The Clock is Ticking…
Arizona Homeowner September / 2009
ON THE FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT You, a co-purchaser (excluding spouse) or someone you know may qualify for this unprecedented tax credit, but the deadline to purchase that home is closing in on us. You must purchase before and close by December 1, 2009. If you are planning to purchase a home with a new mortgage you need to count on 45 to 60 days to close on the property. The lenders are anticipating a mad dash prior to the expiration of this tax credit. This will increase the time for them to process your loan. Based on this you should identify your property and make your offers before the end of September so you don’t get caught in the last minute rush. How do you know if you qualify? • Did you purchase a home that closed after April 8, 2008 or before December 1, 2009? • Is this home your principal residence and not a second home or investment property?
Residential Home Sales
The law defines “first-time home buyer” as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse. The credit: • Reduces a taxpayer’s tax bill or increases his or her refund, dollar for dollar. • Is fully refundable, meaning the credit will be paid out to eligible taxpayers, even if they owe no tax or the credit is more than the tax owed. As of June 1, FHA lenders can loan first-time buyers up to $8,000 on a short-term basis for use on closing and some down payment costs. When buyers get their tax credit checks from the IRS, they pay back the lender. FHA buyers will still need to make down payments of at least three and a half percent of the purchase price of the house from their own resources or gifts from relatives. But they can use the cash advances from the lenders on closing costs, mortgage insurance premiums and to buy down their interest rates.
Metropolitan Phoenix
Organic • Regional • Modern 4,742
5,476
7,628
8,552
9,290
9,348
9,107
Jan. 09
Feb. 09
Mar. 09
Apr. 09
May 09
Jun. 09
July 09
Source: ARMLS. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
January-July 2009 Sales Statistics Single-Family Homes / Metro Phoenix
For more information on the tax credit call Wendy today at (480) 215-0959.
WENDY KIRTLAND
If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.
Avg. Days on Market
January...................... $130,000............................112 February..................... $127,900............................121 March......................... $120,000............................125 April........................... $118,000............................120 May............................ $121,500............................117 June........................... $130,000............................113 July............................ $130,000............................108 Source: ARMLS. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Top Ten Months for Residential Sales
Wendy is a REALTOR®, CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert), a Foreclosure, Short Sale and REO Specialist and an ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative).
Office: 480.473.5427 • Fax: 480.624.3654 Wendy.Kirtland@RussLyon.com 23733 N. Scottsdale Rd. #200 • Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Median Home Price
Do you know about YOUR WAY HOME AZ available to Arizona residents? The Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) will offer 22 percent in purchase assistance to qualified homebuyers purchasing an eligible foreclosed home in the state. ADOH provides help in the form of a deferred second mortgage loan for purchase assistance. There are eligibility qualifications of the borrower such as income, debt-to-income ratios and home purchase price limits on the home. Call Wendy at (480)215-0959 for additional details of these programs or for any of your real estate questions.
contemporary southwest design
Metropolitan Phoenix
Rank 1 2 3 4 5
Month June 2005 Aug. 2005 June 2004 March 2005 May 2005
Sales 10,252 10,031 10,019 9,987 9,890
Rank 6 7 8 9 10
Month April 2005 July 2005 June 2009 May 2009 Sept. 2005
Sales 9,600 9,394 9,348 9,290 9,213
Statistics gathered from ARMLS.
Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996
gardening in cooler temps Transition Your Yard for Fall/Winter
sushi scottsdale style
Geisha A Go Go’s Tuna & Crab Tartar
Event Calendar
September 2009
Healing Field Tempe Beach Park, Sept. 11th – 14th 480.967.2001 or tempe.gov/lake Stroll down Tempe’s Healing Field in remembrance of those who died during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. 3,000 American flags are placed in honor of the heroism, strength and unity of Americans on this infamous day in our country’s history. What a perfect opportunity to unite again as a community, remember the fallen, and stand strong in the face of those who wish to harm us. So Long to Summer Fest Freestone Park Ballfield Complex, Sept. 12th 480.503.6871 or ci.gilbert.az.us/parks Head over to Gilbert to bid adieu to summer. The City of Gilbert coordinates this yearly event and provides activities for the entire family to enjoy. Listen to live music, try your hand (and feet) at wall climbing, and let the kids enjoy the inflatable bounces and slides. A colorful fireworks display will round out the celebration! Walk for Homeless Families Wesley Bolin Memorial Park, Sept. 19th 602.275.7852 or umom.org Holding their first-ever Walk for Homeless Families, UMOM is encouraging people to step out for some fun physical activity and raise funds and awareness for the ever-growing needs of Arizona’s homeless families. You can register as a group or independent walker and can choose the 5K or 10K course. If walking isn’t your style, join the event as a volunteer or to simply cheer on others. 2009 Arizona Restaurant Week Various restaurants in the Valley, Sept. 19th – 26th 602.307.9134 or arizonarestaurantweek.com Showcasing the many culinary gems here in the Valley, Arizona Restaurant Week returns with a bang! During this seven-day promotion, scores of Valley restaurants will feature a special three-course menu featuring some of their signature dishes at $29 per person or $59 a couple. Restaurants participating in this event include Bloom, Arrowhead Grill and Tarbell’s. Treat yourself to a fabulous meal, while supporting our local restaurant industry! Legally Blonde ASU Gammage, Sept. 22nd – 27th 480.965.3434 or asugammage.com Based on the hit movie, Legally Blonde has been transformed into a hilarious and uplifting musical. Elle is determined to prove herself when her boyfriend dumps her for someone “more serious” and decides to attend the most “serious” university around, Harvard Law. Legally Blonde has only been running for two years and has already been nominated for six Tony Awards!
As the earth tilts on its axis, fall officially starts September 22nd and winter December 22nd, at least in our hemisphere. Fall, for some, may just be a transition time from summer into winter but in the world of gardeners each season stands on its own. Landscaping in Arizona is unique. Although many might argue that we don’t experience four seasons in our climate, the truth is that your landscaping does need transitional care to take it from hot weather to cold weather. Fall The extreme heat of the desert summer starts to subside in the fall making it the perfect time to prepare plants for the winter. This is when you tuck your flowers and plants to bed for the winter. If done right, your spring landscaping will emerge beautifully.
Winter Desert dwellers benefit from beautiful weather right through the winter months. However, we do get cold temps at night and even an occasional frost. Take the necessary precautions and your landscape will survive the season.
• Time to Plant - add organic amendments to prepare soil - plant spring bulbs - sow seeds of cool-season vegetables (carrots, green onions, peas), wait on lettuce until cooler temps arrive - aerate, seed and fertilize lawns with winter grass
• Time to Plant - if weather is mild, continue to plant wildflowers from seed - provide color with flowering annuals (petunia, pansy, viola, calendula)
• Time to Water - heavily irrigate trees and plants - as temps cool off, increase duration of watering but reduce frequency - reduce watering of landscape plants as it gets cooler and cooler, to acclimate them for winter temps • Time to Care - stop fertilizing rose bushes, cover with eight inches soil and prune back to 36 inches tall - prune trees and shrubs after leaves turn in early fall, fertilize hardy landscape plants - stop fertilizing cold-tender plants (hibiscus, citrus, bougainvillea) and deciduous fruit trees - as night temps hit 50, bring potted plants inside
• Time to Water - cut back on watering until warmer temps arrive - only water as needed • Time to Care - cover cold-sensitive plants (citrus, bougainvillea, tender perennials) - use the newer hi-tech frost cloth which allows in more light - keep cacti from frost damage: columnar cacti – cover growing points with Styrofoam cups. Saguaros, barrels, cardons – cover top of plant with frost cloth. Large cacti – use propane heaters at base - wait until January/February to prune deciduous trees and shrubs - wait until March to cut back tender plants (lantana, bird of paradise)
Those Pesky Pests Even animal lovers get annoyed when the local rabbits and birds feast on their new plants and seeds. Don’t get mad. Get building. Keep the rabbits out with sturdy wire cages anchored several inches deep around your plants/garden. Keep the birds away with fencing, netting and screening over newly seeded wildflowers, vegetables and annuals. If your desert environment includes hungry javelinas, attempt to grow plants and flowers in containers that are too high for them to reach.
Your Home
The allure of the desert’s spectacular sunsets, sky-reaching saguaros and breathtaking mountainous peaks has lured many architects over the years from all parts of the country to the Valley of the Sun. The emergence of Contemporary Southwest vernacular design in Arizona is largely the result of our unique environment. In most cases, it is the desert itself that inspires the work of architects and interior designers when transforming a concept or project to this popular design style. The new millennium solidified the stature of Contemporary Southwest architecture which focuses on the use of elements existing in nature coupled with simplicity of design. This style combines several regional influences including Pueblo, Anasazi, and Spanish Colonial. The emphasis is on using materials that evolve into the actual design elements. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED Tony Sutton of EST EST Interior Design brings the unexpected to his designs. Contemporary Southwest design allows you to break from the traditional using a contemporary interpretation of Old World influences. It is organic, blending nature and history with the modern world. Homes designed in this style tend to freeform around the natural terrain. Sutton likes to mix things up creatively. Contemporary allows him to develop unexpected variations on the expected, but without radical change. Sutton says, “There is no dominant design style right now….we’ve branched away from Tuscan. I like to work with a contemporary interpretation of many design styles. Arizona is great for that as it’s a melting pot and collision of cultures.” INSIDE/OUT The incredible flora and fauna of the desert is perfect for bringing the inside outside and vice versa, an important focus in Contemporary Southwest design. As a natural native backdrop or incorporated into the actual living space, the light and colors of the Sonoran desert become one with the design and materials in the construction of the home. Sutton often does his design research by browsing botanical books to incorporate the natural elements of the desert into his work. The spirit of the surroundings should blend into the design of the home, as the environment is a key element. This type of home is integrated with the naturalness of the outside creating an indoor/outdoor setting. The beauty and climate of the Arizona desert make it an ideal place for this lifestyle.
Tuna and Crab Tartar Ingredients: 2 oz. chopped raw tuna 1 oz. crab meat 1/4 oz. soy sauce (lite) 1/4 oz. sesame oil pinch of Japanese chili powder pinch of white sesame seeds Japanese rice crackers
Local Flavor!
Phoenix Cooks Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Sept. 5th 602.374.6024 or phoenixcooks.com This is the ultimate culinary dream come true! Three performance-kitchen stages will showcase the talents of several remarkable chefs from over 50 restaurants and resorts. Participate in an interactive cooking session with a top chef and learn healthy variations of your favorite dishes. Or, simply kick back, have a drink and indulge in all the great food. Proceeds benefit the Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
Directions: 1. In a small mixing bowl combine first six ingredients and mix well. 2. Plate and serve with Japanese rice crackers.
Featuring Geisha A Go Go 7150 E. 6th Ave. • Scottsdale • 480.699.0055 or geishaagogo.com
Serves one.
Event Calendar
September 2009
Healing Field Tempe Beach Park, Sept. 11th – 14th 480.967.2001 or tempe.gov/lake Stroll down Tempe’s Healing Field in remembrance of those who died during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. 3,000 American flags are placed in honor of the heroism, strength and unity of Americans on this infamous day in our country’s history. What a perfect opportunity to unite again as a community, remember the fallen, and stand strong in the face of those who wish to harm us. So Long to Summer Fest Freestone Park Ballfield Complex, Sept. 12th 480.503.6871 or ci.gilbert.az.us/parks Head over to Gilbert to bid adieu to summer. The City of Gilbert coordinates this yearly event and provides activities for the entire family to enjoy. Listen to live music, try your hand (and feet) at wall climbing, and let the kids enjoy the inflatable bounces and slides. A colorful fireworks display will round out the celebration! Walk for Homeless Families Wesley Bolin Memorial Park, Sept. 19th 602.275.7852 or umom.org Holding their first-ever Walk for Homeless Families, UMOM is encouraging people to step out for some fun physical activity and raise funds and awareness for the ever-growing needs of Arizona’s homeless families. You can register as a group or independent walker and can choose the 5K or 10K course. If walking isn’t your style, join the event as a volunteer or to simply cheer on others. 2009 Arizona Restaurant Week Various restaurants in the Valley, Sept. 19th – 26th 602.307.9134 or arizonarestaurantweek.com Showcasing the many culinary gems here in the Valley, Arizona Restaurant Week returns with a bang! During this seven-day promotion, scores of Valley restaurants will feature a special three-course menu featuring some of their signature dishes at $29 per person or $59 a couple. Restaurants participating in this event include Bloom, Arrowhead Grill and Tarbell’s. Treat yourself to a fabulous meal, while supporting our local restaurant industry! Legally Blonde ASU Gammage, Sept. 22nd – 27th 480.965.3434 or asugammage.com Based on the hit movie, Legally Blonde has been transformed into a hilarious and uplifting musical. Elle is determined to prove herself when her boyfriend dumps her for someone “more serious” and decides to attend the most “serious” university around, Harvard Law. Legally Blonde has only been running for two years and has already been nominated for six Tony Awards!
As the earth tilts on its axis, fall officially starts September 22nd and winter December 22nd, at least in our hemisphere. Fall, for some, may just be a transition time from summer into winter but in the world of gardeners each season stands on its own. Landscaping in Arizona is unique. Although many might argue that we don’t experience four seasons in our climate, the truth is that your landscaping does need transitional care to take it from hot weather to cold weather. Fall The extreme heat of the desert summer starts to subside in the fall making it the perfect time to prepare plants for the winter. This is when you tuck your flowers and plants to bed for the winter. If done right, your spring landscaping will emerge beautifully.
Winter Desert dwellers benefit from beautiful weather right through the winter months. However, we do get cold temps at night and even an occasional frost. Take the necessary precautions and your landscape will survive the season.
• Time to Plant - add organic amendments to prepare soil - plant spring bulbs - sow seeds of cool-season vegetables (carrots, green onions, peas), wait on lettuce until cooler temps arrive - aerate, seed and fertilize lawns with winter grass
• Time to Plant - if weather is mild, continue to plant wildflowers from seed - provide color with flowering annuals (petunia, pansy, viola, calendula)
• Time to Water - heavily irrigate trees and plants - as temps cool off, increase duration of watering but reduce frequency - reduce watering of landscape plants as it gets cooler and cooler, to acclimate them for winter temps • Time to Care - stop fertilizing rose bushes, cover with eight inches soil and prune back to 36 inches tall - prune trees and shrubs after leaves turn in early fall, fertilize hardy landscape plants - stop fertilizing cold-tender plants (hibiscus, citrus, bougainvillea) and deciduous fruit trees - as night temps hit 50, bring potted plants inside
• Time to Water - cut back on watering until warmer temps arrive - only water as needed • Time to Care - cover cold-sensitive plants (citrus, bougainvillea, tender perennials) - use the newer hi-tech frost cloth which allows in more light - keep cacti from frost damage: columnar cacti – cover growing points with Styrofoam cups. Saguaros, barrels, cardons – cover top of plant with frost cloth. Large cacti – use propane heaters at base - wait until January/February to prune deciduous trees and shrubs - wait until March to cut back tender plants (lantana, bird of paradise)
Those Pesky Pests Even animal lovers get annoyed when the local rabbits and birds feast on their new plants and seeds. Don’t get mad. Get building. Keep the rabbits out with sturdy wire cages anchored several inches deep around your plants/garden. Keep the birds away with fencing, netting and screening over newly seeded wildflowers, vegetables and annuals. If your desert environment includes hungry javelinas, attempt to grow plants and flowers in containers that are too high for them to reach.
Your Home
The allure of the desert’s spectacular sunsets, sky-reaching saguaros and breathtaking mountainous peaks has lured many architects over the years from all parts of the country to the Valley of the Sun. The emergence of Contemporary Southwest vernacular design in Arizona is largely the result of our unique environment. In most cases, it is the desert itself that inspires the work of architects and interior designers when transforming a concept or project to this popular design style. The new millennium solidified the stature of Contemporary Southwest architecture which focuses on the use of elements existing in nature coupled with simplicity of design. This style combines several regional influences including Pueblo, Anasazi, and Spanish Colonial. The emphasis is on using materials that evolve into the actual design elements. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED Tony Sutton of EST EST Interior Design brings the unexpected to his designs. Contemporary Southwest design allows you to break from the traditional using a contemporary interpretation of Old World influences. It is organic, blending nature and history with the modern world. Homes designed in this style tend to freeform around the natural terrain. Sutton likes to mix things up creatively. Contemporary allows him to develop unexpected variations on the expected, but without radical change. Sutton says, “There is no dominant design style right now….we’ve branched away from Tuscan. I like to work with a contemporary interpretation of many design styles. Arizona is great for that as it’s a melting pot and collision of cultures.” INSIDE/OUT The incredible flora and fauna of the desert is perfect for bringing the inside outside and vice versa, an important focus in Contemporary Southwest design. As a natural native backdrop or incorporated into the actual living space, the light and colors of the Sonoran desert become one with the design and materials in the construction of the home. Sutton often does his design research by browsing botanical books to incorporate the natural elements of the desert into his work. The spirit of the surroundings should blend into the design of the home, as the environment is a key element. This type of home is integrated with the naturalness of the outside creating an indoor/outdoor setting. The beauty and climate of the Arizona desert make it an ideal place for this lifestyle.
Tuna and Crab Tartar Ingredients: 2 oz. chopped raw tuna 1 oz. crab meat 1/4 oz. soy sauce (lite) 1/4 oz. sesame oil pinch of Japanese chili powder pinch of white sesame seeds Japanese rice crackers
Local Flavor!
Phoenix Cooks Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Sept. 5th 602.374.6024 or phoenixcooks.com This is the ultimate culinary dream come true! Three performance-kitchen stages will showcase the talents of several remarkable chefs from over 50 restaurants and resorts. Participate in an interactive cooking session with a top chef and learn healthy variations of your favorite dishes. Or, simply kick back, have a drink and indulge in all the great food. Proceeds benefit the Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
Directions: 1. In a small mixing bowl combine first six ingredients and mix well. 2. Plate and serve with Japanese rice crackers.
Featuring Geisha A Go Go 7150 E. 6th Ave. • Scottsdale • 480.699.0055 or geishaagogo.com
Serves one.
The Clock is Ticking…
Arizona Homeowner September / 2009
ON THE FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT You, a co-purchaser (excluding spouse) or someone you know may qualify for this unprecedented tax credit, but the deadline to purchase that home is closing in on us. You must purchase before and close by December 1, 2009. If you are planning to purchase a home with a new mortgage you need to count on 45 to 60 days to close on the property. The lenders are anticipating a mad dash prior to the expiration of this tax credit. This will increase the time for them to process your loan. Based on this you should identify your property and make your offers before the end of September so you don’t get caught in the last minute rush. How do you know if you qualify? • Did you purchase a home that closed after April 8, 2008 or before December 1, 2009? • Is this home your principal residence and not a second home or investment property?
Residential Home Sales
The law defines “first-time home buyer” as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse. The credit: • Reduces a taxpayer’s tax bill or increases his or her refund, dollar for dollar. • Is fully refundable, meaning the credit will be paid out to eligible taxpayers, even if they owe no tax or the credit is more than the tax owed. As of June 1, FHA lenders can loan first-time buyers up to $8,000 on a short-term basis for use on closing and some down payment costs. When buyers get their tax credit checks from the IRS, they pay back the lender. FHA buyers will still need to make down payments of at least three and a half percent of the purchase price of the house from their own resources or gifts from relatives. But they can use the cash advances from the lenders on closing costs, mortgage insurance premiums and to buy down their interest rates.
Metropolitan Phoenix
Organic • Regional • Modern 4,742
5,476
7,628
8,552
9,290
9,348
9,107
Jan. 09
Feb. 09
Mar. 09
Apr. 09
May 09
Jun. 09
July 09
Source: ARMLS. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
January-July 2009 Sales Statistics Single-Family Homes / Metro Phoenix
For more information on the tax credit call Wendy today at (480) 215-0959.
WENDY KIRTLAND
If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.
Avg. Days on Market
January...................... $130,000............................112 February..................... $127,900............................121 March......................... $120,000............................125 April........................... $118,000............................120 May............................ $121,500............................117 June........................... $130,000............................113 July............................ $130,000............................108 Source: ARMLS. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Top Ten Months for Residential Sales
Wendy is a REALTOR®, CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert), a Foreclosure, Short Sale and REO Specialist and an ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative).
Office: 480.473.5427 • Fax: 480.624.3654 Wendy.Kirtland@RussLyon.com 23733 N. Scottsdale Rd. #200 • Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Median Home Price
Do you know about YOUR WAY HOME AZ available to Arizona residents? The Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) will offer 22 percent in purchase assistance to qualified homebuyers purchasing an eligible foreclosed home in the state. ADOH provides help in the form of a deferred second mortgage loan for purchase assistance. There are eligibility qualifications of the borrower such as income, debt-to-income ratios and home purchase price limits on the home. Call Wendy at (480)215-0959 for additional details of these programs or for any of your real estate questions.
contemporary southwest design
Metropolitan Phoenix
Rank 1 2 3 4 5
Month June 2005 Aug. 2005 June 2004 March 2005 May 2005
Sales 10,252 10,031 10,019 9,987 9,890
Rank 6 7 8 9 10
Month April 2005 July 2005 June 2009 May 2009 Sept. 2005
Sales 9,600 9,394 9,348 9,290 9,213
Statistics gathered from ARMLS.
Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996
gardening in cooler temps Transition Your Yard for Fall/Winter
sushi scottsdale style
Geisha A Go Go’s Tuna & Crab Tartar