HOT!! HOT!! HOT!!

Paula (PJ) Selby CDPE®, SFR, CIAS, FHE I am crazy about helping clients with personal individualized service, whether they are buying, selling, or investing! United Brokers Group crazy4azhomes1@gmail.com http://www.crazy4azhomes.blogspot.com/ Cool Down with Sangria! It’s HOT. Around the country, temperatures have been soaring higher and higher. Thankfully, Sangria is a cool, fruity, drink that’s sure to simmer you down during this sizzling summer. Ingredients                         1/2 cup brandy 1/4 cup lemon juice 1/3 cup frozen lemonade concentrate 1/3 cup orange juice1 (750 milliliter) bottle dry red wine 1/2 cup triple sec 1 lemon, sliced into rounds 1 orange, sliced into rounds 1 lime, sliced into rounds 1/4 cup white sugar (optional) 8maraschino cherries 2 cups carbonated water (optional) DirectionsIn a large pitcher or bowl, mix together the brandy, lemon juice, lemonade concentrate, orange juice, red wine, triple sec, and sugar. Float slices of lemon, orange and lime, and maraschino cherries in the mixture. Refrigerate overnight for best flavor. For a fizzy sangria, add club soda just before serving. Source: http://allrecipes.com/

Have a Great “Back-to-School” Transition It’s August, and that means the kids will soon be heading back to school. Of course, the transition from summer to school time can be difficult for both children and their parents. Even children who are eager to return to class must adjust to the greater levels of activity, structure, and, for some, pressures associated with school life. Here are some suggestions to make the switch successful. Check in on their health. It’s a good idea to take your child in for a physical and eye exam before school starts. If your child will be participating in a sports activity, your family doctor may have to sign a release form to permit your child to participate. Immunizations are also important to have up-to-date before the school year begins.Stock up on supplies for less. During the month of August, some states offer a “sales tax holiday,” which means that certain products won’t be taxed during a set period of time. This is a great opportunity to save money on back-to-school items including clothes, shoes, and supplies. Check to see if your state participates in sales tax holidays. Reestablish the bedtime and mealtime routines (especially breakfast) at least one week before school starts. Prepare your child for this change by discussing with them about the benefits of school routines in terms of not becoming over tired or overwhelmed by school work and activities. Include pre-bedtime reading and household chores if these were suspended during the summer.Turn off the TV. A couple of weeks (or the over the course of an entire summer) encourage your child to play quiet games, do puzzles, use flash cards, color, or read instead of watching television in the morning. This will help ease your child into the learning process and school routine. If possible, maintain this practice throughout the school year. Pack a smart lunch. Studies have shown that children who eat healthful, balanced breakfasts and lunches are more alert throughout the school day and earn higher grades than those who have an unhealthy diet. Pack an easy lunch by piecing together things that don’t need a lot preparation. A piece of fruit, a low fat yogurt, individual packs of baby carrots, and sliced turkey wrapped in a tortilla would be a great, balanced, lunch.

How much home is right for you? There are a lot of factors that go into choosing the right home. First is usually location – for many buyers, the wrong neighborhood is often a deal-breaker. Second to that is price – the ability to afford the home is fundamental for financial security reasons. But there’s another question that often comes up during the initial home search process: “just how much home is right for me?” On the surface this question is fairly straightforward, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find more questions. What is your current living situation? How long do you plan on staying in the house? Are you moving in by yourself or with someone else? If you are getting married, how long until you might need an extra room (or two)?As you consider the answers to these questions, take a look at this quick overview of the different types of homes on the market today. Condo: Usually smaller and within a community, a condo gives owners an apartment-like living situation with many of the perks. The buyer owns only their unit and typically belongs to a condo association which is in charge of enforcing bylaws, maintenance, and taking care of any other problems.Townhome: A townhome is bigger than a condo, and typically comes with a small yard and garage. Usually more expensive than a condo, the buyer owns the unit, the surrounding front and/or backyard, and garage (if applicable). Like a condo, a homeowners association is in charge of enforcing bylaws, maintenance, and any other problems. Duplex, Triplex, Quadraplex: These multi-family housing terms simply define the number of units contained in one multi-family building. A duplex consists of two units per building; a triplex, three units per building; and a quadraplex, four units per building. While the duplex and triplex are generally built side-by-side in a row, the units in a quadraplex are generally constructed back-to-back or stacked in a two-story configuration.Single Family Home: A single family home is defined as an individual, freestanding, unattached dwelling unit.  Most single family homes are built on lots larger than the home itself to allow for front yard and/or backyard areas. Finding the right home for you and your family is a process. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to move-up, knowing how much home you can afford is a great place to start. If you or someone you know have questions about how much home you can buy, give me a call!

It’s getting hot in here! As the temperatures rise, make sure you and your family take necessary precautions to keep cool. Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles. Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun. Stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine, if air conditioning is not available. Schedule outdoor games and activities early in the day, before the asphalt and atmosphere heat up in the mid-to-late afternoon hours. Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the evaporation rate of perspiration. Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician. Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine. Persons with epilepsy; heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake. Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays. Check on family, friends, and neighbors that do not have air conditioning or that spend much of their time alone. Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power during periods of extreme heat.

If you are currently working with another Broker please do not consider this a solicitation.

Paula (PJ) Selby CDPE®, SFR, CIAS, FHE We\'re crazy about helping our clients with individualized service, whether they are buying, selling, or investing! United Brokers Group crazy4azhomes1@gmail.com www.pjsellsaz.listingbook.com Feelin’ Hot! Cultures that reside in hotter temperatures eat spicy food for a reason.  Chili peppers contain a chemical that makes you sweat. The sweat evaporates and keeps you cool.  This month, crank up the heat with this super-simple, super-spicy Mongolian beef recipe. It’s sure to get your tongue tingling. Ingredients 1/4 cup soy sauce 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce 1 tablespoon sesame oil 2 teaspoons white sugar 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (optional) 1 pound beef flank steak, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon peanut oil 2 large green onions, thinly sliced Directions Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, garlic and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Toss beef with marinade, cover, and refrigerate 1 hour to overnight. Heat peanut oil in a wok or large, nonstick skillet over high heat. Add the green onions, and cook for 5 to 10 seconds before stirring in the beef. Cook and stir until the beef is no longer pink and is beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Source: http://allrecipes.com/

7 Tips to Organize Your Small Space We all have it. That one area of the house that just seems to collect clutter. It’s a laundry room, a guest bedroom, or an office. It’s that one closet that you wouldn’t dare open for fear that you might get buried in the mountains of stuff. The truth is you can only ignore it for so long. Use these tried and true tips to turn that small, junky space into a nice and neat nook. Pair Down Your Possessions. How much of the clutter are you really using? Before you begin the process of organizing your small space, get rid of the junk. If you’re having trouble getting rid of stuff put it in a box that you can easily access. Over the course of a month, see what you end up using and what you don’t. Whatever is left in the box goes to Goodwill. Everything Has a Place. Once you’ve cleared out the clutter, choose a home for your items. Make sure it always returns to that spot. If you don’t have a very specific place for something, determine whether or not you really need it. Make it easily accessible. Bring the items you use on a regular basis to the front of your storage area. That will keep you from having to dig around for the items you need more regularly – which will also hold you accountable to keeping your small space organized. Create Hidden Storage. Find areas of your home that could double as storage space. Cover a side table with fabric and use the space underneath to store boxes of magazines, toys or photo albums. Store out of season clothes in boxes underneath your bed or high up in the closet. Buy into the Built-In. If your current shelving system isn’t functional – or if it’s non-existent – invest in a built-in unit. First, take inventory of your belongings. Put them in categories and then determine the best way to organize them. Then you’ll be able to buy the right kind of organizational unit that fits your exact storage needs. Conquer the Cluttered Drawer. When it comes to small spaces, drawers are often a source of stress. Cleanse your disastrous drawers by compartmentalizing related items and using drawer inserts to keep things in their rightful spot. Piece together your paperwork. A functional space for your bills, invitations, receipts, and coupons is a must-have in a busy household. Deck out a bookshelf with paper sorters, flat boxes, labeled folders, and spindles. Invest in a bulletin board for timely documents and invites.

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Swimming pools can add value to your home. But is it worth it? Remember the days when lounging by your parents pool was the coolest thing to do during the hot summer days? They are certainly fond memories. Many Americans still long for a dip in their own backyard pool – but does the cost of a pool match its long-term value? The truth is every homeowner is different and the perceived value of a swimming pool varies from one buyer to the next. The Cost of a Pool Although the cost will vary depending on where you live and how big of a pool you want, the Wall Street Journal reports you should probably budget between $25,000 to $50,000 for an in-ground pool. The initial investment goes up from there when you add landscaping and fencing. Additional ongoing costs you should be aware of include an increase in home owner's insurance, a tax increase, maintenance expenses like opening/closing the pool and heating if applicable. A Cool Pool Market Experts say that pools add value to a home in neighborhood with a lot of pools. Even if you’re not in an area dominated with deep ends, the National Association of REALTORS® says that pools add 7.7 percent to the average home property value and more than 11 percent for homes in the Southwest U.S. The odds of recouping your money go up if you plan to stay in your home for longer than five years and you use it on a regular basis. That being said, a swimming pool could limit your home’s selling power. Buyers with small children may see your home as an accident waiting to happen. Others may not want the annual maintenance fees, home owner’s insurance, and tax increase that comes along with the amenity. Is a pool right for you? Answer these questions as you embark on your research into pools. Can you afford the annual maintenance costs? Are you willing to invest in landscaping? Buyers want the whole experience of a pool which includes landscaping, patios, or other additions to the backyard. Is there a community pool nearby? If there is, buyers may not perceive the pool as valuable. Are you willing to take on the risk associated with owning a pool? Are you going to live in your home for another five years? Once you’ve asked yourself these questions, it’s smart to get an appraisers opinion and talk to a real estate agent familiar with your neighborhood.

Happy Fathers Day He’s full of advice on everything from corvettes to careers. And while some of it seems a little off the beaten path, we love him anyways. Here are a few funny sayings from Dear Old Dad. “I had to walk to school. Barefoot. In the snow. Uphill both ways.” “You’re going out looking like that?” “That’ll go on your permanent record.” “There’s nothing a little duct tape can’t fix.” “As long as you live under my roof, you’ll follow my rules.”

If you are currently working with another Broker please do not consider this a solicitation.

Paula (PJ) Selby CDPE®, SFR, CIAS, FHE We\'re crazy about helping our clients with individualized service, whether they are buying, selling, or investing! United Brokers Group crazy4azhomes1@gmail.com www.pjsellsaz.listingbook.com Mother’s Day Morning: Whole Grain Waffles Keep Mom healthy and happy with an early morning treat! Ingredients 2 eggs, beaten 1 3/4 cups skim milk 1/4 cup canola oil 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour 1/2 cup flaxseed meal 1/4 cup wheat germ 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 4 teaspoons baking powder 1 tablespoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt Directions: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, applesauce, and vanilla. Beat in whole wheat pastry flour, flaxseed meal, wheat germ, all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until batter is smooth. Preheat a waffle iron, and coat with cooking spray. Pour batter into waffle iron in batches, and cook until crisp and golden brown. http://allrecipes.com/recipe/whole-grain-waffles/detail.aspx

How to create a happy, healthy life in a crazy, hectic world Life. It’s fast-paced, unpredictable, and ridden with change at every corner. There are new challenges, new opportunities, and new distractions which have complicated our lives in both good ways and bad. We’re highly connected, information-seeking individuals who also can’t quite find the time to get everything done. So how do you successfully maneuver through life as it jolts forward faster than ever? Here are five things you can do every day to reduce the noise and focus on enjoying the moment. Think Positively. What you focus on expands. And when you focus on the negative often you attract the negative. The power of positive thought is innate in some and a habit that has to be taught for others. Nevertheless, approaching a challenging situation with the right mindset can change the entire outcome for you and for someone else. Remember the power of positive thought when you’re at work, frustrated with your spouse, or fed up with the kids’ bad behavior. Single-Task. Multitasking has long been promoted as a positive skill. Researchers say, though, that humans aren’t actually multitasking, instead they’re moving from one task to another very, very quickly and it’s diluting our ability to truly give our attention to an important goal. To combat this focused-on-everything-at-once mentality, time-block to accomplish one problem, activity, or task at a time. Or, try making a “Don’t-Do” list. Take a Nap. The Mayo Clinic says naps promote relaxation, reduce fatigue, encourage better mood and alertness, as well as a sharper-working mind (better memory, less confusion, fewer mistakes). A 20-minute power nap between 1 and 3 p.m. can boost alertness and mental awareness for several hours and shouldn’t keep you up at night. ... (continued)

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How to create a happy, healthy life... (continued) Walk or exercise for 30 minutes or more a day. Exercise is an essential part of the health equation, and 30 minutes a day is where it begins. Take a walk with a friend after work, leave the office and head right to the gym, or download yoga or pilates on your mobile phone or tablet. Maintaining a healthy diet with half an hour or more of exercise will keep your stress at bay, energy levels higher, mental health in check, and your systems running smoothly. Remember your “Why”. Keep a picture of your pet, family, significant other, or a dream vacation destination on your desk. At home, create a list of reasons why you get up for work every day that’s beyond simply making money. Why do you make money? Is it to send your child to college? Buy your dream vacation home? Recalling your “why” on a regular basis will keep your perspective in check during even the craziest weeks.

Profile of a Seller’s Market When it comes to real estate markets, the pendulum swings between two extremes: either a buyer’s market, a seller’s market, or somewhere in between. A typical market is defined by real estate practitioners as one in which a home sells within six months of being put on the market. That number is tracked by watching the Days on Market (DOM) of every home listed or sold within the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS). A typical market has six months of inventory on hand for the number of buyers in the market. When the pendulum swings below six months of inventory, you know you are in a seller’s market. It is characterized by fewer homes on the market for the number of buyers. Prices tend to tick upwards and buyers are urgent to purchase the good ones before they get snatched up. Homes that would have normally taken three months to sell are now sold in three weeks. A well-priced home in a great neighborhood could be bought in two days. And in some cases, homes are sold before they even hit the MLS. During more market-neutral times, cities have seen a seller’s market pop up in particular neighborhoods. It’s also been known to blanket an entire city while the rest of the country experiences a more stable buying and selling environment. So how do you know you’re headed into a seller’s market? Look for homes to sell quicker - even the slightest - over the course of a year. Monitor trend lines for an indication that prices will continue to rise. On a national level, watch for economic trends, such as job stability, increased salaries, and consumer confidence, to go up. On a local level, a seller’s market can be accompanied by new companies, a trendy neighborhood, or a reinvigorated group of buyers who have money to purchase homes. Wondering if we’re headed into a seller’s market? Call me for a free consultation on the value of your home in this market. We are dedicated to getting your home sold quickly and for the most amount of money.

If you are currently working with another Broker please do not consider this a solicitation.