Arizona Homeowner presented by Monica Monson

Brady Holland Mortgage Banker

Pinnacle Capital Mortgage Corporation 3200 E. Camelback Rd., Suite 123 Phoenix, AZ 85018

Arizona Homeowner March | April 2013

MLO-180079

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!

Call me today!

A Sunny Outlook for Arizona Real Estate in 2013!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! For many of us, 2012 was a year to give thanks. Our local Phoenix Metro housing market experienced a very strong year with property value increases as much as 20% in many areas. If you refinanced or obtained a purchase mortgage, you likely secured a rate that was at an all-time low. Since the overall economic health is strongly tied to the housing market and Arizona ranked #1 in the nation for gains in home prices, we also saw an improvement in the employment sector. Arizona is leading the way nationally in vastly improved housing and economic news.

In 2013, projections show that we can expect more improvements in our local economy and housing market. Due to a limited amount of homes on the market coupled with strong buyer demand and record low mortgage rates, we can expect home values to continue rising. Mortgage lenders are also becoming more comfortable with providing mortgages in Arizona versus other states. We’ve transitioned from a distressed market to a normal market designation. As a result, we are finally seeing lower down payment options and less complicated mortgage lending guidelines being offered to our state!

Based on a recent Freddie Mac analysis, mortgage rates are expected to rise only about one half percent in 2013. Despite that projected increase, we still anticipate having mortgage rates very close to the record low! In general, we are expecting a sunny outlook for the Arizona economy, local housing market, and the continuation of near-record low mortgage rates.

Tips on Updating & Renewing

** IMPORTANT! If your current mortgage rate is above 4%, call me about refinancing and lowering your monthly payment. PLUS, Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac’s refinance program for homeowners with negative equity is set to expire at the end of 2013.

We are spreading the word so you can take advantage of these amazing rates and our no equity required refinance programs before they expire in 2013.

Call me at 480-272-3282 or email brady@bradyhollandgroup.com today or a free analysis to find out how much money I can save you with a refinance. I look forward to hearing from you!

Brady Holland Branch Manager MLO-180079

Direct: 480.272.3282 Brady@BradyHollandGroup.com

MORTGAGE RATES As of 12/17/12

Loan Rates for $150K-$417K: • 30-Year Fixed: 3.500%/3.678% APR • 15-Year Fixed: 2.875%/3.165% APR • 7/1 ARM: 3.125%/3.317% APR

*Note: All above rate quotes offered for primary home purchase or no cash-out refinance financing with 20% equity and 720+ FICO scores. Loans above $417k and other financing options are available upon request.

All rates are quoted subject to change without notice.

NMLS 81395

AZ BK#910890

This is not a commitment to lend. Subject to qualification. Not all applicants will qualify.

Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net

living your life!

The Ultimate “To-Do” List

satiate your chocoholic cravings The Capital Grille’s Chocolate Espresso Cake

Event Calendar March| April 2013 La Cage Aux Folles Phoenix Theatre, March 13th – April 7th 602.254.2151 | PhoenixTheatre.com Some call it “The Birdcage,” others say it’s “A Menagerie of Crazies.” We call it worth the wait! La Cage is a tuneful and touching tale of one family’s struggle to stay together, stay fabulous and above all else, stay true to themselves! With a glorious score of hummable melodies, written by Jerry Herman of Hello Dolly, Mame and Mack & Mabel fame, La Cage is an indisputable musical comedy classic.

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, March 22nd – 23rd 480.499.8587 | AspenSantaFeBallet.com Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s bold vision – top global choreographers, distinctive groundbreaking works, and virtuoso dancers – has fostered a jewel of a dance company in the American West and beyond. ASFB’s unique pioneering spirit arises from a paired set of home cities: Aspen, nestled high in the Rocky Mountains, and Santa Fe, gracing the majestic Southwestern plateau. For 16 years, the company has served as a prestigious incubator and a showcase for choreographic invention to popular and critical acclaim.

6th Annual Dine With Your Dog PERA Club Tempe, April 13th 602.933.2663 | DineWithYourDog.org Woof, Wine and Dine! Don’t miss this “fur-filled” fundraiser.

The evening includes a gourmet dinner with wine, a gourmet canine dinner for your pooch, a fashion show highlighting the latest trends in Canine Couture, raffle, vendors, doggie activities and more. Benefiting the PetSmart Paws Can Heal animal assisted therapy program, this magical evening will help many in need, including Phoenix Children’s Hospital patients.

Monterey Jazz Festival 55th Anniversary Celebration Mesa Arts Center, April 26th 480.644.6500 | MesaArtsCenter.com Monterey is the longest consecutively running jazz festival in the world. Celebrate the Festival’s legacy expanding the boundaries of live jazz presentation, an All-Star Jazz Collaboration. This 55th Anniversary Tour reflects Monterey’s “traditional-untraditionalist” attitude, jazz-with-a-purpose exuberance, and joyful fun that continues to be the hallmark of the Festival to this day.

Life is so precious and we want to make the most of our time here.

Our world offers wonders galore, and it’s the experiences in our lives that make up who we are and tell the story of how we spent our time here. While you may have your very own checklist of experiences and achievements you’d like to accomplish, perhaps a few of these suggestions may inspire you further.

• Watch every Oscar winning film, in order, all 84 of them Do you dream of a functional, attractive kitchen but feel overwhelmed by the actual process of making your dream a reality? Put your mind at ease and work with an interior designer to come up with a good kitchen plan. Designers are not only savvy about products, layouts, and trends, but their experience is invaluable in guiding you through what works and what doesn’t. They understand how to work with various elements in your kitchen, and they can save you money by suggesting similar products in a variety of price points.

Vicki Bergelt, principal of Vicki Bergelt Interior Design, LLC, offers some sage advice for transforming the “heart of your home.” Bergelt advises, “Discover your favorite styles, study layouts to determine what would work best for your kitchen and consider the special needs of family members, especially the cooks!” She adds, “Don’t forget to ask friends what they like and dislike about their own kitchens – it’s easier to see the principles of good kitchen planning in familiar spaces. After all, kitchen planning is much more than making your kitchen look good – it’s also about creating an inviting gathering place that celebrates your individual personality and style.”

Splurge-Worthy

What’s the one thing you should splurge on? Bergelt suggests the cabinetry. Cabinets get used constantly and are made of wood products as opposed to metals or glass that appliances are made out of. Middle-to-high-end cabinets are designed to last for about 20 years. “While appliances may be the ‘workhorse’ of your kitchen, the cabinetry is always your ‘show horse’ – it’s the part of the kitchen that appeals to your aesthetics every time you walk into the room,” says Bergelt.

You can cut back and save money in light fixtures, and even appliances. In fact, there has been real progress in appliances with new technological features in the middle price point, so it’s not necessary to buy the most expensive products anymore to get the good looks and desirable features you crave, while often sacrificing value.

If you want to update your kitchen, but you’re not sure where to begin, start with a consultation with an interior designer…you just may fall in love with what they can “cook up”!

Vicki Bergelt, ASID, IIDA can be accessed at ScottsdaleDesigner.com or 480.513.9210.

Your Home

• Go to Carnival in Rio de Janeiro • Talk on a CB radio and create your own “handle”

• Build a house with Habitat for Humanity • Attend fashion shows at New York’s Fashion Week • Rent your absolute dream car for a weekend

• Scuba or snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef • Observe a baby being born • Visit every state in America • Paint a self-portrait

• Hike, ride or helicopter to the bottom of the Grand Canyon

• Swim with dolphins

• See every painting in The Louvre

• Memorize the preamble to the U.S. Constitution

• Go shopping on Rodeo Drive with your own personal stylist

• Marvel at Old Faithful

• Try ice fishing

• Be a Big Brother or Big Sister to an at-risk youth

• Plant a tree

• Order dinner in Paris, in French

• Learn to sail a boat

• Run a marathon

• Rescue an animal from the shelter

• Write a song

• Send flowers to your favorite school teacher

• Hand a large sum of money to a homeless family

• Ride a bucking bronco – even if for just a second

• Watch a butterfly hatch from its cocoon • Double-down at a blackjack table in Monaco • Experience a July 4th at our nation’s capital

Latest Trends

The latest interior design trend in kitchens is a Classic Contemporary style associated with cleaner visual lines, while keeping the space functional. Many people think of an uninviting, sleek look when they hear “contemporary.” However, this Classic Contemporary style has straight lines, elegant wood pieces, upholstery with textured fabrics, and simple metals. “Wallpaper has made a comeback and is commonly used on accent walls to add a splash of character, bringing color and dimension to a room,” adds Bergelt.

Homeowners are making smart choices to give their interior design longevity through changing trends. For kitchens, this translates into neutral finishes on big-ticket items such as cabinetry, countertops and flooring. Cabinet designs reflect an appreciation of nature through natural textures and finishes. Countertop colors are authentic and neutral, particularly the warm gray hues. With the increasing interest of open floor plans where the kitchen tends to be a social gathering place, built-in and concealed appliances and sinks are becoming very popular. Health conscious and environmentally-minded consumers have a renewed interest in faux materials due to technological advancements allowing them to look surprisingly real. For example, tile can be created to look like wood, or laminate flooring that appears to be natural stone.

• Teach a child how to tie their shoes

• Attend an Oktoberfest celebration in Germany

• Savor a mint julep at the Kentucky Derby

• Offer a compliment to a stranger every day • Ride a tandem bicycle with someone you love

• Dress in costume at a Renaissance Festival • Have high tea at The Empress Hotel in Victoria, B.C.

• Make a point to laugh every day

FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO CAKE INGREDIENTS: 1 lb. semisweet chocolate (coarsely chopped) 1 lb. unsalted butter (diced) 1 cup freshly brewed espresso 1 cup golden brown sugar 8 eggs (beaten to blend)

Local Flavor!

Agave on the Rocks Desert Botanical Garden, March 22nd 480.481.8188 | DBG.org Celebrate the essence of the margarita and the spirit of the Southwest at the 11th Annual Agave on the Rocks at the Desert Botanical Garden. Savor an evening of gourmet eats prepared by the Valley’s best restaurants and caterers, and samba under the stars to vibrant Latin rhythms.

Your Lifetime “Things-To-Do” List

Featuring The Capital Grille Phoenix 602.952.8900 | Scottsdale 480.348.1700 TheCapitalGrille.com

PROCEDURE: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line bottom of a 9-inch diameter cake pan with 2-inch high sides with parchment paper. Place all chocolate in large bowl.

2. Bring butter, espresso and sugar to a boil in medium saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar.

3. Add chocolate; whisk until smooth and cool slightly.

4. Whip eggs till blended. Stir eggs into chocolate mixture until blended. (Do not whip)

5. Pour batter into prepared pans.

Place cake pan in roasting pan.

Pour enough hot water into roasting pan to come halfway up sides of cake pan.

6. Bake until center of cake is set and tester inserted into center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, about 45 minutes.

7. Remove pans from water and chill cake overnight.

8. Cut around pan sides to loosen cake. Using oven mitts as aid, hold pan bottom over low heat for 15 seconds, warming slightly to release cake. Place platter over pan. Hold pan and platter together tightly and invert. Lift off cake pan; peel off parchment paper and dust top of each cake with cocoa powder.

9. Cut cake into ten slices.

10. Optional: garnish with fresh raspberries and raspberry sauce.

Event Calendar March| April 2013 La Cage Aux Folles Phoenix Theatre, March 13th – April 7th 602.254.2151 | PhoenixTheatre.com Some call it “The Birdcage,” others say it’s “A Menagerie of Crazies.” We call it worth the wait! La Cage is a tuneful and touching tale of one family’s struggle to stay together, stay fabulous and above all else, stay true to themselves! With a glorious score of hummable melodies, written by Jerry Herman of Hello Dolly, Mame and Mack & Mabel fame, La Cage is an indisputable musical comedy classic.

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, March 22nd – 23rd 480.499.8587 | AspenSantaFeBallet.com Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s bold vision – top global choreographers, distinctive groundbreaking works, and virtuoso dancers – has fostered a jewel of a dance company in the American West and beyond. ASFB’s unique pioneering spirit arises from a paired set of home cities: Aspen, nestled high in the Rocky Mountains, and Santa Fe, gracing the majestic Southwestern plateau. For 16 years, the company has served as a prestigious incubator and a showcase for choreographic invention to popular and critical acclaim.

6th Annual Dine With Your Dog PERA Club Tempe, April 13th 602.933.2663 | DineWithYourDog.org Woof, Wine and Dine! Don’t miss this “fur-filled” fundraiser.

The evening includes a gourmet dinner with wine, a gourmet canine dinner for your pooch, a fashion show highlighting the latest trends in Canine Couture, raffle, vendors, doggie activities and more. Benefiting the PetSmart Paws Can Heal animal assisted therapy program, this magical evening will help many in need, including Phoenix Children’s Hospital patients.

Monterey Jazz Festival 55th Anniversary Celebration Mesa Arts Center, April 26th 480.644.6500 | MesaArtsCenter.com Monterey is the longest consecutively running jazz festival in the world. Celebrate the Festival’s legacy expanding the boundaries of live jazz presentation, an All-Star Jazz Collaboration. This 55th Anniversary Tour reflects Monterey’s “traditional-untraditionalist” attitude, jazz-with-a-purpose exuberance, and joyful fun that continues to be the hallmark of the Festival to this day.

Life is so precious and we want to make the most of our time here.

Our world offers wonders galore, and it’s the experiences in our lives that make up who we are and tell the story of how we spent our time here. While you may have your very own checklist of experiences and achievements you’d like to accomplish, perhaps a few of these suggestions may inspire you further.

• Watch every Oscar winning film, in order, all 84 of them Do you dream of a functional, attractive kitchen but feel overwhelmed by the actual process of making your dream a reality? Put your mind at ease and work with an interior designer to come up with a good kitchen plan. Designers are not only savvy about products, layouts, and trends, but their experience is invaluable in guiding you through what works and what doesn’t. They understand how to work with various elements in your kitchen, and they can save you money by suggesting similar products in a variety of price points.

Vicki Bergelt, principal of Vicki Bergelt Interior Design, LLC, offers some sage advice for transforming the “heart of your home.” Bergelt advises, “Discover your favorite styles, study layouts to determine what would work best for your kitchen and consider the special needs of family members, especially the cooks!” She adds, “Don’t forget to ask friends what they like and dislike about their own kitchens – it’s easier to see the principles of good kitchen planning in familiar spaces. After all, kitchen planning is much more than making your kitchen look good – it’s also about creating an inviting gathering place that celebrates your individual personality and style.”

Splurge-Worthy

What’s the one thing you should splurge on? Bergelt suggests the cabinetry. Cabinets get used constantly and are made of wood products as opposed to metals or glass that appliances are made out of. Middle-to-high-end cabinets are designed to last for about 20 years. “While appliances may be the ‘workhorse’ of your kitchen, the cabinetry is always your ‘show horse’ – it’s the part of the kitchen that appeals to your aesthetics every time you walk into the room,” says Bergelt.

You can cut back and save money in light fixtures, and even appliances. In fact, there has been real progress in appliances with new technological features in the middle price point, so it’s not necessary to buy the most expensive products anymore to get the good looks and desirable features you crave, while often sacrificing value.

If you want to update your kitchen, but you’re not sure where to begin, start with a consultation with an interior designer…you just may fall in love with what they can “cook up”!

Vicki Bergelt, ASID, IIDA can be accessed at ScottsdaleDesigner.com or 480.513.9210.

Your Home

• Go to Carnival in Rio de Janeiro • Talk on a CB radio and create your own “handle”

• Build a house with Habitat for Humanity • Attend fashion shows at New York’s Fashion Week • Rent your absolute dream car for a weekend

• Scuba or snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef • Observe a baby being born • Visit every state in America • Paint a self-portrait

• Hike, ride or helicopter to the bottom of the Grand Canyon

• Swim with dolphins

• See every painting in The Louvre

• Memorize the preamble to the U.S. Constitution

• Go shopping on Rodeo Drive with your own personal stylist

• Marvel at Old Faithful

• Try ice fishing

• Be a Big Brother or Big Sister to an at-risk youth

• Plant a tree

• Order dinner in Paris, in French

• Learn to sail a boat

• Run a marathon

• Rescue an animal from the shelter

• Write a song

• Send flowers to your favorite school teacher

• Hand a large sum of money to a homeless family

• Ride a bucking bronco – even if for just a second

• Watch a butterfly hatch from its cocoon • Double-down at a blackjack table in Monaco • Experience a July 4th at our nation’s capital

Latest Trends

The latest interior design trend in kitchens is a Classic Contemporary style associated with cleaner visual lines, while keeping the space functional. Many people think of an uninviting, sleek look when they hear “contemporary.” However, this Classic Contemporary style has straight lines, elegant wood pieces, upholstery with textured fabrics, and simple metals. “Wallpaper has made a comeback and is commonly used on accent walls to add a splash of character, bringing color and dimension to a room,” adds Bergelt.

Homeowners are making smart choices to give their interior design longevity through changing trends. For kitchens, this translates into neutral finishes on big-ticket items such as cabinetry, countertops and flooring. Cabinet designs reflect an appreciation of nature through natural textures and finishes. Countertop colors are authentic and neutral, particularly the warm gray hues. With the increasing interest of open floor plans where the kitchen tends to be a social gathering place, built-in and concealed appliances and sinks are becoming very popular. Health conscious and environmentally-minded consumers have a renewed interest in faux materials due to technological advancements allowing them to look surprisingly real. For example, tile can be created to look like wood, or laminate flooring that appears to be natural stone.

• Teach a child how to tie their shoes

• Attend an Oktoberfest celebration in Germany

• Savor a mint julep at the Kentucky Derby

• Offer a compliment to a stranger every day • Ride a tandem bicycle with someone you love

• Dress in costume at a Renaissance Festival • Have high tea at The Empress Hotel in Victoria, B.C.

• Make a point to laugh every day

FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO CAKE INGREDIENTS: 1 lb. semisweet chocolate (coarsely chopped) 1 lb. unsalted butter (diced) 1 cup freshly brewed espresso 1 cup golden brown sugar 8 eggs (beaten to blend)

Local Flavor!

Agave on the Rocks Desert Botanical Garden, March 22nd 480.481.8188 | DBG.org Celebrate the essence of the margarita and the spirit of the Southwest at the 11th Annual Agave on the Rocks at the Desert Botanical Garden. Savor an evening of gourmet eats prepared by the Valley’s best restaurants and caterers, and samba under the stars to vibrant Latin rhythms.

Your Lifetime “Things-To-Do” List

Featuring The Capital Grille Phoenix 602.952.8900 | Scottsdale 480.348.1700 TheCapitalGrille.com

PROCEDURE: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line bottom of a 9-inch diameter cake pan with 2-inch high sides with parchment paper. Place all chocolate in large bowl.

2. Bring butter, espresso and sugar to a boil in medium saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar.

3. Add chocolate; whisk until smooth and cool slightly.

4. Whip eggs till blended. Stir eggs into chocolate mixture until blended. (Do not whip)

5. Pour batter into prepared pans.

Place cake pan in roasting pan.

Pour enough hot water into roasting pan to come halfway up sides of cake pan.

6. Bake until center of cake is set and tester inserted into center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, about 45 minutes.

7. Remove pans from water and chill cake overnight.

8. Cut around pan sides to loosen cake. Using oven mitts as aid, hold pan bottom over low heat for 15 seconds, warming slightly to release cake. Place platter over pan. Hold pan and platter together tightly and invert. Lift off cake pan; peel off parchment paper and dust top of each cake with cocoa powder.

9. Cut cake into ten slices.

10. Optional: garnish with fresh raspberries and raspberry sauce.

MONICA MONSON REALTOR®, CLHMS, EPRO

Specializing in the Marketing and Sales of Distinctive Luxury P roperties One of the most creative luxury real estate marketing professionals in Arizona, Monica Monson’s talents are working with luxury

MONICA MONSON C: 480.250.0848

monica.monson@russlyon.com

facebook.com/scottsdalerealestateaz

@luxeagent

homeowners in creating strategic, custom International marketing programs that reach affluent, qualified buyers. Her background in marketing and public relations has been the foundation for a true “out-of-the-box” approach

M

MONSON LUXURY GROUP

that consistently gets homes sold. Contact her today to talk about the market, your property, and her innovative strategy for your success!

www.MonsonLuxuryGroup.com If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net