Arizona Homeowner December / 2009
Inventive Home Lending 1400 E. Southern Avenue, Suite 615 Tempe, Arizona 85282 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
The financing of your real estate can be a daunting task. You want the best interest rate and you want the pre-approval, application and close of escrow processes to be hassle-free. I understand. I listen. I respond quickly. • I specialize in custom-designing a specific loan for each individual client. With over 400 loan programs at my fingertips, you will get a mortgage that best fits your unique situation. • I use the latest technology in loan underwriting. You’ll receive a loan decision within hours. Don’t wait days to find out if you qualify for the home you really want! • Closing thousands of loans and working with thousands of borrowers assures you that I have the knowledge and expertise to handle any situation. • My impeccable reputation is my best asset. I always strive to exceed your expectations! CALL ME TODAY!
holidays in arizona Happy Holidays! This year seems to have flown by. I can’t believe 2010 is around the corner. 2009 has been quite a year for the economy and the housing industry. While unemployment has been on the rise, the housing market in our area has actually seen quite a resurgence thanks to low interest rates and home prices, and tax incentives. For many, it has been a year that ended much better than it started. As we close out 2009, the housing data projections indicate that we should finish with over 90,000 homes sold in our area for the year. That’s an incredible number. To put that number in perspective, 90,000+ sales equate to our third best year ever. It is truly amazing to see that type of growth in a year when the economy was in the grips of a recession. With the housing demand, we’ve seen home values stabilize in many areas. The median home price in greater Phoenix
rose by 12.5% over the past 6-7 months. Since so much of our local economy is based on home sales, our state has benefited from home sales growth more than others. And as these positive trends continue we should also see an improvement in employment opportunities in the coming year. On the mortgage front, President Obama has signed the first-time homebuyer tax credit extension into law. This will keep the current tax credit at up to $8K and there is now an option that gives repeat homebuyers a tax credit of up to $6,500. To qualify, homebuyers must be under contract on a primary home by April 30th and close by June 30th. Full details of the tax credit extension have not been released as of this writing. However, we will be updating you on the specifics in the January issue of this newsletter.
I’d like to wish all of you a Happy Holiday season! I appreciate your business, questions, and comments. And I look forward to assisting you with your mortgage needs in 2010!
HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS
• Mortgage rates are at a 50-year low. Almost everyone can benefit by either buying a new home or refinancing to a low fixed rate. Call now for a free review of your options. • First-time homebuyers are eligible for up to an $8K tax credit for buying and closing on a home by 6/30/10 (Just extended!) • If you have a Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA or VA loan, you may be eligible for refinancing even if your owe more on your loan than your home is worth. (Call us to determine if you are eligible.)
Brady Holland President 480.627.2423 bradyh@ihlending.com www.ihlending.com
MORTGAGE RATES AS OF 10/10/09 LOAN RATES FOR $150K-$417K
30-Year Fixed at 5.000%/5.305% APR 15-Year Fixed at 4.500%/4.879% APR 5/1 ARM at 3.875%/4.233% APR
LOAN RATES FOR $418K-$1.5M
5/1 ARM at 4.375%/4.672% APR 7/1 ARM at 4.750%/5.099% APR
*Note: Quotes assume primary home financing with 720+ fico score on a single-family property with 20%-30% equity. All quotes offered at 1% origination fee. Certain restrictions apply.
MB0905347
Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996
How Desert Dwellers Celebrate
hot interior design trend Wallpaper is Back!
a party for your palate
Avanti’s Famous Tiramisu
Event Calendar December 2009 Tempe Fall Festival of the Arts Mill Avenue District, Dec. 4th- 6th 602.997.2581 or tempefestivalofthearts.com If you missed out on in spring, make sure to head over to Mill Avenue for the annual Fall Festival. More than 600 artists exhibit their beautifully crafted works of wood, pottery and jewelry to name a few. The streets are filled with live entertainment and the smell of delicious food adds to the ambiance. Eat, drink and be merry!
Holiday Festival of Trees The Camelback Inn, Dec. 12th 602.230.2041 or azfestivaloftrees.com Looking for a black-tie celebration to put you in the holiday spirit? This wonderful gala is presented by the Foundation for Burns and Trauma and includes a live tree auction, a silent auction, gourmet dinner and entertainment. Proceeds benefit this wonderful foundation as well as Children’s Burn Camp and Forever Courage House. Mazelpalooza W Scottsdale, Dec. 24th 480.634.4900 or mazelpalooza.com Young Jewish Phoenix is once again hosting the celebration noted as “The Place to be Christmas Eve.” Drink specials will be available all night and a video DJ will spin all your favorite top 40 hits. Dance the night away, all in support of the Council for Jews with Special Needs. This event is open to everyone over the age of 21. Phoenix Coyotes vs. Los Angeles Kings Glendale Arena, Dec. 26th 623.772.3200 or coyotes.nhl.com Come out and support our home hockey team as they skate their way to victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Cheer on these great athletes, including goalie Ilya Bryzgoval, who was named the first Star of the Week in October by the NHL. Joel McHale Dodge Theatre, Dec. 31st 602.379.2800 or livenation.com Known for his hilarious quick wit and humor as the host of The Soup, Joel McHale never fails to make you laugh. Now is your chance to see him live on New Years Eve and experience his side-splitting humor first hand. McHale has recently signed on as the role of Jeff on the new hit comedy Community, co-starring with comedic legend Chevy Chase.
Think you don’t like wallpaper? Think again. Wallpaper is back in a big way – but it’s a far cry from your grandmother’s fussy floral prints and boring pinstripes. One of the biggest new trends emerging: Wallpaper adorned with large, patterned designs that could almost pass for artwork itself. Look for graphic prints that are modern and organic looking (think leaves, trees, vines, and bold flowers). Scrollwork and damask patterns are particularly popular right now. These traditional designs are given a modern edge with the introduction of fresh, new hues. When it comes to color, metallics are in – silvers and grays, and yes, even black – as well as muted, earthy plums, lavenders, and aubergines. Mustard yellows, soft pear greens, and organic browns are also hot. Monochromatic designs – for example, several shades of gray layered on the same wallpaper – will give your home a timeless yet up-to-the-minute look. Don’t know where to start? Flip through current fashion magazines and take a cue from today’s couture color palettes. Just steer clear of any hue that seems too trendy or your walls could look dated quickly. Not ready to commit to wallpapering a whole room? Many designers are choosing to wallpaper one wall in a room as an accent wall with complementary paint on the opposing walls. This is particularly effective in entryways and large expanses. Using wallpaper on the ceiling is also a trend and the effect can be stunning. Wallpaper also looks very elegant above wainscoting for a more formal look. With some of these bold, new patterns, a room can truly be transformed in a few short hours with the addition of wallpaper. To complement these modern colors and daring patterns, consider uncluttered decor and furniture with clean lines. This will allow the wallpaper to stand out and make a statement on its own. If you choose to hang artwork, let the beauty of the wallpaper design shine through by choosing small decorative accents such as single-hue plates or small objects of art that will enhance and not overshadow the wallpaper. Still, one question remains: Should you hang the wallpaper yourself or hire a professional to tackle the job? If your space is small – a bathroom, for example, or a hallway – try to do it yourself. If you’re only wallpapering an accent wall, it may be the ideal time to try it yourself. Larger rooms and spaces, however, are probably best left to professionals who know how to hang the paper without visible seams or gaps. The best part about wallpaper? The results are fast, not as messy as paint, and can be changed quickly and relatively inexpensively. So go ahead and give wallpaper a try and give your home the fresh, new look you’ve been craving.
Your Home
Oh, Christmas cactus! For a twist on the traditional Christmas tree, Arizonans love to illuminate their cacti. Beautiful saguaro cacti adorned with pristine twinkling white lights can be found throughout the area during the holiday season. Carefully lighting up a cactus in your own yard is a surefire way to show your southwestern spirit. For inspiration, head to the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix to see how they light up the night. Luminarias are also popular and give the region a beautiful glow during the holidays. Head outdoors – without hats, gloves, scarves, and all that cold-weather gear. Tell a New Englander you laced up your boots and went for a hike during Hanukkah or that you went swimming in your heated pool on Christmas Day and they will most certainly be envious. Arizonans may sweat it out in August but by December we are loving life!
Move over holly berries. Arizonans love to add chili peppers to everything – including their holiday wreaths. Spicy holiday décor may indeed be unique to the southwest. In fact, it just wouldn’t be an Arizona holiday door without one of these fiery harbingers of the holidays. Try using bright red dried chili peppers anywhere more traditional holly berries might be found. You say turkey, we say tamales. In these parts, the aroma of steamed tamales says Christmas almost as much as the scent of warm gingerbread cookies fresh from the oven. Rather than the traditional dinner fare of crown roast or roast turkey, spicy tamales – a nod to our Hispanic heritage – are often served at the holiday tables of many Arizona homes. Green up the season. A round of golf in December? You betcha, if you live in Arizona. Only a few states in the country can boast weather where you can open holiday presents under an evergreen tree in the morning and be out on the greens with your buddies by mid-afternoon. No wonder we love it here!
Avanti Tiramisu
Local Flavor!
Little House on the Prairie Gammage Auditorium, Dec. 8th- 13th 480.965.3434 or asugammage.com Based on the wonderful literature of Laura Ingalls Wilder, this inspirational story shares the struggles and triumphs of early America. Actress Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura for 10 years on the television series, joins the cast as Ma. Share in the joy and spirit of this pioneering family as they set out in their covered wagon.
Here’s an Arizona fact you may not know: Irving Berlin wrote part of the lyrics to the famous holiday anthem “White Christmas” while vacationing in Arizona. While some Southwest newcomers may be dreaming of snow, most Arizonans embrace the unique nature of celebrating the holidays in the Grand Canyon State. Here are some fun ways desert dwellers put their own unique spin on the season.
Ingredients: 35 lady finger cookies 1 pound mascarpone cheese 6 egg yolks 4 egg whites 1/2 cup sugar 2 cups very strong brewed coffee or espresso, set aside 2 Tbs. rum or Marsala wine 1/2 cup ground dark chocolate
Featuring Avanti 2728 E. Thomas Rd. • Phoenix 602.956.0900 or avanti-az.com
Preparation: Soak lady finger cookies in a mixture of the espresso and liquor. In a long baking dish or aluminum half pan layer the bottom with soaked lady fingers. In a bowl, whip egg whites and sugar with mascarpone cheese until fluffy. Fold in egg yolks. Layer on top of soaked lady fingers. Begin second layer of lady fingers and repeat process. Top with whipped cheese and shaved chocolate. Refrigerate to set. Garnish with fresh berries or berry sauce. Serves: 8-10
Event Calendar December 2009 Tempe Fall Festival of the Arts Mill Avenue District, Dec. 4th- 6th 602.997.2581 or tempefestivalofthearts.com If you missed out on in spring, make sure to head over to Mill Avenue for the annual Fall Festival. More than 600 artists exhibit their beautifully crafted works of wood, pottery and jewelry to name a few. The streets are filled with live entertainment and the smell of delicious food adds to the ambiance. Eat, drink and be merry!
Holiday Festival of Trees The Camelback Inn, Dec. 12th 602.230.2041 or azfestivaloftrees.com Looking for a black-tie celebration to put you in the holiday spirit? This wonderful gala is presented by the Foundation for Burns and Trauma and includes a live tree auction, a silent auction, gourmet dinner and entertainment. Proceeds benefit this wonderful foundation as well as Children’s Burn Camp and Forever Courage House. Mazelpalooza W Scottsdale, Dec. 24th 480.634.4900 or mazelpalooza.com Young Jewish Phoenix is once again hosting the celebration noted as “The Place to be Christmas Eve.” Drink specials will be available all night and a video DJ will spin all your favorite top 40 hits. Dance the night away, all in support of the Council for Jews with Special Needs. This event is open to everyone over the age of 21. Phoenix Coyotes vs. Los Angeles Kings Glendale Arena, Dec. 26th 623.772.3200 or coyotes.nhl.com Come out and support our home hockey team as they skate their way to victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Cheer on these great athletes, including goalie Ilya Bryzgoval, who was named the first Star of the Week in October by the NHL. Joel McHale Dodge Theatre, Dec. 31st 602.379.2800 or livenation.com Known for his hilarious quick wit and humor as the host of The Soup, Joel McHale never fails to make you laugh. Now is your chance to see him live on New Years Eve and experience his side-splitting humor first hand. McHale has recently signed on as the role of Jeff on the new hit comedy Community, co-starring with comedic legend Chevy Chase.
Think you don’t like wallpaper? Think again. Wallpaper is back in a big way – but it’s a far cry from your grandmother’s fussy floral prints and boring pinstripes. One of the biggest new trends emerging: Wallpaper adorned with large, patterned designs that could almost pass for artwork itself. Look for graphic prints that are modern and organic looking (think leaves, trees, vines, and bold flowers). Scrollwork and damask patterns are particularly popular right now. These traditional designs are given a modern edge with the introduction of fresh, new hues. When it comes to color, metallics are in – silvers and grays, and yes, even black – as well as muted, earthy plums, lavenders, and aubergines. Mustard yellows, soft pear greens, and organic browns are also hot. Monochromatic designs – for example, several shades of gray layered on the same wallpaper – will give your home a timeless yet up-to-the-minute look. Don’t know where to start? Flip through current fashion magazines and take a cue from today’s couture color palettes. Just steer clear of any hue that seems too trendy or your walls could look dated quickly. Not ready to commit to wallpapering a whole room? Many designers are choosing to wallpaper one wall in a room as an accent wall with complementary paint on the opposing walls. This is particularly effective in entryways and large expanses. Using wallpaper on the ceiling is also a trend and the effect can be stunning. Wallpaper also looks very elegant above wainscoting for a more formal look. With some of these bold, new patterns, a room can truly be transformed in a few short hours with the addition of wallpaper. To complement these modern colors and daring patterns, consider uncluttered decor and furniture with clean lines. This will allow the wallpaper to stand out and make a statement on its own. If you choose to hang artwork, let the beauty of the wallpaper design shine through by choosing small decorative accents such as single-hue plates or small objects of art that will enhance and not overshadow the wallpaper. Still, one question remains: Should you hang the wallpaper yourself or hire a professional to tackle the job? If your space is small – a bathroom, for example, or a hallway – try to do it yourself. If you’re only wallpapering an accent wall, it may be the ideal time to try it yourself. Larger rooms and spaces, however, are probably best left to professionals who know how to hang the paper without visible seams or gaps. The best part about wallpaper? The results are fast, not as messy as paint, and can be changed quickly and relatively inexpensively. So go ahead and give wallpaper a try and give your home the fresh, new look you’ve been craving.
Your Home
Oh, Christmas cactus! For a twist on the traditional Christmas tree, Arizonans love to illuminate their cacti. Beautiful saguaro cacti adorned with pristine twinkling white lights can be found throughout the area during the holiday season. Carefully lighting up a cactus in your own yard is a surefire way to show your southwestern spirit. For inspiration, head to the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix to see how they light up the night. Luminarias are also popular and give the region a beautiful glow during the holidays. Head outdoors – without hats, gloves, scarves, and all that cold-weather gear. Tell a New Englander you laced up your boots and went for a hike during Hanukkah or that you went swimming in your heated pool on Christmas Day and they will most certainly be envious. Arizonans may sweat it out in August but by December we are loving life!
Move over holly berries. Arizonans love to add chili peppers to everything – including their holiday wreaths. Spicy holiday décor may indeed be unique to the southwest. In fact, it just wouldn’t be an Arizona holiday door without one of these fiery harbingers of the holidays. Try using bright red dried chili peppers anywhere more traditional holly berries might be found. You say turkey, we say tamales. In these parts, the aroma of steamed tamales says Christmas almost as much as the scent of warm gingerbread cookies fresh from the oven. Rather than the traditional dinner fare of crown roast or roast turkey, spicy tamales – a nod to our Hispanic heritage – are often served at the holiday tables of many Arizona homes. Green up the season. A round of golf in December? You betcha, if you live in Arizona. Only a few states in the country can boast weather where you can open holiday presents under an evergreen tree in the morning and be out on the greens with your buddies by mid-afternoon. No wonder we love it here!
Avanti Tiramisu
Local Flavor!
Little House on the Prairie Gammage Auditorium, Dec. 8th- 13th 480.965.3434 or asugammage.com Based on the wonderful literature of Laura Ingalls Wilder, this inspirational story shares the struggles and triumphs of early America. Actress Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura for 10 years on the television series, joins the cast as Ma. Share in the joy and spirit of this pioneering family as they set out in their covered wagon.
Here’s an Arizona fact you may not know: Irving Berlin wrote part of the lyrics to the famous holiday anthem “White Christmas” while vacationing in Arizona. While some Southwest newcomers may be dreaming of snow, most Arizonans embrace the unique nature of celebrating the holidays in the Grand Canyon State. Here are some fun ways desert dwellers put their own unique spin on the season.
Ingredients: 35 lady finger cookies 1 pound mascarpone cheese 6 egg yolks 4 egg whites 1/2 cup sugar 2 cups very strong brewed coffee or espresso, set aside 2 Tbs. rum or Marsala wine 1/2 cup ground dark chocolate
Featuring Avanti 2728 E. Thomas Rd. • Phoenix 602.956.0900 or avanti-az.com
Preparation: Soak lady finger cookies in a mixture of the espresso and liquor. In a long baking dish or aluminum half pan layer the bottom with soaked lady fingers. In a bowl, whip egg whites and sugar with mascarpone cheese until fluffy. Fold in egg yolks. Layer on top of soaked lady fingers. Begin second layer of lady fingers and repeat process. Top with whipped cheese and shaved chocolate. Refrigerate to set. Garnish with fresh berries or berry sauce. Serves: 8-10
Arizona Homeowner December / 2009
Inventive Home Lending 1400 E. Southern Avenue, Suite 615 Tempe, Arizona 85282 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
The financing of your real estate can be a daunting task. You want the best interest rate and you want the pre-approval, application and close of escrow processes to be hassle-free. I understand. I listen. I respond quickly. • I specialize in custom-designing a specific loan for each individual client. With over 400 loan programs at my fingertips, you will get a mortgage that best fits your unique situation. • I use the latest technology in loan underwriting. You’ll receive a loan decision within hours. Don’t wait days to find out if you qualify for the home you really want! • Closing thousands of loans and working with thousands of borrowers assures you that I have the knowledge and expertise to handle any situation. • My impeccable reputation is my best asset. I always strive to exceed your expectations! CALL ME TODAY!
holidays in arizona Happy Holidays! This year seems to have flown by. I can’t believe 2010 is around the corner. 2009 has been quite a year for the economy and the housing industry. While unemployment has been on the rise, the housing market in our area has actually seen quite a resurgence thanks to low interest rates and home prices, and tax incentives. For many, it has been a year that ended much better than it started. As we close out 2009, the housing data projections indicate that we should finish with over 90,000 homes sold in our area for the year. That’s an incredible number. To put that number in perspective, 90,000+ sales equate to our third best year ever. It is truly amazing to see that type of growth in a year when the economy was in the grips of a recession. With the housing demand, we’ve seen home values stabilize in many areas. The median home price in greater Phoenix
rose by 12.5% over the past 6-7 months. Since so much of our local economy is based on home sales, our state has benefited from home sales growth more than others. And as these positive trends continue we should also see an improvement in employment opportunities in the coming year. On the mortgage front, President Obama has signed the first-time homebuyer tax credit extension into law. This will keep the current tax credit at up to $8K and there is now an option that gives repeat homebuyers a tax credit of up to $6,500. To qualify, homebuyers must be under contract on a primary home by April 30th and close by June 30th. Full details of the tax credit extension have not been released as of this writing. However, we will be updating you on the specifics in the January issue of this newsletter.
I’d like to wish all of you a Happy Holiday season! I appreciate your business, questions, and comments. And I look forward to assisting you with your mortgage needs in 2010!
HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS
• Mortgage rates are at a 50-year low. Almost everyone can benefit by either buying a new home or refinancing to a low fixed rate. Call now for a free review of your options. • First-time homebuyers are eligible for up to an $8K tax credit for buying and closing on a home by 6/30/10 (Just extended!) • If you have a Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA or VA loan, you may be eligible for refinancing even if your owe more on your loan than your home is worth. (Call us to determine if you are eligible.)
Brady Holland President 480.627.2423 bradyh@ihlending.com www.ihlending.com
MORTGAGE RATES AS OF 10/10/09 LOAN RATES FOR $150K-$417K
30-Year Fixed at 5.000%/5.305% APR 15-Year Fixed at 4.500%/4.879% APR 5/1 ARM at 3.875%/4.233% APR
LOAN RATES FOR $418K-$1.5M
5/1 ARM at 4.375%/4.672% APR 7/1 ARM at 4.750%/5.099% APR
*Note: Quotes assume primary home financing with 720+ fico score on a single-family property with 20%-30% equity. All quotes offered at 1% origination fee. Certain restrictions apply.
MB0905347
Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996
How Desert Dwellers Celebrate
hot interior design trend Wallpaper is Back!
a party for your palate
Avanti’s Famous Tiramisu