HOME - 2011 Spring Issue

A Lifestyle Guide to A Lifestyle Guide to

Fountain HIlls Fountain HIlls

& Northeast Scottsdale& Northeast Scottsdale

homehomespring 2011spring 2011

construction at eagle mountainconstruction at eagle mountain

kitchen safetykitchen safety

3d tv3d tv

Fountain Hills’ Hometown Publishing Company

• Fountain Hills Times• Fountain Hills/Verde Communities Telephone Directory

• Fountain Hills Community Guide• Fountain Hills HOME

• Let’s Go! In the Northeast Valley(480) 837-1925(480) 837-1925

2 / HOME Spring 2011

Home, Spring 2011 is a publication of Western States Publishers, Inc. • P.O. Box 17869 • Fountain Hills, AZ • 85269 • Editor: Linda McThrall • Many of the stories in this edition are paid advertisements. For more information, call (480) 837-1931.

spring 2011

49 The psychology of color

The elegance of fi ne dining is part of this interior by Kathleen Silvers, owner of Colors Design, LLC. Colors has showrooms in Fountain Hills.

On the coverTonto Verde earns awards

6 Reduce carbon footprint

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Excavating and site preparation is under way for a new home on Coyote Way in Eagles Nest. Spring has brought new activity in the custom home community. The architectural committee is reviewing several construction applications, according to a MCO Properties spokeswoman.

Eagles Nest construction picks upEagles Nest construction picks up

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Construction activity is picking up in Eagles Nest, the 244-custom acre-plus lots community in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains. The Eagles Nest Committee of Architecture has recently approved several construction and “several oth-ers are in the architectural approval process and will be breaking ground in the next few months,” said Shelley Johnson, director of marketing and community relations, for MCO Prop-erties. Eagles Nest is adjacent to the 21,099-acre McDowell Mountain Re-gional Park, which provides more than 40 miles of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails. As a neighbor to a habitat for plants and animals, Eagles Nest is de-signed to maintain the natural des-ert environment. Panorama vistas of Four Peaks, the Superstitions and the Goldfi elds stretch out from building lots. Lots are priced from the mid $200,000 range to more than $650,000. For buyers in search of a luxury custom home in move-in condition without the hassle of construction,

two properties await them. Daybreak, a 6,447 square-foot custom home, perches high with-in the gated community captures spectacular 360 degree mountain views. It is listed at $2.9 million. German Robledo’s de-sign echoes the Ameri-can prairie style of ar-chitecture pioneered by Frank Lloyd Wright. The philosophy that “form follows function” has infl uenced contempo-rary designs prevalent in Southern California and more recently in the des-ert southwest. La Esperanza, a rus-tic Southwestern ranch-style residence, is the sec-ond available home and priced at $2.45 million. The exterior architecture transitions into the interior with heavy timber trusses, rough-hewn beans and stone fi replaces. The residence is a collaboration of the developer, MCO

Properties, and renowned Scottsdale custom home builder, RS Homes. To learn more about Eagles Nest or arrange a tour of the two residences,

contact Steve Vargo, vice president and designated broker of MCO Realty at 837-2500.


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Tonto Verde takesmultiple awards The Tonto Verde Club house has tak-en fi rst place in the annual Clubhouse of the Year competition sponsored by Golf Inc. Magazine. Tonto Verde took fi rst place in the Re-model/Renovation category - beating out a competitive list of candidates. Sec-ond place fi nisher in the category was Charlotte Country Club in Charlotte, N.C. and third place was Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md. Tonto Verde homeowners’ associa-tion president Rosemary Kastrava is pleased with the recognition. “We are so thrilled with the beauty of our clubhouse. It’s a perfect com-plement to this amazing community,” Kastrava said. “We are honored by this award.” All the winners will be showcased in the upcoming spring issue of Golf, Inc. Magazine. Clubs were selected on the criteria of overall design concept, aesthetics and effi ciency. The club was also recognized with a Gold Nugget Award from PCBC. PCBC awarded Kimberly Timmons Interiors a prestigious Gold Nugget Merit Award for the Best Rehab Com-mercial/Industrial Project for the Ton-to Verde Golf Clubhouse. The design philosophy for the renovation of the 21,000-square-foot Tonto Verde Golf Clubhouse was to maintain the architectural character of the building and transform the ge-neric Southwest interior into a warm,

inviting, timeless space by the strate-gic use of materials, colors and details. Wood beams, timber decking, hand carved furnishings, leather, Na-vajo rugs, Indian pottery and com-missioned art work combine to create a more fully realized Santa Fe style clubhouse. These elements were also utilized to create lower, intimate spaces with enhanced acoustics. The improved club has increased resident patronage and reduced off-property dining excursions, contrib-uting to signifi cant increases in food and beverage sales. The clubhouse is now the warm, inviting, functional, social center of this reinvigorated country club that its members envisioned. In addition, the foundation for a strong economic base has been assured for the future. The annual PCBC Gold Nuggets Awards “recognize those who improve communities through exceptional concepts in design, planning and de-velopment.” Started in 1959 as the Pa-cifi c Coast Builders Conference, PCBC today is considered homebuilding’s premier event.

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ELEVATING FOUNTAIN HILLS

TO THE ENVY OF SCOTTSDALE.

Eagles Nest, the newest MCO Properties community in Fountain Hills,

captures the views, the luxury and the unpretentious hometown charm for

which Fountain Hills is known. This rediscovered beauty has attracted

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CUSTOM HOMESITES FROM THE $150,000’S TO $650,000’S

A

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Sales by MCO Realty, 800-284-0090. Obtain the property report or its equivalent, required by federal and state laws, and read it before signing anything. No government agency has endorsed or evaluated this property. This is not an offer or solicitation to residents of any place where prohibited by law. Depictions show a general theme; design and construction may vary. Plans, amenities, availability, completion dates, and prices are subject to change without notice; this is not a guarantee, representation or assurance regarding them. Not all photographs herein are of or from Eagles Nest. Other restrictions may apply. Lot 27 (Plat 515A) is subject to Eagles Nest and North Heights CC&Rs, Architectural Guidelines, and association dues. Developed by MCO Properties dba EN LLC and currently owned by EN II LLC. ©2011

o

View from Daybreak – a custom home by MCO offered at $2,900,000

EaglesNestLiving.com

Rear view of La Esperanza – a custom home by MCO offered at $2,450,000

(cont. on page 6)

Inventory low for homesdesired by area buyers It may come as a bit of a shock to learn that inventories of single-family homes in particular price categories are low. “Houses that buyers are looking for are hard to fi nd,” said RE/MAX Sun Properties Realtor Erica West. Homeowners who don’t have to sell may feel that they can sit tight and wait for more favorable prices. Fami-lies that might have sold and moved up to larger homes in the past three years are instead staying put and up-grading their home. As of March 13, 285 single-family homes were for sale on MLS (Multiple Listings Service), said West. The fi gure does not include 66 escrows opened in February of which 34 were short sale offers awaiting approval. “It’s getting really diffi cult for buy-ers to fi nd what they are looking for,” according to West. Most of the homes selling are be-low $500,000 with the heaviest con-centration (39 contracts) between $200,000 and $400,000. West said 71 of the 285 homes were priced under $300,000. Another 38 were listed be-tween $300,000 and $399,999 and 31 in the $400,000 to $499,999 category, viewed as mid-range properties. Buyers shopping for a home in the $1 million to $2 million category could view 50 properties and another 15 were listed for $2 million or higher, said West. The March 3 issue of the Cromford Report, a local real estate weekly anal-ysis, showed a nine-month supply of single-family homes in Fountain Hills. Granted the number of homes has decreased from March 2009 when a 20-month supply existed. The home supply fell to 12 months last March. For those homes that have been on the market several months and still haven’t found a buyer, a real estate professional may have to have a tough conversation about lowering the sales price of the home. Spring usu-ally brings out more buyers, as home shoppers look to buy and move before the next school year begins. L. Earlene Nelson, manager of Fountain Hills offi ce, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, said if there are few showings within the fi rst 90 days, a real estate agent feels that the prop-erty is not priced competitively. “If it is being shown, but no offers are coming in, the buyers think it isn’t priced competitively,” said Nelson. “We fi nd that after a price reduc-

tion, the number of showings pick up. Buyers still want a ‘really good buy’ and do not want their time wasted by viewing, in their opinion, overpriced listings,” she said. An upward trend in days on mar-ket (DOM) tends to indicate a move toward more of a buyer’s market, said Malcolm Macewen, president and COO of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Arizona. A downward trend refl ects a move toward a seller’s market. In February, the DOM in Fountain Hills was 121 days, up 3.4 percent from 117 days the previous months and down 22.4 percent from 156 days in February of 2010, said Macewen. The February 2011 DOM was at a mid-level compared with the two previous Februarys of 2010 and 2009. The selling price per square foot is a great indicator for the direction of property values, said Macewen. Since median sales price and aver-age sales price can be impacted by the mix of high or low-end properties, he said the selling price per square foot is a more normalized indicator on the direction of property values. The February 2011 selling price per square foot of $128 was down 1.4 percent from $129 last month and down 15.1 percent from $150 in February 2010. The price that sellers could fetch for their home during the housing boom is not practical today. Sellers as of March 1 were get-ting an average of 95 percent of their list price, said RE/MAX Sun Proper-ties Realtor Lisa Murray. The average closed price was $289,322. “Fountain Hills home values are down by an average of 50 percent from 2005-06 compared to other parts of the Phoenix Metro Area that are down 65 percent,” said Murray. “Interest rates are the lowest they have been in 60 years, so the only place for them to go is up. The time to buy is now,” said Murray. Mortgage interest rates plunged to record lows in 2010 with a 30-year fi xed rate of 4.16 percent. With the economy showing signs of life, rates have been rising in early 2011 to near-ly 5 percent and the upward trend is expected. Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, forecasts rates to average over 5 per-cent this year and 5.8 percent in 2012,


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Inventory(cont. from page 5)

a nearly two percent increase from last year’s low. For every point the interest rates go up on an 80 percent loan, the effective price of the home goes up about 10 percent due to what the difference in payments would amortize. FHA also is offering 1 percent down fi nancing on home loans up to $358,368.

The Verdes market Vicki Esbensen of RE/MAX Excali-bur noted that the Rio Verde market has made some rebounds although prices remain low. In early March, 102 homes were listed for sale and 15 pending sales were in various stages, the most at anytime in the past three years. Another Realtor selling homes in Rio and Tonto Verde, Michael Moore of RE/MAX Sun Properties, said an additional 24 town homes were on the market at the start of March.

Decrease carbon footprint, increase savings

(cont. on page 7)

The economy may be on the up-swing, but that doesn’t mean saving money is offi cially out of season. Con-sider it a plus, then, that many of the top ways to save money around the house are also some of the best ways to “go green;” cutting down on one’s carbon footprint while adding a little extra jingle in your pocket once the bills come in each month. Some of these measures are com-mon sense, but easy to forget. Others will require a bit of an investment ini-tially, but should pay for themselves in the long run. Either way, saving a few bucks while helping the environment is a win-win scenario just about any-body should be able to get behind. Arizona is known for its close rela-tionship with that burning ball of gas in the sky known as the sun. While lovely for a tan, all that heat can work horrible wonders on your electric-ity bill each month thanks to an air conditioning unit that never turns off. One of the quickest ways to cool down the house without ratcheting the AC all the way down is to keep the sun out during the hottest months of the year. Install shades, awnings or sunscreens

on windows facing south and west to help keep the scorching rays at bay. Similar to utilizing blinds and over-hangs, you can also replace single-pane windows with double-pane, low-emissivity glass and vinyl frames to cut back on heat transfer and fi lter out the sunlight. This comes with the added bonus of keeping heat in dur-ing the winter months, adding to the savings year-round. We all like to be comfortable but, believe it or not, adjusting the ther-mostat higher just two degrees in the summer and two degrees lower in the winter can actually save you a bundle. Similarly, remember to close off vents in unoccupied rooms and move the dial up or down a few extra pegs when nobody is going to be home. All of these measures should help keep the home comfy while utilizing your heat-ing and cooling units in the most cost-effective manner. Speaking of maximizing your AC’s performance, an air conditioner works best if it’s not sucking air through a clogged fi lter. Clean or buy new fi l-ters regularly to guarantee a more ef-fi cient, quicker cycle period and less

wasted energy. To assist your AC in doing the best job possible, turning on ceiling fans or investing in extra fl oor fans can go a long way. Most people utilize ceiling fans as a means to cool off, but did you know this trick works just as well for heating up the house in the winter too? Fans set to low help circulate the air whether it is cool or warm, so be sure to give this trick a whirl. Also, many Arizonans rely on a fi re-place for heating their home but forget that this inexpensive way to warm the house without wasting electricity can also achieve the opposite effect for the unmindful. When your fi replace is not in use, remember to close the damper and seal the opening shut to keep air, hot or cold, from escaping. Moving into the laundry room and kitchen, it’s important to only wash full loads. Whether it be the dishwasher or laundry machine, try to hold off on running either unless there’s enough to fi ll the machine up. And be sure to air dry for a few extra saved dollars as well. And this may come as a surprise, but it’s actually more cost and energy effi cient to use a dishwasher rather

than wash the dishes by hand. So long as we’re in the kitchen, we might as well talk about the prepara-tion of meals. If at all possible, you should plan meals that require less stove time in order to cut down on en-ergy consumption. Also, broiling is a plus since the oven won’t require pre-heating. Use pots that fi t the eye of the stove to cut down on lost energy and give that oven window a good clean-ing so you can check on simmering dishes without opening the door and letting out precious heat. If a crockpot, toaster oven or mi-crowave can get the job done, use them instead. There’s no need to fi re up the stove if a smaller, more effi cient device can get it done just as well. Here’s another bright idea so save a little extra change in the long run: Use specially designed energy saving bulbs for better quality lighting and cost effi ciency. Also, keep wattage in mind. Replace higher watt bulbs with lower ones for extra savings. This being Arizona and all, water conservation should also be a primary concern in any household. Not only should all drips and leaks be fi xed for


Keep safety in mind in the kitchen

Go green(cont. from page 6)

conservation of precious resources and some extra cash, but being mind-ful of regular water usage can be help-ful as well. Take shorter showers in-stead of baths to use less water and, while shaving or brushing your teeth, remember to turn off the water when it’s not needed. Similarly, it’s important to make sure the rest of your home is ship shape. From weather stripping to

door sweeps and window frames, make sure your house is well sealed. This helps keep the drafts out and your comfortable air in. Finally, one of the best ways to cut back on waste and save a little money each month is to be mindful of your “living habit.” You’ve probably heard it a million times, but it bears repeating- If you aren’t using it, turn it off. From the TV and stereo to the computer and random lights, if it’s not being utilized, it’s just wasting energy and money. Being mindful of the small stuff can save you big in the long run.

SERVPRO, a franchise provider of fi re and water cleanup and restora-tion services offers a number of tips for cooking safety. • The leading cause of fi res in the kitchen is un-attended cooking, so stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broil-ing food. If you leave the kitchen, even for a short time, turn off the stove. • When you simmer, bake, roast or boil food, check it regularly. Don’t leave your home while food is cooking, and set a timer to remind yourself you have food on the stove or in the oven. • Keep things that can catch fi re away from your stovetop. • Clean up spills, grease and other messes as they occur or as soon as possible with the stovetop or oven is cool. • Keep children and

pets a safe distance away from cook-ing surfaces and prep areas. • Watch loose clothing and jewelry

that can dangle on to burners. If a cooking fi re does occur, the Na-tional Fire Protection Association of-fers the following advice: • Keep a lid nearby when you cooking to smother small grease fi res. Smother the fi re by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stove top. Leave the pan covered until it is com-pletely cooled.

• Do not use wa-ter on a grease fi re. • Call 911. • Get out of the house. Close the door behind you to con-tain the fi re. • For an oven fi re, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

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Foreclosure strategies fail to make mark on economy Federal programs aimed to keep struggling homeowners out of fore-closures have been a failure, said at-torney Richard Holper, a specialist in distressed properties transactions. “They were great political pro-grams and there was some relief but for the most part, they don’t work,” aid Holper. He recently reviewed the progress of some programs for the Fountain Hills Realtor Marketing Session. Last year, 50,000 foreclosures took place in the Greater Phoenix area, said Holper. He said 65,000 are anticipated in region this year, and more than 2 million nationally. Forty percent of all home sales in December involved bank-owned properties and another 40 percent represented short sales. Only about 20 percent were “real sales”, not involving distressed properties, said Holper. He expects the foreclosure trend to esca-late. The Hardest Hit Housing program under which Arizona received nearly $268 million was one example that Holper mentioned. Most of the mon-ey was allotted for loan modifi cations that would reduce the amount some homeowners owned on their mort-gages, as long as their banks agreed to write off an equal amount.

Only one home modifi cation had been secured through mid-February for a Phoenix area homeowner, said Holper. Another government program in-tended to help thousands of underwa-ter homeowners had similar results. Since starting in September 2010 to early February 2011, only 38 home-owners refi nanced mortgages through the FHA Short Refi nance program, supported with $11 billion in federal funds. Why is this? “The reason is very simple,” said Holper. “For years, economists have told the Bush and Obama administra-tions to cut the housing market loose and stop trying to artifi cially change what’s happening. Let it go…that’s what the Obama administration has decided to do. Economists said it will fi nd its own way out. ” When will recovery kick in? Holper referred to a Feb. 2, 2011 USA Today article that reported in 22 U.S. metropolitan regions, including Phoenix and mostly California and Florida markets, home prices won’t return to their 2006 peaks before 2030. “That’s any easy projection to make,” said Holper. “No one has a clue if he is right or wrong. The market is what it is.”


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Foreclosure activitystays high in the area

Bag, tie garbage Garbage and grass need to be bagged and tied before depositing them into the trash barrel. The trash can lid should be closed to prevent breeding of fl ies, keep odors down and reduce litter. Animals won’t be as apt to get in your trash if the lid is down.

Foreclosures and distressed proper-ties remain at elevated levels, discour-aging words to real estate professionals after a drop in foreclosure-related ac-tivity in the waning months of 2010. Is it a new trend? “We’ve all been watching to see if the foreclosure rate in late 2010 would carry over into this year, but unfortu-nately, the good news hasn’t come yet,” said Arizona State University associate professor of real estate Jay Butler. “January 2011 showed a re-emer-gence of troubled times, which contin-ued through February.” Foreclosures are properties that a fi nancial institution has repossessed from the owner because of non-pay-ment of the mortgage obligations. Short sales or bank-owned homes provide fi nancial arrangements with the owner in an attempt to sell the home before foreclosure. In the fi nal months of 2010, foreclo-sures in the Greater Phoenix market had declined to 30 percent of single-family home resales. However, in Janu-ary, that rate shot up to 43 percent, and the new report reveals it was about 43 percent in February. Butler attributed activity to an un-usual set of circumstances, including foreclosure moratoriums, legal chal-lenges to the foreclosure process, and weak economic and job recovery. Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate presi-dent and designated broker Dori Wit-tig reported that from Jan. 1, 2011 to March 12, 33 percent of closed sales represented bank-owned properties and 12 percent were short sales. Tradi-tional sales accounted for 55 percent of the total market. Wittrig compared March 2010 with March 2011 and noted minor changes. On March 21, 2010, 43 closed sales in-volved bank-owned homes and repre-sented 28 percent of the market. An-

other 19 sales (12 percent) were closed short sales. Sixty percent of traditional closed properties between Jan. 1, 2010, and March 21, 2010, were traditional sales. A signifi cant comparative fi gure was the average listing price between 2010 and 2011, said Wittrig. In March 2010, the average sold price for a sin-gle-family home was $456,605. On March 12, 2011, the average sold price was $324,003. RE/MAX Sun Properties Realtor Lisa Murray said 451 properties were for sale in Fountain Hills on March 16, 2011. Forty or 9 percent of those prop-erties were foreclosures and another 9 percent were listed as short sales. Distressed properties in the last 30 days made up 37 percent of sales, she said. It was a signifi cant decrease from the average 48 percent of distressed sales in recent months, she said. The anticipation of “shadow inven-tory’’ worries some real estate profes-sions. “Shadow inventory” is bank-owned distressed properties about to be foreclosed or those that have been foreclosed but not yet put up in the market. Many have been kept off the market in order to keep housing prices from dropping even lower. “However, there are currently 233 homes that have scheduled foreclo-sure dates between now and the end of June, and there is also, the so-called ‘shadow inventory’ that the banks al-ready own, but have not released on the market,” said Murray. The average sales price of a Foun-tain Hills foreclosed property is down from a year ago. Last year the average sales price of a foreclosed property was $336,518. This year the average sales price is $220,138. “If you are a traditional seller con-sidering putting your homes on the market, I would recommend that you do it before the market is fl ooded with those additional distressed proper-ties,” advised Murray. “If ever there was a time to buy real estate, the time is now, don’t let a good recession pass you by,” said Murray.


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Color psychology helps create mood, more in decor Skillful interior decorating is large-ly an artistic endeavor, but there’s some science involved also, and none more important than the psychology of color. “Color psychology can help you choose paint colors that create the right mood in a room, affecting not just your own feelings, but those of everyone who enters the space,” ac-cording to Debbie Zimmer, color ex-pert at the Paint Quality Institute. “In fact, paint color is so powerful that it can infl uence not just our state of mind, but even our physiology.” “The ancient Egyptians, Native

Americans, and many other peoples used color to heal. In doing so, they often favored the blues and greens found in nature, colors that have an emotional association with peace, harmony, and tranquility.” Blue, which often ranks at the top of surveys exploring “favorite” colors, has been shown to slow pulse rate and lower body temperature. The impli-cations for interior painting: blue is a terrifi c color choice for bedrooms, but less so for dining rooms, according to Zimmer.

(cont. on page 10)

The paint color of green is popular among homeowners. Because of its versatility, it can work in bedrooms or even dining areas because it represents the color of many appetizing fruits and vegetables.

Photo courtesy of The Paint Quality Institute.

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Psychology of color helps with decorating(cont. from page 9)

Green, also among the most pop-ular colors, is a little more versatile. While it, too, has a soothing effect, it also represents renewal, youth, and vigor. Says Zimmer: “Because it is calm-ing, green paint is a good color choice for bedrooms, and since it’s the color of many appetizing fruits and vegeta-bles, it can work in dining rooms, too.” There’s no equivocation with red.

It bespeaks energy and excitement, actually raising the blood pressure and making the heart beat faster. Because red is associated with de-sire and passion, it’s a perfect paint color for dining rooms and adult bed-rooms, says Zimmer, but wrong for children’s rooms. Yet, ironically, pink – a very light tint of red – is one of the most calming colors and is a fi ne choice for a baby’s room, she says. Yellow is another great interior paint color. Like sunshine, it imparts

happiness, hope, and optimism. Studies have shown that the brain ac-tually releases more seratonin when the eye takes in yellow – creating posi-tive psychological vibes. According to Zimmer, yellow can even stir our cre-ative juices. What better color to use in a master bath or dinette to get your day off on the right foot? Orange is also a happy color. More attention-getting than yellow, orange has an energy and warmth about it. Muddy shades are useful in many parts of the home, but vivid tones may appear raw and fl amboyant. Zimmer’s advice: “Orange is clearly not the color of calm, so it’s best to bypass it when

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painting a bedroom or any other area where you want to relax.” Purple is a tricky paint color wher-ever it’s used, but it is the overwhelm-ing favorite of adolescent girls. Zimmer suggests that you reserve use of this color for your daughter’s room to create a win-win situation: “Odds are, she’ll love it, and you can take comfort in purple’s proven ability to stimulate brain activity.” No discussion of paint color would be complete without mentioning the “non-colors” of black (the absence of light, and thus, color) and white (the confl uence of all the colors in the spectrum).

A c c o r d -ing to Zim-mer, black is a great ac-cent color indoors or out, impart-ing elegance, formality and s o p h i s t i c a -tion to a paint color scheme. But don’t get carried away with it, she cautions. Too much black can be de-pressing. White, on the other hand, c o n v e y s peace, sim-plicity and spaciousness. It can provide a crisp fi nish to almost any paint job by adding sharp c o n t r a s t to the wall color. Used throughout a

room, it can give the illusion that the space is bigger than its physical di-mensions. “Color psychology should play a role when selecting an interior paint scheme, but it’s only one factor to consider,” says Zimmer. “Personal col-or preference should be given at least as much weight. “No one will spend more time in your home than you will, so it’s impor-tant to paint with those colors that are personal favorites. Choose colors that you love, and you won’t go wrong.” For more information on paint color and affordable remodeling with paint, visit www.paintquality.com.

Pink, a very light tint of red, is considered a calming color and is a popular choice for a baby’s room. It can work in other bedrooms as well.

Photo courtesy of The Paint Quality Institute.


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3D TV is next big craze in TV technology

Did you know...

The latest craze in technology ap-pears to be 3D televisions. Whereas 3D was once a novelty at the movies once or twice a year, nowadays 3D technol-ogy is rapidly becoming the norm at home and in the theater. Select television networks have be-gun to broadcast in 3D, and consum-ers appear ready to embrace the next wave of television technology. But is 3D technology worth it for the average consumer? It helps to consider a few things before deciding if 3D should come to your living room any time soon.Cost Many are aware of the sticker price of 3D televisions, which is still consid-erably high because of the relative in-fancy of the technology. However, it’s the cost of the accessories that might be of greater concern. Much like in a movie theater, 3D home viewers will need 3D glasses to watch their televi-sion sets. While many manufacturers offer two sets of glasses with the purchase of a 3D television, others still only provide one pair. But consumers who enjoy hosting viewing parties or hav-ing friends over for the big game will need to ensure there are enough sets of glasses so guests can enjoy the show as well. With glasses going for more than $100 a pair, that can make a 3D television a considerable expense, one that extends beyond the initial sticker price.Programming While 3D enthusiasts love to hear that 3D programming is on the rise, the current slate of 3D programming is not nearly as extensive as it is for more traditional programming. This might only be a minor consideration, how-ever, as 3D programming fi gures to grow in the years to come. Sports fans should also know that ESPN currently broadcasts in 3D, which is enough for many sports fans to dive right in.

Gaming Gamers might fi nd 3D television worth it regardless of the cost. 3D gam-ing brings gamers seemingly right into the action, offering players entry into the virtual reality they’ve been yearn-ing for as games have grown more and more sophisticated. The 3D format fi gures to be integrated into gaming systems sooner rather than later, with some systems already indicating the format is just around the corner.

The pioneer home improvement series, “This Old House,” debuted as a one-time, 13-part series on a Boston public broadcasting station in 1979. The show has won 17 Emmy awards over its storied history. The original host was Bob Vila, who in 1989 was asked to leave the show after appear-ing in commercials for home im-provement competitors to the show’s underwriter, The Home Depot. Car-penter Norm Abrams has been part of the series since its inception. The se-ries has spurred several spin-offs and is still going strong today.

With 3D programming on the rise, consumers must decide if 3D televisions are right for them.

Viewing Problems Not all viewers can enjoy 3D tech-nology. For example, viewers with astigmatism have found depth per-ception diffi cult with 3D televisions. Eye strain might also prove problem-atic, particularly for those people who must wear glasses when watching television. For that group, it can be diffi cult or bothersome to watch 3D programming with eyeglasses and the necessary 3D glasses.

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Get outside, enjoy the weather, crafting

It’s time to spring clean

As families await the arrival of warmer weather, there are things they can do to prepare for a season of fun in the sun. Engaging in some craft projects is a way to enjoy the great outdoors. There are many craft projects fami-lies and children can tackle, but ideas that involve projects that can be put to use outdoors may be the most fi t-ting. Fortunately, there are a number of ideas for crafty projects to involve everyone in the household. Birdhouse: Head to the hardware store and pick up a few supplies. Chances are items that can be made into a birdhouse probably can also be found from scraps of materials already around the house or in the garage. Scraps of wood, metal, tiles, plas-tic, and the like can be used to craft a bird house or feeder. Even an empty plastic bottle can be used. Some nest-ing material, such as pieces of yarn or cotton, can be placed inside the house to entice birds to take up residence. Stepping stones: Stepping stones can be a whimsical way to dress up the outdoor garden or yard. A trip to the craft store for some plaster or even a quick-set cement can be the medium to use for the stones. Experiment with

shapes that can be used as molds, and gather different materials that can be embedded into the stepping stone, such as pebbles, marbles, beads, etc. Use a pencil or another pointed tool to engrave a message or name on the stepping stones before allowing them to dry and harden. Kites: The beginning of the spring season often arrives behind a burst of wind. Make the most of blustery con-ditions by crafting a kite from a kitch-en trash bag, sticks and string. Garden gnomes: Craft stores of-ten sell unfi nished pottery that can be painted and sealed. See if garden gnomes or other whimsical creatures can be found. Use acrylic paint to decorate the fi gurines in your favorite colors. Outdoor games: A large piece of plywood or fi berboard can serve as the game board for a number of dif-ferent activities. Use spray paint to stencil on alternating squares of red and black for a larger-than-life checkerboard or chess board. For those with more time and creative stamina, use large stones to paint on letters and make an outdoor Scrabble board for fun times with family and friends. Spring cleaning is an annual tradi-

tion in households across the country. Whether you live in a studio apart-ment or a sprawling mansion, the rejuvenating feeling of spring stems from more than just the warm air outdoors. It’s also the opportunity to open the windows and let that warm air breathe some new life into your home. Though spring cleaning is primar-ily about ridding a home of a season’s worth of clutter, it should also be about making a home healthier for the months to come. Once the clutter has been cleared, the following clean-ing tips can make your home a healthy haven.Clean the fi lters, ducts and vents

Spring might be synonymous with warmer temperatures, but for allergy sufferers spring can be a diffi cult time of year. When spring cleaning, don’t forget to thoroughly clean fi lters, ducts and vents to help decrease ex-posure to airborne allergens.Protect against viruses and bacteria Effectively cleaning a home can involve several preventive measures to keep everyone free from viruses and bacteria. Disinfect surfaces us-ing hospital grade disinfectant to rid them of harmful bacteria, includ-ing those associated with food poi-soning and even infections such as MRSA. Clear the garage and basement of po-tentially harmful supplies Garages and basements are often used to store paints, paint thinners, oils, solvents and other potentially toxic supplies. If any of these toxic supplies are old, consult your local sanitation department to determine how best to discard such items. For those you want to keep, be sure the lids are tight and not leaking poten-tially harmful chemicals into the air.Make up for lost time For those who don’t consider spring cleaning an annual tradition, it’s never too late to start making your home a healthier place. Embrace eco-friendly cleaning A healthy home should also be one that’s healthy for the environment.

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Warm weather means it’s time to clean yard

Homeowner’s experience surpasses expectations If Scottsdale resident Sharron Johnson had been less than thrilled with her recent master bathroom re-model, she would have looked for a different contractor. The fact is, she loved what Patrick Benkowski, owner Roadrunner Cus-tom Remodeling did in the master bath. “We had a typical builder’s model home,” Johnson said. “White cultured marble sinks, gold trim, tub, shower. Just the typical features in a 13 ½-year-old home,” she said. When Johnson began to consider the remodeling project in earnest, she went to her fi les where she had kept a copy of a story that ran in an issue of HOME. “The lady described a project much like ours,” Johnson said. “I called Pat-rick because of that story.” When Johnson contacted Ben-kowski, she was pretty certain she would hire him based on the testimo-nial from the woman’s story. But when Johnson met with Benkowski, her comfort level increased more. “He gave me a huge list of people with names and phone numbers,” she said. She also looked at two of the jobs he had performed to give herself more security. “His work is wonderful,” Johnson said. “After talking with his references and seeing the work he did on those two jobs, I knew I would hire him.” A primary reason Johnson liked working with Benkowski is that he works on one job at a time. “He is not running between jobs,” she said. “You have his full attention.”

Restoring a yard after a cold win-ter is a springtime rite of passage for many homeowners. Harsh winds and heavy frost can take their toll on even the most beautiful landscape. To get started on your yard this spring, consider the following tips. * Don’t begin too early. The early bird might get the worm, but the ear-ly homeowner might get a damaged yard. * Survey the property. A close survey of the property will give homeowners an idea of just how big or small their restoration project will be. A thor-ough survey will reveal any problem areas and may also reveal some unex-pected guests. Rabbits and squirrels often nest in yards during the winter. Rabbits will nest in the ground, while

squirrels typically build nests made of leaves in the trees. Unless it’s entirely necessary, avoid removing any nests, and be sure to carefully inspect the yard before the season’s fi rst mow. * Out with the old. When the clean-up process is ready to begin, it’s time to remove remnants from last sea-son. This includes removing any dead plants as well as last year’s mulch. If new mulch is simply thrown on top of old, plants could suffocate. Dead leaves also tend to gather during the winter, often up against fences or a home’s exterior walls. Rake up these dead leaves and add them to the season’s compost. * Get rid of thatch. Thatch can be soil’s worst enemy, preventing its ac-cess to the sunlight, air and moisture

it needs to make the lawn look beau-tiful and healthy. Thatch removal can be tiresome, but visit the local hard-ware store and pick up a dethatching rake to make the job a little easier. Thatch removal isn’t always necessary every spring. Many homeowners have found removing thatch every other year is effective enough. * Aerate the yard to revive the soil. Soil often becomes compacted as spring becomes summer and summer becomes fall. This is especially true of yards that are heavily used, be it by kids playing outdoors or families who love to host warm weather gatherings in the yard. Aerating in the spring re-moves plugs of sod from the soil, loos-ening it up and making it easier for air and water to reach the roots.

Benkowski is a problem solver, too, Johnson said. “I wanted some unusual things,” she said. “My fi xtures were custom and took longer to get here than we anticipated. Rather than traditional fi xtures, I ordered German faucets. Some of the installation was challeng-ing, but it ended up being wonderful.” She also has an airfl ow shower head, where the water comes out from a wall like rain. “It was tricky, but Patrick and his crew did a phenomenal job,” she said. Johnson also had custom cabinets installed and had the shower enlarged and replaced the bathtub with a free-

standing, more contemporary model. In addition to the custom cabinetry, she had custom mirrors made for the sinks and added lights above the sinks. “Everything is really beautiful,” she said. “It was just a wonderful experi-ence.” When asked if she would hire Ben-kowski for another project, she said, “I am having our second bathroom remodeled by Patrick right now. Obvi-ously I would hire him again.” Benkowski is a certifi ed remodeler (CR) and served as president of the National Association of the Remodel-ing Industry, Greater Phoenix Chapter. He also is a member of the Fountain

Hills Association of Licensed Contrac-tors. He maintains an A+ rating with the Central Arizona Better Business Bureau. Benkowski also has a perfect record with the Arizona Registrar of Contrac-tors with not a single complaint fi led throughout the 10 year history of the company. He has been in the remod-eling business for 35 years and has lived in Fountain Hills for 10. He can be reached at (480) 816-0788. Before and after photos, cus-tomer testimonials and other re-modeling information are available online at www.roadrunnerremodel-ing.com.

After

Before

Roadrunner Remodeling, Inc.


Products will make eco-conscious shoppers smileBudget Blinds

Family construction business rides tides togetherT. F. Reilly Builders

If new window treatments are on your springtime home spruce up list and you want to make a more envi-ronmentally friendly purchase, Bud-get Blinds has a number of products to make eco-conscious shoppers smile. Consumers are seeking out and choosing eco-friendlier products for their homes. “We’re getting more requests from clients who want window coverings that look great, are made in a way that’s kinder for the environment and they can feel good about having in their homes,” said Gloria Guillermo, owner of Budget Blinds serving Foun-

The economy ebbs and fl ows, but with family, the tide stays more con-stant. That is why Bill Reilly, owner of Pre-ferred Building Systems, Inc., in Foun-tain Hills, and his brother Tom, who owns T.F. Reilly Builders in Prescott decided to join their businesses about six months ago. “It just made sense for us to merge,” Bill said. “We have both been in the business a long time, and it was a nat-ural progression to get together as one company.” The brothers, sons of Tom Reilly, one of the early builders in Fountain Hills, learned the business with their father. The Reillys moved to Fountain Hills in 1972. As one of the fi rst build-ers in Fountain Hills, it was a natural progression for his sons to follow him in the business. The younger Tom is a licensed ar-chitect. Bill has been in construction on his own for more than 20 years. Together in business they are a “one stop shop,” offering everything from design through completion.

Headquarters are in Prescott, and Bill mans the offi ce in Fountain Hills. Because of a long relationship with residents in Rio Verde, that presence remains. Bill said much of the business now is focusing on remodeling. “That is really where the market is now,” he said. “And with our expe-rience, we are able to provide a great service.” Bill said the economy is “getting better.” He added that the company is again seeing more activity, which he says is the result of a bit of a turn-around. “It is getting better,” he said. “We have defi nitely seen some growth. It’s exciting.” And with the growth, T.F. Reilly Pre-ferred Building Systems is overseeing jobs from the Lower Verde River Valley to Payson and Heber, as well as in the Upper Verde River Valley to Prescott and beyond. The Reillys pride themselves on the quality of their work. As long-time Ari-zona residents, their reputation is im-

portant to them. “We have worked hard for nearly 40 years as a family to do quality work,” Bill said. “Construction has been our liveli-hood, and we are dedicated to doing it well.” In addition to the construction and design business, Bill said the company also has a handy-man service. “We do every-thing from squeaky doors to replac-ing bad gates and more,” Bill said. “No job is too small.” Bill said he and his brother are looking forward to the coming weeks as the economy grows. “We’re looking forward to this chal-lenge,” he said. “Anybody can ride the high wave, but we have endured the

tain Hills Scottsdale and the Verdes. One eco-friendly product is the company’s private label, Signature Series by Budget Blinds, certifi ed by Green Built Home, which reviews and certifi es products and building mate-rials as sustainable. Budget Blinds’ Signature Series products are manufactured in facili-ties with eco-friendly practices, such as using sawdust to fi re kilns and heat the factory, re-circulating water in cooling systems saving more than 90 million gallons annually and recycling 75 percent of the total waste in one of its plants. Other environmentally-friendly

products also are available from Alliance vendors. Many people are making choices that not only beautify their homes but are healthier too. A number of Budget Blinds’ products are GREENGUARD Institute-certifi ed, achieving stringent standards for indoor products, environments and buildings. Consumers interested in these products should inquire about shutters and wood blinds, roller shades and panel tracks

made from Sheerweave or Mermet 3G material. Retractable screens also are made with the mate-rial. Some consumers choose products made with renewable or re-cycled resources. Many window treatments and area rugs are made from reclaimed or sustainable materials. Woven Wood Shades are made from renew-able crops, such as: grasses, reeds, bamboo and jute. Certain wood shutters and wood blinds are made with wood obtained from a certifi ed sustainable hardwood forest. Budget Blinds also has area rugs made from renewable resources. Ad-ditionally, the company sells rugs made using Nylon 6, a cradle-to-cra-dle program that recycles nylon rugs instead of depositing them in a land-fi ll. Budget Blinds North Scottsdale, based in Fountain Hills, began opera-tion in 2006. Husband and wife Gene Ferma and Gloria Guillermo own the

company which serves homeowners and businesses with complimentary in-home estimates and consultations, professional measuring and instal-lation and a rich selection of quality window treatments including shut-ters, blinds, draperies, shades aw-nings and window fi lm. For more information on Budget Blinds serving Carefree, Cave Creek, Fountain Hills, North Phoenix, Scott-sdale and the Verdes call (480) 837-4975 or visit www.budgetblinds.com/NorthScottsdale

highs and the lows. People can count on us to do excellent work at a fair price. And we are obviously here to stay.” T.F. Reilly can be contacted in Fountain Hills at (480) 837-2609, or in Prescott at (928) 445-8502. The Web-site is www.prescottrenovations.com.

Bill Reilly has joined his brother Tom, in the building business. The brothers have followed their father’s long career as a builder. Tom Sr. started building in Fountain Hills in 1972.


Scottsdale Flooring America

Economy gives business incentive to grow

OnQ Financial

Mortgage banker extols virtues of fi rm

Scottsdale Flooring America is a business that defi ed the trends. The nearly 16-year-old busi-ness moved from its 5,000-square-foot building on 90th Street to a 7,900-square-foot showroom in De-cember 2010. Despite a slow economy, owners Val and Ed Boettcher and their

son Todd have watched their business grow, and fi nally outgrow the space they were in when they opened their store in 1995. “With our additional space, we are able to provide even more savings for our customers,” Val said. “And we con-tinue to be competitive with big box

In a changed world of mortgages, OnQ Financial has simplifi ed things for the consumer. Kent Martinson, a long-time mort-gage banker, describes the company as “refreshing.” Martinson, senior mortgage consul-tant in Fountain Hills, said OnQ works under the philosophy of “do-ing the right thing.” Martinson has weathered storms in the fi nancial in-dustry for 20 years, including the most recent crisis. He moved to OnQ in April 2010 and says he is “having the most fun I have had in a long time.” In addition to enjoying the com-pany, Martinson also is working with his son, Tyler, as well as long-time colleague Dorian Smith. The three of them make up the local team. “I have been fortunate to always have a really good team,” Martin-son said. “And for all of the 20 years I have been in this business, Dorian has

been there with me. She is the most ef-fi cient, knowledgeable person I know in the industry.” Martinson said the opportunity to work with his son has been “wonder-ful. “I am working with my son,” he said. “Tyler is a very talented young man. He knows computers, and he knows this business. It’s a great com-bination.” OnQ has its headquarters in Scott-sdale. The company is licensed to pro-vide home loans in 12 states and has offi ces in four of those. Martinson is licensed in Arizona and California but does assist clients in other states. “There is a great deal of fl exibility,” Martinson said. “This benefi ts the customer.” Martinson said the fl exibility of OnQ is available through its corre-spondent banking relationships with most major banks and several mid-size establishments. “We can do a lot through different banks,” he said. “It gives us a broader range of products, and ultimately de-livers the best pricing.”

stores.” She emphasized that not only are Flooring America’s prices at or below warehouse price levels, the business also has trained professionals who can assist with no-cost, no-obligation estimates in the home, and provide design direction, advice and installa-tion. “We have trained designers who can help you with what’s right for your application,” Val said. “Whether you have pets, or kids, or you have bought a house you plan to turn in a year or one you are going to stay in, we can help you with anything you want in the way of fl ooring.” The company also has added slab granite countertops to its inventory and continues to have a wide vari-ety of stone, wood, laminate, custom rugs, carpet and glass. Flooring America is a member of CCA Global, which enables them to le-verage prices charged by carpet mills, along with tile and wood vendors. “We can then pass the savings along to our customers,” Val said. In addition to selection, Flooring America also is able do quick turn-

arounds on their products and instal-lation. Customers can take samples home to make sure their choices are what they want and that they fi t in their homes. Special orders usually are in within three to fi ve business days, Val said. “Tile typically can be on the fl oor in a week, while carpet is on the fl oor within two,” she said. “We usually can get wood on the fl oor in 10 days.” In addition to the products, service and installation, Flooring America has fi nancial plans allowing customers to realize their dreams in a timely man-ner. While the Boettcher family owns the business, their employees are con-sidered family, too, Val said. “We have installers who have been here since we opened the business,” she said. “And the others have been here 10 years or more.” The business continues to have great ratings with the Better Business Bureau, the Registrar of Contractors and Angie’s List. The store is open seven days a week at 10250 N. 90th St., #102. The phone number is (480) 451-9600.

OnQ’s ser-vice level is at an all-time high, with two week closings common. “We do a number of dif-ferent types of loans, includ-ing VA, FHA and conven-tional loans,” M a r t i n s o n said. “The thing is, we certainly are doing these at better pric-ing, and with great customer service.” There are no limits to loan sizes, and most of the business is done in-house, Martinson said. Loan applications can be done in person, over the phone or online. Martinson said the technology associ-ated with OnQ is “the best I have ever dealt with in the 20 years I have spent in this business. Customers are served

so well with the technology we have.” OnQ Financial is located at 13034 N. Verde River Drive, #103. Martin-son said he is available seven days a week, so call him anytime. For more information, call (480) 816-4663, or visit www.onqfi nancial.com. Martin-son’s own Website, www.kentmartin-son.com provides additional details about OnQ, its employees and its customers.

The Boettcher family, Val, left, Ed and Todd own Scottsdale Flooring America.

The OnQ Financial staff includes Tyler Martinson, standing left, Kent Martinson and Dorian Smith.

Kent Martinson


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