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A Lifestyle Guide to Fountain HIlls & Northeast Scottsdale spring 2011
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Spring 2011
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On the cover
Tonto Verde earns awards
The elegance of fine dining is part of this interior by Kathleen Silvers, owner of Colors Design, LLC. Colors has showrooms in Fountain Hills.
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The psychology of color
Reduce carbon footprint
Home, Spring 2011 is a publication of Western States Publishers, Inc. • P.O. Box 17869 • Fountain Hills, AZ • 85269 • Editor: Linda McThrall • Many of the stories in this edition are paid advertisements. For more information, call (480) 837-1931.
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Eagles Nest construction picks up Construction activity is picking up in Eagles Nest, the 244-custom acreplus lots community in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains. The Eagles Nest Committee of Architecture has recently approved several construction and “several others are in the architectural approval process and will be breaking ground in the next few months,” said Shelley Johnson, director of marketing and community relations, for MCO Properties. Eagles Nest is adjacent to the 21,099-acre McDowell Mountain Regional Park, which provides more than 40 miles of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails. As a neighbor to a habitat for plants and animals, Eagles Nest is designed to maintain the natural desert environment. Panorama vistas of Four Peaks, the Superstitions and the Goldfields stretch out from building lots. Lots are priced from the mid $200,000 range to more than $650,000. For buyers in search of a luxury custom home in move-in condition without the hassle of construction,
two properties await them. Daybreak, a 6,447 square-foot custom home, perches high within the gated community captures spectacular 360 degree mountain views. It is listed at $2.9 million. German Robledo’s design echoes the American prairie style of architecture pioneered by Frank Lloyd Wright. The philosophy that “form follows function” has influenced contemporary designs prevalent in Southern California and more recently in the desert southwest. La Esperanza, a rustic Southwestern ranch- Excavating and site preparation is under way for a new home on Coyote Way in Eagles style residence, is the sec- Nest. Spring has brought new activity in the custom home community. The architectural ond available home and committee is reviewing several construction applications, according to a MCO Properties priced at $2.45 million. spokeswoman. The exterior architecture transitions into the interior with heavy Properties, and renowned Scottsdale contact Steve Vargo, vice president timber trusses, rough-hewn beans custom home builder, RS Homes. and designated broker of MCO Realty and stone fireplaces. The residence is To learn more about Eagles Nest or at 837-2500. a collaboration of the developer, MCO arrange a tour of the two residences,
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Tonto Verde takes multiple awards The Tonto Verde Club house has taken first place in the annual Clubhouse of the Year competition sponsored by Golf Inc. Magazine. Tonto Verde took first place in the Remodel/Renovation category - beating out a competitive list of candidates. Second place finisher in the category was Charlotte Country Club in Charlotte, N.C. and third place was Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md. Tonto Verde homeowners’ association president Rosemary Kastrava is pleased with the recognition. “We are so thrilled with the beauty of our clubhouse. It’s a perfect complement to this amazing community,” Kastrava said. “We are honored by this award.” All the winners will be showcased in the upcoming spring issue of Golf, Inc. Magazine. Clubs were selected on the criteria of overall design concept, aesthetics and efficiency. The club was also recognized with a Gold Nugget Award from PCBC. PCBC awarded Kimberly Timmons Interiors a prestigious Gold Nugget Merit Award for the Best Rehab Commercial/Industrial Project for the Tonto Verde Golf Clubhouse. The design philosophy for the renovation of the 21,000-square-foot Tonto Verde Golf Clubhouse was to maintain the architectural character of the building and transform the generic Southwest interior into a warm,
inviting, timeless space by the strategic use of materials, colors and details. Wood beams, timber decking, hand carved furnishings, leather, Navajo rugs, Indian pottery and commissioned art work combine to create a more fully realized Santa Fe style clubhouse. These elements were also utilized to create lower, intimate spaces with enhanced acoustics. The improved club has increased resident patronage and reduced offproperty dining excursions, contributing to significant increases in food and beverage sales. The clubhouse is now the warm, inviting, functional, social center of this reinvigorated country club that its members envisioned. In addition, the foundation for a strong economic base has been assured for the future. The annual PCBC Gold Nuggets Awards “recognize those who improve communities through exceptional concepts in design, planning and development.” Started in 1959 as the Pacific Coast Builders Conference, PCBC today is considered homebuilding’s premier event.
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Spring 2011
Inventory low for homes desired by area buyers
(cont. on page 6)
View from Daybreak – a custom home by MCO offered at $2,900,000
ELEVATING FOUNTAIN HILLS TO THE ENVY OF SCOTTSDALE.
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tion, the number of showings pick up. Buyers still want a ‘really good buy’ and do not want their time wasted by viewing, in their opinion, overpriced listings,” she said. An upward trend in days on market (DOM) tends to indicate a move toward more of a buyer’s market, said Malcolm Macewen, president and COO of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Arizona. A downward trend reflects a move toward a seller’s market. In February, the DOM in Fountain Hills was 121 days, up 3.4 percent from 117 days the previous months and down 22.4 percent from 156 days in February of 2010, said Macewen. The February 2011 DOM was at a midlevel compared with the two previous Februarys of 2010 and 2009. The selling price per square foot is a great indicator for the direction of property values, said Macewen. Since median sales price and average sales price can be impacted by the mix of high or low-end properties, he said the selling price per square foot is a more normalized indicator on the direction of property values. The February 2011 selling price per square foot of $128 was down 1.4 percent from $129 last month and down 15.1 percent from $150 in February 2010. The price that sellers could fetch for their home during the housing boom is not practical today. Sellers as of March 1 were getting an average of 95 percent of their list price, said RE/MAX Sun Properties Realtor Lisa Murray. The average closed price was $289,322. “Fountain Hills home values are down by an average of 50 percent from 2005-06 compared to other parts of the Phoenix Metro Area that are down 65 percent,” said Murray. “Interest rates are the lowest they have been in 60 years, so the only place for them to go is up. The time to buy is now,” said Murray. Mortgage interest rates plunged to record lows in 2010 with a 30-year fixed rate of 4.16 percent. With the economy showing signs of life, rates have been rising in early 2011 to nearly 5 percent and the upward trend is expected. Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, forecasts rates to average over 5 percent this year and 5.8 percent in 2012,
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It may come as a bit of a shock to learn that inventories of single-family homes in particular price categories are low. “Houses that buyers are looking for are hard to find,” said RE/MAX Sun Properties Realtor Erica West. Homeowners who don’t have to sell may feel that they can sit tight and wait for more favorable prices. Families that might have sold and moved up to larger homes in the past three years are instead staying put and upgrading their home. As of March 13, 285 single-family homes were for sale on MLS (Multiple Listings Service), said West. The figure does not include 66 escrows opened in February of which 34 were short sale offers awaiting approval. “It’s getting really difficult for buyers to find what they are looking for,” according to West. Most of the homes selling are below $500,000 with the heaviest concentration (39 contracts) between $200,000 and $400,000. West said 71 of the 285 homes were priced under $300,000. Another 38 were listed between $300,000 and $399,999 and 31 in the $400,000 to $499,999 category, viewed as mid-range properties. Buyers shopping for a home in the $1 million to $2 million category could view 50 properties and another 15 were listed for $2 million or higher, said West. The March 3 issue of the Cromford Report, a local real estate weekly analysis, showed a nine-month supply of single-family homes in Fountain Hills. Granted the number of homes has decreased from March 2009 when a 20-month supply existed. The home supply fell to 12 months last March. For those homes that have been on the market several months and still haven’t found a buyer, a real estate professional may have to have a tough conversation about lowering the sales price of the home. Spring usually brings out more buyers, as home shoppers look to buy and move before the next school year begins. L. Earlene Nelson, manager of Fountain Hills office, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, said if there are few showings within the first 90 days, a real estate agent feels that the property is not priced competitively. “If it is being shown, but no offers are coming in, the buyers think it isn’t priced competitively,” said Nelson. “We find that after a price reduc-
Eagles Nest, the newest MCO Properties community in Fountain Hills, captures the views, the luxury and the unpretentious hometown charm for which Fountain Hills is known. This rediscovered beauty has attracted more buyers from Scottsdale than from anywhere else. You’ll find private estate living tucked into the McDowell Mountains — just far enough from the hustle and bustle, but close enough to o everything a discerning resident desires. Call 480-837-1005 for a personal tour of the homes and homesites of Eagles Nest.
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Rear view of La Esperanza – a custom home by MCO offered at $2,450,000
Sales by MCO Realty, 800-284-0090. Obtain the property report or its equivalent, required by federal and state laws, and read it before signing anything. No government agency has endorsed or evaluated this property. This is not an offer or solicitation to residents of any place where prohibited by law. Depictions show a general theme; design and construction may vary. Plans, amenities, availability, completion dates, and prices are subject to change without notice; this is not a guarantee, representation or assurance regarding them. Not all photographs herein are of or from Eagles Nest. Other restrictions may apply. Lot 27 (Plat 515A) is subject to Eagles Nest and North Heights CC&Rs, Architectural Guidelines, and association dues. Developed by MCO Properties dba EN LLC and currently owned by EN II LLC. ©2011
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Spring 2011
Decrease carbon footprint, increase savings The economy may be on the upswing, but that doesn’t mean saving money is officially out of season. Consider it a plus, then, that many of the top ways to save money around the house are also some of the best ways to “go green;” cutting down on one’s carbon footprint while adding a little extra jingle in your pocket once the bills come in each month. Some of these measures are common sense, but easy to forget. Others will require a bit of an investment initially, but should pay for themselves in the long run. Either way, saving a few bucks while helping the environment is a win-win scenario just about anybody should be able to get behind. Arizona is known for its close relationship with that burning ball of gas in the sky known as the sun. While lovely for a tan, all that heat can work horrible wonders on your electricity bill each month thanks to an air conditioning unit that never turns off. One of the quickest ways to cool down the house without ratcheting the AC all the way down is to keep the sun out during the hottest months of the year. Install shades, awnings or sunscreens
on windows facing south and west to help keep the scorching rays at bay. Similar to utilizing blinds and overhangs, you can also replace singlepane windows with double-pane, low-emissivity glass and vinyl frames to cut back on heat transfer and filter out the sunlight. This comes with the added bonus of keeping heat in during the winter months, adding to the savings year-round. We all like to be comfortable but, believe it or not, adjusting the thermostat higher just two degrees in the summer and two degrees lower in the winter can actually save you a bundle. Similarly, remember to close off vents in unoccupied rooms and move the dial up or down a few extra pegs when nobody is going to be home. All of these measures should help keep the home comfy while utilizing your heating and cooling units in the most costeffective manner. Speaking of maximizing your AC’s performance, an air conditioner works best if it’s not sucking air through a clogged filter. Clean or buy new filters regularly to guarantee a more efficient, quicker cycle period and less
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wasted energy. To assist your AC in doing the best job possible, turning on ceiling fans or investing in extra floor fans can go a long way. Most people utilize ceiling fans as a means to cool off, but did you know this trick works just as well for heating up the house in the winter too? Fans set to low help circulate the air whether it is cool or warm, so be sure to give this trick a whirl. Also, many Arizonans rely on a fireplace for heating their home but forget that this inexpensive way to warm the house without wasting electricity can also achieve the opposite effect for the unmindful. When your fireplace is not in use, remember to close the damper and seal the opening shut to keep air, hot or cold, from escaping. Moving into the laundry room and kitchen, it’s important to only wash full loads. Whether it be the dishwasher or laundry machine, try to hold off on running either unless there’s enough to fill the machine up. And be sure to air dry for a few extra saved dollars as well. And this may come as a surprise, but it’s actually more cost and energy efficient to use a dishwasher rather
than wash the dishes by hand. So long as we’re in the kitchen, we might as well talk about the preparation of meals. If at all possible, you should plan meals that require less stove time in order to cut down on energy consumption. Also, broiling is a plus since the oven won’t require preheating. Use pots that fit the eye of the stove to cut down on lost energy and give that oven window a good cleaning so you can check on simmering dishes without opening the door and letting out precious heat. If a crockpot, toaster oven or microwave can get the job done, use them instead. There’s no need to fire up the stove if a smaller, more efficient device can get it done just as well. Here’s another bright idea so save a little extra change in the long run: Use specially designed energy saving bulbs for better quality lighting and cost efficiency. Also, keep wattage in mind. Replace higher watt bulbs with lower ones for extra savings. This being Arizona and all, water conservation should also be a primary concern in any household. Not only should all drips and leaks be fixed for (cont. on page 7)
Inventory
The Verdes market
(cont. from page 5) a nearly two percent increase from last year’s low. For every point the interest rates go up on an 80 percent loan, the effective price of the home goes up about 10 percent due to what the difference in payments would amortize. FHA also is offering 1 percent down financing on home loans up to $358,368.
Vicki Esbensen of RE/MAX Excalibur noted that the Rio Verde market has made some rebounds although prices remain low. In early March, 102 homes were listed for sale and 15 pending sales were in various stages, the most at anytime in the past three years. Another Realtor selling homes in Rio and Tonto Verde, Michael Moore of RE/MAX Sun Properties, said an additional 24 town homes were on the market at the start of March.
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HOME / 7
Spring 2011
Keep safety in mind in the kitchen SERVPRO, a franchise provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services offers a number of tips for cooking safety. • The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking, so stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen, even for a short time, turn off the stove. • When you simmer, bake, roast or boil food, check it regularly. Don’t leave your home while food is cooking, and set a timer to remind yourself you have food on the stove or in the oven. • Keep things that can catch fire away from your stovetop. • Clean up spills, grease and other messes as they occur or as soon as possible with the stovetop or oven is cool. • Keep children and
Go green (cont. from page 6) conservation of precious resources and some extra cash, but being mindful of regular water usage can be helpful as well. Take shorter showers instead of baths to use less water and, while shaving or brushing your teeth, remember to turn off the water when it’s not needed. Similarly, it’s important to make sure the rest of your home is ship shape. From weather stripping to
pets a safe distance away from cooking surfaces and prep areas. • Watch loose clothing and jewelry
that can dangle on to burners. If a cooking fire does occur, the National Fire Protection Association offers the following advice: • Keep a lid nearby when you cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stove top. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• Do not use water on a grease fire. • Call 911. • Get out of the house. Close the door behind you to contain the fire. • For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
Foreclosure strategies fail to make mark on economy
door sweeps and window frames, make sure your house is well sealed. This helps keep the drafts out and your comfortable air in. Finally, one of the best ways to cut back on waste and save a little money each month is to be mindful of your “living habit.” You’ve probably heard it a million times, but it bears repeatingIf you aren’t using it, turn it off. From the TV and stereo to the computer and random lights, if it’s not being utilized, it’s just wasting energy and money. Being mindful of the small stuff can save you big in the long run.
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Federal programs aimed to keep struggling homeowners out of foreclosures have been a failure, said attorney Richard Holper, a specialist in distressed properties transactions. “They were great political programs and there was some relief but for the most part, they don’t work,” aid Holper. He recently reviewed the progress of some programs for the Fountain Hills Realtor Marketing Session. Last year, 50,000 foreclosures took place in the Greater Phoenix area, said Holper. He said 65,000 are anticipated in region this year, and more than 2 million nationally. Forty percent of all home sales in December involved bank-owned properties and another 40 percent represented short sales. Only about 20 percent were “real sales”, not involving distressed properties, said Holper. He expects the foreclosure trend to escalate. The Hardest Hit Housing program under which Arizona received nearly $268 million was one example that Holper mentioned. Most of the money was allotted for loan modifications that would reduce the amount some homeowners owned on their mortgages, as long as their banks agreed to write off an equal amount.
Only one home modification had been secured through mid-February for a Phoenix area homeowner, said Holper. Another government program intended to help thousands of underwater homeowners had similar results. Since starting in September 2010 to early February 2011, only 38 homeowners refinanced mortgages through the FHA Short Refinance program, supported with $11 billion in federal funds. Why is this? “The reason is very simple,” said Holper. “For years, economists have told the Bush and Obama administrations to cut the housing market loose and stop trying to artificially change what’s happening. Let it go…that’s what the Obama administration has decided to do. Economists said it will find its own way out. ” When will recovery kick in? Holper referred to a Feb. 2, 2011 USA Today article that reported in 22 U.S. metropolitan regions, including Phoenix and mostly California and Florida markets, home prices won’t return to their 2006 peaks before 2030. “That’s any easy projection to make,” said Holper. “No one has a clue if he is right or wrong. The market is what it is.”
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Spring 2011
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Foreclosure activity stays high in the area Foreclosures and distressed properties remain at elevated levels, discouraging words to real estate professionals after a drop in foreclosure-related activity in the waning months of 2010. Is it a new trend? “We’ve all been watching to see if the foreclosure rate in late 2010 would carry over into this year, but unfortunately, the good news hasn’t come yet,” said Arizona State University associate professor of real estate Jay Butler. “January 2011 showed a re-emergence of troubled times, which continued through February.” Foreclosures are properties that a financial institution has repossessed from the owner because of non-payment of the mortgage obligations. Short sales or bank-owned homes provide financial arrangements with the owner in an attempt to sell the home before foreclosure. In the final months of 2010, foreclosures in the Greater Phoenix market had declined to 30 percent of singlefamily home resales. However, in January, that rate shot up to 43 percent, and the new report reveals it was about 43 percent in February. Butler attributed activity to an unusual set of circumstances, including foreclosure moratoriums, legal challenges to the foreclosure process, and weak economic and job recovery. Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate president and designated broker Dori Wittig reported that from Jan. 1, 2011 to March 12, 33 percent of closed sales represented bank-owned properties and 12 percent were short sales. Traditional sales accounted for 55 percent of the total market. Wittrig compared March 2010 with March 2011 and noted minor changes. On March 21, 2010, 43 closed sales involved bank-owned homes and represented 28 percent of the market. An-
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other 19 sales (12 percent) were closed short sales. Sixty percent of traditional closed properties between Jan. 1, 2010, and March 21, 2010, were traditional sales. A significant comparative figure was the average listing price between 2010 and 2011, said Wittrig. In March 2010, the average sold price for a single-family home was $456,605. On March 12, 2011, the average sold price was $324,003. RE/MAX Sun Properties Realtor Lisa Murray said 451 properties were for sale in Fountain Hills on March 16, 2011. Forty or 9 percent of those properties were foreclosures and another 9 percent were listed as short sales. Distressed properties in the last 30 days made up 37 percent of sales, she said. It was a significant decrease from the average 48 percent of distressed sales in recent months, she said. The anticipation of “shadow inventory’’ worries some real estate professions. “Shadow inventory” is bankowned distressed properties about to be foreclosed or those that have been foreclosed but not yet put up in the market. Many have been kept off the market in order to keep housing prices from dropping even lower. “However, there are currently 233 homes that have scheduled foreclosure dates between now and the end of June, and there is also, the so-called ‘shadow inventory’ that the banks already own, but have not released on the market,” said Murray. The average sales price of a Fountain Hills foreclosed property is down from a year ago. Last year the average sales price of a foreclosed property was $336,518. This year the average sales price is $220,138. “If you are a traditional seller considering putting your homes on the market, I would recommend that you do it before the market is flooded with those additional distressed properties,” advised Murray. “If ever there was a time to buy real estate, the time is now, don’t let a good recession pass you by,” said Murray.
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HOME / 9
Spring 2011
Color psychology helps create mood, more in decor Skillful interior decorating is largely an artistic endeavor, but there’s some science involved also, and none more important than the psychology of color. “Color psychology can help you choose paint colors that create the right mood in a room, affecting not just your own feelings, but those of everyone who enters the space,” according to Debbie Zimmer, color expert at the Paint Quality Institute. “In fact, paint color is so powerful that it can influence not just our state of mind, but even our physiology.” “The ancient Egyptians, Native
Americans, and many other peoples used color to heal. In doing so, they often favored the blues and greens found in nature, colors that have an emotional association with peace, harmony, and tranquility.” Blue, which often ranks at the top of surveys exploring “favorite” colors, has been shown to slow pulse rate and lower body temperature. The implications for interior painting: blue is a terrific color choice for bedrooms, but less so for dining rooms, according to Zimmer.
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Spring 2011
Psychology of color helps with decorating (cont. from page 9) Green, also among the most popular colors, is a little more versatile. While it, too, has a soothing effect, it also represents renewal, youth, and vigor. Says Zimmer: “Because it is calming, green paint is a good color choice for bedrooms, and since it’s the color of many appetizing fruits and vegetables, it can work in dining rooms, too.” There’s no equivocation with red.
It bespeaks energy and excitement, actually raising the blood pressure and making the heart beat faster. Because red is associated with desire and passion, it’s a perfect paint color for dining rooms and adult bedrooms, says Zimmer, but wrong for children’s rooms. Yet, ironically, pink – a very light tint of red – is one of the most calming colors and is a fine choice for a baby’s room, she says. Yellow is another great interior paint color. Like sunshine, it imparts
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happiness, hope, and optimism. Studies have shown that the brain actually releases more seratonin when the eye takes in yellow – creating positive psychological vibes. According to Zimmer, yellow can even stir our creative juices. What better color to use in a master bath or dinette to get your day off on the right foot? Orange is also a happy color. More attention-getting than yellow, orange has an energy and warmth about it. Muddy shades are useful in many parts of the home, but vivid tones may appear raw and flamboyant. Zimmer’s advice: “Orange is clearly not the color of calm, so it’s best to bypass it when
painting a bedroom or any other area where you want to relax.” Purple is a tricky paint color wherever it’s used, but it is the overwhelming favorite of adolescent girls. Zimmer suggests that you reserve use of this color for your daughter’s room to create a win-win situation: “Odds are, she’ll love it, and you can take comfort in purple’s proven ability to stimulate brain activity.” No discussion of paint color would be complete without mentioning the “non-colors” of black (the absence of light, and thus, color) and white (the confluence of all the colors in the spectrum). A c c o r d ing to Zimmer, black is a great accent color indoors or out, imparting elegance, formality and sophistication to a paint color scheme. But don’t get carried away with it, she cautions. Too much black can be depressing. White, on the other hand, c o n v e y s peace, simplicity and spaciousness. It can provide a crisp finish to almost any paint job by Pink, a very light tint of red, is considered a calming color adding sharp and is a popular choice for a baby’s room. It can work in other c o n t r a s t bedrooms as well. to the wall Photo courtesy of The Paint Quality Institute. color. Used throughout a room, it can give the illusion that the space is bigger than its physical diEnjoy Trees.... mensions. Enjoy Life! “Color psychology should play a role when selecting an interior paint scheme, but it’s only one factor to Certified Arborist • Insured consider,” says Zimmer. “Personal color preference should be given at least FREE ESTIMATES as much weight. “No one will spend more time in your home than you will, so it’s impor• Trimming • Fertilization tant to paint with those colors that are • Removals • Palm Trees personal favorites. Choose colors that you love, and you won’t go wrong.” For more information on paint 602-405-1788 color and affordable remodeling with www.TreesForNeeds.com paint, visit www.paintquality.com.
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Spring 2011
3D TV is next big craze in TV technology The latest craze in technology appears to be 3D televisions. Whereas 3D was once a novelty at the movies once or twice a year, nowadays 3D technology is rapidly becoming the norm at home and in the theater. Select television networks have begun to broadcast in 3D, and consumers appear ready to embrace the next wave of television technology. But is 3D technology worth it for the average consumer? It helps to consider a few things before deciding if 3D should come to your living room any time soon. Cost Many are aware of the sticker price of 3D televisions, which is still considerably high because of the relative infancy of the technology. However, it’s the cost of the accessories that might be of greater concern. Much like in a movie theater, 3D home viewers will need 3D glasses to watch their television sets. While many manufacturers offer two sets of glasses with the purchase of a 3D television, others still only provide one pair. But consumers who enjoy hosting viewing parties or having friends over for the big game will need to ensure there are enough sets of glasses so guests can enjoy the show as well. With glasses going for more than $100 a pair, that can make a 3D television a considerable expense, one that extends beyond the initial sticker price. Programming While 3D enthusiasts love to hear that 3D programming is on the rise, the current slate of 3D programming is not nearly as extensive as it is for more traditional programming. This might only be a minor consideration, however, as 3D programming figures to grow in the years to come. Sports fans should also know that ESPN currently broadcasts in 3D, which is enough for many sports fans to dive right in.
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Viewing Problems Not all viewers can enjoy 3D technology. For example, viewers with astigmatism have found depth perception difficult with 3D televisions. Eye strain might also prove problematic, particularly for those people who must wear glasses when watching television. For that group, it can be difficult or bothersome to watch 3D programming with eyeglasses and the necessary 3D glasses.
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Spring 2011
Get outside, enjoy the weather, crafting As families await the arrival of warmer weather, there are things they can do to prepare for a season of fun in the sun. Engaging in some craft projects is a way to enjoy the great outdoors. There are many craft projects families and children can tackle, but ideas that involve projects that can be put to use outdoors may be the most fitting. Fortunately, there are a number of ideas for crafty projects to involve everyone in the household. Birdhouse: Head to the hardware store and pick up a few supplies. Chances are items that can be made into a birdhouse probably can also be found from scraps of materials already around the house or in the garage. Scraps of wood, metal, tiles, plastic, and the like can be used to craft a bird house or feeder. Even an empty plastic bottle can be used. Some nesting material, such as pieces of yarn or cotton, can be placed inside the house to entice birds to take up residence. Stepping stones: Stepping stones can be a whimsical way to dress up the outdoor garden or yard. A trip to the craft store for some plaster or even a quick-set cement can be the medium to use for the stones. Experiment with
shapes that can be used as molds, and gather different materials that can be embedded into the stepping stone, such as pebbles, marbles, beads, etc. Use a pencil or another pointed tool to engrave a message or name on the stepping stones before allowing them to dry and harden. Kites: The beginning of the spring season often arrives behind a burst of wind. Make the most of blustery conditions by crafting a kite from a kitchen trash bag, sticks and string. Garden gnomes: Craft stores often sell unfinished pottery that can be painted and sealed. See if garden gnomes or other whimsical creatures can be found. Use acrylic paint to decorate the figurines in your favorite colors. Outdoor games: A large piece of plywood or fiberboard can serve as the game board for a number of different activities. Use spray paint to stencil on alternating squares of red and black for a larger-than-life checkerboard or chess board. For those with more time and creative stamina, use large stones to paint on letters and make an outdoor Scrabble board for fun times with family and friends.
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Spring cleaning is an annual tradition in households across the country. Whether you live in a studio apartment or a sprawling mansion, the rejuvenating feeling of spring stems from more than just the warm air outdoors. It’s also the opportunity to open the windows and let that warm air breathe some new life into your home. Though spring cleaning is primarily about ridding a home of a season’s worth of clutter, it should also be about making a home healthier for the months to come. Once the clutter has been cleared, the following cleaning tips can make your home a healthy haven. Clean the filters, ducts and vents
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Spring might be synonymous with warmer temperatures, but for allergy sufferers spring can be a difficult time of year. When spring cleaning, don’t forget to thoroughly clean filters, ducts and vents to help decrease exposure to airborne allergens. Protect against viruses and bacteria Effectively cleaning a home can involve several preventive measures to keep everyone free from viruses and bacteria. Disinfect surfaces using hospital grade disinfectant to rid them of harmful bacteria, including those associated with food poisoning and even infections such as MRSA. Clear the garage and basement of potentially harmful supplies Garages and basements are often used to store paints, paint thinners, oils, solvents and other potentially toxic supplies. If any of these toxic supplies are old, consult your local sanitation department to determine how best to discard such items. For those you want to keep, be sure the lids are tight and not leaking potentially harmful chemicals into the air. Make up for lost time For those who don’t consider spring cleaning an annual tradition, it’s never too late to start making your home a healthier place. Embrace eco-friendly cleaning A healthy home should also be one that’s healthy for the environment.
HOME / 13
Spring 2011
Warm weather means it’s time to clean yard Restoring a yard after a cold winter is a springtime rite of passage for many homeowners. Harsh winds and heavy frost can take their toll on even the most beautiful landscape. To get started on your yard this spring, consider the following tips. * Don’t begin too early. The early bird might get the worm, but the early homeowner might get a damaged yard. * Survey the property. A close survey of the property will give homeowners an idea of just how big or small their restoration project will be. A thorough survey will reveal any problem areas and may also reveal some unexpected guests. Rabbits and squirrels often nest in yards during the winter. Rabbits will nest in the ground, while
squirrels typically build nests made of leaves in the trees. Unless it’s entirely necessary, avoid removing any nests, and be sure to carefully inspect the yard before the season’s first mow. * Out with the old. When the cleanup process is ready to begin, it’s time to remove remnants from last season. This includes removing any dead plants as well as last year’s mulch. If new mulch is simply thrown on top of old, plants could suffocate. Dead leaves also tend to gather during the winter, often up against fences or a home’s exterior walls. Rake up these dead leaves and add them to the season’s compost. * Get rid of thatch. Thatch can be soil’s worst enemy, preventing its access to the sunlight, air and moisture
it needs to make the lawn look beautiful and healthy. Thatch removal can be tiresome, but visit the local hardware store and pick up a dethatching rake to make the job a little easier. Thatch removal isn’t always necessary every spring. Many homeowners have found removing thatch every other year is effective enough. * Aerate the yard to revive the soil. Soil often becomes compacted as spring becomes summer and summer becomes fall. This is especially true of yards that are heavily used, be it by kids playing outdoors or families who love to host warm weather gatherings in the yard. Aerating in the spring removes plugs of sod from the soil, loosening it up and making it easier for air and water to reach the roots.
Roadrunner Remodeling, Inc.
Homeowner’s experience surpasses expectations If Scottsdale resident Sharron Johnson had been less than thrilled with her recent master bathroom remodel, she would have looked for a different contractor. The fact is, she loved what Patrick Benkowski, owner Roadrunner Custom Remodeling did in the master bath. “We had a typical builder’s model home,” Johnson said. “White cultured marble sinks, gold trim, tub, shower. Just the typical features in a 13 ½-yearold home,” she said. When Johnson began to consider the remodeling project in earnest, she went to her files where she had kept a copy of a story that ran in an issue of HOME. “The lady described a project much like ours,” Johnson said. “I called Patrick because of that story.” When Johnson contacted Benkowski, she was pretty certain she would hire him based on the testimonial from the woman’s story. But when Johnson met with Benkowski, her comfort level increased more. “He gave me a huge list of people with names and phone numbers,” she said. She also looked at two of the jobs he had performed to give herself more security. “His work is wonderful,” Johnson said. “After talking with his references and seeing the work he did on those two jobs, I knew I would hire him.” A primary reason Johnson liked working with Benkowski is that he works on one job at a time. “He is not running between jobs,” she said. “You have his full attention.”
After
Before Benkowski is a problem solver, too, Johnson said. “I wanted some unusual things,” she said. “My fixtures were custom and took longer to get here than we anticipated. Rather than traditional fixtures, I ordered German faucets. Some of the installation was challenging, but it ended up being wonderful.” She also has an airflow shower head, where the water comes out from a wall like rain. “It was tricky, but Patrick and his crew did a phenomenal job,” she said. Johnson also had custom cabinets installed and had the shower enlarged and replaced the bathtub with a free-
standing, more contemporary model. In addition to the custom cabinetry, she had custom mirrors made for the sinks and added lights above the sinks. “Everything is really beautiful,” she said. “It was just a wonderful experience.” When asked if she would hire Benkowski for another project, she said, “I am having our second bathroom remodeled by Patrick right now. Obviously I would hire him again.” Benkowski is a certified remodeler (CR) and served as president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, Greater Phoenix Chapter. He also is a member of the Fountain
Hills Association of Licensed Contractors. He maintains an A+ rating with the Central Arizona Better Business Bureau. Benkowski also has a perfect record with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors with not a single complaint filed throughout the 10 year history of the company. He has been in the remodeling business for 35 years and has lived in Fountain Hills for 10. He can be reached at (480) 8160788. Before and after photos, customer testimonials and other remodeling information are available online at www.roadrunnerremodeling.com.
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Spring 2011
Budget Blinds
Products will make eco-conscious shoppers smile If new window treatments are on your springtime home spruce up list and you want to make a more environmentally friendly purchase, Budget Blinds has a number of products to make eco-conscious shoppers smile. Consumers are seeking out and choosing eco-friendlier products for their homes. “We’re getting more requests from clients who want window coverings that look great, are made in a way that’s kinder for the environment and they can feel good about having in their homes,” said Gloria Guillermo, owner of Budget Blinds serving Foun-
tain Hills Scottsdale and the Verdes. One eco-friendly product is the company’s private label, Signature Series by Budget Blinds, certified by Green Built Home, which reviews and certifies products and building materials as sustainable. Budget Blinds’ Signature Series products are manufactured in facilities with eco-friendly practices, such as using sawdust to fire kilns and heat the factory, re-circulating water in cooling systems saving more than 90 million gallons annually and recycling 75 percent of the total waste in one of its plants. Other environmentally-friendly products also are available from Alliance vendors. Many people are making choices that not only beautify their homes but are healthier too. A number of Budget Blinds’ products are GREENGUARD Institute-certified, achieving stringent standards for indoor products, environments and buildings. Consumers interested in these products should inquire about shutters and wood blinds, roller shades and panel tracks
made from Sheerweave or Mermet 3G material. Retractable screens also are made with the material. Some consumers choose products made with renewable or recycled resources. Many window treatments and area rugs are made from reclaimed or sustainable materials. Woven Wood Shades are made from renewable crops, such as: grasses, reeds, bamboo and jute. Certain wood shutters and wood blinds are made with wood obtained from a certified sustainable hardwood forest. Budget Blinds also has area rugs made from renewable resources. Additionally, the company sells rugs made using Nylon 6, a cradle-to-cradle program that recycles nylon rugs instead of depositing them in a landfill. Budget Blinds North Scottsdale, based in Fountain Hills, began operation in 2006. Husband and wife Gene Ferma and Gloria Guillermo own the
company which serves homeowners and businesses with complimentary in-home estimates and consultations, professional measuring and installation and a rich selection of quality window treatments including shutters, blinds, draperies, shades awnings and window film. For more information on Budget Blinds serving Carefree, Cave Creek, Fountain Hills, North Phoenix, Scottsdale and the Verdes call (480) 8374975 or visit www.budgetblinds.com/ NorthScottsdale
T. F. Reilly Builders
Family construction business rides tides together The economy ebbs and flows, but with family, the tide stays more constant. That is why Bill Reilly, owner of Preferred Building Systems, Inc., in Fountain Hills, and his brother Tom, who owns T.F. Reilly Builders in Prescott decided to join their businesses about six months ago. “It just made sense for us to merge,” Bill said. “We have both been in the business a long time, and it was a natural progression to get together as one company.” The brothers, sons of Tom Reilly, one of the early builders in Fountain Hills, learned the business with their father. The Reillys moved to Fountain Hills in 1972. As one of the first builders in Fountain Hills, it was a natural progression for his sons to follow him in the business. The younger Tom is a licensed architect. Bill has been in construction on his own for more than 20 years. Together in business they are a “one stop shop,” offering everything from design through completion.
Headquarters are in Prescott, and Bill mans the office in Fountain Hills. Because of a long relationship with residents in Rio Verde, that presence remains. Bill said much of the business now is focusing on remodeling. “That is really where the market is now,” he said. “And with our experience, we are able to provide a great service.” Bill said the economy is “getting better.” He added that the company is again seeing more activity, which he says is the result of a bit of a turnaround. “It is getting better,” he said. “We have definitely seen some growth. It’s exciting.” And with the growth, T.F. Reilly Preferred Building Systems is overseeing jobs from the Lower Verde River Valley to Payson and Heber, as well as in the Upper Verde River Valley to Prescott and beyond. The Reillys pride themselves on the quality of their work. As long-time Arizona residents, their reputation is im-
portant to them. “We have worked hard for nearly 40 years as a family to do quality work,” Bill said. “Construction has been our livelihood, and we are dedicated to doing it well.” In addition to the construction and design business, Bill said the company also has a handyman service. Bill Reilly has joined his brother Tom, in the building “We do every- business. The brothers have followed their father’s thing from squeaky long career as a builder. Tom Sr. started building in doors to replacFountain Hills in 1972. ing bad gates and highs and the lows. People can count more,” Bill said. “No on us to do excellent work at a fair job is too small.” Bill said he and his brother are price. And we are obviously here to looking forward to the coming weeks stay.” T.F. Reilly can be contacted in as the economy grows. “We’re looking forward to this chal- Fountain Hills at (480) 837-2609, or in lenge,” he said. “Anybody can ride the Prescott at (928) 445-8502. The Webhigh wave, but we have endured the site is www.prescottrenovations.com.
HOME / 15
Spring 2011
Scottsdale Flooring America
Economy gives business incentive to grow Scottsdale Flooring America is a business that defied the trends. The nearly 16-year-old business moved from its 5,000-squarefoot building on 90th Street to a 7,900-square-foot showroom in December 2010. Despite a slow economy, owners Val and Ed Boettcher and their
son Todd have watched their business grow, and finally outgrow the space they were in when they opened their store in 1995. “With our additional space, we are able to provide even more savings for our customers,” Val said. “And we continue to be competitive with big box
The Boettcher family, Val, left, Ed and Todd own Scottsdale Flooring America.
stores.” She emphasized that not only are Flooring America’s prices at or below warehouse price levels, the business also has trained professionals who can assist with no-cost, no-obligation estimates in the home, and provide design direction, advice and installation. “We have trained designers who can help you with what’s right for your application,” Val said. “Whether you have pets, or kids, or you have bought a house you plan to turn in a year or one you are going to stay in, we can help you with anything you want in the way of flooring.” The company also has added slab granite countertops to its inventory and continues to have a wide variety of stone, wood, laminate, custom rugs, carpet and glass. Flooring America is a member of CCA Global, which enables them to leverage prices charged by carpet mills, along with tile and wood vendors. “We can then pass the savings along to our customers,” Val said. In addition to selection, Flooring America also is able do quick turn-
arounds on their products and installation. Customers can take samples home to make sure their choices are what they want and that they fit in their homes. Special orders usually are in within three to five business days, Val said. “Tile typically can be on the floor in a week, while carpet is on the floor within two,” she said. “We usually can get wood on the floor in 10 days.” In addition to the products, service and installation, Flooring America has financial plans allowing customers to realize their dreams in a timely manner. While the Boettcher family owns the business, their employees are considered family, too, Val said. “We have installers who have been here since we opened the business,” she said. “And the others have been here 10 years or more.” The business continues to have great ratings with the Better Business Bureau, the Registrar of Contractors and Angie’s List. The store is open seven days a week at 10250 N. 90th St., #102. The phone number is (480) 451-9600.
OnQ Financial
Mortgage banker extols virtues of firm In a changed world of mortgages, OnQ Financial has simplified things for the consumer. Kent Martinson, a long-time mortgage banker, describes the company as “refreshing.” Martinson, senior mortgage consultant in Fountain Hills, said OnQ works under the philosophy of “doing the right thing.” Martinson has weathered storms in the financial industry for 20 years, including the most Kent Martinson recent crisis. He moved to OnQ in April 2010 and says he is “having the most fun I have had in a long time.” In addition to enjoying the company, Martinson also is working with his son, Tyler, as well as long-time colleague Dorian Smith. The three of them make up the local team. “I have been fortunate to always have a really good team,” Martinson said. “And for all of the 20 years I have been in this business, Dorian has
been there with me. She is the most efficient, knowledgeable person I know in the industry.” Martinson said the opportunity to work with his son has been “wonderful. “I am working with my son,” he said. “Tyler is a very talented young man. He knows computers, and he knows this business. It’s a great combination.” OnQ has its headquarters in Scottsdale. The company is licensed to provide home loans in 12 states and has offices in four of those. Martinson is licensed in Arizona and California but does assist clients in other states. “There is a great deal of flexibility,” Martinson said. “This benefits the customer.” Martinson said the flexibility of OnQ is available through its correspondent banking relationships with most major banks and several midsize establishments. “We can do a lot through different banks,” he said. “It gives us a broader range of products, and ultimately delivers the best pricing.”
OnQ’s service level is at an all-time high, with two week closings common. “We do a number of different types of loans, including VA, FHA and conventional loans,” Martinson said. “The thing is, we certainly are doing these The OnQ Financial staff includes Tyler Martinson, standing at better pric- left, Kent Martinson and Dorian Smith. so well with the technology we have.” ing, and with OnQ Financial is located at 13034 great customer service.” There are no limits to loan sizes, N. Verde River Drive, #103. Martinand most of the business is done in- son said he is available seven days a week, so call him anytime. For more house, Martinson said. Loan applications can be done information, call (480) 816-4663, or in person, over the phone or online. visit www.onqfinancial.com. MartinMartinson said the technology associ- son’s own Website, www.kentmartinated with OnQ is “the best I have ever son.com provides additional details dealt with in the 20 years I have spent about OnQ, its employees and its in this business. Customers are served customers.
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Spring 2011
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