Brady Holland
Arizona Homeowner July | August 2012
Senior Mortgage Banker 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!
Underwater On Your Mortgage But Want To Refinance?
NOW YOU CAN! IF YOU’D LIKE TO REFINANCE OUT OR YOUR 5%-6% (OR MORE!) RATE INTO TODAY’S LOW, LOW 4% (OR EVEN LESS!) FIXED RATES, GIVE ME A CALL.
Your Survival Guide
We can now refinance most loans without ANY restrictions regarding the amount a property is upside-down! If you have NO EQUITY, it doesn’t matter! With mortgage rates at record lows, there are tremendous savings opportunities for almost everyone. CALL OR EMAIL ME RIGHT AWAY! I’ll help determine your eligibility and tell you:
· How much money a refinance will save you every month! · How you’ll even get to skip a month’s mortgage payment as part of your refinance package!
MORTGAGE RATES Brady Holland
Senior Mortgage Banker NMLS 180079
Direct: 480.272.3282 Brady@BradyHollandGroup.com
As of 4/23/12
Loan Rates for $150K-$417K: • 30-Year Fixed: 4.000%/4.148% APR • 15-Year Fixed: 3.375%/3.570% APR • 5/1 ARM: 3.250%/3.385% APR
Loan Rates for $418K-$1.5M: • 30-Year Fixed: 5.000%/5.055% 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
keep your cool!
Smart Ways To Shrink Your Utility Bills
the valley’s favorite breakfast
Wildflower Bread Company’s Signature Pancakes
Event Calendar First Fridays Downtown Phoenix, July 6th and August 3rd 602.256.7539 | ArtLinkPhoenix.com Hungry for some urban culture? Enjoy the spirit and vibe of downtown Phoenix as you tour more than 70 art galleries and venues. There’s a free shuttle that starts at the Phoenix Art Museum but also stops at major spots along the route. Or, happily hoof it with your favorite fellow art lover. Grand Canyon State Games Various Locations and Dates in July 480.517.9700 | GCSG.org Do the 2012 Summer Olympics have you itching to compete yourself? The Grand Canyon State Games is a multi-sport Olympic Festival for Arizona amateur athletes of all ages and abilities. The Games is sanctioned by the U.S. Olympic Committee and there are several sports on tap for the 2012 Summer Games; from adventure racing and golf, to dodgeball and swimming. Register online to compete. Winter in July Phoenix Zoo, July 21st 602.273.1341 | PhoenixZoo.org Take break from sweltering temps and enjoy a Saturday cooling down with over 20 tons of snow! Besides the fun of watching your favorite zoo animals devour their frozen treats and romping in some snow, you’ll get to throw snowballs, cool off in the water play areas and even enjoy dancing, games and prizes with Radio Disney. A kid’s paradise for sure! Date Night: Sultry Summer Steakhouse Sur La Table, July 28th 800.243.0852 | SurLaTable.com Break up your date night routine with an evening of fun, food and romance. Sur La Table at Kierland Commons offers couples cooking classes and this particular summer evening is all about crafting the perfect steak and scrumptious seasonal side dishes. Delish! Neil Diamond in Concert US Airways Center, August 29th 602.379.7800 | USAirwaysCenter.com Neil Diamond, a 2011 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and 2011 Kennedy Center honoree, is taking his greatest hits on the road for his much-anticipated North American tour with a one-evening stop in Phoenix. Expect to hear all of his most popular songs including his own personal favorite, Sweet Caroline. Sweet indeed!
REDUCE YOUR
A/C BILLS
For many golf aficionados, the desert heat can’t do much to quench the desire to hit the links. In fact, many Valley residents have learned to love the joys of summer golfing. It may require extra bottles of water and multiple doses of sunblock, but summer is when the winter visitors go home leaving courses less crowded. Coupled with some of the best golf deals in the nation, summer is a great time to head out to courses that you may not have golfed before. Be careful though, and take extra precautions to keep your day fun and exhilarating rather than consumed with a trip to the emergency room.
THIS SUMMER Here we are, in the midst of another hot Arizona summer. Whether you’ve just moved to the Valley or you’ve lived here for decades, the sting of those summertime energy bills can drain the fun from summer just as quickly as they can drain the money from your pocketbook. There are, however, ways to cut your cooling bills significantly without having to make dramatic changes to your lifestyle. First and foremost, determine if your current air conditioner is working as efficiently as it can. Hiring a licensed contractor to service your unit each year will keep it in tip-top shape. If you’ve recently moved into your home or haven’t had your unit serviced before, have your contractor verify that your unit is the right size for your home or that you have enough units to properly cool the home. If it is determined that your air conditioner needs to be replaced or needs major repairs, look for a system with an extra-high efficiency. Air conditioning systems are measured with a SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) number. Look for a rating of 14-SEER or better. A higher-efficiency unit will cost more, but in our desert heat it will pay for itself within a few years by producing reduced cooling bills. Performing regular monthly maintenance is also important. Replace or clean your air filters every month, perhaps on the first of the month when you also test your smoke detector batteries. When air conditioning filters get dirty (and they get dirty quickly with our dusty desert environment), the dirt build-up restricts the airflow and causes your unit to work harder than it should. When you leave your home for the day or for a weekend, it may be tempting to turn your air conditioning unit off while you’re away. Instead, increase the setting to 85 degrees or so. You will actually save money because your unit will have to work so hard to bring a home down from 97-105+ degrees than if it was just left on at 85 degrees the whole time. Installing a programmable thermostat is an easy way to set it to a comfortable temperature for when you’re home, a higher temperature for when you’re away and perhaps an even cooler temperature for sleeping. If you’re able to, set your thermostat a few degrees warmer than you may prefer but compensate by using fans. As you know, the movement of air over your skin makes you feel cooler even though the temperature is warmer. For every degree higher you can set your thermostat, you’ll save about three percent on the air conditioning portion of your electric bill. Turn fans off though when you’re not in the room because running the fan doesn’t actually lower the temperature and its benefits are only felt if someone is in the room. Avoid generating heat inside your home whenever you can. Preparing meals outside on the grill, in a slow cooker or a microwave oven will reduce the heat in the kitchen. Use the air-dry setting on the dishwasher and the low-heat setting on the clothes dryer. Large appliances and equipment such as computers produce heat, so turn those off when not in use. The less heat that comes into the home, the less work your air conditioning unit has to do to remove it. Plant shade trees and shrubs around the perimeter of the home. Use dual-pane windows, sunscreens, awnings, blinds and even window films to reduce the amount of sunlight filtering into your home. Pay special attention to the western and southern exposures of your home as those are susceptible to more heat. Lastly, make sure that your vents are not obstructed by furnishings or window coverings and that you’ve installed weather stripping around drafty windows and doors. Do your part to save as much energy as you can this year – you just may have some money left over for extra trips to the ice cream parlor!
Your Home
Sunburn
As Arizona residents, we’re particularly familiar with the use of sunblock. Using it properly, especially while golfing, is not as familiar to some. Not only do you need to use a sunblock with an SPF of 45 or higher, but use one that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. A waterproof sunblock is also necessary as it won’t dissipate if you’re sweating. Because it takes about 15 minutes for sunblock to begin protecting your skin, apply it before you leave home. Keep in mind that if you’re wiping your brow or back of your neck during your game, you’re most likely wiping your sun protection right off. If you are wearing light-colored or loose-weave clothing, apply sunblock under your clothes as
well. The sun’s rays will often penetrate clothing too. In addition to sunblock, the attire you wear can go a long way in keeping the sun off of your skin. There are many specialty clothing lines that offer golf attire in sun-protective fabrics. Sun-protective clothes have a label listing the garment’s Ultraviolet Protection Factor or UPF. If you haven’t purchased sun-protective clothing, you can wash your regular clothing in a product called SunGuard. It is a colorless dye that gives your clothing a UPF protection.
Heat Sickness
Heat exhaustion can cause fatigue, dizziness, nausea, headache, profuse sweating and even vomiting. Rest and immediate replacement of fluids is necessary. Heat stroke, on the other hand, is a medical emergency and can cause death or severe brain damage quickly. The body temperature soars very high (often 106 degrees or above) and there may be a loss of consciousness, lack of sweating, and bizarre behavior or other neurological symptoms. Staying hydrated is the number one way of staving off heat-related illness. Consume PLENTY of fluids, more than you even think you need. In fact, if you are feeling thirsty, you are already too dehydrated. Keep your body cool with the use of cooling bandanas, cooling vests, cooling collars or the popular
cooling towels made specifically for golfers. They’re pre-moistened with a formula of water, menthol and aloe vera extract that cools and refreshes on contact. Studies have shown that the worst effects of heat are cumulative. So avoid overheating in the first place or you may find yourself behind the eight ball when it comes to staying cool and hydrated.
Monsoon Storms
Summer thunderstorms can manifest quickly in the desert. If you notice a thunderstorm approaching, it’s prudent to leave the course right away. Watch out for quick wind shifts, rapid cooling temperatures and increased wind velocity. Those are signs that a thunderstorm is probably coming. If you can hear thunder within five seconds of seeing a lightning strike, you are in a strike zone. Take immediate precaution to avoid being struck by lightning. Put down your golf clubs and remove your golf shoes. Stay
away from water, tall objects such as trees and saguaro cacti, and descend from hill tops. Distance yourself from your golf cart and do not use your cell phone. If you’re in a group, it’s better to spread out at least 15 feet apart rather than huddle together. Do not lay flat on the ground but rather kneel or squat to minimize the contact points to the ground. If you feel your hair beginning to stand on end, that is a sign that electricity is near and you may be about to be struck. Cover your head and cover your ears to avoid any possible hearing damage. With plenty of precaution, there is no reason not to enjoy your game during these hot months. It’s not a bad idea to bring extra water and sunblock for any fellow golfers you see that are not as prepared as you. Every year in the Valley, some hardy out-of-towners hit the links and underestimate the effects of our summer heat. Keep an eye out for those folks and lend them an extra hand. Happy golfing!
Banana Walnut Pancakes INGREDIENTS: • 1 cup Wildflower pancake mix • 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. filtered water • 1 egg • 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract • 1/4 cup vegetable oil • 1/2 cup diced banana • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts • powdered sugar • whipped butter • maple syrup
Local Flavor!
July| August 2012
Featuring Wildflower Bread Company WildflowerBread.com
DIRECTIONS: 1. Combine water, egg, vanilla and vegetable oil into a bowl. Mix well. 2. Add Wildflower pancake mix to mixing bowl. 3. Mix thoroughly with an automatic mixer or whisk until smooth. 4. Stir diced bananas and chopped walnuts into mixture. 5. Warm nonstick skillet to medium heat. Do not use cooking spray or oil. 6. Place 1/4 cup batter onto skillet. Repeat. 7. Cook until bubbles form and edges begin to firm; flip. 8. Garnish with three 1/4” slices of banana and chopped walnuts; finish by sprinkling powdered sugar over the entire plate. 9. Serve with warm maple syrup and whipped butter. Yield: approximately eight 4” pancakes
Event Calendar First Fridays Downtown Phoenix, July 6th and August 3rd 602.256.7539 | ArtLinkPhoenix.com Hungry for some urban culture? Enjoy the spirit and vibe of downtown Phoenix as you tour more than 70 art galleries and venues. There’s a free shuttle that starts at the Phoenix Art Museum but also stops at major spots along the route. Or, happily hoof it with your favorite fellow art lover. Grand Canyon State Games Various Locations and Dates in July 480.517.9700 | GCSG.org Do the 2012 Summer Olympics have you itching to compete yourself? The Grand Canyon State Games is a multi-sport Olympic Festival for Arizona amateur athletes of all ages and abilities. The Games is sanctioned by the U.S. Olympic Committee and there are several sports on tap for the 2012 Summer Games; from adventure racing and golf, to dodgeball and swimming. Register online to compete. Winter in July Phoenix Zoo, July 21st 602.273.1341 | PhoenixZoo.org Take break from sweltering temps and enjoy a Saturday cooling down with over 20 tons of snow! Besides the fun of watching your favorite zoo animals devour their frozen treats and romping in some snow, you’ll get to throw snowballs, cool off in the water play areas and even enjoy dancing, games and prizes with Radio Disney. A kid’s paradise for sure! Date Night: Sultry Summer Steakhouse Sur La Table, July 28th 800.243.0852 | SurLaTable.com Break up your date night routine with an evening of fun, food and romance. Sur La Table at Kierland Commons offers couples cooking classes and this particular summer evening is all about crafting the perfect steak and scrumptious seasonal side dishes. Delish! Neil Diamond in Concert US Airways Center, August 29th 602.379.7800 | USAirwaysCenter.com Neil Diamond, a 2011 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and 2011 Kennedy Center honoree, is taking his greatest hits on the road for his much-anticipated North American tour with a one-evening stop in Phoenix. Expect to hear all of his most popular songs including his own personal favorite, Sweet Caroline. Sweet indeed!
REDUCE YOUR
A/C BILLS
For many golf aficionados, the desert heat can’t do much to quench the desire to hit the links. In fact, many Valley residents have learned to love the joys of summer golfing. It may require extra bottles of water and multiple doses of sunblock, but summer is when the winter visitors go home leaving courses less crowded. Coupled with some of the best golf deals in the nation, summer is a great time to head out to courses that you may not have golfed before. Be careful though, and take extra precautions to keep your day fun and exhilarating rather than consumed with a trip to the emergency room.
THIS SUMMER Here we are, in the midst of another hot Arizona summer. Whether you’ve just moved to the Valley or you’ve lived here for decades, the sting of those summertime energy bills can drain the fun from summer just as quickly as they can drain the money from your pocketbook. There are, however, ways to cut your cooling bills significantly without having to make dramatic changes to your lifestyle. First and foremost, determine if your current air conditioner is working as efficiently as it can. Hiring a licensed contractor to service your unit each year will keep it in tip-top shape. If you’ve recently moved into your home or haven’t had your unit serviced before, have your contractor verify that your unit is the right size for your home or that you have enough units to properly cool the home. If it is determined that your air conditioner needs to be replaced or needs major repairs, look for a system with an extra-high efficiency. Air conditioning systems are measured with a SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) number. Look for a rating of 14-SEER or better. A higher-efficiency unit will cost more, but in our desert heat it will pay for itself within a few years by producing reduced cooling bills. Performing regular monthly maintenance is also important. Replace or clean your air filters every month, perhaps on the first of the month when you also test your smoke detector batteries. When air conditioning filters get dirty (and they get dirty quickly with our dusty desert environment), the dirt build-up restricts the airflow and causes your unit to work harder than it should. When you leave your home for the day or for a weekend, it may be tempting to turn your air conditioning unit off while you’re away. Instead, increase the setting to 85 degrees or so. You will actually save money because your unit will have to work so hard to bring a home down from 97-105+ degrees than if it was just left on at 85 degrees the whole time. Installing a programmable thermostat is an easy way to set it to a comfortable temperature for when you’re home, a higher temperature for when you’re away and perhaps an even cooler temperature for sleeping. If you’re able to, set your thermostat a few degrees warmer than you may prefer but compensate by using fans. As you know, the movement of air over your skin makes you feel cooler even though the temperature is warmer. For every degree higher you can set your thermostat, you’ll save about three percent on the air conditioning portion of your electric bill. Turn fans off though when you’re not in the room because running the fan doesn’t actually lower the temperature and its benefits are only felt if someone is in the room. Avoid generating heat inside your home whenever you can. Preparing meals outside on the grill, in a slow cooker or a microwave oven will reduce the heat in the kitchen. Use the air-dry setting on the dishwasher and the low-heat setting on the clothes dryer. Large appliances and equipment such as computers produce heat, so turn those off when not in use. The less heat that comes into the home, the less work your air conditioning unit has to do to remove it. Plant shade trees and shrubs around the perimeter of the home. Use dual-pane windows, sunscreens, awnings, blinds and even window films to reduce the amount of sunlight filtering into your home. Pay special attention to the western and southern exposures of your home as those are susceptible to more heat. Lastly, make sure that your vents are not obstructed by furnishings or window coverings and that you’ve installed weather stripping around drafty windows and doors. Do your part to save as much energy as you can this year – you just may have some money left over for extra trips to the ice cream parlor!
Your Home
Sunburn
As Arizona residents, we’re particularly familiar with the use of sunblock. Using it properly, especially while golfing, is not as familiar to some. Not only do you need to use a sunblock with an SPF of 45 or higher, but use one that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. A waterproof sunblock is also necessary as it won’t dissipate if you’re sweating. Because it takes about 15 minutes for sunblock to begin protecting your skin, apply it before you leave home. Keep in mind that if you’re wiping your brow or back of your neck during your game, you’re most likely wiping your sun protection right off. If you are wearing light-colored or loose-weave clothing, apply sunblock under your clothes as
well. The sun’s rays will often penetrate clothing too. In addition to sunblock, the attire you wear can go a long way in keeping the sun off of your skin. There are many specialty clothing lines that offer golf attire in sun-protective fabrics. Sun-protective clothes have a label listing the garment’s Ultraviolet Protection Factor or UPF. If you haven’t purchased sun-protective clothing, you can wash your regular clothing in a product called SunGuard. It is a colorless dye that gives your clothing a UPF protection.
Heat Sickness
Heat exhaustion can cause fatigue, dizziness, nausea, headache, profuse sweating and even vomiting. Rest and immediate replacement of fluids is necessary. Heat stroke, on the other hand, is a medical emergency and can cause death or severe brain damage quickly. The body temperature soars very high (often 106 degrees or above) and there may be a loss of consciousness, lack of sweating, and bizarre behavior or other neurological symptoms. Staying hydrated is the number one way of staving off heat-related illness. Consume PLENTY of fluids, more than you even think you need. In fact, if you are feeling thirsty, you are already too dehydrated. Keep your body cool with the use of cooling bandanas, cooling vests, cooling collars or the popular
cooling towels made specifically for golfers. They’re pre-moistened with a formula of water, menthol and aloe vera extract that cools and refreshes on contact. Studies have shown that the worst effects of heat are cumulative. So avoid overheating in the first place or you may find yourself behind the eight ball when it comes to staying cool and hydrated.
Monsoon Storms
Summer thunderstorms can manifest quickly in the desert. If you notice a thunderstorm approaching, it’s prudent to leave the course right away. Watch out for quick wind shifts, rapid cooling temperatures and increased wind velocity. Those are signs that a thunderstorm is probably coming. If you can hear thunder within five seconds of seeing a lightning strike, you are in a strike zone. Take immediate precaution to avoid being struck by lightning. Put down your golf clubs and remove your golf shoes. Stay
away from water, tall objects such as trees and saguaro cacti, and descend from hill tops. Distance yourself from your golf cart and do not use your cell phone. If you’re in a group, it’s better to spread out at least 15 feet apart rather than huddle together. Do not lay flat on the ground but rather kneel or squat to minimize the contact points to the ground. If you feel your hair beginning to stand on end, that is a sign that electricity is near and you may be about to be struck. Cover your head and cover your ears to avoid any possible hearing damage. With plenty of precaution, there is no reason not to enjoy your game during these hot months. It’s not a bad idea to bring extra water and sunblock for any fellow golfers you see that are not as prepared as you. Every year in the Valley, some hardy out-of-towners hit the links and underestimate the effects of our summer heat. Keep an eye out for those folks and lend them an extra hand. Happy golfing!
Banana Walnut Pancakes INGREDIENTS: • 1 cup Wildflower pancake mix • 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. filtered water • 1 egg • 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract • 1/4 cup vegetable oil • 1/2 cup diced banana • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts • powdered sugar • whipped butter • maple syrup
Local Flavor!
July| August 2012
Featuring Wildflower Bread Company WildflowerBread.com
DIRECTIONS: 1. Combine water, egg, vanilla and vegetable oil into a bowl. Mix well. 2. Add Wildflower pancake mix to mixing bowl. 3. Mix thoroughly with an automatic mixer or whisk until smooth. 4. Stir diced bananas and chopped walnuts into mixture. 5. Warm nonstick skillet to medium heat. Do not use cooking spray or oil. 6. Place 1/4 cup batter onto skillet. Repeat. 7. Cook until bubbles form and edges begin to firm; flip. 8. Garnish with three 1/4” slices of banana and chopped walnuts; finish by sprinkling powdered sugar over the entire plate. 9. Serve with warm maple syrup and whipped butter. Yield: approximately eight 4” pancakes
Monika Catlin
Arizona Homeowner July | August 2012
Work with a Realtor that knows how to position and sell to potential buyers!
MONIKA CATLIN HAS SOLD OVER $100 MILLION DOLLARS IN VALLEY REAL ESTATE. WHY WOULD YOU WORK WITH ANYONE ELSE? When it comes time to buy or sell, how do you choose who to work with? It’s simple, you deserve: • Superior Knowledge • Unsurpassed Expertise • Decades of Experience.
Featured Property SOLD IN 19 DAYS!
LET MONIKA SELL YOUR HOME QUICKLY TOO!
Monika Catlin offers nearly 40 years of experience servicing buyers and sellers in the Valley real estate market. She has been one of the most well-known, successful Realtors in Arizona and most of her clients respect her so much they use her to buy and sell homes several times over. They become repeat clients and Monika often works with second and third generations as well!! She always goes the extra mile to make sure her clients are happy. She’ll make you feel comfortable during any transaction, whether buying or selling. HER KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE ARE SECOND TO NONE.
Your Survival Guide
Born in Vienna, Austria, Monika speaks English, Spanish, French, Italian and German. She is a member of: • Premier Marketing Group • The Diamond Club • Who’s Who in Real Estate • Top 100 Agents Call her today to learn how she can help make your next real estate transaction a success!
PARADISE VALLEY CHARMER 7002 E. San Miguel 4750 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 5 Bath • $1,525,000
Monika Catlin Office: 480.998.0676 Cell: 602.750.7858 MCatlin1@cox.net If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.
This unique Country French-style home completed in 2008 sits in the most mature, established area of Paradise Valley. It features 3/4’’ antique oak wood flooring in the living room, great room, dining room and kitchen and is complimented with 24’’ travertine throughout the rest of the home. Knotty alder kitchen cabinets with granite where it belongs, six-burner gas stove and Viking stainless steel appliances, a center island breakfast bar for family gathering and chit-chats makes you never want to leave. The knotty alder wood trim around windows and baseboards, and the authentic brick fireplace add to the charm of this home. Don’t miss the light and cheerful garden room for relaxing or where children can do their homework. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net
keep your cool!
Smart Ways To Shrink Your Utility Bills
the valley’s favorite breakfast
Wildflower Bread Company’s Signature Pancakes