The new Recyclebank innovation from the City of Phoenix allows you to get credits at local businesses for recycling your trash.

Recyclebank, Phoenix’s new partner in waste diversion and sustainability, invites Phoenix residents and other members of the community to a family-friendly event 5 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 31, at the Arizona Science Center, 600 E. Washington St. The goal of the event to introduce the Phoenix community to a new rewards program that educates participants on how to divert more waste from the landfill while earning redeemable points.

The rewards program works by going to recyclebank.com, where participants can easily sign up to activate their account. The website offers several sustainability articles and waste diversion tips participants can read and then earn points that will be added to their account. The site also has videos, recycling tips, craft ideas using recyclable materials, as well as opportunities to enroll in any of Phoenix’s solid waste programs, all of which allow participants to earn points.

Points can be redeemed for savings at local businesses and national chains, such as Bunky Boutique, AMC Theatres and Target.

For mobile device users, the Recyclebank app can be downloaded for free.

At the free, family-friendly community event, guests can enjoy activities that help them understand the importance of sustainability through hands-on demonstrations presented by the Arizona Science Center staff. In the Urban Heat Island demonstration, guests will explore ways to change landscapes to adapt to hot environments and conserve water; the Plarn demonstration, guests learn how to make yarn out of the world’s most thrown-out objects; and in the Water Roll demonstration, guests become a sustainability scientist and learn about water conservation.

There is no cost to attend the event, but RSVPs are strongly encouraged at Eventbrite.

Recyclebank’s rewards program is part of the city’s effort to educate the community about recycling more, recycling right and other waste diversion programs. Under the Reimagine Phoenix initiative, Phoenix strives to reach its goal of a 40 percent waste diversion rate by 2020 through enhanced solid waste programs, public-private partnerships and expansion of its community and educational outreach.

The Green Cleaning Tip for February from our friends at GoingGreenHouse.com is particularly useful if you have any stainless steel in your home and you don’t want to use poisonous chemicals.

Many of our major household appliances are stainless steel. If you’ve owned one for long enough, though, you know it’s not exactly “stainless”.  Greasy fingerprints and water stains are all too common on refrigerators, dishwashers, and stoves—and it definitely doesn’t look pretty. Luckily, there is an amazing, all natural way to clean the unsightly mess from your stainless appliances. All you need is olive oil and vinegar.

You’ll need:

• Spray bottle
• 1 part vinegar and 1 part water mixture
• Microfiber cloth
• Olive oil

1. Start by cleaning your appliance with the vinegar and water mixture. Be generous. Use paper towel or cloth to wipe clean in the direction of the grain. This should remove the basic debris, like stuck on food or sticky fingerprints.
2. Dip your microfiber cloth in a small bit of olive oil. You can always dip again if you need more.
3. Polish the appliance in the direction of the grain. The fingerprints and water marks should start to disappear.
4. Buff out any streaks, and BAM! Now you’ve got a shiny appliance again!

It really is as simple as that. If you’ve used this natural magic to clean all your stainless appliances, and are bummed you have nothing left to make shiny, you can also do something similar to your stainless steel sink! Yep, that’s right!

Now, obviously the sink gets a lot more use than the other appliances, so olive oil would not be used for this, but hang on to that vinegar and water mixture!

You’ll need:

• Spray bottle
• 1 part vinegar 1 part water mixture
• Baking soda
• Water
• Microfiber towels

1. Spray the vinegar and water mixture all over the sink to clean the initial mess. For added shine (and fresh, citrusy goodness) cut a lemon in half and rub all over sink and faucet.
2. Mix baking soda and water together until it forms a paste.
3. Scrub the sink with the paste. For extra tough stains or spots, let it sit for 20 mins. Then rinse clean.
4. Dry with microfiber cloth.

All this heavenly shine from just a few ingredients you probably already have lying around the house! So, if you’re tired of your dull, messy stainless steel appliances, give this a try! It’s amazing!

Green Cleaning Tip for February

Our January Get Your PHX will be at JoBot….the reincarnated Jobot, that is.

And we want to take this opportunity to start a conversation with you about how you see the future of Roosevelt Row.

When Jobot announced that they were closing their doors on 5^th and Roosevelt Streets, I think we can agree that a shock a shock ran through our downtown community. It wasn’t just that we were losing another local business, or that 5^th Street was changing faster than we were ready for. No, it was that we felt the fate of the Roosevelt Row’s future was sealed because a giant had been brought down.

For many, Jobot represented a haven. Stories flooded the comments section of owner John Sagasta’s post about when they first came to Jobot. How it was the only place they felt they fit and that it represented a community of artists, welcomed resident ‘derelicts’ and changemakers alike… it was the hub for people who love Phoenix and are Roosevelt Row lifers, for better or worse.

The future seemed grim indeed…

But the storm has now cleared and Jobot has made a triumphant return. Now in its new location at the 3^rd Street split inside the Roosevelt Point high-rise, John Sagasta and his crew have retained the feel of Jobot in the industrial space with high-ceiling space. Behind the counter is an enormous art piece of the view from the patio of the former location taken from a photo by a fan. The new patio features the tilted red and white striped umbrellas we all know to be a Jobot exclusive.

The new location at the corner of a row of retailers inside Roosevelt Point’s ground level is also triumphant. The longtime success of Roosevelt Row is arguably due to the funky uniqueness created by the galleries, restaurants, bars, bike shops, tattoo shops, etc. In a word it has been the businesses that have created the community and will keep the community thriving.

So raise your pint with us this month as we congratulate John Sagasta and toast to their long future on RoRo!

When: Thursday, January 19^th from 5:30-7:30PM
Where: Jobot: 333 E. Roosevelt St.
Details: Free raffle ticket for each attendee, more to be announced!
RSVP: Click here and see our Facebook invite here.

Is the closing of Jobot Coffee in December the canary in the coal mine for the Roosevelt Row Arts District? While this closing was mostly a result of a dispute about rent, I see this as a regrettable result of costs going up for the long-time businesses and artists in our arts district downtown.

Source: Phoenix New Times

This is an area that was recognized in recent years as one of America’s best arts districts. But recently, the changes have been so drastic that people are questioning the future of arts in downtown.

As you drive south on 3rd St from McDowell, you no longer see the mish-mash of small structures and lots that used to be home to the arts. Now, you are met with a veritable canyon of apartments, which serve as a sterile gateway to downtown. They lack the affordable store-front space necessary for artists to thrive. They are over-built (there has been a 6 to 1 ratio of apartments to owner-occupied condos developed in Phoenix over the last two years), and they are too expensive.

We’ve also seen these developments squeezing local favorites. Art Haus is gone. The building that replaced it, with the help of APS almost unilaterally vetoed in-progress modifications by monOrchid to install a roof-top bar by moving electricity cables (unannounced) from one side of the dividing alleyway to the other. The wires would be a hazard to anybody seeking to enjoy a roof-top space because they are now within arm’s length reach of the rooftop space. So those plans were scraped and that money was lost.

It further hurt the community that, in a fit to undermine an arts district improvement plan that they saw as too personally expensive, a few businesses and their lobbyists at the Arizona Legislature torpedoed the plan while also making similar community improvement plans around the state virtually impossible.

So, this and other developments beg the question: can an arts district survive its own popularity? We know that three major groups drove the development of downtown over the last 20 years, making it a viable spot for ASU and others to expand. Those groups were the LGBT community, the arts community and historic preservationists.

Is it destined that any area that becomes popular like this will ultimately move out the people who made it popular? If so, where will they go? This thought has brought some of my friends to tears, who have worked for years to make downtown great. What of their vision, of the blood, sweat and personal treasure that they poured in to this area? Does it now belong to out-of-state apartment investors?

Or, is it possible as some of my friends maintain, that the city can support local artists and their business models?

Watch for public conversations about this in 2017. I don’t know yet where they will come from or who will lead them. But, I promise to report on them when they evolve. Could the canary in the coal mine spur positive changes?

We need to find a response to this trend as a community, or face losing that which makes us unique.

We are huge fans of the Desert Botanical Garden. We often send friends and clients who are moving to the valley to the garden to understand more about the beauty and sensitivity of our Sonoran desert.

So, we were thrilled to learn that in the latest round of ArtPlaceAmerica grants, the “Desert Botanical Garden will complete the design and construction of an 18-acre urban farm and amphitheater as a solution to the lack of access to nutritious food in South Phoenix. Building and programming the area’s first farmers’ market and community performance space, they will dismantle the stigma of farming for local residents by turning this food desert into an affordable, local-food oasis.”

As modern realtors, we know that the old mentality of scraping valuable habitat and spreading homes out in to the desert is counter-productive in the long term. The future is about smart density. part of that future also includes urban gardens. So, congratulations to our friends at the Desert Botanical Gardens for this new development.

As we do monthly, here’s a green cleaning tip of the month from our friends at Going Green House cleaning. We like their green cleaning tips and the fact that they make the choice to clean using all natural, non-toxic products. We like to think we are helping move the ball forward on sustainable living.

This month, April and her crew are extolling the virtues of one product, Dr. Bronner’s.

If you’ve been to an organic grocery store, you’ve probably seen rows of Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap, in a variety of scented mixtures, promising to have 18 different uses—and if you’re a devoted fan of the product, you know that there are MANY more than that.

Named after the olive oil based soaps that originated in Castile, Spain, Castile soap comes in liquid or bar form. It uses only vegetable oils like coconut, olive, hemp, and sometimes avocado, almond, or walnut oils instead of animal fats, so it is certified vegan.

Castile soap is also biodegradable and non toxic, making it a good friend for the environment. It’s also safe to use for pets and kids. If you’re particularly concerned about the heavy, toxic chemicals your current household cleaners and detergents contain and are looking for an all natural solution, this is a great place to start!

To mix up a batch of all-purpose cleaner that works great on countertops, toilets, and everything in between:

1. Choose your favorite Dr. Bronner Castile soap
2. Fill a spray bottle with water about ¾ of the way full
3. Add a ¼ cup of Dr. Bronner’s
4. If you want an anti-bacterial spray, add 15 drops tea tree oil
5. Fill the rest of the bottle with water
6. Finally, shake it up and it’s ready to make your home sparkle!

If you’re looking for a superb floor cleaner, with a fresh, but not overpowering smell, Dr. Bronner’s has a solution for that, too!

1. Choose your favorite Dr. Bronner Castile soap
2. Pour ½ cup of soap into a bucket
3. Dilute with 3 gallons of hot water

This all natural mop mixture is also what April and the Going Greenhouse gang use to make their client’s floors fresh and flawless!

For beautiful windows, try this recipe for window cleaner:

1. Add a tablespoon of Dr. Bronner’s into a quart of water in a spray bottle
2. Shake it up, and it’s ready to work it’s magic!
3. Follow up with a mixture of half water/half vinegar to prevent streaking

Use caution with Castile soap and vinegar, though. The more alkaline Castile soap mixing with the acidic vinegar can leave objects and surfaces with a white film that is difficult to remove. They also cancel each other’s potency if mixed together, so it’s best to use separately.

If this green cleaning tip hasn’t convinced you to ditch the harsh, unfriendly cleaners you may currently use, try it for yourself! You can purchase Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap at organic grocery stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, or even at big box stores like Target.

I can tell you that we’ve tried this green cleaning tip

at home. We’ve had good results and I like the fact that we can control the scents of the soaps on our own, using extracts from mint, spearmint, tea tree oil, eucalyptus, and others. Its worth the effort to know that you are making a difference.

Real estate is like surfing. If you observe the waves long enough, you get to know the rhythms of the market. You can see how certain seasons advantage buyers vs sellers, or even when conditions might be better for new home buyers.

Have a look at this graph to illustrate. This is called the “contract ratio”. Its the ratio of all properties that actually sell and close, out of all of those listed each month.

For our purposes, the ratios represented in of this chart are not as important as the pattern you can see – the rhythms of the market. Notice that the percent of homes that sell and close tends to go down at about the same time every year: July – January. The percent goes up at about the same time every year: February – June. If you look closer, you will also see that Sept – Oct often stay very stable.

Why?

Well, more people are looking and purchasing from February to June. That means more buyers and more sellers. But, look. If you consider that most homes take 4-6 weeks to close from the time they are listed, then you can see that the homes listed in January represent the up-tick that you start to see each February.

The converse is true, too. If you are listing a home to sell in June, you have already crested that wave and fewer people are out looking for homes.

What I’ve observed by watching the rhythms of the market over the years is that you should list in January if you can. If you can list in the first half of the year, then aim for September. People tend to be back from vacation, and they get serious until Thanksgiving, when the tryptophan in their turkey puts them to sleep until about mid-January.

What you absolutely want to avoid doing, if you can, is listing in October or November. You will likely just accumulate days on market with fewer people out looking for homes.

Michelle and I have several new listings coming on in January and February. We know already that 2017 is supposed to see Phoenix as one of the busiest markets in the country. Now is the time to look (before interest rates go up) and now is the time to list (when people are the most active).

If you have questions about listing your home, give me a call at 602-456-9388. We can help you surf those market waves.

Your January Market Update finds the market generally healthy and likely to start the year strong, according to our friends at the Cromford Report.

“There is both good and bad news for first-time home buyers this month.  The good news is that there’s been a 22% increase in single family active listings asking between $175,000-$200,000 over the last 10 weeks, going from 1,065 to 1,295.  Current inventory is 10% higher than where it was in week 49 of last year, adding some much needed choice to a high demand price range.  The added supply is not universal across the valley; increases have been marked specifically in Buckeye, Surprise, Sun City, Peoria and Mesa.”

As you know, we do most of our work in Central Phoenix, North Phoenix, Downtown and East Phoenix (although we work everywhere in Maricopa County). The bad news for first time home buyers in the January Market Update is that this increase in affordable inventory is not as apparent in the sought-after areas of CenPho and downtown. We can only hope that this bubble of apartment building in CenPho will break and we will see some affordable owner-occupied developments in 2017.

Despite the bad news in this category, don’t give up. We know the area really well and we can point first time home buyers to the up-and-coming areas that are more affordable and undergoing redevelopment.

Back to Tina Tamboer at the Cromford Report:

“The bad news for home buyers is that supply overall is down 3.7% while the level of competing buyers is remaining seasonally consistent.  The Southeast Valley specifically has not seen the typical increase in supply that happens this time of year.  This indicates that the area will kick off 2017 with low supply just before the expected increase in buyer activity come February.  In this case, the cost of waiting to purchase will be a lack of choice and possibly having to compromise on the condition or location of the property they choose to buy.”

For Sellers in this January Market Update:

“Bad news for buyers usually translates into good news for sellers, especially after positive news reports of Realtor.com ranking Phoenix as the #1 projected real estate market in the country for 2017.  However, it’s still not a market to be overpriced regardless of the strong demand for homes.  Some price ranges have more competing listings than others, especially in areas such as North Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert and Peoria where there is competition from new home subdivisions.  Permits for single family homes have been on the rise to accommodate the demand.  This provides more choice for buyers in those areas, balances out the market and keeps annual appreciation in check.  The areas projected to have the highest appreciation rates are those where there is a high level of fix and flip activity along with a more affordable price range under $175,000.”

In the end, we can help you navigate this new year –whether you are buying or selling. Just give Ken a call at 602-456-9388.

…paper butterfly, not included. Do not use to oil trees. They don’t like it.

Your cleaning tip for the month comes from our friends at Going Green House Cleaning.

The word of the month is Tea Tree Oil.

Okay, that’s three words. Whatever. You know what I mean.

There is a reason they call it “medicine chest in a bottle.”

Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca, is an essential oil with a plethora of uses! It is known to treat a variety of medical conditions and records show it’s been used for thousands of years. Whether you need it for cleaning or to treat acne, tea tree oil should be something in everyone’s medicine cabinet! Here are a few ways you can use this versatile oil:

1. Topically: always dilute with a carrier oil like coconut oil for a 1:1 ratio before applying to skin
2. Aromatically: use an oil diffuser or directly inhale it
3. DO NOT ingest: tea tree oil should not be taken by mouth for any reason. It is poisonous if ingested, and side effects can include dizziness and digestive issues.

If you want to use your tea tree oil for cleaning, there are many fantastic ways to do that!

• Mildew: mix 1 cup vinegar with 25 drops melaleuca in a spray bottle. Spritz on mildew and let it sit for 10 minutes. Wipe with a damp cloth. It is a natural mold fighter!
• All-purpose cleaner: mix 1 quart of warm water with 15 drops melaleuca in a spray bottle. (DO NOT use on granite or marble)
• Laundry: add 1 teaspoon of melaleuca to your wash. This will help prevent bacteria and fungal infections because of the oil’s antifungal properties.
• Purifying air: place a few drops of this oil in a diffuser to disinfect and deodorize the air. It is also said to reduce anxiety and help with sleep.
• Bathroom scrub: use 10-15 drops tea tree oil, water, vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap.
• Toilets bowls: ½ cup baking soda, a few drops of tea tree oil, and ½ cup peroxide. Scrub with a toilet brush then leave it set until someone uses the bathroom.
• Carpet freshener: mix ½ cup baking soda with 20-40 drops of tea tree oil and another great smelling oil of your choice. (if you have pets, we advise you stay away from tea tree oil though) Mix together in a shaker container and let permeate for 24 hours. Sprinkle lightly over carpet, allowing it to sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum.

And these are just the ways melaleuca can freshen up your home! Tea tree oil is an amazing, versatile substance that not only can clean up your home, but can soothe a burn or remove ticks. Definitely something you want to have in your medicine cabinet at all times!

Source: MSNBC

Here is more on deportation from the Phoenix market. In a previous post, I touched on how plans to deport millions of undocumented residents could impact the real estate market in Phoenix.

I told you that we are not likely to see any mass movement any time soon.

But there is one shift that could happen if there is deportation from the Phoenix market, and it has to do with jobs and interest rates, nationally. You’ll want to keep an eye on this.

First, know that the unemployment rate just hit the lowest in 9 years on December 2nd, 2016. That is good, over-all. It does not mean that everybody is fully-employed or that they improving wages. But, it is better than it has been.

But it means that the Federal Reserve Bank is watching out to make certain that the economy is not about to overheat. What happens with full employment? When there is full-employment, employees begin to demand higher wages and that puts up-ward pressure on inflation. So, the Fed raises interest rates to slow that growth, reduce wages and inflation.

So, as reported on the Marketplace Morning Report today, if a Trump presidency is able to deport millions of workers just at a time when the economy needs them, unemployment will reduce further, and the Fed will be pushed to increase interest rates even further to slow inflation.

That could affect the housing market, too.

I know, all of this is highly speculative. But my point is that you will want to watch what happens in this sector to see what could happen in the housing market in late 2017.

In good news, Phoenix is expected to be the top market in the country in 2017. I take this with a grain of salt, as you might guess.

“We don’t expect the outcome of the election to have a direct impact on the health of the housing market or economy as we close out 2016. However, the 40 basis points increase in rates in the days following the election has caused us to increase our interest rate prediction for next year,”   –Jonathan Smoke, chief economist for Realtor.com in Phoenix Biz Journal, Nov 30, 2016

We will be keeping an eye on the market and the political landscape. If you have questions about how this might affect you, give us a call at 602-456-9388.