Mesa Real Estate Arizona: September 2012

Friday, 28 September 2012

Housing Recession – Is it Over?

Housing Recession – Is it Over?

Is housing recession over?

The housing recession arose after housing prices peaked on July 2006 and started declining years after. It has affected lots of American homeowners causing foreclosures and a crisis in the overall economy. Not only did it affect homeowners, it has a tremendous effect on real estate, mortgage and home supply retail business. Six years had passed and there are reports coming out about the recovering housing industry which leads to one question – Is the housing recession over? Real estate is geographically affected and the Scottsdale real estate is reflected in our market watch.

The housing recession isn't over yet. While it is true that the housing market is slowly recovering, home prices are not. According to the report released by the Standard and Poor's/Case-Shiller index of prices, home prices in the nation's largest cities rise up 1.6 % in July hitting their highest level in nearly 2 years but still down about 30 % from its peak in mid 2006. Moreover, 16 out of 20 cities measured in the index showed a significant rise in home prices led by a 17 percent increase in Phoenix. Reportedly, a house in Glendale AZ got 95 offers and was finally sold 17 percent above the asking price. Unlike Phoenix, Atlanta on the other hand, had the biggest drop of 9.9 percent.

David Blister, Chairman of the Index Committee at the S&P Dow Jones Indices said “The news on home prices in this report confirm recent good news about housing. Single family housing starts are well ahead of last year's pace, existing home sales are up, the inventory of homes for sale is down and foreclosure activity is slowing. All in all, we are more optimistic about housing”.

As housing is recovering, so is the construction industry. To accommodate the demand of the young people moving out of their parent’s house or newly married couple seeking a good place to start a new life together as well as the need for replacement that no longer meets their needs make the construction industry recover.

Now that the home loan is still manageable because of low interest rate, is it a wise move for reluctant buyers to purchase real state property considering the other economic problems the government is facing? Some think it is. They want to grab the opportunity of having today's price than to wait until tomorrow knowing that prices are continuously increasing and it’s a sure bet that mortgage interest rates will begin an upward trend after the November Presidential election.

To know more about our Phoenix Arizona listings, contact or email us. You can also visit http://phoenixrealestatequest.com

For more information, please visit our website.

Housing Recession – Is it Over?

Housing Recession – Is it Over?

[caption id="attachment_5263" align="alignright" width="300"]

Is housing recession over?[/caption]

The housing recession arose after housing prices peaked on July 2006 and started declining years after. It has affected lots of American homeowners causing foreclosures and a crisis in the overall economy. Not only did it affect homeowners, it has a tremendous effect on real estate, mortgage and home supply retail business. Six years had passed and there are reports coming out about the recovering housing industry which leads to one question – Is the housing recession over? Real estate is geographically affected and the Scottsdale real estate is reflected in our market watch.

The housing recession isn't over yet. While it is true that the housing market is slowly recovering, home prices are not. According to the report released by the Standard and Poor's/Case-Shiller index of prices, home prices in the nation's largest cities rise up 1.6 % in July hitting their highest level in nearly 2 years but still down about 30 % from its peak in mid 2006. Moreover, 16 out of 20 cities measured in the index showed a significant rise in home prices led by a 17 percent increase in Phoenix. Reportedly, a house in Glendale AZ got 95 offers and was finally sold 17 percent above the asking price. Unlike Phoenix, Atlanta on the other hand, had the biggest drop of 9.9 percent.

David Blister, Chairman of the Index Committee at the S&P Dow Jones Indices said “The news on home prices in this report confirm recent good news about housing. Single family housing starts are well ahead of last year's pace, existing home sales are up, the inventory of homes for sale is down and foreclosure activity is slowing. All in all, we are more optimistic about housing”.

As housing is recovering, so is the construction industry. To accommodate the demand of the young people moving out of their parent’s house or newly married couple seeking a good place to start a new life together as well as the need for replacement that no longer meets their needs make the construction industry recover.

Now that the home loan is still manageable because of low interest rate, is it a wise move for reluctant buyers to purchase real state property considering the other economic problems the government is facing? Some think it is. They want to grab the opportunity of having today's price than to wait until tomorrow knowing that prices are continuously increasing and it’s a sure bet that mortgage interest rates will begin an upward trend after the November Presidential election.

To know more about our Phoenix Arizona listings, contact or email us. You can also visit http://phoenixrealestatequest.com

Wednesday, 26 September 2012

Maximizing Space For Your New Home

Maximizing Space For Your New Home

With the housing industry on its way to recovery, new trends in home design are now made available to homeowners. Renovating and remodeling your old house into a multifunctional living space requires much to consider: from budgeting and structural designs, down to the materials and colors of choice. This can be a nerve-wrecking business and to steer away from the stress of the project, you can invite experts or contractors to help you in realizing your dream home.

To renovate and remodel your home for your own pleasure, these insights can be helpful in outlining the blueprint of your new home.

Bright and well-ventilated kitchen
Kitchen- Kitchens continue to be the heart of a house and becoming the gathering area in every household. Experts promote more contemporary solutions for storage and functional needs. The island remains popular as it can be incorporated with a cook top stove and a sink and can double as a dining table. Gone is the customary side-by-side seating arrangement, instead the chairs are arranged in a perpendicular manner for a conducive environment for conversation. There is also an increasing use of large windows to keep the kitchen bright and well-ventilated.

Exquisite living room
Living Room – It is the most popular space in a house to entertain guests. When designing this room, you need to determine the purpose of the room. It should be embellished with a friendly atmosphere to ensure the comfort of the visitor. The design must fit your taste and lifestyle and you must be comfortable with the space since you will be spending a lot of time in this room. The trend today is a living room that has elements that creates a simple yet elegant, well-lit room.

Convenient and organized laundry room
Laundry Room – The idea is to make the laundry chores easier through built-in convenience that costs a lot less when you plan ahead. A universal design laundry room should have ample area to allow handling multiple chores. A closet laundry can be tucked into a hallway as long as the hallway is wide enough and opened closet doors can allow access and maneuverability. A cabinet can be installed for more storage space. An upstairs laundry room is increasingly popular since that's where most clothes add-up, however, if the master suite is on the main floor, the traditionalfirst floor concept works best.

Multifunctional work area

Garage - There is a developing trend that indicates that garages don't have to function exclusively as the traditional garage used only as a parking and storage area. Garages can be renovated and converted as an extension of the home living space as a work area, a hobby center or anything you want it to be. Through custom cabinets, storage and other embellishments, you can ultimately transform your boring old garage into a multifunctional work area.

These new structural designs that will fit your way of living can be found in our listings in: Scottsdale real estate, Phoenix real estate, Paradise Valley real estate, Chandler real estate, Glendale real estate, Winfield real estate, DesertRidge real estate, Carefree real estate, and Mesa real estate.

Zig Ziglar once quoted "Being successful means having a balance of success stories across the many areas of your life. You can't truly be considered successful in your business life if your home life is in shambles". Our home is a reflection of who we are, be bold in planning your new house's structural design.

For more information, please visit our website.

Maximizing Space For Your New Home

[caption id="attachment_5181" align="alignright" width="150"] Bright and well-ventilated kitchen[/caption]

Kitchen- Kitchens continue to be the heart of a house and becoming the gathering area in every household. Experts promote more contemporary solutions for storage and functional needs. The island remains popular as it can be incorporated with a cook top stove and a sink and can double as a dining table. Gone is the customary side-by-side seating arrangement, instead the chairs are arranged in a perpendicular manner for a conducive environment for conversation. There is also an increasing use of large windows to keep the kitchen bright and well-ventilated.

[caption id="attachment_5182" align="alignright" width="150"] Simple and exquisite living room[/caption]

Living Room – It is the most popular space in a house to entertain guests. When designing this room, you need to determine the purpose of the room. It should be embellished with a friendly atmosphere to ensure the comfort of the visitor. The design must fit your taste and lifestyle and you must be comfortable with the space since you will be spending a lot of time in this room. The trend today is a living room that has elements that creates a simple yet elegant, well-lit room.

[caption id="attachment_5186" align="alignright" width="150"] Convenient and organized laundry room[/caption]

Laundry Room – The idea is to make the laundry chores easier through built-in convenience that costs a lot less when you plan ahead. A universal design laundry room should have ample area to allow handling multiple chores. A closet laundry can be tucked into a hallway as long as the hallway is wide enough and opened closet doors can allow access and maneuverability. A cabinet can be installed for more storage space. An upstairs laundry room is increasingly popular since that's where most clothes add-up, however, if the master suite is on the main floor, the traditionalfirst floor concept works best.

[caption id="attachment_5183" align="alignright" width="150"] Multifunctional work area[/caption]

Garage - There is a developing trend that indicates that garages don't have to function exclusively as the traditional garage used only as a parking and storage area. Garages can be renovated and converted as an extension of the home living space as a work area, a hobby center or anything you want it to be. Through custom cabinets, storage and other embellishments, you can ultimately transform your boring old garage into a multifunctional work area.

Monday, 24 September 2012

Tips for a Budget-Friendly Trip

A budget-friendly trip

Whether you are in for a well-planned or spontaneous trip, all trips are meant for adventure and relaxation. One doesn't have to spend a fortune to experience the true meaning of the word “vacation” without going broke. For those looking to make their next vacation in Scottsdale Arizona, these tips are essential in planning your trip to maximize your respite dollar.

Plan your trip ahead. Determine where and when you are planning on going. You can get special deals on airline seats and hotel when booked in advanced. Consider traveling during off-season as fare, hotel and tour rates go down. However, be cautious with the unusually cheap prices as these may be a scam and you could end up paying more than the regular cost. You may also consider going to a place where you know someone locally. They might want to act as a guide to show you around the city and show you the magnificent hidden sites in the area. Not only do you get to save money, but this is also an opportunity to visit a long lost friend or a relative.

Pack light. Airline companies have an allowable maximum weight for baggage and anything beyond will be charged per pound or kilo. You may also be planning on bringing home souvenirs or mementos and packing light will give you extra room in your baggage for that little gift on the return trip. Moreover, traveling with lots of baggage limits your movement or activities, which causes discomfort.

Make a list of the attractions and budget-friendly activities the country or city has to offer. Amusement parks, beaches, museums, garden and zoos have a relaxing environment and are free to enjoy. You may also want to take note of the happy hour specials and promotions for a night out. You can always beat boredom without spending much. Scottsdale AZ offers a wide variety of attractions and fun-filled activities you can choose from. Visit http://www.experiencescottsdale.com for more details.

Hotel vs. hostel. For a budget-friendly travel, hostel offers an affordable and safe dry place where you can spend a night or two. It may not have the amenity and luxury offered by a hotel but your dollar can go a long way in a hostel.

Limit the fancy dining. Try not to go to a lavish restaurant that offers the same familiar food at a higher price. Instead, be adventurous in trying local foods for an authentic culinary experience.

Even a well-arranged vacation hardly goes as planned so make sure to bring an extra amount with you for any unexpected expense. These include a bottle of water and snacks or an over-the-counter medicine if needed. Just be sure to stick to your budget. Always have a plan B just in case plan A doesn’t work. Remember you are in for some R and R. (Rest & Recuperation)

For more information, please visit our website.

Tips for a Budget-Friendly Trip

[caption id="attachment_5149" align="alignright" width="275"]

A budget-friendly trip[/caption]

Whether you are in for a well-planned or spontaneous trip, all trips are meant for adventure and relaxation. One doesn't have to spend a fortune to experience the true meaning of the word “vacation” without going broke. For those looking to make their next vacation in Scottsdale Arizona, these tips are essential in planning your trip to maximize your respite dollar.

Plan your trip ahead. Determine where and when you are planning on going. You can get special deals on airline seats and hotel when booked in advanced. Consider traveling during off-season as fare, hotel and tour rates go down. However, be cautious with the unusually cheap prices as these may be a scam and you could end up paying more than the regular cost. You may also consider going to a place where you know someone locally. They might want to act as a guide to show you around the city and show you the magnificent hidden sites in the area. Not only do you get to save money, but this is also an opportunity to visit a long lost friend or a relative.

Pack light. Airline companies have an allowable maximum weight for baggage and anything beyond will be charged per pound or kilo. You may also be planning on bringing home souvenirs or mementos and packing light will give you extra room in your baggage for that little gift on the return trip. Moreover, traveling with lots of baggage limits your movement or activities, which causes discomfort.

Make a list of the attractions and budget-friendly activities the country or city has to offer. Amusement parks, beaches, museums, garden and zoos have a relaxing environment and are free to enjoy. You may also want to take note of the happy hour specials and promotions for a night out. You can always beat boredom without spending much. Scottsdale AZ offers a wide variety of attractions and fun-filled activities you can choose from. Visit http://www.experiencescottsdale.com for more details.

Hotel vs. hostel. For a budget-friendly travel, hostel offers an affordable and safe dry place where you can spend a night or two. It may not have the amenity and luxury offered by a hotel but your dollar can go a long way in a hostel.

Limit the fancy dining. Try not to go to a lavish restaurant that offers the same familiar food at a higher price. Instead, be adventurous in trying local foods for an authentic culinary experience.

Thursday, 20 September 2012

Cupcakes: A Little Bit of History

Cupcakes: A Little Bit of History

Sweet mouth-watering cupcakes

When driving down Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale, Arizona we pass my granddaughter’s favorite store. It brings a smile to my face when I see the cupcake store and it always bring a smile to my face. I would remember the birthday parties I have attended to as a kid, the smudge of icing on our tiny hands and the laughter we shared our friends.

The cupcake craze all started during the 19^th century in the United States and has since gained popularity because of its uncomplicated ways of baking as well as the ingredients involved in the making of the cupcake.

Furthermore, they are also convenient because of the little amount of time spent in preparing and cooking, and the ease in remembering the ingredients.

There are a few theories of how that little cake got its name: first, because the ingredients are measured by cup rather than being weighed. It’s as simple as 1234 as these little cakes are made up of a cup of butter, two cups of sugar, three of flour and four the eggs. A recipe that’s easy to remember in every household. Secondly, it was originally bakedin ramekins, molds and pottery cups, thus, the name cupcake.

With creativity and imagination, the old simple cupcake recipe now comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and of course flavors - A culinary masterpiece. The batter used can be flavored with banana, carrots, chocolates and the likes and some have added ingredients such as fruits, nuts, chocolate chips that are stirred in for more aroma and texture. Cupcakes may also be filled with flavored jellies and whipped cream by scooping a small hole on top of the cake or by injecting the filling with the use of a syringe. They may also be decorated with various patterns topped with frosting of different colors and sprinkled with candies. The variation of these little cakes made an impact, especially with the children. The cupcake is almost a staple at any American get-together such as birthday parties, work functions, anniversaries and weddings.

In recent years, there was a boom of cupcake stores across the country. Cupcakes became more of an industry than a household recipe. After all, this snack can be eaten during any part of the day. The accessibility of having a cupcake store in the neighborhood makes it more convenient just for anyone such as working mothers to serve this delicious dessert to their children, or for a quick gift to a friend. With the wide array of cupcakes available in the market today, prices range from $1.00 to $5.00 a piece.

One of the most loved and sought-after cupcake stores in the US is called the Sprinkles Cupcakes and it’s conveniently located in the heart of Scottsdale AZ. So if you are in the area, don't miss dropping by and have a taste and indulge your taste buds with this mouth-watering sprinkled cupcake.

For more information, please visit our website.

Cupcakes: A Little Bit of History

Cupcakes: A Little Bit of History

[caption id="attachment_5099" align="alignright" width="300"]

Sweet mouth-watering cupcakes[/caption]

When driving down Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale, Arizona we pass my granddaughter’s favorite store. It brings a smile to my face when I see the cupcake store and it always bring a smile to my face. I would remember the birthday parties I have attended to as a kid, the smudge of icing on our tiny hands and the laughter we shared our friends.

The cupcake craze all started during the 19^th century in the United States and has since gained popularity because of its uncomplicated ways of baking as well as the ingredients involved in the making of the cupcake.

Furthermore, they are also convenient because of the little amount of time spent in preparing and cooking, and the ease in remembering the ingredients.

There are a few theories of how that little cake got its name: first, because the ingredients are measured by cup rather than being weighed. It’s as simple as 1234 as these little cakes are made up of a cup of butter, two cups of sugar, three of flour and four the eggs. A recipe that’s easy to remember in every household. Secondly, it was originally bakedin ramekins, molds and pottery cups, thus, the name cupcake.

With creativity and imagination, the old simple cupcake recipe now comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and of course flavors - A culinary masterpiece. The batter used can be flavored with banana, carrots, chocolates and the likes and some have added ingredients such as fruits, nuts, chocolate chips that are stirred in for more aroma and texture. Cupcakes may also be filled with flavored jellies and whipped cream by scooping a small hole on top of the cake or by injecting the filling with the use of a syringe. They may also be decorated with various patterns topped with frosting of different colors and sprinkled with candies. The variation of these little cakes made an impact, especially with the children. The cupcake is almost a staple at any American get-together such as birthday parties, work functions, anniversaries and weddings.

In recent years, there was a boom of cupcake stores across the country. Cupcakes became more of an industry than a household recipe. After all, this snack can be eaten during any part of the day. The accessibility of having a cupcake store in the neighborhood makes it more convenient just for anyone such as working mothers to serve this delicious dessert to their children, or for a quick gift to a friend. With the wide array of cupcakes available in the market today, prices range from $1.00 to $5.00 a piece.

One of the most loved and sought-after cupcake stores in the US is called the Sprinkles Cupcakes and it’s conveniently located in the heart of Scottsdale AZ. So if you are in the area, don't miss dropping by and have a taste and indulge your taste buds with this mouth-watering sprinkled cupcake.

Monday, 17 September 2012

A Timeless Beauty: Audrey Hepburn

A Timeless Beauty: Audrey Hepburn

[caption id="attachment_5084" align="alignright" width="252"]

A Timeless Beauty: Audrey Hepburn[/caption]

More than a decade after her demise, her name still is celebrated not just in the industry but in the whole world.

Audrey Hepburn spent most of her childhood in Europe, even in the German occupied Arnhem in World War II. Born from an Aristocratic family, Audrey started off as a ballet dancer in numerous musical theater productions before venturing into British films. Her work did not go unrecognized as Hepburn is one of the few who have won all Academy, Emmy, Grammy and Tony Awards.

As they all say, beauty is skin deep. However, with Audrey Hepburn, beauty stems right from the core. Working hand in hand with UNICEF in some of the most destitute areas in Africa, South America and Asia even until her death.

She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her hardwork and dedication in philanthropy as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Much of her devotion to UNICEF is rooted from her war-time experiences of hunger and the great depression.

One of the greatest female screen legend in the history of American cinema, Audrey Hepburn was and still is the epitome of beauty, class and sophistication. Her legacy as an actress and a personality has endured long after her death in 1993.