Rob Bland | Arizona Hoeowner

MAIL

Maricopa County By The Numbers

Vol. 4 Issue 4

April 2017 11/1/2016-12/1/2016

5,890 TOTAL #

CLOSED

AVG SOLD PRICE

& ACTS OF KINDNESS

98

67 AVG DAYS ON MARKET

[

Good Karma

$303,388

LIST/SELL PRICE RATIO

Growing Home Value

A combination of design and diversity in your landscaping upgrade can increase a home’s value up to 12%, according to RealtorMag.Realtor.org.

[ UniquePhoenixHomes.com

Danielle O’Connell Residential Specialist 480.201.7466 danielleoconnell16@gmail.com HomeSmart | Elite Group 5225 N Central Ave Ste 104 | Phoenix, AZ 85012 Call Danielle today if you are thinking about a new home for 2017!

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

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

Clothes Encounters Update Your Closet!

Triple Cheese Fondue The Melting Pot

Slow It Down At Catalina Island

WALK-IN TO A

because

T

Nice Matters matters Catalina Island California Catalina Island is a place where the gentle rhythm of the waves makes time slow down. It’s a place where you can paddle through crystal clear waters in the morning, followed by Mai Tais and sun-soaked massages on the beach in the afternoon.

I

f current events have you down, why not do something nice for someone else — and in turn, give your own mood a boost! The secret to random acts of kindness is recognizing someone else’s need and quietly filling that need without looking for recognition or making a big deal out of it. Need some inspiration? Some won’t even cost you a dime!

Moonlit walks are the norm and a sense of timelessness surrounds you. That Catalina feeling of tranquility is better known as Island Time. It allows you the time to do all the things you love to do, at your own pace.

·

Talk to strangers. Whether it’s friendly chit-chat with a sales clerk or a genuine smile and hello to a fellow shopper at the grocery store, simple gestures of kindness will leave both parties feeling lighter and more connected.

Catalina Island features fabulous land and water activities _ including the new Zip Line and SeaTrek Undersea Adventure, romantic lodging for every taste and budget, a diversity of dining experiences, and extraordinary venues for weddings and group events.

·

Be a drive-thru hero. After getting your order, pick up the bill for the car behind you. Imagine how surprised and happy the person behind you will be. Or, if you’re paying for parking at an event, go ahead and pay for the car entering behind you too!

·

Take a hike. Enjoy the great outdoors and while you’re at it, pick up any trash left on the trail. It’ll make you (and your kids if they come along) feel good while helping the environment.

·

Be a super neighbor. If an elderly couple lives next door, bring in their recycling and trash bins for them. Or if a neighbor just recently had a baby, drop off a prepared meal. These little gestures build good will and foster a sense of community.

·

Ditch the road rage. Don’t be one of those angry drivers! Instead, make someone’s day by letting them merge in front of you rather than whizzing right past. You’ll be surprised how just a little friendliness on the commute spreads to other drivers — and makes for safer roadways.

·

Next in line. Who doesn’t hate to stand in a long line, especially when you’re in a hurry? Next time you see someone behind you who’s clearly in a rush or only has a few items in their cart, let them go ahead of you. It’s just a little gesture, but it’s sure to be appreciated.

Source: CatalinaChamber.com

·

CLOSET MAKEOVER

here are a handful of areas in every home that get daily use. And, if you get dressed every day, your closet is one of them! For an area that is used with such frequency, it only makes sense to have a closet that is functional, ergonomic, streamlined and pleasing.

Get the kids involved. Have your children or grandchildren be part of your random acts of kindness. Next time you’re taking the family to a theme park or arcade, load your children up with tokens and have them hand the coins out to other kids. Then enjoy all the smiles and screams of delight. Have your kids pack up some old toys, clothes, and books and bring them to a local charity, hospital, or homeless shelter. It’s never too early to learn how good it feels to share and give to others.

LIFEWISE

Why are so many homeowners interested in a closet makeover? Unless your home was custom-built, you probably have closets that are a simple homebuilder standard; sometimes as barren as a rod and a shelf. A custom design can transform your closet from crowded and bland to an organized and user-friendly space. Often, closets may have a rod that is hung too low or too high for either the homeowner or for the clothing items themselves.

Then, there is the issue of wasted space below the hanging clothes.

With a custom closet, you can have multiple levels of shelving, rods and storage that are adjustable and truly maximize your space.

Redoing your closet can offer many advantages. Whether it’s a small ancillary closet or a large walkin, having your items neatly organized, easily accessible and arranged aesthetically can do wonders for your frame of mind. Since many of us begin our day with getting dressed, the sense of order in a well-organized closet can help cultivate a state of calmness throughout our entire day.

caps? Do you have seasonal items that you’d like to store out of your way but still have within reach? Looking for a more orderly way to keep your laundry hamper?

Need extra shelf space for handbags?

Could you benefit from dividers in your drawers for ties and socks? Lastly, do you want your closet to reflect the rest of your home: a space that you enjoy spending time in and wouldn’t be embarrassed to bring house guests to?

One of the most popular items in walkin closets is an island or peninsula accompanied by a bench. An island allows for plenty of drawer space and it’s a built-in countertop – a great place to switch out handbags, re-charge your cell phone or stash your wallet and change. A bench is an excellent addition for putting on shoes. Many homeowners are moving the “getting dressed” part of life out of the bedroom and into the closet. With so much storage, you may find that a large dresser or bureau is unnecessary as bulky bedroom furniture; leaving more room for a sitting area, exercise equipment or electronics.

While you’re contemplating your ideal walk-in closet, it’s fun to consider the multitude of options and benefits. Some homeowners are adding full-length mirrors, ironing boards or even stackable washers and dryers. This kind of home improvement also adds value to your home that may help you eventually sell faster, and for top dollar.

One of the best things about designing a closet plan from scratch is that you’re able to determine exactly what items you’ll be storing and how you’ll be accessing them. Have a ton of shoes scattered about your floor? Do you collect baseball

Wisconsin Triple Cheese

fondue FLAVORFUL

TRAVEL TIME

INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 c 1 1/2 c 3 tbsp 3/4 c 1/4 c

Shredded Butterkase Shredded Fontina cheese All-purpose flour White wine Dry sherry

2 tsp 1 tsp 1/4 c 2 tbs

Chopped shallots Freshly ground pepper Crumbled blue cheese Chopped scallions

INSTRUCTIONS Toss the Butterkase and Fontina cheeses with the flour in a bowl. Place a metal bowl over a saucepan filled with two inches of water. You may also use a conventional double boiler. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and pour the wine and sherry into the bowl. Stir in the shallots using a fork. Cook for 30 seconds stirring constantly.

Add half of the cheese blend, and stir constantly until the cheese is melted. Add the remaining cheese blend a small amount at a time stirring constantly. Fold in the pepper and blue cheese. Pour into a warm fondue pot and keep warm over low heat. Garnish with the scallions.

MeltingPot.com

WALK-IN TO A

because

T

Nice Matters matters Catalina Island California Catalina Island is a place where the gentle rhythm of the waves makes time slow down. It’s a place where you can paddle through crystal clear waters in the morning, followed by Mai Tais and sun-soaked massages on the beach in the afternoon.

I

f current events have you down, why not do something nice for someone else — and in turn, give your own mood a boost! The secret to random acts of kindness is recognizing someone else’s need and quietly filling that need without looking for recognition or making a big deal out of it. Need some inspiration? Some won’t even cost you a dime!

Moonlit walks are the norm and a sense of timelessness surrounds you. That Catalina feeling of tranquility is better known as Island Time. It allows you the time to do all the things you love to do, at your own pace.

·

Talk to strangers. Whether it’s friendly chit-chat with a sales clerk or a genuine smile and hello to a fellow shopper at the grocery store, simple gestures of kindness will leave both parties feeling lighter and more connected.

Catalina Island features fabulous land and water activities _ including the new Zip Line and SeaTrek Undersea Adventure, romantic lodging for every taste and budget, a diversity of dining experiences, and extraordinary venues for weddings and group events.

·

Be a drive-thru hero. After getting your order, pick up the bill for the car behind you. Imagine how surprised and happy the person behind you will be. Or, if you’re paying for parking at an event, go ahead and pay for the car entering behind you too!

·

Take a hike. Enjoy the great outdoors and while you’re at it, pick up any trash left on the trail. It’ll make you (and your kids if they come along) feel good while helping the environment.

·

Be a super neighbor. If an elderly couple lives next door, bring in their recycling and trash bins for them. Or if a neighbor just recently had a baby, drop off a prepared meal. These little gestures build good will and foster a sense of community.

·

Ditch the road rage. Don’t be one of those angry drivers! Instead, make someone’s day by letting them merge in front of you rather than whizzing right past. You’ll be surprised how just a little friendliness on the commute spreads to other drivers — and makes for safer roadways.

·

Next in line. Who doesn’t hate to stand in a long line, especially when you’re in a hurry? Next time you see someone behind you who’s clearly in a rush or only has a few items in their cart, let them go ahead of you. It’s just a little gesture, but it’s sure to be appreciated.

Source: CatalinaChamber.com

·

CLOSET MAKEOVER

here are a handful of areas in every home that get daily use. And, if you get dressed every day, your closet is one of them! For an area that is used with such frequency, it only makes sense to have a closet that is functional, ergonomic, streamlined and pleasing.

Get the kids involved. Have your children or grandchildren be part of your random acts of kindness. Next time you’re taking the family to a theme park or arcade, load your children up with tokens and have them hand the coins out to other kids. Then enjoy all the smiles and screams of delight. Have your kids pack up some old toys, clothes, and books and bring them to a local charity, hospital, or homeless shelter. It’s never too early to learn how good it feels to share and give to others.

LIFEWISE

Why are so many homeowners interested in a closet makeover? Unless your home was custom-built, you probably have closets that are a simple homebuilder standard; sometimes as barren as a rod and a shelf. A custom design can transform your closet from crowded and bland to an organized and user-friendly space. Often, closets may have a rod that is hung too low or too high for either the homeowner or for the clothing items themselves.

Then, there is the issue of wasted space below the hanging clothes.

With a custom closet, you can have multiple levels of shelving, rods and storage that are adjustable and truly maximize your space.

Redoing your closet can offer many advantages. Whether it’s a small ancillary closet or a large walkin, having your items neatly organized, easily accessible and arranged aesthetically can do wonders for your frame of mind. Since many of us begin our day with getting dressed, the sense of order in a well-organized closet can help cultivate a state of calmness throughout our entire day.

caps? Do you have seasonal items that you’d like to store out of your way but still have within reach? Looking for a more orderly way to keep your laundry hamper?

Need extra shelf space for handbags?

Could you benefit from dividers in your drawers for ties and socks? Lastly, do you want your closet to reflect the rest of your home: a space that you enjoy spending time in and wouldn’t be embarrassed to bring house guests to?

One of the most popular items in walkin closets is an island or peninsula accompanied by a bench. An island allows for plenty of drawer space and it’s a built-in countertop – a great place to switch out handbags, re-charge your cell phone or stash your wallet and change. A bench is an excellent addition for putting on shoes. Many homeowners are moving the “getting dressed” part of life out of the bedroom and into the closet. With so much storage, you may find that a large dresser or bureau is unnecessary as bulky bedroom furniture; leaving more room for a sitting area, exercise equipment or electronics.

While you’re contemplating your ideal walk-in closet, it’s fun to consider the multitude of options and benefits. Some homeowners are adding full-length mirrors, ironing boards or even stackable washers and dryers. This kind of home improvement also adds value to your home that may help you eventually sell faster, and for top dollar.

One of the best things about designing a closet plan from scratch is that you’re able to determine exactly what items you’ll be storing and how you’ll be accessing them. Have a ton of shoes scattered about your floor? Do you collect baseball

Wisconsin Triple Cheese

fondue FLAVORFUL

TRAVEL TIME

INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 c 1 1/2 c 3 tbsp 3/4 c 1/4 c

Shredded Butterkase Shredded Fontina cheese All-purpose flour White wine Dry sherry

2 tsp 1 tsp 1/4 c 2 tbs

Chopped shallots Freshly ground pepper Crumbled blue cheese Chopped scallions

INSTRUCTIONS Toss the Butterkase and Fontina cheeses with the flour in a bowl. Place a metal bowl over a saucepan filled with two inches of water. You may also use a conventional double boiler. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and pour the wine and sherry into the bowl. Stir in the shallots using a fork. Cook for 30 seconds stirring constantly.

Add half of the cheese blend, and stir constantly until the cheese is melted. Add the remaining cheese blend a small amount at a time stirring constantly. Fold in the pepper and blue cheese. Pour into a warm fondue pot and keep warm over low heat. Garnish with the scallions.

MeltingPot.com

BLAN

Open the door to a lender you can trust.

Vol. 2 Issue 5

Lighten Up!

Rob Bland has over 25 years experience of real estate lending in Arizona’s local markets, as well as on a national basis. His background includes structuring complicated jumbo loans for high net worth borrowers, custom home construction loans, working with production home builders and most other types of financing. Professionalism and superior customer service are the driving forces behind his success in meeting clients’ expectations.

It’s the foundation he builds on every day.

Mood Enhancing Ambiance

• Primary, Secondary Homes and Investment Property Financing • JUMBO Financing up to $3 Million

Mortgage Loan Originator

Office: 480.538.5579 Cell: 602.616.1651 robert.bland1@usbank.com NMLS #:502365

• Low Down Payment Conventional Financing • Government FHA & VA Mortgage Contact Rob Bland today and trust his background and experience to serve your real estate financing needs.

Great Escapes

Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice. Visit usbank.com to learn more about U.S. Bank products and services. Mortgage and Deposit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. ©2013 U.S. Bank Member FDIC.

17851 N 85th St. | Suite 100 | Scottsdale AZ | 85255

usbank.com/mortgage If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

Hit the Road

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

Cover Photography | Candelaria Design

Rob Bland

• Construction and Vacant Lot Financing

Modern Margarita Magical Guacamole

Showplace of the Valley Sahuaro Historic Park