Homebuilding in metro Phoenix ticked up slightly in April, but it's not likely a sign of a long-anticipated market rebound because new-home sales fell. Last month, 1,087 permits to build new houses were issued in the Valley, compared with 996 in March, according to analyst firm RL Brown Reports. New-home sales dipped to 730 in April from 856 in March. The median price of a new house Continue Reading
Archives for May 2014
Home Improvement Projects that Boost Home Values
A home is a source of pride—a place where family traditions are forged and countless memories are made. That said, a home is also an investment, and choosing the right home improvement projects is all about balancing potential return on investment (ROI) with your desire to create a comfortable living space. The National Association of REALTORS® conducted a study in 2013 to determine Continue Reading
Memorial Day…In Remembrance of Those Who Served
Memorial Day...to honor & remember those who served in the military to help protect our nation. Thank you vets! We honor you!! Continue Reading
Designing Your Home Office
The latest census found that 9.4% of the U.S. labor force, roughly 13.4 million Americans, work from home at least one day each week—a figure that is steadily rising as the world becomes more mobile. If you count yourself among them, or you just want a private space to work on your great American novel, the following tips can help you design a comfortable home office that may even boost your Continue Reading
Housing Picture Remains ‘Worrisome,’ Fannie Mae Says
Mortgage giant Fannie Mae says that though recent indicators suggest economic growth will pick up in the second quarter of this year, the housing market still remains fragile. Fannie Mae’s Economic & Strategic Research Group forecasts an increase in consumer spending and notes that an upbeat April jobs report showed an increase in hiring at the fastest pace in more than two years, Continue Reading
Puppy Love: How Pets Keep Us Healthy
Humans began domesticating dogs at least 8,500 years ago—probably longer, say some historians. The cat is a relative newcomer among house pets, joining forces with human beings around 3,600 years ago in Egypt. Whether you’re partial to cats and dogs or you’re a fan of more exotic companions, there’s no denying that pets have made a permanent home in our hearts. Domestication is an excellent Continue Reading
5 Most Expensive Neighborhoods in Metro Phoenix
Because you never know when you might buy the winning lotto ticket or strike oil in your own backyard, Jackalope Ranch has put together a list of the five most expensive neighborhoods in metro Phoenix. To assemble this list of costly communities, they looked at neighborhoods with the highest average price of listed homes. Not surprisingly, the majority of high-dollar homes resided in the Continue Reading
Water Efficient Fixtures and Appliances
Water may seem like an endless resource, but according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), only 1% of our planet’s water is potable. The rest is either frozen solid or salt water, and many communities in the U.S. struggle to access clean, affordable water. Installing water efficient appliances is not only the right thing to do—it may significantly reduce your water bill. When Continue Reading
FINAL WEEKEND FOR PEACH FESTIVAL AT SCHNEPF FARMS!
This is it! The last two days of the Peach Festival May 17th & 18th. The weather is expected to be over 100, so get there early, or go prepared with a lot of water, sunscreen and positive thoughts. The festival runs from 7:30 am to 4pm. They have hay rides out to the orchards, arts and crafts vendors, entertainment, the Peachy Pancake breakfast is served from 7:45 until 2pm, all the rides are Continue Reading
Sharpen Your Mind
Long before biologists knew anything about our capacity to form new neural networks and grow new brain cells well into our golden years, Thomas Edison argued that genius was “10% inspiration and 90% perspiration.” Today, his assertion is supported by powerful evidence that continual learning and intense focus can actually make us smarter. If your brain is feeling sluggish these days, step Continue Reading
