Kevin Owens | Fireside Lifestyle | July/Aug 2021 Digital Newsletter

FIRESIDE L I F E S T Y L E

J u ly | A u g u s t 2 0 2 1

Curb Appeal

How to Create it Quickly

Creamy Herb Potato Salad GoodNes

EVENT CALENDAR JULY | AUGUST 2021

Cruise the Zoo Phoenix | Through Aug 10 PhoenixZoo.org On Sunday, Monday and Tuesday mornings this summer, the Phoenix Zoo is opening its gates to vehicles that want to cruise the zoo. The tour allows guests to get a unique view of the animal residents including flamingos, giraffes, elephants and more.

The Dinner Detective Interactive Mystery Show Tempe | July 17, Aug 14 & 28 TheDinnerDetective.com This award-winning, interactive show blends mystery and humor in a fun, social setting. Actors are not dressed in costume but sit hidden among the audience. Guests get to witness the mystery unfold and try to solve whodunnit along with the actors. Tickets include a four-course plated dinner, waitstaff gratuity and a night of entertainment.

Van Gogh Phoenix Phoenix | July 29 – Aug 31 VanGoghPhx.com Van Gogh’s most famous works come to life in this incredible, immersive exhibit. Visitors wander through the landscapes, night scenes, portraits and still-life paintings of Van Gogh, including the world-renowned “Starry Night,” as you’ve never seen them before.

Sunset Summer Nights Phoenix | July 30, Aug 27 RoyalPalmsHotel.com Enjoy a beautiful summer night full of sunsets, live music and specialized menu creations at Royal Palms Resort and Spa. The admission price includes entry, entertainment and appetizers that fit the night’s theme.

Phoenix Film Festival Scottsdale | Aug 12-22 PhoenixFilmFestival.com Arizona’s largest film festival is back this summer and celebrating its 20th anniversary. Hosted by Harkins Theatres, this 11-day festival showcases the best of independent cinema and up-andcoming filmmakers. More than 200 films will be screened, with special intros by the creators. PFF is a fan-favorite event, having been named one of the 25 Coolest Film Festivals and a Top 50 Worth the Entry Fee by MovieMaker Magazine.

INSTANT

CURB APPEAL W

hether you’re settled into your dream home for years to come or thinking of putting it on the market soon, nothing feels better than having your abode look perfect when you pull into the driveway. While overall tidiness, a fresh coat of paint, and a weed-free yard are excellent ways to get attention, some smaller tweaks can garner lots of praise. Here’s how to tackle some little projects that provide big impact and add instant curb appeal.

The first thing many of us see when we pull up to our house is the mailbox, so why not make the most of this first impression? Whether you need to spring for a totally new mailbox or just head out to the street to clean and perhaps repaint yours, this little improvement will definitely be noticed. While you’re at it, plant some colorful flowers around the base of the mailbox and perhaps add some eye-catching new house numbers that match the style of your home. Little details show the TLC you give your casa.

Next, take a look at your front door. Could it use a fresh coat of paint or stain? Does the front porch need a deep cleaning (get the hose out and scrub a little, and while you’re at it, hose down the entire house to help it shine). Adding a wreath, bright flowers in pots, and a fresh new doormat will definitely boost your home’s overall style. Your outdoor light fixtures may also need a paint touch-up or may even need replacing.

Remember, these upgrades don’t have to cost a lot. If you have flowerbeds near the door, give them a good weeding and pop in some colorful annuals for long-lasting cheeriness throughout the summer season. Window boxes will also give some charm to your exterior if it’s looking a little bland.

Wondering what to plant? Home staging experts recommend certain flowers that attract buyers: roses, lavender, hydrangea, sunflowers, and tulips have universal appeal. Just what you want if you’re looking to sell.

At night, nothing amps up curb appeal better than accent lighting. Perfectly placed solar lights highlighting trees, interesting architectural elements, or water features provide a brilliant look to any home. Highlight a walkway or arched entryway to grab attention from the street. Be sure to walk out front at night and see how your home shines. You’re sure to be the envy of the neighborhood.

REAL ESTATE

corner

SCORE BIG AT THE

FLEA MARKET Aselling everything from vintage car parts to antique furniture. typical swap meet attracts an eclectic gathering of vendors

You can find unique items here, often for an excellent price. Use these seven tips to make the most of your marketplace outing.

1) PLAN AHEAD – Make a list of anything specific you hope to purchase to keep yourself on track. It’s easy to get distracted by the many vendors selling all sorts of interesting items!

Research the value beforehand so you know what you’re willing to pay.

2) DRESS CASUALLY – Dressing down helps keep sellers guessing.

If you’re dressed too fashionably, sellers assume you can pay more, and they will likely expect you to. A subtle, casual outfit will help you score a better price. Plus, dressing casually ensures you’ll be comfortable throughout the day.

3) BRING CASH – Although some swap meets have ATMs available and vendors may accept credit cards, it’s best to carry cash just in case. Having cash in hand also allows you to purchase an item on the spot. You don’t want to risk someone swiping your find while you run to the ATM.

4) TAKE NOTES – If you’re searching for the best deals, you probably want to circle the swap meet before making any big purchases. Use a notepad or your smartphone to remind yourself of things you liked, the listed price and where you found it. This way, you can compare items quickly without relying on memory.

5) SEE THE POTENTIAL – Sometimes, you’ll find flawlessly refinished or repurposed items. Other times, you have to get creative and think outside the box. Furniture can be repainted, re-stained or reupholstered to give it a totally new look. A little extra work might be worth it if the item is a standout piece.

7) ALWAYS NEGOTIATE – Get comfortable with the art of haggling. This is a normal part of swap meets that vendors expect. A first offer is almost never a final offer, and with smart negotiating you can knock 10 to 15 percent off the quoted price. Be friendly with the seller and politely point out any flaws the item may have. Always offer less than you’re willing to pay but keep the offer fair.

IN GOOD TASTE

Don’t be afraid to walk away if the price isn’t right.

Enjoy the experience and try again at another location.

There are plenty of hidden gems waiting for you!

CREAMY HERB POTATO SALAD INGREDIENTS 3/4 cup

Light mayonnaise

1 clove

Garlic, peeled

1/3 cup

Packed parsley leaves

2 lbs

Potatoes, cubed

1/4 cup

Chopped green onions

1 cup

Chopped celery

2 tbs

Sour cream

3

Hard-cooked eggs

1 tbs

Whole grain mustard

Salt and ground black pepper

1/2 tbs

Lemon juice

DIRECTIONS Place mayonnaise, parsley, green onions, sour cream, mustard, lemon juice and garlic in blender; season with salt and pepper. Cover; blend on low speed, leaving some pieces of parsley and green onions. Set aside.

Place potatoes in a large pot of salted cold water; bring to a boil over high heat.

Reduce heat to medium-low; cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Drain potatoes and let cool.

Combine cooled potatoes, eggs, celery and dressing in a large bowl; mix well.

Season with salt and pepper.

GoodNes.com

FIREDR

#1 SELLING AGENT IN FIRESIDE

Sold by Kevin Owens!

3753 E. Ember Glow Way | $965,000

Amazon | 4,302 sf | 6 bedrooms | 4.5 bathrooms Property website: AmazonDreamHome.com

Market Favoring Sellers in 2021

Also Sold by Kevin Owens!

The Cromford Report I Arizona Republic Without a doubt, the Phoenix market has been on the rise for a while and though supply seems to be “stabilizing,” things are still far from normal. In fact, according to the Cromford report, supply is 76% below the normal rate which is a clear sign that the change occurring is not enough to make a significant dent on home appreciation trends that the valley has been seeing all across the board. The Cromford report further suggests that this change in inventory could be attributed to the growing price incentives for homeowners to sell in this hot market.

In addition, as rent prices also continue to rise, investing in a home to gain equity is starting to become more and more appealing to many despite these soaring prices. The Arizona Republic reported that “the average Metro Phoenix tenants are paying 5% more than they did a year ago”. On top of that, prospective buyers are becoming more aware of the unpredictability of future interest rates shifting out of their favor. Though many viewed 2020 as the year to sell, 2021 has proven itself to be a strong competitor.

KEVIN OWENS REALTOR ® 480.217.9184

FOLLOW KEVIN:

3730 E. Ember Glow Way | $890,000 Amazon | 4,302 sf | 6 bdrms | 4.5 baths

3826 E. Quail Avenue | $735,000 Redwood | 3,537 sf | 5 bdrms | 3.5 baths

3726 E. Cat Balue Drive | $635,000 Saguaro | 3,812 sf | 4 bdrms | 3.5 baths

85050 STATS | LAST MONTH VS. LAST MONTH 2020 Positive/Negative Market Trend

THINKING OF SELLING?

See how Kevin will get your home SOLD at: YourFiresideRealtor.com

21715 N. 38th Place | $783,000 Redwood | 3,537 sf | 4 bdrms | 3.5 baths

AVG PRICE PER SQFT

DAYS ON MARKET

MONTHS SUPPLY/ INVENTORY

# OF SOLD PROPERTIES

22

0.4

60

2021 MAY

2021 MAY

2020 MAY

2020 MAY

$232

$200

kevinowensrealtor

38

2021 MAY

2020 MAY

1.5

azrealtorkevin

2021 MAY

2020 MAY

44

fineAZliving.com

YOUR FIRESIDE AT DESE RT R I D G E R E AL E STAT E SP E C I AL I ST 480.217.9184 | kevin@fineAZliving.com | www.fineAZliving.com If your home is currently listed with a REALTOR, please disregard this notice. It is not our intention to solicit the offers of other brokerages. The listings presented here may or may not have been listed by North&Co. and data is provided by the ARMLS.

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