Bob Lomax | Mirabel Lifestyle

MIRAB

The Broker’s Corner It always amazes me that people will research important hiring decisions like who to select as your stockbroker or your physician. But when it comes to picking a real estate broker, a lot of people just hire a friend, a friend of a friend or a golf buddy rather than researching and hiring the most qualified person for the job. Making an emotional decision like this can cost you a lot of time and money.

For most people, buying or selling a piece of real estate is the single largest dollar transaction of their lives. This makes it even more important that you pick the right broker to help you. Buying and selling real estate can be tricky and requires a select skill set to negotiate the best deal for you and make the transaction go smoothly. And, almost more importantly, a skilled real estate broker should have the expertise to protect you and keep you out of conflict or litigation down the road if something happens to go wrong. A person that just got their real estate license or is relatively new to the profession or works part time can’t possibly have the experience it takes to negotiate a complicated, multi-million dollar transaction on your behalf, all the while protecting you from unneeded legal risk or financial loss.

I have been a real estate broker for over 25 years holding licenses in Washington, Idaho, California, Nevada and Arizona. I am proud to say, neither I nor any of my licensees have ever had one complaint to the Department of Real Estate or been involved in any kind of a lawsuit related to a real estate transaction during those 25 years. I have brokered in excess of $1 billion of real estate sales since my career started, putting me in the very top echelon of real estate brokers nationwide. If you are thinking of hiring a real estate broker to help you in the near future, think twice before you hire a friend or golf buddy and select the most qualified person for the job. Also remember the three L’s of real estate Location, Location and Lomax.

Lifestyle MIRABEL

MARCH | APRIL

2020

Be Your Own Boss Broker’s Corner

Until next time ...

Bob Lomax

Owner/Designated Broker | Mirabel Properties

BOB LOMAX

OWNER/DESIGNATED BROKER MIRABEL PROPERTIES

480.595.2545 OFFICE 480.595.9503 FAX 602.920.7192 MOBILE

For a list of available custom homes and homesites, contact Bob and Liz Lomax at 480.595.2545

All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

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

Produced by DLP Marketing • (480)460-0996 • DLPmarketing.com

Building Trends

The Future of Architecture

Pesto Chicken Salad GoodNes

Presented By Bob Lomax on Back Cover

EVENT CALENDAR MARCH | APRIL 2020

This full-field, televised event brings the world’s top female golfers to Arizona to compete at the Wildfire Golf Club. The Founders Cup was established to honor the LGPA founders and proceeds from the tournament support the LPGAUSGA Girls Golf Program. With a $1.5 million purse, the competition is sure to be fierce between these top-tier athletes.

Arizona Bao and Dumpling Festival Chandler | March 21 Facebook.com/azBaoDumpling Perfect for seasoned foodies or the adventurous eater, this festival offers a variety of baos (stuffed, steamed buns) and dumplings with both classic and imaginative tastes. Outside dumpling booths, the event will feature free games, a curated marketplace, local artists, and other Asian dishes.

This family-friendly event is a delicious way to get a taste of new foods and different cultures.

Spring Tempe Festival of the Arts Tempe | March 27-29 TempeFestivalOfTheArts.com Experience the art show that has received national recognition as a premier festival. Hundreds of artists from throughout North America display unique artwork in various forms including woodwork, photography, ceramics, and jewelry.

Live music, street performances, food trucks, and beer and wine gardens make this a memorable all-day outing.

Arizona Bike Week Scottsdale | April 1-5 azBikeWeek.com The largest motorcycle event in the Southwest, Arizona Bike Week is a celebration of music, entertainment, and – of course – motorcycles. The event is open to all ages and includes vendors, stunt shows, demos, exhibitions, contests, bike shows, and more. Each night is capped with a live performance by a legendary rock band.

Nirvana Food and Wine Festival Paradise Valley | April 16-19 NirvanaFoodAndWine.com Returning for its fourth year, this fan-favorite festival features world-class chefs, winemakers, and spirit makers. Enjoy exclusive sit-downs with celebrity chefs while tasting extraordinary samplings of food and wine. Experts will showcase their talents at special events set against the luxurious backdrop of Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort.

LESS IS MORE Aand they’ll answer with variations on one theme: Freedom.

W

hat’s the future of architecture look like? Small spaces, recycled materials, and energy efficiency are just a few of the design buzzwords you’ll be hearing more of in the decade ahead. With an eye toward innovation and conservation, the newest ideas are sure to please savvy homeowners and environmentalists alike. Here are a few smart and stylish new trends.

Go small (and streamlined) or go home. Tiny homes have had their fair share of attention in the past several years. And in the decade ahead, the streamlined trend will expand to just slightly larger homes that are adapting more minimalist lines and pared down décor. The trend for the decade ahead is definitely less is more. You’ll be seeing compact homes that are uniquely tailored to homeowners’ needs and are closer to where people work and want to live. Less driving and less home to maintain.

Makes sense.

A home’s accessibility is also coming into focus for the new decade, with an emphasis on making sure home designs are workable for everyone. As the Baby Boomers age, architects are looking to accommodate elders, many of whom desire to “age in place” rather than relocate to retirement homes. Accessibility—as in open floor plans, little to no steps, graceful and gradual elevations—is key to designing today’s homes that function well for everyone.

The future also looks very green with a renewed focus on using recycled materials (think bamboo, recycled plastics, and straw bales) in new home designs.

Construction using local materials and renewable and low-maintenance products will also be on the rise. Of course, reducing the transport of products and in turn a project’s overall carbon footprint will also be at the forefront. After all, studies show that the construction industry is responsible for 11 percent of global carbon emissions. Truly energy-efficient homes will be going more mainstream, with “zero-energy” prefab homes becoming more commonplace. Overall, there will be a much greater emphasis on energy efficiency (think LED and CFL bulbs for lighting and solar and wind power for heating and cooling) as well as on water conservation.

And finally, a new focus will also fall on repurposing and rehabilitating preexisting structures rather than building new. As homeowners learn more about the materials once used in construction, health-conscious updates will be of importance. Air and water quality as well as smart home technology will be of particular interest moving forward.

REAL ESTATE

corner

sk most entrepreneurs why they prefer being self-employed

payments and expenditures that include QuickBooks, Apple Pay or Square. They can make tax time much less stressful!

The opportunity and latitude to choose what, where, when and who is often the biggest “why” when it comes to stepping off of the corporate ladder.

SAVE | Speaking of taxes, you’ll need to file the appropriate forms and possibly pay self-employment taxes. Anyone who receives more than $600 in a year from one source, requires a 1099. Self-employment tax is approximately 15% of net earnings and pays into Social Security and Medicare.

According to federal statistics, at least 42 million Americans are expected to be designated as self-employed this year, with a full 33% of the country’s workforce to be considered as nontraditionally employed in the coming years. These numbers include sole proprietors of full-time businesses as well as freelancers and those in the “gig economy,” such as contractors, artists, and Uber drivers, who don’t wholly rely on that income.

If you’re one of those with an independent spirit and a thirst for success on your terms, then you’re probably aware how vital it is to devote attention to your time, money and more to the effort.

Whether considering the leap or already your own boss, here are a few key takeaways.

LEARN | No need for an MBA when the internet and the library are at your fingertips. Learn new skills through online education and platforms like Lynda.com that offer video courses for everything from Excel to email marketing. The personal growth market has never been richer with books and podcasts from inspirational icons like Brene Brown and Adam Grant.

ORGANIZE | Whether organizing your desk, workload or finances, having a good system is crucial for the self-employed. Use task management apps like Asana or Trello to stay on top of clients and schedules. There are several reliable platforms for handling

IN GOOD TASTE

LPGA Tour’s Bank of Hope Founders Cup Phoenix | March 19-22 TheFoundersLPGA.com

You may be able to deduct your home office space, health insurance, mileage, phone, or other equipment used in your business. It’s wise to consult with a tax professional for the best tips for your particular industry, especially when starting out.

If your business doesn’t generate a predictable monthly income, save wisely! Determine your monthly expenses and work to have 12 months’ worth in savings as a cushion for slow times.

BE SOCIAL | While the lure of days spent in yoga pants generating leads for your online company can be enticing, don’t forget the value of human connection. Social media may be an integral part of your brand but networking in person has its rewards. Sites like Meetup.com and LinkedIn are great resources for connecting with local, like-minded entrepreneurs.

Being self-employed can be risky and stressful, but if that particular brand of freedom is your dream, just remember what Steve Jobs said: “…about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.”

YOU’VE GOT THIS!

P esto Chi cken

SA LA D INGREDIENTS 1 cup

Shredded cooked chicken

2 tbl

Pesto with basil

4 cups

Baby spinach

1 cup

Cherry tomatoes, cut in half

Balsamic vinegar

Fresh cracked black pepper

DIRECTIONS Combine chicken and pesto in a small bowl. Place lettuce and tomatoes in a salad bowl.

Add chicken mixture to lettuce and tomatoes. Drizzle with vinegar. Sprinkle with pepper. Toss well.

GoodNes.com

EVENT CALENDAR MARCH | APRIL 2020

This full-field, televised event brings the world’s top female golfers to Arizona to compete at the Wildfire Golf Club. The Founders Cup was established to honor the LGPA founders and proceeds from the tournament support the LPGAUSGA Girls Golf Program. With a $1.5 million purse, the competition is sure to be fierce between these top-tier athletes.

Arizona Bao and Dumpling Festival Chandler | March 21 Facebook.com/azBaoDumpling Perfect for seasoned foodies or the adventurous eater, this festival offers a variety of baos (stuffed, steamed buns) and dumplings with both classic and imaginative tastes. Outside dumpling booths, the event will feature free games, a curated marketplace, local artists, and other Asian dishes.

This family-friendly event is a delicious way to get a taste of new foods and different cultures.

Spring Tempe Festival of the Arts Tempe | March 27-29 TempeFestivalOfTheArts.com Experience the art show that has received national recognition as a premier festival. Hundreds of artists from throughout North America display unique artwork in various forms including woodwork, photography, ceramics, and jewelry.

Live music, street performances, food trucks, and beer and wine gardens make this a memorable all-day outing.

Arizona Bike Week Scottsdale | April 1-5 azBikeWeek.com The largest motorcycle event in the Southwest, Arizona Bike Week is a celebration of music, entertainment, and – of course – motorcycles. The event is open to all ages and includes vendors, stunt shows, demos, exhibitions, contests, bike shows, and more. Each night is capped with a live performance by a legendary rock band.

Nirvana Food and Wine Festival Paradise Valley | April 16-19 NirvanaFoodAndWine.com Returning for its fourth year, this fan-favorite festival features world-class chefs, winemakers, and spirit makers. Enjoy exclusive sit-downs with celebrity chefs while tasting extraordinary samplings of food and wine. Experts will showcase their talents at special events set against the luxurious backdrop of Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort.

LESS IS MORE Aand they’ll answer with variations on one theme: Freedom.

W

hat’s the future of architecture look like? Small spaces, recycled materials, and energy efficiency are just a few of the design buzzwords you’ll be hearing more of in the decade ahead. With an eye toward innovation and conservation, the newest ideas are sure to please savvy homeowners and environmentalists alike. Here are a few smart and stylish new trends.

Go small (and streamlined) or go home. Tiny homes have had their fair share of attention in the past several years. And in the decade ahead, the streamlined trend will expand to just slightly larger homes that are adapting more minimalist lines and pared down décor. The trend for the decade ahead is definitely less is more. You’ll be seeing compact homes that are uniquely tailored to homeowners’ needs and are closer to where people work and want to live. Less driving and less home to maintain.

Makes sense.

A home’s accessibility is also coming into focus for the new decade, with an emphasis on making sure home designs are workable for everyone. As the Baby Boomers age, architects are looking to accommodate elders, many of whom desire to “age in place” rather than relocate to retirement homes. Accessibility—as in open floor plans, little to no steps, graceful and gradual elevations—is key to designing today’s homes that function well for everyone.

The future also looks very green with a renewed focus on using recycled materials (think bamboo, recycled plastics, and straw bales) in new home designs.

Construction using local materials and renewable and low-maintenance products will also be on the rise. Of course, reducing the transport of products and in turn a project’s overall carbon footprint will also be at the forefront. After all, studies show that the construction industry is responsible for 11 percent of global carbon emissions. Truly energy-efficient homes will be going more mainstream, with “zero-energy” prefab homes becoming more commonplace. Overall, there will be a much greater emphasis on energy efficiency (think LED and CFL bulbs for lighting and solar and wind power for heating and cooling) as well as on water conservation.

And finally, a new focus will also fall on repurposing and rehabilitating preexisting structures rather than building new. As homeowners learn more about the materials once used in construction, health-conscious updates will be of importance. Air and water quality as well as smart home technology will be of particular interest moving forward.

REAL ESTATE

corner

sk most entrepreneurs why they prefer being self-employed

payments and expenditures that include QuickBooks, Apple Pay or Square. They can make tax time much less stressful!

The opportunity and latitude to choose what, where, when and who is often the biggest “why” when it comes to stepping off of the corporate ladder.

SAVE | Speaking of taxes, you’ll need to file the appropriate forms and possibly pay self-employment taxes. Anyone who receives more than $600 in a year from one source, requires a 1099. Self-employment tax is approximately 15% of net earnings and pays into Social Security and Medicare.

According to federal statistics, at least 42 million Americans are expected to be designated as self-employed this year, with a full 33% of the country’s workforce to be considered as nontraditionally employed in the coming years. These numbers include sole proprietors of full-time businesses as well as freelancers and those in the “gig economy,” such as contractors, artists, and Uber drivers, who don’t wholly rely on that income.

If you’re one of those with an independent spirit and a thirst for success on your terms, then you’re probably aware how vital it is to devote attention to your time, money and more to the effort.

Whether considering the leap or already your own boss, here are a few key takeaways.

LEARN | No need for an MBA when the internet and the library are at your fingertips. Learn new skills through online education and platforms like Lynda.com that offer video courses for everything from Excel to email marketing. The personal growth market has never been richer with books and podcasts from inspirational icons like Brene Brown and Adam Grant.

ORGANIZE | Whether organizing your desk, workload or finances, having a good system is crucial for the self-employed. Use task management apps like Asana or Trello to stay on top of clients and schedules. There are several reliable platforms for handling

IN GOOD TASTE

LPGA Tour’s Bank of Hope Founders Cup Phoenix | March 19-22 TheFoundersLPGA.com

You may be able to deduct your home office space, health insurance, mileage, phone, or other equipment used in your business. It’s wise to consult with a tax professional for the best tips for your particular industry, especially when starting out.

If your business doesn’t generate a predictable monthly income, save wisely! Determine your monthly expenses and work to have 12 months’ worth in savings as a cushion for slow times.

BE SOCIAL | While the lure of days spent in yoga pants generating leads for your online company can be enticing, don’t forget the value of human connection. Social media may be an integral part of your brand but networking in person has its rewards. Sites like Meetup.com and LinkedIn are great resources for connecting with local, like-minded entrepreneurs.

Being self-employed can be risky and stressful, but if that particular brand of freedom is your dream, just remember what Steve Jobs said: “…about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.”

YOU’VE GOT THIS!

P esto Chi cken

SA LA D INGREDIENTS 1 cup

Shredded cooked chicken

2 tbl

Pesto with basil

4 cups

Baby spinach

1 cup

Cherry tomatoes, cut in half

Balsamic vinegar

Fresh cracked black pepper

DIRECTIONS Combine chicken and pesto in a small bowl. Place lettuce and tomatoes in a salad bowl.

Add chicken mixture to lettuce and tomatoes. Drizzle with vinegar. Sprinkle with pepper. Toss well.

GoodNes.com

MIRAB

The Broker’s Corner It always amazes me that people will research important hiring decisions like who to select as your stockbroker or your physician. But when it comes to picking a real estate broker, a lot of people just hire a friend, a friend of a friend or a golf buddy rather than researching and hiring the most qualified person for the job. Making an emotional decision like this can cost you a lot of time and money.

For most people, buying or selling a piece of real estate is the single largest dollar transaction of their lives. This makes it even more important that you pick the right broker to help you. Buying and selling real estate can be tricky and requires a select skill set to negotiate the best deal for you and make the transaction go smoothly. And, almost more importantly, a skilled real estate broker should have the expertise to protect you and keep you out of conflict or litigation down the road if something happens to go wrong. A person that just got their real estate license or is relatively new to the profession or works part time can’t possibly have the experience it takes to negotiate a complicated, multi-million dollar transaction on your behalf, all the while protecting you from unneeded legal risk or financial loss.

I have been a real estate broker for over 25 years holding licenses in Washington, Idaho, California, Nevada and Arizona. I am proud to say, neither I nor any of my licensees have ever had one complaint to the Department of Real Estate or been involved in any kind of a lawsuit related to a real estate transaction during those 25 years. I have brokered in excess of $1 billion of real estate sales since my career started, putting me in the very top echelon of real estate brokers nationwide. If you are thinking of hiring a real estate broker to help you in the near future, think twice before you hire a friend or golf buddy and select the most qualified person for the job. Also remember the three L’s of real estate Location, Location and Lomax.

Lifestyle MIRABEL

MARCH | APRIL

2020

Be Your Own Boss Broker’s Corner

Until next time ...

Bob Lomax

Owner/Designated Broker | Mirabel Properties

BOB LOMAX

OWNER/DESIGNATED BROKER MIRABEL PROPERTIES

480.595.2545 OFFICE 480.595.9503 FAX 602.920.7192 MOBILE

For a list of available custom homes and homesites, contact Bob and Liz Lomax at 480.595.2545

All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

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

Produced by DLP Marketing • (480)460-0996 • DLPmarketing.com

Building Trends

The Future of Architecture

Pesto Chicken Salad GoodNes

Presented By Bob Lomax on Back Cover