Happy Halloween from ENERGY STAR!



This Halloween, keep the chills down to a minimum and save energy and help protect the environment with ENERGY STAR. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR program is here to help you make a difference in the fight against climate change while you save money on home energy bills. And, with winter and the end of daylight saving time quickly approaching, Halloween is the season when many of our energy-saving tricks come in handy to help deliver treats of ongoing money and environmental savings.



"Trick for Heat"

Check your heating system's air filter every month, and change the filter every 3 months. Remove leaves, dirt, and other debris from around outdoor components, such as heat pumps, to improve air flow and efficiency. Have a qualified professional tune up your system with a pre-season maintenance checkup, and if it's time to replace your old system, look for models that have earned the ENERGY STAR.



Protect Yourself from Vampires

"Vampire power," or standby power, refers to the electric power consumed by electronics & appliances while they are switched off or in a standby mode. ENERGY STAR qualified electronics and appliances use a lot less energy in standby mode. EPA also recommends that you turn off electronics when they are not in use, such as computers and televisions. Plugging all your electronics into a power strip makes this easy — just flip the switch to power everything down at once!



What's Lurking in Your Attic?

Probably cold air. Seal air leaks around your home to keep the cold out and the warm air in. The biggest air leaks are usually in the attic or basement, but also around doors, windows, vents, pipes, and electrical outlets. Use caulk, spray foam, or weather stripping to seal the leaks. Add more insulation to prevent heat loss and make your home more comfortable this fall.



Don't Be Left in the Dark

Now that daylight saving time is ending, remember to swap out those old incandescent lights with new, energy-efficient ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs that use 75 percent less energy and last 10 times longer. Also, start preparing for the holiday season with ENERGY STAR qualified decorative light strings, utilizing LED technology for extra savings, long-life, and durability — plus they're just as pretty. You can even get orange ones for Halloween!



Don't Waste Your Heat on Ghosts

By properly using your programmable thermostat you can ensure that you're not unnecessarily heating the home when you're away or asleep. Programming a lower temperature for when you go to work or run errands throughout the week and/or when you go to sleep at night can save you up to $180 a year in energy costs. Check out EPA's fun Programmable Thermostat Tool to learn how easy it is to set for savings.



Reduce the Chill with a Ceiling Fan

By switching your ceiling fan to pull air upward versus push air downward, you'll actually be helping circulate the warm air down into living spaces. This will make better use of your heating and allow you to lower the thermostat to save energy while maintaining your comfort.

Mesa AZ Realty: A Great Investment



Most Desireable States to Live in the US

Since 1997, The Harris Poll has been asking people each and every year, "If you could live in any state, except the one you live in now, what state would you choose to live in?"
The most recent results are as follows.
California was voted #1 to top the list of most popular states to live in among Echo Boomers (now ages 18-33) and Gen Xers (ages 34-45). Hawaii is the top pick for Baby Boomers (ages 46-64) and Matures (ages 65 and over). Hawaii used to be in the top 5 for Echo Boomers but has since dropped in rankings for this age group. Arizona placed 5th out of all 50 states.
Across the age groups, here are the Top-10 states:

1. California
2. Hawaii
3. Florida
4. Colorado
5. Arizona
6. North Carolina
7. Oregon
8. Texas
9. New York
10. Washington

For available properties in the Estates at Spectrum in Gilbert, AZ, click here:
Estates At The Spectrum, Gilbert, AZ Locals Delight in Estates At The Spectrum Gilbert AZ Houses for Sale

Foreclosure Moratorium Ending

Bank of America recently issued a halt on their foreclosures suspending foreclosures in parts or all of the country because of sloppy paperwork and improper oversight of the avalanche of loans that went bad.

However, a recent press release was issued stating Bank of America will be lifting this moratorium as soon as next week. Per Washington (AP) ...Bank of America said Monday that next week it plans to resume seizing more than 100,000 homes in 23 states...
... analysts expect this move by Bank of America, the nation's biggest bank, will give way to an industry-wide effort to push ahead with a wave of bank foreclosure properties that have depressed the housing market. Banking analyst Nancy Bush of NAB Research said that other lenders are likely to follow suit. She states,"We'll be back to square one by the end of the year."

For available homes in Spectrum in Gilbert, AZ, click here:
Spectrum Gilbert AZ Houses for Sale: A Super Investment

New Listings Analysis

Sellers:


Statistics for the month of September showed a slight decrease of 139 new listings over the prior month. This means there were 11,116 NEW properties entering the market – they could be traditional sales OR they could be distressed sales. Sellers need to pay attention: a substantial amount of competition still remains on the market – it will potentially show its impact through fewer showings, fewer offers, and more competition for the attention of serious buyers.



Buyers:

This is important news for buyers, as it means there are still more homes entering the market. It is very important that you continue to spend time with and listen to your real estate professional to develop your strategy for succeeding in a market that is constantly changing. Be prepared: as fewer homes enter the market, there will definitely be more competition for the best values.

Click her for Mesa real estate info: Mesa AZ Realty: A Great Investment

Distressed Sales Analysis:

A bank owned/foreclosure home is one that the seller no longer owns – it has been taken over by the
lender(s) who had a note on the home. Short sales are homes where the seller is negotiating with the bank to “forgive” a portion of the debt in order to avoid foreclosure.



September statistics showed a significant increase – a 39% increase – in the number of sales that were foreclosure properties. There was a 30.5% decrease in short sales that closed, and 43.6% decrease in the number of “traditional” sales. Again, continue to monitor this whether you are a buyer OR seller, as it provides the information on trends in home sales that will impact your success.

for information about Higley Groves real estate click here: Higley Groves Gilbert AZ Realty: A Wise Option

September Market Analysis

The month of September shows a 9.1% decrease in the number of closed sales over the prior month. This is the lowest number since February of 2010. For the 4th month in a row, the number of closed sales are lower than the same months one year ago. With the recent changes announced by banks who are stopping the foreclosure of homes, this will be an important trend to watch.

For buyers, this means you may have less competition for the homes that are currently on the market. When you combine this with the great loans available, this could be the very best time for you to begin or finalize your search for a home. Should we see inventory drop because of the recent decisions on foreclosures, that could mean more competition for homes that are on the market … and more competition could potentially mean higher prices for you. Continue to watch these numbers, as it will help you and your real estate professional understand what type of incentives and assistance you may or may not be able to request.


for information about Finley Farms real estate click here: Finley Farms Gilbert AZ Real Estate: A Fantastic Investment

Arizona Taco & Tequila Festival this Saturday, October 9, 2010

The Arizona Taco Festival at the Scottsdale Waterfront on October 9th, 2010. Over 30 teams will be competing for $7,500 cash and taco bragging rights. Other contests: anything goes taco, best guacamole, and salsa. There will be plenty of tacos & drinks to go around. Bring the whole family, kids under 12 get in free!

LOCATION: Scottsdale Waterfront, (7125 E. Via Soleri, the lot across from Olive & Ivy).
 
DATE: Saturday, October 9, 2010
TIME: 10:00am-5:00pm
TICKET PRICES: $10 General Admission
$50 VIP (entitles you to any combination of 10 food or drink items inside the Macayo’s VIP Tent with a special boutique Corrido Tequila Bar. Guests of this area will also receive a swag bag valued at $250.
$10 Tequila Expo
(kids under 12 are FREE)
Food samples will be $2 each; Tequila samples, margaritas and Mexican beers will be available for $4-$12. Select proceeds from all profits will benefit Waste Not.
PRIZE MONEY: $7,500
COMPETITION CATEGORIES:

Tacos: Chicken, Beef, Pork, Fish

Sidecart Throwdown: Salsa, Guacamole, Anything Goes Taco, Best Booth Design

ON-SITE ACTIVITIES:

• Macayo’s VIP Tent
• Boutique Tequila Expo
• Lucha Libre Wrestling
• Salty Señorita Main Bar Experience
• Hot Chili Pepper Eating Contest
• Kids Zone with hourly piñata beatings
• Tres Agaves Margarita Competition
• 
  Live Music
• Chef Interaction

FOOD PARTICIPANTS:


Barrio Cafe
Barrio Cantina
Blanco Tacos & Tequila
La Hacienda at The Fairmont
Chelsea’s Kitchen
Papi Chulo’s
Los Olivos
Mission
El Toro BBQ
Cien Agaves
Los Sombreros
Ticoz
My Nana’s “Best Tasting”
Salty Señorita
Mi Salsa
Macayo’s Mexican Kitchen
Dos Gringos
St. Francis
The Heard Museum
San Felipe’s Cantina
Waltz and Weiser’s Whiskey Bar and Cantina
SWB, A Southwest Bistro
La Tolteca
Aunt Chilada’s at Arizona Grand Resort
Chronic Tacos
Petite Maison
Fuego Bistro
Z-lantro Fresh Mexican Grill
Carte Blanche Gourmet Tacos
AZ Barbeque

TEQUILAS:

1921
Cabo Wabo
Cazadores
Clase Azul
Corzo
Corrido
Cruz
Cuervo
Don Azul
Don Julio
Don Ramon
El Charro
El Grado
El Jimador
El Mayor
Espolon
Gran Centenario
Herradura
La Pinta
Los Nahuales
Maestro Dobel
Milagro
Patron
Riazul
Roger Clyne’s Mexican Moonshine
Semental
Siete Leguas
Sol De Mexico
Tequila Ocho
Tres Agaves


For more information visit: http://aztacofestival.com/

To view available homes in Gilbert's "The Estates at Spectrum" visit:

Estates At The Spectrum, Gilbert, AZ Locals Delight in Estates At The Spectrum Gilbert AZ Houses for Sale

Cupcake Festival this Sunday, October 10, 2010

Get ready for a Cupcake Celebration of epic proportions this Sunday. Celebrating creative bakers, talented chefs, local businesses, and some of the Valley’s best restaurants all wrapped up into one delicious day. Join in on the first ever CupCake Love-In Festival celebration this Sunday at Hotel Valley Ho. Enjoy cupcakes from over 30 venders including Gilbert’s The Coffee Shop at Agritopia, whose bakers won a $10,000 prize earlier this year on the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars.” Cupcakes might have been a trend in the beginning but are here to stay! More and more bakeries around the country are specializing in them and the public is still going crazy for them. Come join in the fun!

Date: October 10, 2010

Time: 11am – 3pm

Location: Hotel Valley Ho
6850 East Main Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Tickets: $10 (in advance)
$15.00 (at the door)
FREE Admission for children under 6!

Activities:

• Cupcake sampling from local bakeries, cupcakeries, restaurants & pastry chefs
• Kidʼs Decorating Station
• Cupcake Judging Competition
• Cupcake T-shirts made while you wait
• Cupcake Eating Contest
• Great Raffle and Door Prizes (Raffle Tickets $1 each; Wear your Cupcake Love-in T-shirt on the day of the event and get $5.00 in raffle tickets.)
• Photo Booth

Participants:

Below are all of our fabulous participants that will be showing off their tasty talents at the event!

21 Cakes
Amy’s Baking Company
Arcadia Farms
Barb’s Bakery
Bloom
Bourbon Steak
Butter & Me
Cafe ZuZu
Candyland Cupcakes
Chestnut Lane
Classic Cooking School
Crybaby Ranch
The Cupcake Cafe
Gluten Free Creations
Hello Muffin
Honeymoon Sweets
La Dolce Pesca
Liberty Market
Lisaʼs Catering & Cakes
Modern Steak
Nothing Bundt Cakes Scottsdale
Olive & Ivy
Posh
Scratch Bakery
SweetArt Bakery
Tammie Coe Cakes
The Coffee Shop ($10,000 Winner of the Food Network's "Cupcake Wars")
Tracy Dempsey Originals
Victorian Cake Company
Wicked Kitchen

Charities:

Proceeds benefit: Singleton Moms & Safe Haven for Animals.

For more information visit: http://cupcakelovein.com/

For Homes in Gilbert, "The Spectrum" visit:
Spectrum Gilbert AZ Houses for Sale: A Super Investment