Transcript
Page 1: Arizona Homeowner presented by Arlene Friedman

custom closetsGetting Dressed Goes From Mundane To Marvelous

scrumptious summer side dish Maria Maria’s Mango Cerviche

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

Realestatefinancingcanbeadauntingtask.Andthatisespeciallytrueintoday’sworldwherelendersaremorecautiousaboutlendingduetoeconomicuncertainty.Iunderstandthatchoosingamortgageisonethebiggestdecisionsthatyouwillmake.Youwantthebestinterestrateandyouwantthepre-approval,application,andcloseofescrowprocesstobehassle-free.Iunderstand.Ilistentoyourneeds.AndIrespondquicklyanddeliver.Letmeputmynearlytwodecadesofresidentiallendingexperiencetoworkforyou!

• Theneedsofeveryclientaredifferent.Ispecializein tailoringaloanandfinancingstrategythatwillbestfit theindividualneedsofeachclient.

• Haveyoueverclosedonamortgageandlaterhad remorsethatyoumayhavepickedthewrongloan programorpaidtoomuchinfees?Iofferabenefit analysisoneveryloantoensurethattheloanprogram andtheassociatedcostsarethebestfitandinthebest interestoftheclient.

• Iusethelatestlendingtechnologytodeliveraloancredit decisioninhours,notdays.

• Closingthousandsofloansoverthecourseofmycareer assuresyouthatasanindustryveteranIhavethe knowledgeandexpertisetohandleeverysituation.

• Myimpeccablereputationismybestasset.Ialwaysstrive toexceedyourexpectationsandearnyourbusinessforlife!

Call me today!

Brady HollandSenior Mortgage Banker

NMLS 180079

Office: 480.278.8993Cell: 480.272.3282

E-Fax: [email protected]

Brady HollandSenior Mortgage Banker

NMLS 145502AZ BK#0909074

MORTGAGE RATES as of 2/24/11

Loan Rates for $150K-$417K:• 30-Year Fixed: 5.000%/5.115% APR• 15-Year Fixed: 4.375%/4.566% APR

• 5/1 ARM: 3.625%/3.727% APR

Loan Rates for $418K-$1.5M: • 30-Year Fixed: 5.625%/5.684% APR

• 5/1 ARM: 4.375%/3.535% APR• 7/1 ARM: 5.000%/4.008% APR

*Note: All rate quotes offered at 0% points for primary home purchase or no cash-outrefinance financing with 720+ FICO score. Loans under $417K are quoted based on 20% equity

while loans over $417K require 20%-30% equity. Other financing options are available upon request.

Welcome to spring. While most of the rest of the country is just starting to warm to a slight thaw, we are in for a treat. March and April offer some of the best weather of the year in the Valley. Enjoy it while you can!

Mortgage lending has gone through a lot of changes this past year. To help you understand, here are some questions I commonly receive from clients:

Q: With the real estate market in disarray we are leaning toward renovating our home rather than trying to sell it. How do we go about getting a loan for this?

A: The cheapest way to finance a smaller home improvement project is by securing an equity line or second mortgage. We still have a few investors we work with that offer those. But with fixed rates so low, many clients are opting for our fixed rate 1st mortgage renovation loan. Here, we refinance your existing mortgage to a low fixed rate and then add-in an additional amount to pay for your home improvement project.

Q: We think our house is worth less than what we owe and we would like to refinance out of our existing ARM loan before it rises. What are our options?

A: To refinance, you typically need 5-10% equity. But if your existing loan is FHA or VA there are some options to refinance without an appraisal.

If you have a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan you can owe more on the loan than the house is worth and still qualify for a refinance. And lastly, you can also call your existing lender

and make a case for them to modify your loan to a fixed rate. Give me a call and I’d be happy to help you review your options.

Q: We are considering a purchase and like the fixed rate but were amazed at how much lower the ARM rates are. Is it wise to choose an ARM?

A: On a 30 year fixed mortgage the lender guarantees the rate for 30 years. On an ARM loan such as a 5/1 ARM, the rate is fixed for 5 years and adjusts every year thereafter based on the movement of the ARM index. Since the lender is only guaranteeing the fixed rate portion for 5 years, they offer the rate at a 1/2%-1% discount to the fixed rate. We are at a 40 year low with mortgage rates so the assumption is that rates will be quite a bit higher in the coming years, making a good case for you to lock in a 30 year fixed rate at today’s lows. However, with the ARM rates even lower it can make sense and save you money if you plan to move or refinance before your ARM loan adjusts. I don’t recommend a monthly or 1 year ARM as they are high risk with adjustments in the short run. But we do offer a 3/1, 5/1, 7/1, and 10/1 ARM where the rate is fixed for 3, 5, 7, or 10 years before adjusting annually thereafter. With careful planning you can save a lot of money with an ARM loan program.

Arizona HomeownerMay | June 2011

85026PERMIT 1441

V.I.P. Mortgage, Inc.8414 N. 90th St. | Suite 102Scottsdale, AZ 85258RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Page 2: Arizona Homeowner presented by Arlene Friedman

Event CalendarMay | June 2011

Arizona Wish BallWestin Kierland Resort, May 14th602.395.9474 | WishAZ.orgCome celebrate the mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Arizona at this hosted cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner and dancing program. Your participation benefits hundreds of children with life- threatening or life-immobilizing illnesses and helps them to see their most heartfelt wishes come true.

Mamma Mia!ASU Gammage, May 17th – 22nd480.965.3434 | ASUGammage.comPerhaps you’re a veteran of this fun, smash-hit musical. Or maybe you’ve only seen the film. Or, alas, perhaps neither! Don’t miss this heart-warming and toe-tapping tale of love, laughter and friendship; all set to musical artists ABBA’s greatest hits. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a dance in your heart.

Celebrating Women Tea FundraiserPhoenix Art Museum, May 22nd602.265.4014 | TheHarpFoundation.orgSpend a lovely afternoon in celebration of the women in your life. Hear keynote speaker Cynthia Richmond on the power of interpreting our dreams, take a self-guided exploration of the museum and indulge in a delicious afternoon tea. The event is hosted by The Harp Foundation, which provides soothing harp music for hospital and hospice patients.

Live & Let Die: The Music of Paul McCartneySymphony Hall, June 10th – 11th602.495.1999 | PhoenixSymphony.orgAre you a tried and true McCartney fan? Were you blown away by the Phoenix Symphony’s salute to The Beatles last year? Don’t miss Tony Kishman’s award-winning re-creation of the sound and look of Paul McCartney at this special weekend event.

Japanese Origami and MusicMusical Instrument Museum, June 19th480.478.6000 | TheMIM.orgAs part of the museum’s Summer Series for Kids, artist and musician Kuniko Yamamoto will guide children in the art and tradition of origami. Along with sharing folding techniques, children will learn the symbolic meanings of origami design. Followed by a flute and koto concert, the program promises to spark imaginations and encourage cultural discovery.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Cleveland IndiansChase Field, June 27th – 29th602.514.8400 | Arizona.Diamondbacks.MLB.comTake me out to the ball game. Join fellow D-Back fans at this three-game home stand against the Indians. But first, take a guided tour of the ballpark and get your fill of hot dogs and peanuts before you settle in for the game. Play ball!

Featuring Maria MariaMariaMariaRestaurants.com

Loc

al F

lavo

r!

Your Home

Thereareahandfulofareasineveryhomethatgetdailyuse.And,ifyougetdressedeveryday,yourclosetisoneofthem!Foranareathatisusedwithsuchfrequency,itonlymakessensetohaveaclosetthatisfunctional,ergonomic,streamlinedandpleasing. Whyaresomanyhomeownersinterestedinaclosetmakeover?Unlessyourhomewascustom-built,youprobablyhaveclosetsthatareasimplehomebuilderstandard;sometimesasbarrenasarodandashelf.Acustomdesigncantransformyourclosetfromcrowdedandblandtoanorganizedanduser-friendlyspace.Often,closetsmayhavearodthatishungtoolowortoohighforeitherthehomeownerorfortheclothingitemsthemselves.Then,thereistheissueofwastedspacebelowthehangingclothes.Withacustomcloset,youcanhavemultiplelevelsofshelving,rodsandstoragethatareadjustableandtrulymaximizeyourspace. Redoingyourclosetcanoffermanyadvantages.Whetherit’sasmallancillaryclosetoralargewalk-incloset,havingyouritemsneatlyorganized,easilyaccessibleandarrangedaestheticallycandowondersforyourframe-of-mind.Sincemanyofusbeginourdaywithgettingdressed,thesenseoforderinawell-organizedclosetcanhelpcultivateastateofcalmnesstoourentireday. Oneofthebestthingsaboutdesigningaclosetplanfromscratchisthatyouareabletodetermineexactlywhattypeofitemsyou’llbestoringandhowyou’llbeaccessingthem.Haveatonofshoesscatteredaboutyourclosetfloor?Doyoucollectbaseballcaps?Doyouhaveseasonalitemsthatyou’dliketostoreoutofyourwaybutstillhavewithinreach?Lookingforamoreorderlywaytokeepyourlaundryhamper?Needextrashelfspaceformultiplehandbags?Couldyoubenefitfromdividersinyourdrawersfortiesandsocks?Lastly,doyouwantyourclosettoreflecttherestofyourhome:aspacethatyouenjoyspendingtimeinandwouldn’tbeembarrassedtobringhousegueststo? Oneofthemostpopularitemsinwalk-inclosetsisanislandorpeninsulaaccompaniedwithabench.Havinganislandallowsforplentyofdrawerspaceandit’sabuilt-incountertop–agreatplacetoswitchouthandbags,re-chargeyourcellphoneorstashyourwalletandchange.Abenchisanexcellentadditionaswellasit’sperfectforputtingonshoes.Manyhomeownersaremovingthe“gettingdressed”partoflifeoutofthebedroomandintothecloset.Withsomuchclosetstorage,youmayfindthatalargedresserorbureauisunnecessaryasbulkybedroomfurniture;leavingmoreroomforasittingarea,exerciseequipmentorelaborateelectronics. Whileyou’recontemplatingyouridealwalk-incloset,it’sfuntoconsiderthemultitudeofoptionsandconveniencesnowavailable.Somehomeownersareaddingthree-way,full-lengthmirrors,ironingboardsorstackablewashersanddryers. Homeimprovementsthataddvaluetoyourhome,addenjoymentforyouandthatmayhelpyoueventuallysellyourhomefasterandfortopdollararetypicallythewisestwaystoinvestinyourproperty.

Nowthatsummerisapproaching,manyArizonansareplanningandanticipatingtheirescapesfromtheArizonaheat.Thisyear,vowtobringhomemorethanjustjetlagandanewbeachhat.Usetheseverybasictipstoturnyourvacationphotographsfromthemediocreto“mantelworthy.”

PHOTOGRAPHING PEOPLE Perhapsyouareattendingafamilyreunionorsimplyjustwanttotakeshotsofyourownfamily.Groupshotscanbechallenging.Itseemsthatsomeonealwayshastheireyesclosed,islookingawayorinthecaseofveryyoungones,cryingorrunningoutoftheshot!Onewaytotrytokeepsmilesonfacesandeyesopenistoaskeveryonetoclosetheireyesuntilyousay“Open!”Atthatpoint,snaptheshot.You’llfindthatthesillinessofitalsobringsaboutgenuinesmilesandhappyexpressions. Whenyou’rearrangingseveralpeopletogetherforaphoto,keepgoodcompositioninmind.Avoidliningeveryoneuplikeanelementaryclassphoto.Instead,arrangeyoursubjectsinstaggeredpositions:

somesitting,somekneeling,maybeevenloungingaboutontheground.Itprovidesmoreofavisualinterestandshowsyoursubjectsinamorerelaxedstate. Whenphotographingpeople,youmayfindthatthecandidshotsturnouttobeyourfavorites.Capturingachild’spurejoyasthecottoncandyishandedovertothemorMom’ssereneexpressionasshegazesattheoceanwilltellthetruestoryofyourmemorablevacation. Oneofthemostimportantguidelinesforcapturingthebestshotofpeopleistoalwaysshootattheireyelevel.Sosquatdownifyouneedtoandavoidtheuncomplimentaryshotoflookingdownatorperhapspeeringupatsomeone.You’llalsofindthatyourbestpeoplepicturesarethosewherethefocusissolelyontheindividual(s).Sotakeextracaretopositionyoursubjectsagainstaplain,non-distractingbackgroundandgetinclosesoyoursubjectfillsmostoftheframe. Lastly,manypeopledon’trealizethattheuseofflashindaytime,outdoorshotsisusuallycalledfor.Useyourfill-flashonbrightandsunnydaystoavoiddarkshadowsonfaces.Oncloudyandovercastdays,aflashwilllendanextralightsourcetobetterilluminateyoursubjectsagainsttheirsurroundings.

BEACH VACATIONS Whenshootingoceanscenes,placethehorizonlineeitherhighorlow.Avoidcenteringitinthephotograph.Placingitlowgivestheemphasisontheskyandisanexcellentformatforsunsets.Placingithighgivesmoreimportancetothebeachandisnicewhenyouwanttohighlightsandcastlesorsunbathers. Non-traditionalbeachshotsareimportanttoo.Takingphotosoftheboardwalk,thesnackhutoragroupofsurferswaxingtheirboardstellsacompletestoryofwhereyouwereandwhatyouexperienced.Getdownlowandtakeclose-upphotosofseashells,thefoamytideasitretreatsfromthesandoryourtoddler’shandsfillingasandbucket. Scheduleatleastoneeveningforagroupshotatsunset.Typically,the10minutesrightafterthesunsinksbelowthehorizongivesthebestlighting.Theskiesarerakedwithpink,orangeandblueandthelightingissoftandpretty.Plantodressincoordinatingclothing.

Whiteandkhakialwayslooksgreatonabeachandbesuretobebarefoot!

AMUSEMENT PARKS Themeparksareburstingwithphotoopportunitiesfullofvibrantcolorsandaction.Tryyourhandatabitofphotojournalismandtakeaseriesofphotosthattellastory.Beginyourstorywithaposedshotatthepark’sgrandentranceandendwithacandidoftired,dirtykidsdraggingthemselvesbacktothehotelroom. Nighttimeprovidesmoreopportunitiesforterrificphotos.Tocapturethebeautyofathemeparkatnight,turnyourflashoffandholdsteady!Aslowshutterspeedwillcreatethatdesirable“blur”oflightsonmovingrides.Photographingfireworkscanbetricky.Useatripodifyoucan–you’llalwaysgetyourbestresultswhenyoudo.Findagoodspotwhereyou’llavoidobstructionssuchastreesorlightpolesandtakenoteofwhichwaythewindmightbeblowingtoavoidphotographsfilledwithgraysmoke.Turnyourflashoffwhenshootingfireworksandsetyourcameratoinfinityorlandscapemode.

NATIONAL PARKS Mostnationalparkshaveadistinguishingspecialfeaturesuchasageyserormonument.Itmayseemcliché,butyourphotoalbumwouldn’tbecompletewithoutsomephotographsdedicatedtojustthat.Whenshootingalandmark,itmaybeeffectivetopositionyourfamilymembersnearittoshowscale.Aphotoofafallensequoiatreesuddenlyhasmoreimpactwhenshownhowittowersoverpeople. Whenphotographingalandscape,thebestphotographsarecomposedwithavisualinterestintheforeground.Forinstance,aphotooffar-awaymountainscanbebeautiful.Butshotwithbrightwildflowersdottingtheforegroundlooksevenbetter. Usetheruleofthirdsinyourpictures.Centeringamonumentorlighthouseinthephotolookschoppyandunattractive.Rather,moveitoffcenter.Itgivesyourphotothatdynamicvisualappealandbringsyourpicturetolife.Mostauto-focuscameraswillfocusonthecenteroftheframe,soremembertolockyourfocusonyoursubjectbeforeshooting.

485 C - Bright Red484 C - Dark Red469 C - Brown4525 C - Light TanBlack

CEVICHE WITH MANGO AND AVOCADOMango Sauce:2 mangos1/2 cup orange juice1/4 cup cider vinegar 1 habanero pepper2 chile de árbol, toasted2 garlic cloves

Peel mango, remove pit, then blend all ingredients until smooth.

Basic Ceviche:1 pound mahi mahi3/4 cup lime juice2 tsp. salt1 tsp. dried oregano

Dice fish and marinate with lime juice, salt and oregano. Let marinate four hours and drain liquid.

Method:4 ripe hass avocados16 oz. mahi-mahi ceviche (see recipe)8 oz. mango sauce (see recipe)4 Tbs. mango, diced4 Tbs. red onion, diced4 Tbs. red bell pepper, diced4 Tbs. jicama, diced4 Tbs. scallions, sliced4 Tbs. cilantro, chopped 2 Tbs. serano pepper, chopped

Mix the ceviche with the mango sauce and add remaining ingredients. Season with salt. Cut open the avocado and remove pit. Score with knife and season with salt. Place ceviche on top of avocado. Garnish with mango sauce, lime round and cilantro.

Serves 4

CLOSET•MAKEOVERS

Page 3: Arizona Homeowner presented by Arlene Friedman

Event CalendarMay | June 2011

Arizona Wish BallWestin Kierland Resort, May 14th602.395.9474 | WishAZ.orgCome celebrate the mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Arizona at this hosted cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner and dancing program. Your participation benefits hundreds of children with life- threatening or life-immobilizing illnesses and helps them to see their most heartfelt wishes come true.

Mamma Mia!ASU Gammage, May 17th – 22nd480.965.3434 | ASUGammage.comPerhaps you’re a veteran of this fun, smash-hit musical. Or maybe you’ve only seen the film. Or, alas, perhaps neither! Don’t miss this heart-warming and toe-tapping tale of love, laughter and friendship; all set to musical artists ABBA’s greatest hits. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a dance in your heart.

Celebrating Women Tea FundraiserPhoenix Art Museum, May 22nd602.265.4014 | TheHarpFoundation.orgSpend a lovely afternoon in celebration of the women in your life. Hear keynote speaker Cynthia Richmond on the power of interpreting our dreams, take a self-guided exploration of the museum and indulge in a delicious afternoon tea. The event is hosted by The Harp Foundation, which provides soothing harp music for hospital and hospice patients.

Live & Let Die: The Music of Paul McCartneySymphony Hall, June 10th – 11th602.495.1999 | PhoenixSymphony.orgAre you a tried and true McCartney fan? Were you blown away by the Phoenix Symphony’s salute to The Beatles last year? Don’t miss Tony Kishman’s award-winning re-creation of the sound and look of Paul McCartney at this special weekend event.

Japanese Origami and MusicMusical Instrument Museum, June 19th480.478.6000 | TheMIM.orgAs part of the museum’s Summer Series for Kids, artist and musician Kuniko Yamamoto will guide children in the art and tradition of origami. Along with sharing folding techniques, children will learn the symbolic meanings of origami design. Followed by a flute and koto concert, the program promises to spark imaginations and encourage cultural discovery.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Cleveland IndiansChase Field, June 27th – 29th602.514.8400 | Arizona.Diamondbacks.MLB.comTake me out to the ball game. Join fellow D-Back fans at this three-game home stand against the Indians. But first, take a guided tour of the ballpark and get your fill of hot dogs and peanuts before you settle in for the game. Play ball!

Featuring Maria MariaMariaMariaRestaurants.com

Loc

al F

lavo

r!

Your Home

Thereareahandfulofareasineveryhomethatgetdailyuse.And,ifyougetdressedeveryday,yourclosetisoneofthem!Foranareathatisusedwithsuchfrequency,itonlymakessensetohaveaclosetthatisfunctional,ergonomic,streamlinedandpleasing. Whyaresomanyhomeownersinterestedinaclosetmakeover?Unlessyourhomewascustom-built,youprobablyhaveclosetsthatareasimplehomebuilderstandard;sometimesasbarrenasarodandashelf.Acustomdesigncantransformyourclosetfromcrowdedandblandtoanorganizedanduser-friendlyspace.Often,closetsmayhavearodthatishungtoolowortoohighforeitherthehomeownerorfortheclothingitemsthemselves.Then,thereistheissueofwastedspacebelowthehangingclothes.Withacustomcloset,youcanhavemultiplelevelsofshelving,rodsandstoragethatareadjustableandtrulymaximizeyourspace. Redoingyourclosetcanoffermanyadvantages.Whetherit’sasmallancillaryclosetoralargewalk-incloset,havingyouritemsneatlyorganized,easilyaccessibleandarrangedaestheticallycandowondersforyourframe-of-mind.Sincemanyofusbeginourdaywithgettingdressed,thesenseoforderinawell-organizedclosetcanhelpcultivateastateofcalmnesstoourentireday. Oneofthebestthingsaboutdesigningaclosetplanfromscratchisthatyouareabletodetermineexactlywhattypeofitemsyou’llbestoringandhowyou’llbeaccessingthem.Haveatonofshoesscatteredaboutyourclosetfloor?Doyoucollectbaseballcaps?Doyouhaveseasonalitemsthatyou’dliketostoreoutofyourwaybutstillhavewithinreach?Lookingforamoreorderlywaytokeepyourlaundryhamper?Needextrashelfspaceformultiplehandbags?Couldyoubenefitfromdividersinyourdrawersfortiesandsocks?Lastly,doyouwantyourclosettoreflecttherestofyourhome:aspacethatyouenjoyspendingtimeinandwouldn’tbeembarrassedtobringhousegueststo? Oneofthemostpopularitemsinwalk-inclosetsisanislandorpeninsulaaccompaniedwithabench.Havinganislandallowsforplentyofdrawerspaceandit’sabuilt-incountertop–agreatplacetoswitchouthandbags,re-chargeyourcellphoneorstashyourwalletandchange.Abenchisanexcellentadditionaswellasit’sperfectforputtingonshoes.Manyhomeownersaremovingthe“gettingdressed”partoflifeoutofthebedroomandintothecloset.Withsomuchclosetstorage,youmayfindthatalargedresserorbureauisunnecessaryasbulkybedroomfurniture;leavingmoreroomforasittingarea,exerciseequipmentorelaborateelectronics. Whileyou’recontemplatingyouridealwalk-incloset,it’sfuntoconsiderthemultitudeofoptionsandconveniencesnowavailable.Somehomeownersareaddingthree-way,full-lengthmirrors,ironingboardsorstackablewashersanddryers. Homeimprovementsthataddvaluetoyourhome,addenjoymentforyouandthatmayhelpyoueventuallysellyourhomefasterandfortopdollararetypicallythewisestwaystoinvestinyourproperty.

Nowthatsummerisapproaching,manyArizonansareplanningandanticipatingtheirescapesfromtheArizonaheat.Thisyear,vowtobringhomemorethanjustjetlagandanewbeachhat.Usetheseverybasictipstoturnyourvacationphotographsfromthemediocreto“mantelworthy.”

PHOTOGRAPHING PEOPLE Perhapsyouareattendingafamilyreunionorsimplyjustwanttotakeshotsofyourownfamily.Groupshotscanbechallenging.Itseemsthatsomeonealwayshastheireyesclosed,islookingawayorinthecaseofveryyoungones,cryingorrunningoutoftheshot!Onewaytotrytokeepsmilesonfacesandeyesopenistoaskeveryonetoclosetheireyesuntilyousay“Open!”Atthatpoint,snaptheshot.You’llfindthatthesillinessofitalsobringsaboutgenuinesmilesandhappyexpressions. Whenyou’rearrangingseveralpeopletogetherforaphoto,keepgoodcompositioninmind.Avoidliningeveryoneuplikeanelementaryclassphoto.Instead,arrangeyoursubjectsinstaggeredpositions:

somesitting,somekneeling,maybeevenloungingaboutontheground.Itprovidesmoreofavisualinterestandshowsyoursubjectsinamorerelaxedstate. Whenphotographingpeople,youmayfindthatthecandidshotsturnouttobeyourfavorites.Capturingachild’spurejoyasthecottoncandyishandedovertothemorMom’ssereneexpressionasshegazesattheoceanwilltellthetruestoryofyourmemorablevacation. Oneofthemostimportantguidelinesforcapturingthebestshotofpeopleistoalwaysshootattheireyelevel.Sosquatdownifyouneedtoandavoidtheuncomplimentaryshotoflookingdownatorperhapspeeringupatsomeone.You’llalsofindthatyourbestpeoplepicturesarethosewherethefocusissolelyontheindividual(s).Sotakeextracaretopositionyoursubjectsagainstaplain,non-distractingbackgroundandgetinclosesoyoursubjectfillsmostoftheframe. Lastly,manypeopledon’trealizethattheuseofflashindaytime,outdoorshotsisusuallycalledfor.Useyourfill-flashonbrightandsunnydaystoavoiddarkshadowsonfaces.Oncloudyandovercastdays,aflashwilllendanextralightsourcetobetterilluminateyoursubjectsagainsttheirsurroundings.

BEACH VACATIONS Whenshootingoceanscenes,placethehorizonlineeitherhighorlow.Avoidcenteringitinthephotograph.Placingitlowgivestheemphasisontheskyandisanexcellentformatforsunsets.Placingithighgivesmoreimportancetothebeachandisnicewhenyouwanttohighlightsandcastlesorsunbathers. Non-traditionalbeachshotsareimportanttoo.Takingphotosoftheboardwalk,thesnackhutoragroupofsurferswaxingtheirboardstellsacompletestoryofwhereyouwereandwhatyouexperienced.Getdownlowandtakeclose-upphotosofseashells,thefoamytideasitretreatsfromthesandoryourtoddler’shandsfillingasandbucket. Scheduleatleastoneeveningforagroupshotatsunset.Typically,the10minutesrightafterthesunsinksbelowthehorizongivesthebestlighting.Theskiesarerakedwithpink,orangeandblueandthelightingissoftandpretty.Plantodressincoordinatingclothing.

Whiteandkhakialwayslooksgreatonabeachandbesuretobebarefoot!

AMUSEMENT PARKS Themeparksareburstingwithphotoopportunitiesfullofvibrantcolorsandaction.Tryyourhandatabitofphotojournalismandtakeaseriesofphotosthattellastory.Beginyourstorywithaposedshotatthepark’sgrandentranceandendwithacandidoftired,dirtykidsdraggingthemselvesbacktothehotelroom. Nighttimeprovidesmoreopportunitiesforterrificphotos.Tocapturethebeautyofathemeparkatnight,turnyourflashoffandholdsteady!Aslowshutterspeedwillcreatethatdesirable“blur”oflightsonmovingrides.Photographingfireworkscanbetricky.Useatripodifyoucan–you’llalwaysgetyourbestresultswhenyoudo.Findagoodspotwhereyou’llavoidobstructionssuchastreesorlightpolesandtakenoteofwhichwaythewindmightbeblowingtoavoidphotographsfilledwithgraysmoke.Turnyourflashoffwhenshootingfireworksandsetyourcameratoinfinityorlandscapemode.

NATIONAL PARKS Mostnationalparkshaveadistinguishingspecialfeaturesuchasageyserormonument.Itmayseemcliché,butyourphotoalbumwouldn’tbecompletewithoutsomephotographsdedicatedtojustthat.Whenshootingalandmark,itmaybeeffectivetopositionyourfamilymembersnearittoshowscale.Aphotoofafallensequoiatreesuddenlyhasmoreimpactwhenshownhowittowersoverpeople. Whenphotographingalandscape,thebestphotographsarecomposedwithavisualinterestintheforeground.Forinstance,aphotooffar-awaymountainscanbebeautiful.Butshotwithbrightwildflowersdottingtheforegroundlooksevenbetter. Usetheruleofthirdsinyourpictures.Centeringamonumentorlighthouseinthephotolookschoppyandunattractive.Rather,moveitoffcenter.Itgivesyourphotothatdynamicvisualappealandbringsyourpicturetolife.Mostauto-focuscameraswillfocusonthecenteroftheframe,soremembertolockyourfocusonyoursubjectbeforeshooting.

485 C - Bright Red484 C - Dark Red469 C - Brown4525 C - Light TanBlack

CEVICHE WITH MANGO AND AVOCADOMango Sauce:2 mangos1/2 cup orange juice1/4 cup cider vinegar 1 habanero pepper2 chile de árbol, toasted2 garlic cloves

Peel mango, remove pit, then blend all ingredients until smooth.

Basic Ceviche:1 pound mahi mahi3/4 cup lime juice2 tsp. salt1 tsp. dried oregano

Dice fish and marinate with lime juice, salt and oregano. Let marinate four hours and drain liquid.

Method:4 ripe hass avocados16 oz. mahi-mahi ceviche (see recipe)8 oz. mango sauce (see recipe)4 Tbs. mango, diced4 Tbs. red onion, diced4 Tbs. red bell pepper, diced4 Tbs. jicama, diced4 Tbs. scallions, sliced4 Tbs. cilantro, chopped 2 Tbs. serano pepper, chopped

Mix the ceviche with the mango sauce and add remaining ingredients. Season with salt. Cut open the avocado and remove pit. Score with knife and season with salt. Place ceviche on top of avocado. Garnish with mango sauce, lime round and cilantro.

Serves 4

CLOSET•MAKEOVERS

Page 4: Arizona Homeowner presented by Arlene Friedman

custom closetsGetting Dressed Goes From Mundane To Marvelous

scrumptious summer side dish Maria Maria’s Mango Cerviche

Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.netIf your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

May | June 2011

Arizona HomeownerValuable information just for you! It has been a pleasure to research and compile this information for you in my semi-annual Metro Phoenix Economic Snapshot. It’s my goal to present our local market’s economy and the state of our housing market in a smart, concise format. This synopsis of information is meant to arm you with facts and statistics to help you make well-educated decisions regarding real estate and other financial moves. Experience and expertise I realize you have many options in choosing a REALTOR. Thank you for your valued business, and referring your friends and colleagues to me. As a member of the Premier Marketing Group and an agent at Realty Executives for 25 years, I have the knowledge and expertise to guide you through your real estate transactions with ease. In today’s market, working with an agent who is organized, meticulous with details and a true professional is more important than ever. I truly care about my clients and will put your best interests and needs ahead of anything else.

Please call me today!

Business: 480.998.0676Cell: 602.549.9114

[email protected]

Arlene FriedmanAssociate Broker

Established & Recognized

VALUEWHO DOES IT?Assessors appraise each property using the standards prescribed by the Department of Revenue.

THE ASSESSOR ONLY VALUES YOUR PROPERTY AND HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HOW MUCH OF THAT VALUE IS TAXED.

The legislature has established statutory formulas for valuation of certain properties. They are:

• Electric Utilities• Pipelines• Shopping Centers• Agricultural Property• Golf Courses

ASSESSMENT RATIOWHO DOES IT?The legislature alone can create or change property classes and their related assessment ratios.

THE ASSESSMENT RATIO SET BY THE LEGISLATURE DETERMINES HOW MUCH OF THE PROPERTY’S VALUE WILL BE TAXED.

A change in assessment ratio for one class of property will directly affect the taxes paid by all other classes of property.

The three major classes and their related assessment ratios are:

• 20% Commercial• 16% Vacant land• 10% Residential

TAX RATEWHO DOES IT?The governing bodies of each taxing jurisdiction develop a budget each year and set a tax rate to fund that budget.

THESE ELECTED BODIES ARE THE ENTITIES THAT DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF TAXES OWED ON YOUR PROPERTY.

They are:

• County Supervisors• City Councils• School Boards• Community Colleges• Special Districtss

TAXESWHO DOES IT?The county treasurer sends out the tax bills and distributes the taxes to the taxing jurisdictions.

THE TREASURER COLLECTS AND DISTRIBUTES THE TAXES AND HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE AMOUNT LEVIED AGAINST EACH PROPERTY.

The treasurer also sells the lien on any property when the taxes are not paid.

Value x Assessment Ratio x Tax Rate = Taxes

The Property Tax Formula

WHAT IS FULL CASH VALUE (FCV)?FCV is synonymous with market value. FCV is defined as an arms-length transaction for cash, and does not include personal property, good will, financing cost, commissions, appraisal cost, etc.

FCV is set by the county assessor each year using a mass appraisal system (MAS) comprised of a cost model and a market model. The cost model is used to value commercial and industrial (Class 1) property and apartments (Class 4). Vacant land (Class 2) is valued based upon sales of similar properties. Some properties are valued using methods or formulas mandated by statute.

The taxes levied against the FCV are referred to as “secondary taxes,” and are used for annual debt payment (bonds) and budget overrides, that have been APPROVED BY THE VOTERS, and special district budgets (fire, library, hospital, etc.).


Top Related