East Valley Lifestyle - November 2012

Gina McKinley’s…

“Insider Tips For Healthy, Wealthy & Happy Living…”

November 2012

lifestyle

Gina McKinley, ABR, CDPE, CIAS, CRS, SFR RE/MAX Masters

480-355-8645 www.LocateArizonaHomes.com Each office is independently owned & operated.

How To Invest As You Age .…….Page 2

3 Easy Steps To Relieve Computer

Pain ..….……………......………...Page 3

4 Quick Tricks To Make Household

Chores Easier …………………...Page 6

Beat This Trivia Question and You

Could Be A Winner……………...Page 6

Do You Make These Mistakes When

Bargaining?... …………..………..Page 7

How Can I Stage My Home So It Sells

Quickly For A Price I Want?… ..Page 8

Facing Foreclosure? Not Sure

What to Do?

These are stressful times. Don’t go on

wondering if you can avoid

foreclosure.

Act Now!

I specialize in Short Sales as a

Certified Distressed Property Expert

(CDPE). Don’t leave your financial

well-being up to just anyone.

Call Me At 480-355-8645.

Call Now Or You Can Visit My

Website At

www.AZ-Short-Sales.com

The McKinley Group, Embracing All Of Your Real Estate Needs! Gina McKinley, ABR, CDPE, CIAS, CRS, SFR, Designated Broker

Dan McKinley, CIAS, CARI, Buyers Representative Dorothy Hovard, Buyers Representative

Kristin McKinley, Buyers Representative

Gayanne Loring, Client Care Manager Rhonda Weinstein, Property Coordinator

Financial investments should change as you move through the stages of

your life. Consider these strategies to make better use of your

hard-earned money.

During your 30s and 40s: These are years of increasing income and

increasing demands for your money, particularly providing for your children.

Life insurance is relatively inexpensive at this stage of your life. Buying a policy

also is a way of providing for your family’s future.

529 plans offer tax-advantaged savings for your children’s education. For details,

which vary by state, go to www.savingforcollege.com.

Annuities can be a good addition to an IRA or 401k retirement account, and

usually have tax-deferred options and guaranteed life income.

During your 50s: Prepare for a well-funded retirement during these years.

Remove all risks from your retirement plan. Think about a retirement date and

your ability to meet that date. Reduce investments in such things as your

employer’s company.

Take advantage of slowing expenses. You are at the top of your earning power,

and big expenses, like children living at home, are likely reduced. Consider paying

off your mortgage or increasing your investments.

During your 60s and beyond: This is a time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Test living on projected income before stopping work. If your expected

retirement income will be 70 percent of your current paycheck, set aside 30 percent

now and see what it’s like to live on the rest.

Apply for Social Security and Medicare. Visit these sites to help you make

important decisions about these programs: www.socialsecurity.gov and

www.medicare.gov.

How To Invest As You Age

Please Welcome New Clients And Good

Friends Into Our Real Estate Family…

I’d like to take a moment to personally introduce and welcome a few of my newest

clients and good friends who have supported my business over the years. And special

thanks for everyone who thought of me with your referrals!

Mary & Michael Mead Dennis Paschall

Michelle Weaver Darron & Heidi Bennett

Rosaria & Gamal Scordia-Shehab Dirk Bennett



Word of the Month… Studies have shown your income and wealth are

directly related to the size and depth of your

vocabulary. Here is this month’s word, so you

can impress your friends (and maybe even fatten

your wallet!)…

Juxtaposition: (juc-stuh-pa-zi-shun) noun

Meaning: Things placed side-by-side to be

compared.

Sample Sentence: The juxtaposition of the

white mountaintop snow next to the clear blue

sky was wondrous.

The Sure Cure A woman came into a walk-in clinic and was

seen by a young doctor. After about 2 minutes

in the examination room, the doctor declared she

was pregnant. She screamed in horror as she

ran down the hallway and found an older doctor.

When she told this seemingly wiser doctor what

had happened, he told her to sit in another room

and relax until he returned.

Immediately upon finding the younger doctor

he asks “What in the world is wrong with you?

Mrs. Jones is 62 years old. Why did you say

she’s pregnant?” Without hesitating, the young

doctor replied, “Does she still have the

hiccups?”

Get Crafty With Kids

Looking for new ideas for your kids? Check out

www.crayola.com. It has much more than

crayons and coloring books to offer. Keep the

kids busy with all sorts of ideas from crafts to

digital apps. It also has ideas for birthday

parties and sleepovers.

Quotes To Live By… Imagination is more important than knowledge.

Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the

world.

–Albert Einstein

The thing that is really hard, and really amazing,

is giving up on being perfect and beginning the

work of becoming yourself.

–Anna Quindlen

The only thing I regret about my past is the

length of it. If I had to live my life again I’d

make all the same mistakes - only sooner.

–Tallulah Bankhead

Do You Have A Home-Ownership

Question You Want Answered?

Maybe you want to know how much your home is worth. Or maybe you just need

a recommendation for a handyman, carpet cleaner or plumber…

Either way, I love hearing from all of my good friends and clients. And I’m always

looking to answer pressing questions you might have about anything relating to real

estate or home-ownership. If you have a question, tip or idea, please feel free to

call me at 480-355-8645. I’m here to help!

If you spend a lot of time sitting in front of a computer, you may be

experiencing fatigue, as well as aches and pains in your neck, back, shoulders, eyes,

wrists, and legs. Relieve the discomfort by following these tips:

STEP #1: Give your body support to avoid aches and pains:

Invest in a good lumbar chair and adjust it so your feet rest comfortably on the

floor. Press your bottom against the back of the chair and use a lumbar cushion

that causes your lower back to arch slightly. Keep your knees in line with your

hips or raised slightly above them. Never slump or slouch forward.

Sit close to the desk so your upper arms are parallel to your spine and your

elbows are at a 90-degree angle to the keyboard. Put the mouse close to the

keyboard to keep your arm from being fully extended. Give your wrists proper

support so they rest in a neutral position.

Place the monitor so your gaze is aimed at the center of the screen, which

should be 15 to 25 inches away from your eyes.

STEP #2: Move regularly to avoid stiffness and eye strain:

Stand, stretch, and walk at least a minute or two every half hour. To stretch,

reach both arms above your head. Grasp each elbow and lean gently to each

side and feel the side of your body release tension.

Avoid “computer vision syndrome” (headaches and eye strain are symptoms)

by using the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away 20 feet in front of

you for 20 seconds.

STEP #3: Stay hydrated and nourished to avoid fatigue:

Drink water (or other fluids) to flush out some of the

mineral build-up that occurs in inactive muscles.

Eat healthy snacks like fruit and nuts at your desk to

maintain your energy and productivity.

COMMUNITY CORNER MOMS Club Chandler: A support group for moms. We get

together for playgroups, fun and enrichment activities for both kids

and moms. Please check out our website at www.moms-club.org. Contact our Membership VP at [email protected].

Escalera Lawn & Garden Maintenance: Weekly & Bi-weekly,

Tree Trim & removal * Sprinkler Installation & Repair * One Time Clean-up * Gravel Installation & Removal * Debris & Junk Removal

Call for Free Estimate 480-797-0206.

Del Sol Pool Service & Repair, Inc.: Unbeatable Prices & Service! Call August Eve At 480-272-7260. Weekly, Biweekly, One-Time

Green Turnarounds & Pool System Repairs. Free Month Of Service

When You Refer A Friend! www.delsolpoolservice.com Nanny’s Daycare: CPR & 1st Aid Certified! 22 Years Experience!

Newborn To 5 Years! Meals Made From Scratch! I Prepare 2-5 Year

Olds For Kindergarten! Crafts & Lots Of Activities! Call Ileana At 480-205-7103 For More Information!

Reasonable prices -- Alterations, Embroider, Crafts, and more...

Bernice 480-345-2355 or 602-717-4243. Mary Kay: 15% off. Call Lynne at 480-390-4063. Free facials and

makeovers!

SEACRET DIRECT - Love free facials? Have a fun spa party or become an associate if you could use extra cash. Fantastic body and

facial products. Call 480-821-4961 or email [email protected] Just Ask Brian—For all of your handyman needs. Call Brian

Markowitz at 480-203-5904.

In Home Therapeutic Massage– accepting new patients in your area specializing in Rehab, Pain Management, and Sr. Wellness in

the comfort of your home. Save $40 of our reg. $120 in home rate.

Visit www.inhometherapeuticmassage.massageplanet.com for more info or call (480) 620-2883 & leave message for return call.

RLC Services - Personal Home & Pet Sitting - Complete Home

caretaker when away. Long & short term pet sitting for all types of pets. Licensed & insured, references available. Free quotes, offering

valley wide service 24 hrs/day & 365 days/year. Call 480-220-9167

or email to [email protected] Alterations - Embroidering, Crafts, Home Decorating.. Reasonable

Prices. Call Bernice 602-717-4243 or 480-345-2355.

Advertised Daycare - Call Isayadet Aguayo 480-813-9473 Pet Rewards - Give the gift of security for your pet. Visit

www.mypetreward.com for personalized, stainless steel tags.

Phil Magnuson Handyman - No job is too big or small. Call Phil 480-993-7129 or [email protected]

I Like Furniture - Shop online for the best discount prices on

furniture, home accessories, & much more! Free shipping & no sales tax! www.ILikeFurniture.com. Follow us on Facebook & Pinterest!

Pool Repair - Call BOB 480-899-8440

Glass & Shower Doors - We can help you with any residential glass or mirror needs. Call 480-306-5113 or visit www.wesleysglass.com

Free Estimates: Handy Men Can Do - Family owned & operated

business. One call does it all 480-232-0000 or Mobile 480-217-9626 Coasterality - Customized travertine coasters with family photos -

perfect for gifts! www.etsy.com/shop/coasterality

*To place an ad, please email me at

[email protected]. Gina McKinley does not endorse

any advertiser. Please investigate all offers thoroughly!

OCTOBER 2012 SOLD ACTIVITY SUBDIVISION ADDRESS BED BATH CAR SQ FT PRICE

Ashley Park No Solds

Tradition/

Tradition East

280 N. Oxford Ct. 3 2 2 1,438 $130,000

1872 E. San Tan St. 3 2 2 1,208 $144,000

1892 E. Erie St. 3 2 2 1,770 $197,650

1902 E. Erie St. 3 3 2 2,171 $200,000

1652 E. Tulsa St. 4 2 2 2,163 $220,000

1531 E. Erie St. 3 2.5 2 2,184 $224,900

1051 E. Tyson Ct. 3 2 3 1,934 $229,900

1040 E. Tyson Ct. 5 3 3 2,487 $250,000

The Trails 2769 E. Balsam Dr. 4 2.5 3 2,478 $322,000

Higley Estates No Solds

Creekwood

Ranch

No Solds

Markwood/

Markwood North

2462 E. Sequoia Dr. 3 2 2 1,871 $205,000

2094 E. Locust Dr. 4 2 2 1,802 $259,700

3068 S. Danielson Pl. 3 2 2 2,155 $272,000

Lantana Ranch 3057 S. Halsted Dr. 3 3 2 2,531 $275,000

3309 S. Danielson Way 3 3 2 2,155 $295,000

3266 S. Cottonwood Dr. 4 3 3 2,922 $330,000

3605 S. Danielson Way 5 3 3 2,830 $335,000

Peterson Farms 2300 S. Dragoon Dr. 3 2 2 1,712 $190,000

3111 E. Lark Dr. 3 2 2 2,049 $237,000

Pinelake Estates/

Pinelake Village

579 E. Crescent Way 4 3 3 2,894 $370,000

4888 S. Fresno St. 4 2.5 3 2,929 $461,000

Arden Park 943 W. Bluebird Dr. 5 3 3 4,525 $565,000

Whitewing at

Krueger

2577 E. Locust Dr. 5 3.5 3 4,290 $783,000

Rockwood

Estates

816 E. Cedar Dr. 3 3 3 2,878 $340,000

Redwood Estates 2405 E. Sequoia Dr. 3 2 2 1,871 $267,000

2442 E. Aloe Pl. 4 2.5 4 3,426 $310,000

Paseo Crossing 853 E. Gemini Pl. 4 3 3 2,791 $258,000

825 E. Sagittarius Pl. 5 3 3 2,935 $315,000

Paseo Trail 2822 S. Buckskin Way 3 2 2 1,830 $201,260

3323 E. Roadrunner Dr. 4 2 2 2,040 $215,000

2953 S. Buckskin Way 4 3 2 2,298 $220,000

2940 S. Miller Dr. 4 2 2 2,040 $269,000

For 24-Hour Recorded Information Dial 800-330-4596 and enter 4 digit code:

44109 W. Palo Teca Rd,

Maricopa —

3 BD, 2.5 BA, 2,055 SQFT.

Great Location Right Next to the New

Entertainment District! Fireplace in

Living Room, Corian Counters in

Kitchen, Neutral Carpet & Tile T/O!

Code: 1045

2801 E. Wisteria Dr, Chandler—

5 BD, 3.5 BA, 3,815 SQFT.

Stunning Home in The Trails

Community Has Incredible Open

Floor Plan. Stone Floors, Granite

Counters, Finished Basement, Gas

Fireplace & Custom Cabinets!

Code: 1085

2338 E. Pecan Rd, Phoenix—

3 BD, 2.5 BA, 1,932 SQFT.

Fabulous Location Close to South

Mountain Offers Miles of Hiking

Trails, Fine Dining, & More! Features

Granite Slab Counters, Stainless

Appliances, & Wraparound Patio!

Code: 1025

18188 W. Las Palmaritas Dr,

Waddell—

3 BD, 2 BA, 2,144 SQ FT.

Open Kitchen Features Stainless Steel

Appliances, Panty, Large Island,

Breakfast Bar, & Crown Molding

Along Cabinets! Mountain Views!

Code: 1165

23015 N. 23rd St, Phoenix—

3 BD, 2.5 BA, 2,021 SQ FT.

Elegant Home w/ Mountain Views on

Huge Col-de-Sac Lot! Upgraded

Home Features Granite Counters T/O,

Plantation Shutters, Surround Sound,

Two-Tone Décor Paint, & More!

Code: 1185

1122 E Butler Dr, Chandler—

3 BD, 2 BA, 1,444 SQ FT.

Ideal Location on Large Corner Lot!

Features Gas Fireplace in Living

Room, Vaulted Ceilings & Diagonal

Tile in Traffic Areas! Garage Has

Built-In Cabinets & Utility Sink!

Code: 1135

1971 E. Harrison St, Chandler —

4 BD, 2.5 BA, 2,944 SQFT.

Enjoy Gourmet Kitchen w/ 42” Maple

Cabinets, Corian Counters, &

Spacious Island! Features Gas

Fireplace& Sparkling Pool Private

Corner Lot!

Code: 1115

1898 E. Carla Vista Dr,

Chandler —

3 BD, 2.5 BA, 1,840 SQFT.

Fabulous Backyard Showcases

Diving Pool w/ Swim-Up Bar,

Luxurious Spa, & Mature Fruit Trees!

Vaulted Ceilings For Spacious Feel!

Code: 1105

1530 W. Loughlin Dr, Chandler —

2 BD, 2 BA, 1,067 SQFT.

Adorable, Updated Home Has Décor

Paint, Vinyl, Tile Flooring, Horseshoe

Pit, Built-in BBQ, & Salt Water Pool!

Kitchen Has Granite Counters,

Stainless Appliances, & More!

Code: 1035



Brain Teaser…

Inside each of these two words is another word

that, when combined, will create a common

phrase. For example, in the words Thundershower

and Intellectual, you find the words “Show and

Tell.” What is the phrase in these two words?

“Gulliver and Clearness”

(See page 8 for the answer.)

Real Estate Question?

Maybe you want to know how much your home is

worth. Or maybe you just need a recommendation

for a handyman, carpet cleaner or plumber…

Either way, I love hearing from all of my good

friends and clients. And I’m always happy to

answer pressing questions you might have about

anything relating to real estate or

home-ownership.

If you have a question, tip or idea, please feel free

to call me at 480-355-8645. I’m here to help!

Unique Online Holiday Ideas

Send holiday mail with your own photo on

postage stamps by going to:

www.photo.stamps.com.

Find a gift for the person who never grows up

at www.perpetualkid.com.

Families that sing together have more fun.

Print out lyrics to thousands of songs from

www.lyrics.com.

Play games. Search by group size, age,

holiday, etc. at this website:

www.partygamecentral.com.

How To Get Your Airline’s Report

Card

Looking for delay info about a specific airline?

The U.S. Department of Transportation issues

monthly consumer reports that outline flight

delays, mishandled baggage and complaints. Go

to http://airconsumer.dot.gov. You will also

find information about how to file a complaint.

Have A Laugh

I looked up my family tree and found out I

was the sap.

The digital camera is a wonderful invention.

It allows us to reminisce, instantly.

Housecleaning isn’t fun, but you can make it easier on

yourself by following these quick tips:

Set a timer. You are more likely to do a task if you have a cut-off time.

Clean the kitchen sink first. It has the most impact on the room’s appearance. It

also removes one of your biggest sources of bacteria.

Don’t wear shoes in the house. 85% of the dirt coming into your home is tracked

in on your shoes. Make your home a no-shoes-zone.

Create a per-room checklist. Create a list of chores for each room. This way, you

can give another family member the list and teach the meaning of responsibility

while also getting some help.

WIN A FRY’S GIFT CARD Your Chances To Win Could Be Better Than You Think!

Guess who won last month’s Trivia Question? I’m pleased to announce the

lucky winner of last month’s quiz. And the winner is…drum roll please: Brad H.

of Ashley Park!

What was basketball player Michael Jordan’s major in college?

a) English b) Geography c) Math d) Physiology

The answer is b) Geography. He earned a basketball scholarship from North

Carolina University and led the team to a 1982 NCAA Championship. He was

drafted into the NBA in 1984, but returned to complete his degree in geography in

1986. So, let’s move on to this month’s trivia question.

Which of the following things does the Curiosity rover,

which landed on Mars in August, NOT have?

a) A laser gun that vaporizes rocks b) A nuclear power source

c) Ability to travel at 5 mph d) Its own Twitter feed

Email Me Your Name & Mailing Address At

[email protected]

with ‘Trivia Contest’ for the subject line

And You Could Be One Of My Next Winners!

Quick Tricks to Make

The Dirty Work Easier

4 Mistakes To Avoid When Bargaining

Whether at a yard sale or visiting a local market, it pays to know how to bargain. Follow these tips so both you and the seller are

satisfied:

Don’t rush. Visit with the seller. Express interest, let him or her know you like the item and ask for the price. Be willing to walk away if

you don’t like the price.

Don’t make the first offer. When the price has been named, wait before you say anything. After a few

moments of silence, repeat the price so the seller knows you are listening. Slowly and deliberately give a

reason why you are not willing to pay the asking price. Ask for their best price first.

Don’t be combative. Place the item so both you and the seller can be looking at it, not each other. Show

you are open to being fair. If the seller likes you, he or she is more likely to give you their best price.

Don’t give ultimatums. Think of creative ways to make your lower offer agreeable. For example, suggest

you might purchase multiple items if the price is right.

Bring your whole family for an afternoon of

Christmas cookies, hot chocolate, &

pictures with Santa Claus on Saturday,

December 1st.

You’re Invited!

Where: 2390 W. Ray Rd. Ste. 3

Chandler, AZ 85224

When: Saturday, December 1st

from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

We hope to see you there!

Disclaimer: The information contained in this letter is intended for informational purposes. It should not substitute as legal, accounting, investment, medical and other professional services advice. Always seek a competent professional for answers to your specific questions. This letter is not intended to solicit real estate properties currently for sale.

Q. How can I “stage” my home so it sells quickly for the price I want?

A. Make sure you address both the outside and the inside of the house by

cleaning and de-cluttering everything, from the front yard to the garage to

the kitchen, bathrooms, and basement. Put away your personal items so

buyers can imagine themselves living there.

One way to take years off your home is with paint. Check the home’s

exterior paint job, and don’t forget the front door, mailbox, garage doors, and

walkways. In the interior, remove the pictures from the walls (as well as old

wallpaper) and paint the walls in a neutral color.

Also, consider these tips if you want to sell your home fast for a good

price: a) Hire professional cleaners to do the work; b) Get a home

inspection before you put it on the market; and c) Make your landscaping

look sharp.

For a list of the specific steps you should take, ask for my Free

Consumer Report called “4 Steps To Stage Your Home For A Fast Sale.”

I’ll send a copy right to you.

Do you have a real estate question you want answered? Feel free to call

me at 480-355-8645. Perhaps I’ll feature your question in my next issue!

Real Estate Corner…

The McKinley Group

FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS

CALL

Thanks For Thinking of Me!

Did you know I can help you or any of your friends or

family save time and money when buying or selling a

home? Thanks for keeping me in mind with your

referrals…and spreading the word about my services.

Brain Teaser Answer:

Live and Learn!

Energy Blowing In The Wind

Did you know you could save 50 to 90 percent of your

energy costs by putting a small wind electric system on

your property? It is a solution that is best for rural

properties, so check with your homeowner’s association

or city ordinances. To learn more about the potential of

using wind power, go to: www.energysavers.gov.

Be Careful When Giving

Some gifts communicate the wrong message. Know the

person well before you give these types of gifts:

Assembly required. Some people just want the

finished product.

Animals. They take time, money, and commitment.

Don’t give a child a pet without clearing it with

your spouse or another child’s parents.

Proudly Distributed By:

Gina McKinley

ABR, CDPE, CIAS, CRS, SFR®

Designated Broker

RE/MAX Masters

2390 W. Ray Rd #3

Chandler, AZ 85224

480-355-8645

[email protected]

www.LocateArizonaHomes.com

Documents

East Valley Lifestyle - November 2012