perfect for Arizona!
•Thyme
This hearty plant needs minimal watering and grows well in an arid, air-conditioned environment. Plus, its tiny purple flowers make for a pretty display.
•Sage
This is a great herb for drying. By the time fall rolls around, you’ll have saved enough to create scrumptious autumn-inspired dishes and perhaps even have several bundles left over for an amazing seasonal herb wreath.
•Cilantro
For the best flavor and lush, leafy foliage, growing cilantro needs plenty of sun. However, keep it shaded during the hottest part of the day. High temperatures will rush the plant into flowering, followed by seeds. Once this herb sets seeds, it will stop producing leaves.
BANANA BREAD TEMPURA Ingredients: 8 slices banana bread tempura batter as needed 4 Tbs. maple syrup 16 slices banana 4 tsp. sugar
Local Flavor!
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Chase Field, July 15th – 17th 602.514.8400 | Arizona.Diamondbacks.MLB.com Three cheers for our home team as they battle it out against the Dodgers at Chase Field. Of course, what baseball game would be complete without peanuts and Cracker Jacks? Make sure to arrive early on the 17th as the first 5000 kids 12 and under receive a free Back-to-School Backpack!
What do the nation’s top chefs name as their number-one secret to success? Using fresh, locally-grown ingredients to create dishes that capitalize on the abundant flavors from those good-quality, simple elements. As you may plan to kick your own culinary skills up a notch, your first step should be one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to take your meals from “blah” to “ahh”: cooking with herbs you’ve grown yourself. Not only is growing an indoor herb garden fairly easy, it looks really great as an addition to your kitchen décor. If you have small kids in the house, getting them involved makes for a fun summertime family project too. First, decide what herbs you’ll plant and where you’ll keep them. If you’d like to create a popular “herb bowl” with several varieties, just be sure that they all require similar amounts of sunlight and moisture. Otherwise you can plant in containers that can be separated from each other and portable so that you can move your plants around for ideal temperature control, etc. Make sure the container(s) you choose are at least 6-12 inches deep. Next, buy seeds, purchase small plants, or even ask friends for herb cuttings to get you started. Seeds are a great choice, as transplanting plants from outside can also bring unwanted pests along. Use a soilless potting mix that is light and welldraining. After you’ve planted, take care that you’re supplying your plants with the right amount of water and light. Feed once a month with fertilizer, ensuring it’s a fertilizer safe for consumable plants. Lastly, allow the plants some time to acclimate. Once you see new growth, you can start using your herbs. The more you use your herbs, the better they grow. So snip your plants often to encourage abundant, leafy results!
4 Tbs. whipped cream 4 scoops cinnamon ice cream mint syrup as needed 4 lace tuiles (or light wafer cookie) 4 mint sprigs
Preparation: 1. Preheat fryer or oil to 325 degrees. 2. On a steel plate or sheet pan, shingle out the bananas and sprinkle a little sugar on each piece. Caramelize with a torch but do not burn. Reserve for plating. 3. Dip the banana bread into the cold tempura batter and place into hot oil. Cook until golden brown and flip over. Continue to cook until golden on both sides. Remove from the oil and place onto dry paper towels. 4. Assembly: Place one slice of the fried banana bread onto the plate. Top with two slices of caramelized bananas. Place another slice of bread topped with two bananas. 5. Next place a dollop of whipped cream and then the lace tuile. Place the scoop of ice cream on the tuile and garnish with the mint. 6. Finish the plate with the maple syrup and mint syrup.
Featuring The Latilla at The Boulders 480.488.9009 | TheBoulders.com
Serves Four
What a Difference a Year Makes!
Arizona Homeowner July | August 2011
Wow! Take a look at the statistics to the right. We have almost 50% less inventory than we did last year. These figures are based on single-family and patio homes. If you add in the number of condos, townhomes and others we still only have 31,227 active listings in all of Maricopa County. This is significantly lower than the almost 42,000 homes we had for sale last year at this time. So what does this mean for buyers and sellers in the market, or thinking of being in the market, right now? We currently have anywhere from 2.5 months of supply in Peoria/Glendale to 6.1 months of supply in Paradise Valley. Again, what a difference a year makes. In some areas we are teetering on a SELLER’S MARKET and in other areas we are getting close. For buyers this means fierce competition for the best homes with multiple offers and paying over listing price for a home. It may mean putting up a larger earnest deposit, non-refundable earnest deposits, paying cash, or just offering over list price. Now is not the time to write a “low ball” offer. In most cases, you will not even be considered! I showed a home to a buyer yesterday and when I pulled up there must have been five agents with their clients already in the home. It was a sight to behold! For sellers this means there are buyers who want to buy and now they have less inventory to choose from. This does not mean that your home is worth more, but it does mean that you will have a better chance to sell. Price your home in a realistic price range, put your best effort toward having your home in perfect condition and show ready at all times. Prior to listing have a Home Inspection done and make all of the suggested repairs, offer a Home Warranty to the buyer and have your home “staged” by a professional. You would be amazed what a professional stager can do with your furniture and accessories. By doing some of these items you may even be able to net more dollars when you do sell. If you are interested in finding out more about selling or buying a home in today’s current real estate market please call Wendy for a customized market analysis. Wendy is a full-time REALTOR who works diligently to serve her clients’ best interest. Whether listing or selling your home for your highest advantage or finding the perfect home to suit your needs, she is tireless in her efforts. Wendy holds the designations of Graduate of Realtor Institute (GRI), Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), Certified Investor Agent Specialist (CIAS), Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource (SFR), and Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE). In the state of Arizona, licensed agents are required to take only 24 hours of continuing education every two years. Wendy has well over 150 hours of continuing education for a two year period. She is well versed on the nuances of every type of residential transaction because of her commitment to stay informed. If you know of anyone who may be interested in receiving this newsletter, please send me an email or give me a call. I am always happy to add more subscribers to the list.
WENDY KIRTLAND, PLLC REALTOR, GRI, ABR, CDPE, CIAS, SFR, CNE
RE/MAX Fine Properties 21000 N. Pima Rd., Suite 100• Scottsdale, AZ 85255
eFax: 480.355.9514 WKirtland@FineProp.com
If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.
MARKET TRENDS How do sales figures and inventory levels compare to this time last year? You’ll see that 2011 has brought more home sales than 2010 AND a shrinking inventory. Supply and Demand is working in our favor to help stabilize our real estate market:
Yearly Market Comparison Source: ARMLS
NUMBER OF NEW LISTINGS
YTD Total
2010 61,615
NUMBER OF SOLD LISTINGS
YTD Total
2010 36,609
2011 53,199
Difference -8,416
Change -13.7%
2011 39,512
Difference 2,903
Change 7.3%
Today’s Interiors
Clean, Contemporary & Comfortable
NUMBER OF SINGLE-FAMILY AND PATIO HOMES CURRENTLY FOR SALE
(on June 21st)
2010 35,897
2011 18,264
Difference -17,633
Change -49.1%
What about pricing? When you compare the last 30 days of sales vs. the first month of the year, you’ll see that the average sales price is higher. Also of interest, the actual sales price vs. the original listing price is improving, indicating that buyers are paying closer to asking price than earlier this year.
Pricing Statistics Source: ARMLS
DATE RANGE May 15, 2011 – June 15, 2011 Jan. 1, 2011 – Jan. 31, 2011
AVERAGE SOLD PRICE $173,912 $168,585
SOLD PRICE/ORIGINAL LIST PRICE 87.56% 86.60%
Information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.
HOMEOWNER TIP OF THE MONTH
Kitchen Remodeling on a Budget: Tips & Ideas
CABINETS Repaint or stain your cabinet doors and add new hardware. If you need advice on what works best with the cabinets you have, take a door into your local home improvement store and ask for professional advice. KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS Countertops can be expensive if you’re going for granite, but that’s not your only option. You can opt for concrete or granite overlay. Do your research to find what suits your budget and style best. KITCHEN FLOORS Your choices are endless when it comes to updating your kitchen floors. From peel-and-stick tile to laminate wood flooring and travertine, the sky is the limit— but be mindful of your budget! Many real estate professionals agree that a kitchen remodel splurge should be saved for the countertops and not the floors, so keep this in mind when deciding. SAVING MONEY ON KITCHEN APPLIANCES If your appliances look really dated or don’t match the new look of your kitchen, you may want to consider repainting them. A professional paint job can turn your white appliances into fresh, newlooking ones. You can also buy appliance-safe paint at your home improvement store and do it yourself. KITCHEN LIGHTING A new chandelier can make a big difference, and you can find options for less than $150! To make an even bigger impact, be sure to install a dimmer switch. You’ll be surprised what a difference a little “mood switch” can make.
Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net
fresh flavor at your fingertips Growing Your Own Culinary Herbs
an inventive summer treat The Latilla’s Banana Bread Tempura