Joe Arizona Homes

The Single Mom

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:00:00 GMT

I was raised in Northern California by my mother, a nurse. My father died in a car accident while my mom was 8 months pregnant with me and had a 1 year old and 2 year old daughter at home. Her name is Susan. Despite the fact that my mother was heart broken and left alone to raise 3 small children, despite the fact that when I was 7 our house burned down and my oldest sister perished....despite that, I had a very happy childhood.

Now as a father of 2, I find myself thinking about what it would have been like to raise your kids alone. I have the benefit of a spouse at home to help take the kids to baseball, band, their friends house, to help with homework and life in general. I have a partner who can carry half of the burden. And I still think parenthood is hard.

I admire my mom for the life she created for me and my sister and I want to honor her by helping those in her same situation. It's my pleasure to be able to walk side-be-side with a single mom as she goes through the process of homeownership. It's my honor to help.

I am always touched by single moms and dads. And I appreciate how hard it can be.

Joe~

What Happened in December

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 01:00:00 GMT

Our past is riddled with interesting events....here are just a few. A special note: A big happy birthday on December 25th to my father-in-law Joe Aimone and RE/MAX Professionals owner Nate Martinez.

December 24, 1814 The Treaty of Ghent is signed ending the War of 1812.

December 24, 1818 "Silent Night" composed by Franz Joseph Gruber; first sung next day

December 24, 1905 Howard Hughes born

December 24, 1914 World War I: The "Christmas truce" begins.

December 24, 1919 John D. Rockefeller, the world's richest man, gave away one-hundred million dollars and I missed it

December 24, 1943 FDR appoints General Eisenhower supreme commander of Allied forces

December 24, 1953 NBC's Dragnet becomes the first network-sponsored television program

December 24, 1964 Shooting begins on "The Cage" the pilot for Star Trek

December 24, 1966 Luna 13 lands on Moon

December 24, 1968 Apollo Program: The crew of Apollo 8 enters into orbit around the Moon, becoming the first humans to do so. They performed 10 lunar orbits and broadcast live TV pictures that became the famous Christmas Eve Broadcast, one of the most watched programs in history.

December 24, 1970 Walt Disney's "The Aristocats" is released

December 24, 1973 Ferryboat capsized off coast of Equador, drowning 200

December 11, 1975 : An Icelandic gunboat opens fire on unarmed British fishery support vessels in the North Atlantic Sea, as part of the ongoing COD WAR caused when Iceland extended its control over fishing rights from 50 to 200 nautical miles from its coast .

December 24, 1979 The Soviet Union invades Afghanistan to support the country's Marxist government.

December 24, 1980 Americans remembered Iran hostages by shining lights for 417 seconds

December 11, 1985 : The Unabomber kills his first victim, Hugh Scrutton who is killed in his computer store in Sacramento, California, by a mail package that explodes in his hands. The Unabomber had detonated his first bomb in May 1978 on the Chicago campus of the University of Illinois

December 24, 1989 Panama's dictator, Manual Noriega seeks asylum at the Vatican embassy

December 24, 1986 French hostage Aurel Cornea, held in Lebanon for 9 months, released

December 24, 1990 Saddam says Israel will be Iraq's main target

December 11, 1993 : One block of the Highland Towers apartment building collapses killing 48, the cause of the collapse was through structural failure caused by improper construction of the pilings. Following the collapse the other 2 towers that made up Highland Towers are closed and abandoned due to safety concerns.

December 24, 1997 The Sid El-Antri massacre (or Sidi Lamri) in Algeria kills 50-100 people.

December 24, 2000 The Texas 7 hold up a sports store in Irving, Texas. Police officer Aubrey Hawkins is shot during the robbery

December 24, 2003 The Spanish police thwart an attempt by ETA to detonate 50 kg of explosives at 3:55 p.m. inside Madrid's busy Chamartn Station.

December 24, 2009 A suicide bomb attack kills at least eight people in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

December 24, 2009 Bomb attacks in the Iraqi cities of Baghdad and Hilla leave 23 dead.

December 24, 2009 Pope Benedict XVI is knocked down by a woman during a procession before the Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City. He is uninjured, but Roger Cardinal Etchegaray suffers a hip fracture. (Sky News)

December 24, 2009 The United States Senate passes a health-care bill expected to extend insurance coverage to 30 million additional Americans, in a party-line vote, 60-39.

December 24, 2009 Thousands of Christian pilgrims gather in Bethlehem in the West Bank to mark Christmas.

Local RE/MAX Officers Merge!

Sat, 02 Jul 2011 01:00:00 GMT

Local RE/MAX Brokerages Merge, Creating a Win-Win for Agents and Clients

RE/MAX Professionals is excited to announce a merger with RE/MAX Integrity, which will pair elite agents and strong leadership to create one of the most successful and productive real estate brokerages in the area. The two firms combined will remain RE/MAX Professionals and will service all areas of the Valley.

RE/MAX Professionals was founded in 2001 by Owners Nate Martinez and Frank Russo, while RE/MAX Integrity has been in operation since 1992. The two combined will have over 200 professional and experienced real estate agents.

In addition to an increase in market share, this merger furthers the outstanding reputations of two premier groups offering world class service to Arizona homebuyers and sellers. Both Martinez and Russo previously worked with RE/MAX Integrity prior to founding RE/MAX Professionals 10 years ago. RE/MAX Integrity Broker/Owner Ed McCloud is a mentor and friend to both Nate and Frank, and all parties are excited for this opportunity.

“We took a long look and saw that a merger of these brokerages would create a win-win situation for all parties involved,” said Russo. “Our offices share similar philosophies and creating an even stronger alliance is in everyone’s best interest. The RE/MAX agents in both firms have provided outstanding service to their clients for years and with even more resources, we’re confident we’ll continue to build on our current success in this market.”

Martinez added, “This is a great day for both groups. We respect Ed (McCloud) and we have worked with the many outstanding Integrity agents over the years. We’re excited to merge the talent from both sides and serve an even greater population of homebuyers and sellers in Arizona.”

In 2010, agents from the two offices participated in a total of 4,528 closed which ranked them No. 8 nationally and No. 1 in Arizona, among all RE/MAX Affiliates, for closed transactions sides, according to the recently released Real Trends 500 report.

The new RE/MAX Professionals will consist of seven offices located in Surprise, Avondale, Glendale (2), Sun City West, Anthem, and Central Phoenix. To learn more about joining REMAX Professionals, please call or email me today!

What Happened in July

Sat, 02 Jul 2011 01:00:00 GMT

We all know the importance of the month of July in America's history....but here are few other less know facts from our past.

1054 Brightest known super-nova (Crab Nebula) starts shining (23 days)

1520 La Noche Triste: Joint Mexican Indian force led by Aztecs under Cuitlhuac defeat Spanish Conquistadors under Hernn Corts.

1187 The Crusades: Battle of Hattin - Saladin defeats Guy of Lusignan, King of Jerusalem.

1712 11 slaves are executed in New York for starting an uprising that killed 9 Caucasians

1776 American Independence Day . The United States Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress declaring itself free of British rule. Signed in Philadelphia.

1776 The 13 colonies in America met in Philadelphia to sign their Declaration of Independence, declaring themselves free of British rule and taxation. 1802 US Military Academy officially opens (West Point, NY)

1777 John Paul Jones hoists first Stars and Stripes flag on Ranger at Portsmouth, NH.

1817 Construction on Erie Canal begins

1826 Former American presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson die, fifty years to the day after the adoption of the United States Declaration of Independence.

1832 "America" first sung publicly

1859 Balloon covers a record 809 miles over St Louis

1861 First public schoolhouse opens at Washington & Mason St, SF

1862 Day 7 of the 7 Days-Battle of Malvern Hill

1862 Russian State Library is founded.

1863 Battle of Gettysburg begins ending Juy 3

1881 Brooker T Washington establishes Tuskegee Institute

1885 United States terminates reciprocity and fishery agreement with Canada.

1889 Frederick Douglass named Minister to Haiti

1910 African-American boxer Jack Johnson knocks out white boxer Jim Jeffries in a heavyweight boxing match sparking race riots across the United States.

1931 Ice vending machines introduced in LA

1932 NY Gov FDR nominated for president at the Dem Convention in Chicago

1946 After 381 years of near-continuous colonial rule, the Philippines is granted full independence by the United States.

1952 Actor Dan Akroyd (Ghostbusters, Saturday Night Live) was born.

1958 The St Helena General Workers Union is formed.

1961 Jamestown Recreation Centre is opened.

1967 Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," goes #1 for 15 weeks

1968 John Lennon's first full art exhibition (You are Here)

2002 The International Criminal Court is established to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression.

2007 Smoking in England is banned in all public indoor spaces. With the ban already in force in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, this means it is illegal to smoke in indoor public places anywhere in the UK.

What Happened in June?

Fri, 20 May 2011 01:00:00 GMT

Our history is packed with interesting and unknown facts from the month of June- here is just a few.

0575 Benedict I becomes Pope.

1215 Beijing, then under the control of the Jurchen ruler Emperor Xuanzong of Jin, is captured by the Mongols under Genghis Khan, ending the Battle of Beijing.

1495 The first written record of Scotch Whiskey appears in Exchequer Rolls of Scotland. Friar John Cor is the distiller.

1539 Hernando De Soto claims Florida for Spain.

1792 Kentucky admitted as the 15th state of the United States.

1796 Tennessee admitted as the 16th state of the United States.

1813 The mortally-wounded Captain James Lawrence, commander of the U.S. frigate Chesapeake, coins the phrase "Don't give up the ship," during a losing battle with a British frigate.

1831 James Clark Ross discovers the North Magnetic Pole.

1835 P. T. Barnum and his circus begins their first tour of the United States.

1851 The first baseball uniforms worn. Knickerbockers wear straw hat, white shirt & blue long trousers.

1855 US adventurer Wm Walker conquers Nicaragua, reestablishes slavery.

1861 The first skirmish in the Civil War, Fairfax Court House, VA and the US & Confederacy simultaneously stop mail interchange.

1892 Macadamia nuts first planted in Hawaii.

1923 Checker Cab puts its first taxi on the streets.

1963 Soviet Space Program: Vostok 6 Mission, Cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova becomes the first woman in space.

1873 Ground broken on Clay St (SF) for world's first cable railroad.

1897 Mark Twain, responding to rumors that he was dead at age 61, is quoted by the New York Journal as saying: "The report of my death was an exaggeration."

1916 The National Defense Act is signed into law, increasing the size of the United States National Guard by 450,000 men.

1916 The ROTC is established by the U.S. Congress.

1918 Supreme Court rules child labor laws unconstitutional.

1925 Birthday - Tony Curtis [Bernard Schwartz] is born.

1932 New York Yankee great Lou Gehrig hits four home runs in one game against the Philadelphia Athletics. Final score 20-13 in favor of the Yankees.

1933 The first Great Lakes-to-Gulf of Mexico barge trip completed, New Orleans.

1939 Doctors reveal Lou Gehrig has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

1940 World War II: The Luftwaffe bombs Paris and Winston Churchill gives his "Finest Hour" speech.

1952 Wilfred 'Wop' May pilot, World War I air ace, died on this day.. May was being pursued by German ace Manfred von Richthofen when the Red Baron was shot down.

1957 Howard Cosell's first TV show.

1963 3,000 blacks boycott Boston public school.

1965 For 21 minutes, Edward H. White floats free outside the space vehicle Gemini IV for the first time.

1976 Apartheid: A non-violent march by 15,000 students in Soweto, South Africa turns into days of rioting when police open fire on the crowd and kill 566 children.

1980 Jimmy Carter wins enough delegates for re-nomination.

1981 The AIDS epidemic is formally recognized by medical professionals in San Francisco, California.

1982 The Israeli ambassador to the United Kingdom, Shlomo Argov, is shot on a London street. He survives but is permanently paralyzed.

1989 Troops in China shoot & kill 100s of students demonstrating for democracy in Tiananmen Square, Beijing.

1989 4 golfers shoot a hole-in-one on the same hole at the US Open are made all on the 6th hole (Weaver, Wiebe, Pate & Price).

2006 The union of Serbia and Montenegro comes to an end with Montenegro's formal declaration of independence.

2010 Campbell Soup Co. recalls nearly 15 million pounds of canned SpaghettiOs with meatballs because of possible under-processing.

The Highest Award.....

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 01:00:00 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Matt Wimpress, Customer Service Manager

Quality Service Certification, Inc.

Matt@QualityCertified.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 14, 2011

Bourland Receives Platinum Service Recognition

Joe Bourland of RE/MAX Professionals in Avondale, AZ has repeated the previous year’s achievement of being granted the highest level of service achievement in the real estate industry, Quality Service Certified® Platinum. The award is in recognition of earning 100% client service satisfaction in 2010 as measured by Leading Research Corporation (LRC).

A Quality Service Certified (QSC) award status is the only recognition in the real estate industry based on independently validated customer satisfaction survey results. After the conclusion of real estate transactions, clients of QSC agents receive a survey, asking them to rate the agent on various aspects of the service process. The surveys are administered and the results are received and compiled by LRC.

Client feedback from the surveys becomes part of the agent’s credentials. An overall satisfaction rating is displayed on a consumer website (www.QualityService.org) where sellers and buyers have the ability to select a real estate professional based upon each agent’s validated record of service satisfaction.

“Nothing is more important to a prospective client in selecting a professional than the service results achieved with past clients,” says Larry D. Romito, President and CEO of QSC. He adds, “Consumers have greater confidence in service reliability, results and satisfaction with a Quality Service Certified real estate professional because they know that the agent’s service record has been validated by an independent third party. 100% service satisfaction record like Joe Bourland has achieved is just awesome.”

Did you talk to your lender yet?

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 01:00:00 GMT

I read something very interesting the other day, something that actually surprised me a little.

I read that Freddie Mac reports more than half of homeowners who lose their homes to foreclosure never answer their lenders' phone calls or letters. Instead, homeowners feel embarrassed about being in default, don't believe their lender can help, and erroneously assume that contacting their lender will cause them to lose their home more quickly.

Do you fit into this category of people?

My son has had a heart condition since birth and the amount of time my wife has had to spend on the phone with insurance companies is nauseating. She often tells me of endless holds, endless transfers, of repeatedly being disconnected and when she finally gets a live person on the phone they seem extremely disinterested in actually helping her. The simple thought of having to make a call to an insurance company gives her instant anxiety.

Is this how you feel about talking to your lender? Can't say as I blame you.

Having worked for years with lenders, short sales and foreclosures and having sat of the phone for hours on end trying to get through the 'gate keepers' at these banks and get to the correct person who can help .....can understandably give people anxiety.

I want you to know that I am more than willing and capable to help you in this situation. Even if you want to talk to me about the correct questions to ask, numbers call, paperwork that you need in front of you, things not to say, etc. I would be very willing to talk with you.

You are not alone.

Joe ~

What happened in February?

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 01:00:00 GMT

February has been an important month in the World's history - but nothing more important than the last thing on this list......

1822 Boston is incorporated as a city.

1840 American Charles Wilkes discovers Shackleton Ice Shelf, Antarctica.

1852 Studebaker Brothers wagon company, precursor of the automobile manufacturer, is established.

1861 President-elect Abraham Lincoln arrives secretly in Washington, D.C., after an assassination attempt in Baltimore, Maryland.

1883 "Ladies Home Journal" begins publication.

1887 Congress grants Seal Rocks to San Francisco.

1904 For $10 million the United States gains control of the Panama Canal Zone.

1905 Chicago, Illinois attorney Paul Harris and three other businessmen meet for lunch to form the Rotary Club, the world's first service club.

1913 New York City's Grand Central Terminal opens as the world's largest train station.

1920 Royal Canadian Mounted Police forms as Royal Northwest Mounted Police merge with Dominion Police.

1926 Land at Broadway & Wall Street sold at a record $7 per square inch .

1938 Joe Louis KO's Nathan Mann in 3 for heavyweight boxing title.

1940 Walt Disney's 2nd feature-length movie, "Pinocchio," premieres (New York NY).

1948 Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower resigned as Army chief of staff and was succeeded by Gen. Omar Bradley.

1952 The United Arab Republic (Egypt and Syria) is formed.

1954 First TV soap opera "Secret Storm" premieres.

1958 US satellite (Explorer I) launched.

1962 President Kennedy begins blockade of Cuba.

1964 Baskin-Robbins introduces Beatle Nut ice cream.

1964 Beatles' "I Want to Hold Your Hand," first #1 hit & stays #1 for 7 weeks.

1978 Director Roman Polanski skips bail & fled to France after pleading guilty to charges of engaging in sex with a 13-year-old girl.

1978 Harriet Tubman is first black woman honored on a US postage stamp.

1979 Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returns to Iran after 15 years in exile.

1979 Newspaper heiress Patty Hearst leaves federal prison when her sentence for bank robbery is commuted by President Jimmy Carter.

1965 US begins regular bombing & strafing of North Vietnam.

1969 Al-Fatah-leader Yasser Arafat becomes president of PLO.

1984 U.S. space shuttle astronauts Bruce McCandless II and Robert Stewart perform the first untethered space walk.

1985 "New York, New York" became the official anthem of New York NY.

1986 Haitian President Jean-Claude Duvalier flees, ending 28 years of rule by his family.

1986 Philippine Corazon Aquino defeats incumbent dictator Ferdinand Marcos but fraudulent returns gave the election to Marcos.

1994 Jeff Gillooly, Tonya Harding's ex-husband, pleads guilty to taking part in an attack on figure skater Nancy Kerrigan.

2001 My first son, Levi Truett Bourland was born in Phoenix, Arizona

"The Perfect Storm"

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 01:00:00 GMT

Happy New Year! Where has the time gone? It feels like yesterday when the nation was concerned about Y2K.....and now it's already the end of January, 2011. And as it goes, it's that time of year when resolutions are made and goals are set.

The hardest part about resolutions is not making them, it’s keeping them. I have found a website that I like to use to help keep me on track of my goals: www.habitforge.com. You provide the goal and they will send you a customized daily reminder to help you stay the course.

One of my resolutions this year is to better communicate to my past clients and sphere what is going on in the market place. With the revolving lender requirements, short sales, bank owned homes and ever changing deficiency guidelines, I want to make sure you are getting the most recent information from a real estate professional who has actually worked for the past decade in the real estate industry.

Have you seen the movie “The Perfect Storm” with George Clooney? It’s a great movie where a combination of events, (in this case weather patterns) that when they occur individually don’t have real significance, but when they occur together produce a dramatic outcome. Well that’s what we are in now! A “Real Estate Perfect Storm”! Never in my life have I seen a more perfect set of circumstances to purchase real estate. Interest rates are at a historic low while home prices are half of what they were 4 years ago. It simply does not get better than that. Regardless if you are a first time buyer, investor, someone who wants to become an investor or a veteran homeowner it is a fabulous time to buy.

And I haven’t forgotten about “struggling homeowners”, you are not alone. You really do have options, options that I can assist you with. So give me a call.

I look forward to hearing from you in the coming year and I look forward to assisting you with your real estate needs. Here’s to a great 2011!

For Your Convenience.....

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 01:00:00 GMT

Please do remember that I am available to you for questions or concerns that you might have, think of me as your “Real Estate Resource”.

I have set up a facebook fan page, linkedin page, twitter account and a youtube channel.

Of course you can always reach me at 623-322-8588 & www.JoeArizona.com

www.facebook.com/joearizonahomes

Become a fan I post my listings, interesting real estate articles and industry news

http://www.youtube.com/user/JoeArizonaHomes

You can look at videos of listed homes For my out of state buyers I film homes and post them for you

There are also videos of my kids doing kid things….a little view into my personal life

http://twitter.com/JoeArizona

I post my listings, interesting real estate articles and industry news

http://www.linkedin.com/in/joebourland

Do you have a linkedin page? Send me a connection invite

What to do in Feb/March

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 08:57:00 GMT

What’s Happening This Month:

D-backs Fan Fest February 13
the Arizona Diamondbacks fan appreciation day at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix is a free event, with clinics, autograph and photo opportunities, ballpark tours and giveaways.
World Championship Hoop Dance Contest February 13 & 14
Native American dancers from the U.S. and Canada compete at The Heard Museum.
Fairgrounds Antique Market February 13, 14
at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix.
Arizona Fine Art Expo January 14 - March 28
A 10 week event in north Scottsdale. See designers, painters, sketchers and sculptors at work. Demonstrations and workshops, fine wines and cuisine.
Sunday A'Fair February 14, 21,28
Musical mini-festival that takes place outdoors on the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall adjacent to the Scottsdale Center for the Arts.
Celebration of Fine Art January 16 - March 28
Scottsdale hosts over 100 artists from Arizona and elsewhere in it's big white tents.
Western Avenue Art Walk February 19
Food and wine, music, special events, and the unique blend of artwork by local artists. Free parking, free admission. Old Town Avondale.
His & Hers Luxury Experience February 19 - 21
Hundreds of exhibitors with a range of luxury products and services for both men and women. City North on High Street, Scottsdale.
NHRA Arizona Nationals February 19-21
The National Hot Rod Association come to Arizona every year. Firebird International Raceway.
Mardi Gras February 19 - 24
Music, food and beads at various events in the Phoenix area.
Parada del Sol Parade February 20
By the Scottsdale Jaycees. The parade is followed by a festival in downtown Scottsdale.
Junior League of Phoenix Annual Rummage Sale February 21
Thousands of new and gently used items for bargain seekers. Baby items, furniture, designer handbags, clothing, sporting goods, collectibles, jewelry, housewares, electronic equipment, home office equipment, and more. Proceeds benefit Junior League of Phoenix community programs. Arizona State Fairgrounds.
Waste Management Phoenix Open Golf Tournament Feb22-28
In North Scottsdale the pro golfers will get together for the first PGA tournament of the year. The PGA Waste Management Phoenix Open Golf Tournament, formerly known as the FBR Open, is held at the TPC Scottsdale course at the Fairmont Scottsdale. This tournament attracts the largest crowds of any PGA event.
Fountain Hills Great Fair February 26 - 28
A three day event in Fountain Hills with live entertainment and more than 400 artists and artisans. Free admission.
Arizona Scottish Highland Games & Celtic Gathering Feb 27 - 28
Steele Indian School Park is the location for the games featuring entertainment, competitions, demonstrations and more.
Crossroads of the West Gun Show February 27, 28
at the Arizona State Fairgrounds. The shows offer hundreds of tables of interest to both the once a year hunter and the avid collector.
Parada del Sol Rodeo February 27 - March 1
By the Scottsdale Jaycees. The Parada Del Sol Rodeo is a PRCA sanctioned rodeo and consists of 5 sessions over a period of three days at WestWorld in Scottsdale.
Downtown Chandler Art Walk First Wednesday of the month
Visit more than 40 artisans set up along the streets in front of the unique shops and cafes of Historic Downtown Chandler. Free.
Fountain Hills Public Art Walk Tour First Saturday of the month
Docent led tours of the Fountain Hills public art collection including more than 70 artworks in parks, plazas and public buildings. Tours are in the morning, take approximately one hour and begin in the Community Center Sculpture Garden. There is a charge for the tour which includes a commemorative gift. Reservations required. 480-816-5100.
Glendale's Live at the Library One or two Thursdays per month
Musical entertainment from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Main Library. Concerts are free. Call 623-930-3573 for more details.
Movies at the Museum Various dates in February
Phoenix Art Museum. Independent and classic cinema and documentaries relating to art, artists, and works on view in the Museum, usually followed by discussion. Free with paid museum admission. First come, first seated.
Native Trails Select Thursdays and Saturdays
Native Trails celebrates Native American society and focuses on the individual cultures of these Southwest tribes. A variety of Native American performers will present musical performances using traditional instruments. Native foods, arts, crafts, and jewelry. Scottsdale Civic Center Mall. free admission.
Phoenix Coyotes Hockey Various dates in February
Our professional NHL hockey team hopes to howl its way to the Stanley Cup. Jobing.com Arena.
Scottsdale ArtWalk Every Thursday evening
Every Thursday evening the Scottsdale Art District invites you to spend a casual evening walking downtown and enjoying fine art. Free.
Thursdays on Mill Every Thursday evening (excluding holidays)
Local musicians performing on the streets for Music on Mill. Market on Mill involves an eclectic mix of area businesses, growers, artisans, restaurants and chefs and local musicians. MADCAP Theaters hosts musical entertainment and films. Mill Avenue District, Tempe from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Valentine's Day Guide various dates in February
Dinners, dances, chocolate and many other ways to celebrate with your sweetheart.

Balancing act

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 02:44:00 GMT

I recently finished coaching two teams. 6-7 flag football and 4-5 soccer. As you can imagine the difference between a 4 year old playing her first sport and a 7 year old working on his 6^th season is immense. The challenges of keeping their attention while learning a skill works the body and mind of a coach.

Jason Robinson volunteered to coach my son’s soccer team this season. It is obvious he has a passion for the sport and a high skill level and knowledge level to share. As I previously wrote he was the parent volunteering to steer the ship with help from parents. He donated his precious time to help our kids. Little did I know how precious his time really is.

He is a small business owner that I can image is taking hits in this slow economy, as most of us have. The stress of slower times will turn lots of us grey. But adding to this commitments are matters of true survival. Jason’s brother in law was diagnosed with a life debilitating illness. Jason has the unenviable task of assisting him while he undergoes treatment. Many hours a week are spent in the service of others.

The story of Jason really made me appreciate what I can give. Truly the most precious gift of all: time.

Monument Hill, Arizona's Initial Point

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:00:00 GMT

Interesting information and background about the great State of Arizona and the forming of the "base line" and "principal meridian".....the foundation for Arizona surveys.

Background: The rectangular survey system, which was first proposed by Thomas Jefferson and enacted into law by the Land Ordinance of 1785, forms the backbone of the Nation's land surveys. The first step in implementing a survey system in a given area is the establishment of an initial point.

This point is the basis for all government surveys in the area it controls, and its latitude and longitude are fixed by astronomical observations. From this initial point, a Principal Meridian runs north and south on a line that would intersect the poles, and a Base Line is run east and west on a parallel of latitude. In Arizona, the point in which east-west "baseline" and a north south "meridian" intersect is Arizona's initial point and that point is where the Gila and Salt Rivers meet. This initial point - where surveys for the state first began is named Monument Hill.

Historical Significance: In 1851, Monument Hill was built by the U.S. Boundary Commission, while making a reconnaissance survey for the United States-Mexico boundary under the 1848, Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, In 1865, John A. Clark, Surveyor General for New Mexico and Arizona selected Monument Hill as the initial point for surveys in Arizona.

The first survey from the initial point was a survey of the base line to the east, which began January 19, 1867, by William H. Pierce, Deputy Surveyor. With a crew of seven men he surveyed 36 miles east in five days. He was using a Burt's Solar Compass to determine direction and a chain 33 feet long made up of 50 links, each 7.92 inches long to measure the distance.

In the last 141 years some 62 million acres of land have been surveyed from this point. Nearly all of the unsurveyed land lies within Military Reservations, National Parks and Forest, and Indian Reservations.

Benefits: Designating Monument Hill as a National Heritage Area has ecological, cultural, social and historical benefits. Preserving the integrity of the natural landscape and local stories means that future generations will be able to understand their relationship with the land. The area would provide educational and inspirational opportunities which encourage residents and visitors to recreate in a place that offers habitat conservation and preserves long-standing traditions.

Location: Monument Hill (initial point) is located in Avondale Arizona's Planning Area, Arizona Maricopa County: Avondale Boulevard (Principal Meridian) and Baseline Road (Base Line).

Partners: The City of Avondale is working to assemble government and private sector partners of this historic point in an effort to work together seek the NHA designation. Partners include: Arizona Professional Land Surveyors, Maricopa County, Phoenix International Raceway, the Gila River Indian Community, the Salt River Project, the State of Arizona Land Department, the Arizona Centennial Committee and the Arizona State Office, and the Bureau of Land Management.

Courtesy of The City of Avondale, Arizona www.avondale.org

Joe Earns Platinum!

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:04:00 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Matt Wimpress, Customer Service Manager

Quality Service Certification, Inc.

949-481-4438

Matt@QualityCertified.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 10, 2009

Bourland Receives Platinum Service Recognition

Joe Bourland, REALTOR, MANAGER of RE/MAX Professionals in Avondale, AZ was awarded the highest level of service achievement in the real estate industry, Quality Service Certified® Platinum. The award is in recognition of earning 100% client service satisfaction in 2008, as measured by Leading Research Corporation (LRC).

Quality Service Certified (QSC) status is the only award in the real estate industry based on independently validated, measurable service results. Clients of QSC agents receive a customer satisfaction survey at the end of each transaction. The surveys are administered and the results are compiled by LRC.

Joe Bourland can be reached at www.JoeArizona.com

Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan Feb 2009

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Lots of talk about this week’s announcement of another stimulus plan. Below are the pre highlights announced by the White House prior to the March 4th unveiling. If you have questions about your situation with this and the other plans available, please let me know. I will be happy to discuss your options.

Scroll down to the scenario that you may be in:

Questions and Answers for Borrowers about the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan

Borrowers Who Are Current on Their Mortgage Are Asking:

1. What help is available for borrowers who stay current on their mortgage payments but have seen their homes decrease in value?

Under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan, eligible borrowers who stay current on their mortgages but have been unable to refinance to lower their interest rates because their homes have decreased in value, may now have the opportunity to refinance into a 30 or 15 year, fixed rate loan. Through the program, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will allow the refinancing of mortgage loans that they hold in their portfolios or that they placed in mortgage backed securities.

2. I owe more than my property is worth, do I still qualify to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?

Eligible loans will now include those where the new first mortgage (including any refinancing costs) will not exceed 105% of the current market value of the property. For example, if your property is worth $200,000 but you owe $210,000 or less you may qualify. The current value of your property will be determined after you apply to refinance.

3. How do I know if I am eligible?

Complete eligibility details will be announced on March 4th when the program starts. The criteria for eligibility will include having sufficient income to make the new payment and an acceptable mortgage payment history. The program is limited to loans held or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

4. I have both a first and a second mortgage.

Do I still qualify to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan? As long as the amount due on the first mortgage is less than 105% of the value of the property, borrowers with more than one mortgage may be eligible to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan. Your eligibility will depend, in part, on agreement by the lender that has your second mortgage to remain in a second position, and on your ability to meet the new payment terms on the first mortgage.

5. Will refinancing lower my payments?

The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to provide creditworthy borrowers who have shown a commitment to paying their mortgage with affordable payments that are sustainable for the life of the loan. Borrowers whose mortgage interest rates are much higher than the current market rate should see an immediate reduction in their payments. Borrowers who are paying interest only, or who have a low introductory rate that will increase in the future, may not see their current payment go down if they refinance to a fixed rate. These borrowers, however, could save a great deal over the life of the loan. When you submit a loan application, your lender will give you a "Good Faith Estimate" that includes your new interest rate, mortgage payment and the amount that you will pay over the life of the loan. Compare this to your current loan terms. If it is not an improvement, a refinancing may not be right for you.

6. What are the interest rate and other terms of this refinance offer?

The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to provide borrowers with a safe loan program with a fixed, affordable payment. All loans refinanced under the plan will have a 30 or 15 year term with a fixed interest rate. The rate will be based on market rates in effect at the time of the refinance and any associated points and fees quoted by the lender. Interest rates may vary across lenders and over time as market rates adjust. The refinanced loans will have no prepayment penalties or balloon notes.

7. Will refinancing reduce the amount that I owe on my loan?

No. The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to help borrowers refinance into safer, more affordable fixed rate loans. Refinancing will not reduce the amount you owe to the first mortgage holder or any other debt you owe. However, by reducing the interest rate, refinancing should save you money by reducing the amount of interest that you repay over the life of the loan.

8. How do I know if my loan is owned or has been securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac?

To determine if your loan is owned or has been securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac and is eligible to be refinanced, you should contact your mortgage lender after March 4, 2009.

9. When can I apply?

Mortgage lenders will begin accepting applications after the details of the program are announced on March 4, 2009.

10. What should I do in the meantime?

You should gather the information that you will need to provide to your lender after March 4, when the refinance program becomes available. This includes:

• Information about the gross monthly income of all borrowers, including your most recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources

• Your most recent income tax return

• Information about any second mortgage on the house

• Payments on each of your credit cards if you are carrying balances from month to month, and payments on other loans such as student loans and car loans.

Borrowers Who Are at Risk of Foreclosure Are Asking:

1. What help is available for borrowers who are at risk of foreclosure either because they are behind on their mortgage or are struggling to make the payments?

The Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan offers help to borrowers who are already behind on their mortgage payments or who are struggling to keep their loans current. By providing mortgage lenders with financial incentives to modify existing first mortgages, the Treasury hopes to help as many as 3 to 4 million homeowners avoid foreclosure regardless of who owns or services the mortgage.

2. Do I need to be behind on my mortgage payments to be eligible for a modification?

No. Borrowers who are struggling to stay current on their mortgage payments may be eligible if their income is not sufficient to continue to make their mortgage payments and they are at risk of imminent default. This may be due to several factors, such as a loss of income, a significant increase in expenses, or an interest rate that will reset to an unaffordable level.

3. How do I know if I qualify for a payment reduction under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?

In general, you may qualify for a mortgage modification if (a) you occupy your house as your primary residence; (b) your monthly mortgage payment is greater than 31% of your monthly gross income; and (c) your loan is not large enough to exceed current Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan limits. Final eligibility will be determined by your mortgage lender based on your financial situation and detailed guidelines that will be available on March 4, 2009.

4. I do not live in the house that secures the mortgage I’d like to modify. Is this mortgage eligible for the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?

No. For example, if you own a house that you use as a vacation home or that you rent out to tenants, the mortgage on that house is not eligible. If you used to live in the home but you moved out, the mortgage is not eligible. Only the mortgage on your primary residence is eligible. The mortgage lender will check to see if the dwelling is your primary residence.

5. I have a mortgage on a duplex. I live in one unit and rent the other. Will I still be eligible?

Yes. Mortgages on 2, 3 and 4 unit properties are eligible as long as you live in one unit as your primary residence.

6. I have two mortgages. Will the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan reduce the payments on both?

Only the first mortgage is eligible for a modification.

7. I owe more than my house is worth. Will the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan reduce what I owe?

The primary objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to help borrowers avoid foreclosure by modifying troubled loans to achieve a payment the borrower can afford. Lenders are likely to lower payments mainly by reducing loan interest rates. However, the program offers incentives for principal reductions and at your lender’s discretion modifications may include upfront reductions of loan principal.

8. I heard the government was providing a financial incentive to borrowers. Is that true?

Yes. To encourage borrowers who work hard to retain homeownership, the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan provides incentive payments as a borrower makes timely payments on the modified loan. The incentive will accrue on a monthly basis and will be applied directly to reduce your mortgage debt. Borrowers who pay on time for five years can have up to $5,000 applied to reduce their debt by the end of that period.

9. How much will a modification cost me?

There is no cost to borrowers for a modification under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan. If you wish to get assistance from a HUD-approved housing counseling agency or are referred to a counselor as a condition of the modification, you will not be charged a fee. Borrowers should beware of any organization that attempts to charge a fee for housing counseling or modification of a delinquent loan, especially if they require a fee in advance.

10. Is my lender required to modify my loan?

No. Mortgage lenders participate in the program on a voluntary basis and loans are evaluated for modification on a case-by-case basis. But the government is offering substantial incentives and it is expected that most major lenders will participate.

11. I'm already working with my lender / housing counselor on a loan workout. Can I still be considered for the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?

Ask your lender or counselor to be considered under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan.

12. How do I apply for a modification under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?

You may not need to do anything at this time. Most mortgage lenders will evaluate loans in their portfolio to identify borrowers who may meet the eligibility criteria. After March 4 they will send letters to potentially eligible homeowners, a process that may take several weeks. If you think you qualify for a modification and do not receive a letter within several weeks, contact your mortgage servicer or a HUD-approved housing counselor. Please be aware that servicers and counseling agencies are expected to receive an extraordinary number of calls about this program.

13. What should I do in the meantime?

You should gather the information that you will need to provide to your lender on or after March 4, when the modification program becomes available. This includes:

• Information about the monthly gross income of your household including recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources • Your most recent income tax return

• Information about any second mortgage on the house

• Payments on each of your credit cards if you are carrying balances from month to month

• Payments on other loans such as student loans and car loans.

14. My loan is scheduled for foreclosure soon. What should I do?

Contact your mortgage servicer or credit counselor. Many mortgage lenders have expressed their intention to postpone foreclosure sales on all mortgages that may qualify for the modification in order to allow sufficient time to evaluate the borrower's eligibility.

Kids and sports

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 01:00:00 GMT

As the fall season of sports comes to a close I was rewarded with two great sporting experiences. Coaching flag football and soccer brought plenty of laughs, triumphs, excitement and frustration. Our goals were accomplished by showing these kids that in a team sport it takes a team to win, be a gracious winner and loser, respect, honor, honesty and always try your hardest.

Of course, not all of these were done all the time by every player. But during this time of their young lives the learn takes place. Plenty of mistakes were had by each child and coach for that matter. As a youth coach the most important thing to remember is you are not there to win but to teach. The lessons they learn today will be with them their entire lives.

Congratulations WV Team 600 Flag Football "Sun Devils" on your undefeated season. Every player made it possible.

Congratulation WV Team 52 Soccer "Lightening" on your quick learning, hustle and happy attitudes.

What Happened in December?

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 01:00:00 GMT

December Happenings

Day Year Event

1	1913	First drive-in automobile service station opened in Pittsburg, PA
2	1969	Boeing gives the press the historic 1^st flight on the Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet from Seattle to New York
3	1996	James and Jovee Coulter introduced a glow-in-the-dark glove
4	1952	Killer fogs begin in London England, "Smog" becomes a word
5	1908	1st football uniform numerals used (University of Pittsburgh)
5	1951	"Dragnet" premieres
6	1947	“Meet the Press” debuts on NBC
7	1874	1st cartoon depicting elephant as Republican Party symbol, by T Nast
8	1896	Start of Sherlock Holmes with "Adventure of Missing 3 Quarter"
9	1965	"A Charlie Brown Christmas," premieres
10	1896	1st intercollegiate basketball game (Wesleyan beats Yale 4-3)
11	1909	Color Movies Birthday
12	1800	Washington D.C. established as capital of US
13		Violin Day
14	1926	1^st miniature golf course opened
15	1941	Bill of rights Day
16		National Chocolate Covered Anything Day
17	1963	Congress proclaimed this date as Wright Brother’s Day
18	1719	Mother Goose Day (Thomas Fleet published his mother-in-law's tales in the book, “Mother Goose”)
19	1918	Believe It Or Not Day (Cartoon first ran on this date)
20		Games Day
21	1913	1sr crossword puzzle
22	1882	1^st Christmas lights for sale
23	1913	Federal Reserve System Established
24		National Egg Nog Day
25	1225	Nativity Scene Birthday
26		National Whiners Day
27	1947	Howdy Doody's Birthday 1947
28		National Chocolate Day
29	1862	Bowling Ball invented
30	1964	Let's Make a Deal Day First aired
31	1907	For 1st time a ball drops at Times Square to signal new year

Take this information to heart......

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:00:00 GMT

We are in a recession - - - NOT in the Great Depression!

What Happened in The Great Depression:

744 US Banks failed in the first 10 months of 1930 (over the term of TGD over 9000 banks failed)

Unemployment Rate:

1930 - 8.9%

1931 - 15.9%

1932 - 23.6%

1933 - 24.9%

DOW Index Down 90% from late 1929 - 1932

What Happened in 2008

15 US banks failed in first 10 months of 2008

Unemployment Rate

2006 - 4.6%

2007 - 4.6%

thru September 2008 - 6.1%

Dow Index Down 29% from January 2008

Coaching kids III

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:50:00 GMT

So as you know the assistant coaches have laid out there commitment to be there as often as possible. But who will they be helping? The eyes beginning to wonder at each parent left quiet during the assistant debate. The minds are turning. Who has the knowledge of the sport, time to plan practices, will never have to miss a practice or game and happens to be one of the people everyone is staring at? Hello…no one at this table. Reality check! Who can make most of the practices and games, has the internet to figure out the rules and coaching drills and doesn’t mind dealing with wild and crazy kids a few hours a week? That is your new head coach.

I have yet to meet a professional youth coach for tee ball, age 5 soccer or flag football. Outside of an elementary school PE teacher, not many adults get paid to teach youth sports. None I know anyway. So, the next time you are a parent sitting at the table trying to stare someone else into the commitment of a life time, glance in the mirror. Write your name in that head coach line. Take a deep breath and run the rest of the meeting. Your kids will never forget the time you coached their team and love that you did. Who knows, you may even like it and decide to never not do it again.

Sack Lunches

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT

The Sack Lunches

I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought.

Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation. 'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me.

'Chicago - to Great Lakes Base. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Iraq 'Chicago, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time.

After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached

As I reached for my wallet, I overheard soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to Chicago '

His friend agreed.

I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant afifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'

Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?'

'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class. 'This is your thanks.'

After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.

Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, an said, 'I want to shake your hand.'

Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.

Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.

When we landed in Chicago I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!

Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'

Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals.

It seemed so little...

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life wrote a blank check Made payable to 'The United States of America ' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in This country who no longer understand it.'