http://blogiron.com/allynandassociates Arizona Real Estate Since 1960 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 07:02:20 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en AZ Attorney General Terry Goddard had the following to say regarding mortgages and loan modification.  This quote shows that he has a better picture of what is happening in our economy than most, and it makes me hope that he'll try a run for governor soon.  On his Facebook ... http://blogiron.com/allynandassociates/2009/12/16/arizona-attorney-general-on-loan-modification/ Pool Barrier Laws - Not Just for Homes with Children By Diane Cole, AAR Communications Director as seen in the Arizona Republic, June 2002 Is a wall around the yard all I need to satisfy pool barrier laws? Do I need a fence around the pool as well? Can I just keep the ... http://blogiron.com/allynandassociates/2009/06/29/pool-barrier-laws-not-just-for-homes-with-children/ Everybody's talking about the importance of eco-friendly living. We found some of the coolest and smartest products - at every price point - to help home owners do their part for the environment. By Wendy Cole | February 2009   Smokefree Fireplace As chic as it is eco-friendly, the EcoSmart Fire system gives you ... http://blogiron.com/allynandassociates/2009/02/16/10-ways-to-make-your-house-greener/   We all know the first half of 2009 will be challenging, to say the least.  But how are we going to look by the end of 2009?  Well, the National Association of REALTORS announced their projected sales numbers for 2009 and for the first time in years the projections aren't all ... http://blogiron.com/allynandassociates/2009/02/04/homes-sales-to-increase-in-2009/ Short Sales and foreclosures made up over 40% of sales in the third quarter of 2008 making short sales commonplace in the Phoenix area.  Without experience and persistence a short sale can be very challenging to close.  But before we get into the details of short sale challenges let's answer ... http://blogiron.com/allynandassociates/2009/02/03/short-sales-can-benefit-everyone/   Short Sales and foreclosures made up over 40% of sales in the third quarter of 2008 making short sales commonplace in the Phoenix area.  Without experience and persistence a short sale can be very challenging to close.  But before we get into the details of short sale challenges let's answer ... http://blogiron.com/allynandassociates/2009/02/02/what-is-a-short-sale/ Beep Beep!  Everyone knows this local resident, either from the Saturday morning cartoons, or from seeing him zip across the road as we drive by. Just like in the cartoons, it can’t fly very far, but it can run up to 17 miles per hour.   This ground cuckoo is a ... http://blogiron.com/allynandassociates/2009/02/01/the-roadrunner/ The Desert Ironwood, or Arizona Ironwood, only grows in the valleys and washes of the Sonoran Desert.  Found mostly in sandy washes where there is water available, this slow growing tree is drought deciduous, and loses all its leaves during dry spells.  Ironwoods are very important to the desert community, ... http://blogiron.com/allynandassociates/2009/01/30/the-desert-ironwood/ It is said that the powerful Peralta family had been operating several successful gold mines in the area of the Goldfield and Superstition Mountains during the mid 1800's, and that they were making frequent trips home to Mexico to deliver their gold.  In 1848, while the United States was in ... http://blogiron.com/allynandassociates/2009/01/27/the-peralta-massacre/ This post, I decided to profile of one of our most common neighbors out here in the Superstition Mountains, the Gambel’s Quail.  These little guys swarm all over the foothills, running in gangs called coveys. Quail are mostly monogamous, and the male will raise the brood if the female is ... http://blogiron.com/allynandassociates/2009/01/20/gambel-quail/ A little prep before your vacation can help make it easier to relax while you’re away.  These three things will help to keep your home from looking vacant and help ensure you find things as you left them. Ask a neighbor to collect your mail and newspaper, and offer to return ... http://blogiron.com/allynandassociates/2009/01/17/three-steps-to-safety-%e2%80%93-when-you-go-away/ In most parts of Arizona water is a precious commodity, making xeriscaping or xerigardening an essential part of successful gardening in Arizona.  Here are a few ideas that can get you started on that low-water garden. Indigenous or native plants will likely need less supplemental moisture most years than non-native species. ... http://blogiron.com/allynandassociates/2009/01/13/choosing-low-water-plants-xeriscape/