The Great Snow Escape

Vol. 1 Issue 12

work in styleYour Perfect Home Office

stay warmVillage Tavern’s Hot Crab Dip

las noches de las luminariasDesert Botanical Garden

Delivering Quality Management Services To Investors

Since 2001 Mark Brower has actively owned and operated companies involved in

various real estate investing, brokerage and appraisal activities.

While pursuing an undergraduate degree in Business Economics from ASU Mark

purchased his first rental property with a partner and began renting it out. After

graduating Magna Cum Laude from ASU Mark joined Hogan & Associates and later

Commerce Realty Advisors where he brokered over $100 million in land transactions

from 2003 to 2007. Mark also formed and operated a residential appraisal company in

2006 offering services in Arizona and California.

In 2007 Mark was recruited to start the land brokerage division for Apartment Realty

Advisors’ Phoenix office. As the land market declined through 2007 and 2008 Mark saw

an increasing opportunity for effective, quality management services. By this time he

and his wife had acquired a total of 6 residential rental properties and understood the

importance of effective management.

While attending the ASU MBA program in late 2008 Mark began managing residential

real estate for clients. In 2011 Mark hired Teri Roe, a veteran property manager with

a career of managing thousands of multifamily properties for large investors. Teri has

brought a level of expertise and controls that allows the company to offer management

services unequaled by other small residential management companies in town.

Mark Brower Properties currently manages over 200 residential assets and, because

of their expertise in the industry, was selected in April 2013 as the primary property

management company for Fannie Mae foreclosed rental properties in the East Valley.

Mark is married with 4 children and has called Mesa home since 1985. He serves

actively in his church and is a member of NARPM (National Association of Residential

Property Managers).

Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net

Do you want your investment property

to be managed by the best?

Mark BrowerMark@MarkRent.com | EMAIL

480.336.2556 | OFFICE602.228.9617 | CELL

Call Mark today for the

most effective, worry free, full-service

management company ready to

serve you at 480.336.2556.

www.markrent.com

winter fun

www.markrent.com

YOUR HOME

LOCAL VENUEPhoenix | Desert Botanical Garden480.941.1225 | DBG.org

Village Tavern480.951.6445 | VillageTavern.com

LOC

AL

FLA

VO

R!

Today’s home office is far from the lifeless cubicles and fluorescent-lit meeting rooms of corporate spaces. In fact, with more and more Americans working from home, the home office has become one of the main rooms of the modern-day abode, often replacing the more traditional and sometimes under-utilized living room. Here’s how to make your at-home workspace shine. First, consider the space you’re working with. If you’re lucky enough to have a separate room for your office, set apart from the chaos of home, you’re in luck. If not, think of taking over a guest room or an unused space in the loft. It’s especially important to create your office in a tucked-away spot if you are often on conference calls and privacy is key. After all, there’s nothing quite like a crying toddler making himself heard in the middle of a call from your boss. If you still need to be a part of the family’s daily life while you’re working (hello moms!), stake out a corner of the kitchen or family room. Just be sure to tell your little ones it’s a hands-off area… it’s your workspace. When it comes to choosing furniture for your at-home office, don’t feel obligated to shop at office furniture stores. It’s your space...and anything that works for you goes. Don’t like a traditional desk and chair? Try a wooden table with plenty of surface area and an upholstered seat for more comfort. Surround yourself in your

unique style and eye-pleasing items so you’ll enjoy being there. Just don’t make it too cozy or that plush loveseat opposite your desk may be beckoning for a snooze about 3 o’clock. A few things to consider to keep the energy going: Lighting is key to a productive work environment. You’ll need overhead and desk lighting to keep you motivated and on task. Also, color can greatly affect one’s energy levels. Consider red and yellow hues for a workspace, but steer clear of serene blues and greens, which are better suited for a bedroom. If you can’t commit to a whole room one of those stay-alert colors, look for brightly colored accessories to add a pop of color and an energetic vibe. Of course, technology rules in the at-home office, so make sure there is plenty of space for concealing computer wires and hosting printers and all that techy stuff. After all, even though it’s beautiful and comfortable in there, you’ve got to get some work done!

Hot Crab DipIngredients:3/4 lb cream cheese, softened1 c sour cream1 1/4 c mayonnaise3 tbsp lemon juice, fresh 1 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce1 1/2 tbsp dry mustard1/4 tsp garlic salt 1 1/2 lb fresh crabmeat 2 hoagie rolls (18”) Garlic butter (4 oz melted butter with 1 tbsp fresh garlic)2 lettuce leaves 1 lemon wedge

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort WyomingWith two mountains, Après Vous and Rendezvous, Jackson Hole offers 2,500 acres of in-bounds terrain and 116 mapped trails (50 percent expert, 40 percent intermediate, and 10 percent beginner, so there’s something for everyone). Bonus? An open backcountry system that gives thrill-seekers access to more than 3,000 additional acres. That’s some serious skiing. And did we mention the resort has averaged 459 inches of snow per year during the past five seasons? Snowboarding is allowed on 100 percent of the mountain. Plenty of fine dining, an increased number of direct flights to the local airport, and local spas including the Four Seasons Spa and the Teton Mountain Lodge Spa round out the mix.

Alta and Snowbird, UtahThese two awesome resorts are located just 35 minutes from Salt Lake, which means easy access. There’s no snowboarding allowed at Alta, in case you prefer to ski without snowboarders underfoot. Alta offers 35 percent advanced trails, 40 percent intermediate trails, and 25 percent beginner trails. A highlight: Snowbird offers the longest season in Utah, with 2,500 acres and 3,240 vertical feet of terrain.

Telluride, ColoradoWith 4,425 vertical feet of terrain and 60 percent beginner or intermediate terrain, this small resort offers something for skiers at all levels. It’s also a walker-friendly area, with the two towns of Telluride (think rustic charm) and Mountain Village (think European elegance) connected by a pedestrian gondola. Most visitors do not find a rental car is even necessary to get to the more than 60 restaurants, coffee shops, and bars for après ski. Non-stop flights to Telluride are now available from 10 metropolitan airports and nine major U.S. hubs.

Squaw Valley, California Located on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley offers more than 170 trails and 29 lifts that can move a mind-boggling 49,000 people per hour up the mountain. Add to that more than 300 days of sunny, cloudless days per year and no wonder this place has such a great reputation. Hard to beat those stats! Host to the 1960 Winter Olympics, Squaw Valley also boasts one of the longest ski and snowboard seasons, stretching well into the spring.

Directions:In an electric mixer, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard and garlic salt. Mix until smooth. Transfer into a large mixing bowl. Fold in crabmeat and mix until well combined.

Place into an ovenproof and microwave proof crock, and cover with plastic wrap and heat crab dip in the microwave for 1 to 1 ½ minutes. Remove plastic wrap, then place in oven on broil and cook until golden brown.

While the crab dip bakes, slice hoagie rolls in half lengthwise. Flatten and brush each piece with garlic butter. Toast in the oven until golden brown. Cut into wedges.

After baking, transfer crab dip to a serving platter then garnish hoagie rolls with lettuce and lemon wedge.

Yields: 4 to 6 servings

As Desert Botanical Garden celebrates its 37th year of Las

Noches De Las Luminarias, we invite you to join us for one

of Arizona’s best holiday events. For 16 magical nights,

the Garden will come to life with the soft glow from more

than 8,000 hand-lit luminary bags, thousands of white

twinkle lights and the vibrant sounds and sights of 10

entertainment groups. Enjoy dinner at the Garden with

family and friends, and stroll each path with a warm cup

of cider or cocoa. The Southwest elegance and beauty of

the Garden at night will remind you of what the season is

all about.

Looking for a little fun in the snow this holiday season? Check out these hot spots for unbeatable ski and snowboard action. Whether you like to hit the slopes hard, or you prefer to snuggle up at the lodge with a mug of hot cocoa, here’s a quick look at some of the best resorts in the West.

The History of LuminariesMany current customs using light or fire may be traced

to early origins. The history and symbolism behind the

present day usage of luminaries is both inspiring and

beautiful. Early Spanish families in the Southwest lighted

three bonfires before their homes on Christmas Eve.

Luminaries have become the substitutes for these early

bonfires. But they have grown in numbers—from three

to hundreds—and are used decoratively to outline

driveways and grounds with a soft, radiant glow.

November 28-29, December 5-6, 12-13,

19-23, 26-30

5:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Timed entry admission intervals are 5:30 or 7:30 pm

YOUR HOME

LOCAL VENUEPhoenix | Desert Botanical Garden480.941.1225 | DBG.org

Village Tavern480.951.6445 | VillageTavern.com

LOC

AL

FLA

VO

R!

Today’s home office is far from the lifeless cubicles and fluorescent-lit meeting rooms of corporate spaces. In fact, with more and more Americans working from home, the home office has become one of the main rooms of the modern-day abode, often replacing the more traditional and sometimes under-utilized living room. Here’s how to make your at-home workspace shine. First, consider the space you’re working with. If you’re lucky enough to have a separate room for your office, set apart from the chaos of home, you’re in luck. If not, think of taking over a guest room or an unused space in the loft. It’s especially important to create your office in a tucked-away spot if you are often on conference calls and privacy is key. After all, there’s nothing quite like a crying toddler making himself heard in the middle of a call from your boss. If you still need to be a part of the family’s daily life while you’re working (hello moms!), stake out a corner of the kitchen or family room. Just be sure to tell your little ones it’s a hands-off area… it’s your workspace. When it comes to choosing furniture for your at-home office, don’t feel obligated to shop at office furniture stores. It’s your space...and anything that works for you goes. Don’t like a traditional desk and chair? Try a wooden table with plenty of surface area and an upholstered seat for more comfort. Surround yourself in your

unique style and eye-pleasing items so you’ll enjoy being there. Just don’t make it too cozy or that plush loveseat opposite your desk may be beckoning for a snooze about 3 o’clock. A few things to consider to keep the energy going: Lighting is key to a productive work environment. You’ll need overhead and desk lighting to keep you motivated and on task. Also, color can greatly affect one’s energy levels. Consider red and yellow hues for a workspace, but steer clear of serene blues and greens, which are better suited for a bedroom. If you can’t commit to a whole room one of those stay-alert colors, look for brightly colored accessories to add a pop of color and an energetic vibe. Of course, technology rules in the at-home office, so make sure there is plenty of space for concealing computer wires and hosting printers and all that techy stuff. After all, even though it’s beautiful and comfortable in there, you’ve got to get some work done!

Hot Crab DipIngredients:3/4 lb cream cheese, softened1 c sour cream1 1/4 c mayonnaise3 tbsp lemon juice, fresh 1 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce1 1/2 tbsp dry mustard1/4 tsp garlic salt 1 1/2 lb fresh crabmeat 2 hoagie rolls (18”) Garlic butter (4 oz melted butter with 1 tbsp fresh garlic)2 lettuce leaves 1 lemon wedge

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort WyomingWith two mountains, Après Vous and Rendezvous, Jackson Hole offers 2,500 acres of in-bounds terrain and 116 mapped trails (50 percent expert, 40 percent intermediate, and 10 percent beginner, so there’s something for everyone). Bonus? An open backcountry system that gives thrill-seekers access to more than 3,000 additional acres. That’s some serious skiing. And did we mention the resort has averaged 459 inches of snow per year during the past five seasons? Snowboarding is allowed on 100 percent of the mountain. Plenty of fine dining, an increased number of direct flights to the local airport, and local spas including the Four Seasons Spa and the Teton Mountain Lodge Spa round out the mix.

Alta and Snowbird, UtahThese two awesome resorts are located just 35 minutes from Salt Lake, which means easy access. There’s no snowboarding allowed at Alta, in case you prefer to ski without snowboarders underfoot. Alta offers 35 percent advanced trails, 40 percent intermediate trails, and 25 percent beginner trails. A highlight: Snowbird offers the longest season in Utah, with 2,500 acres and 3,240 vertical feet of terrain.

Telluride, ColoradoWith 4,425 vertical feet of terrain and 60 percent beginner or intermediate terrain, this small resort offers something for skiers at all levels. It’s also a walker-friendly area, with the two towns of Telluride (think rustic charm) and Mountain Village (think European elegance) connected by a pedestrian gondola. Most visitors do not find a rental car is even necessary to get to the more than 60 restaurants, coffee shops, and bars for après ski. Non-stop flights to Telluride are now available from 10 metropolitan airports and nine major U.S. hubs.

Squaw Valley, California Located on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley offers more than 170 trails and 29 lifts that can move a mind-boggling 49,000 people per hour up the mountain. Add to that more than 300 days of sunny, cloudless days per year and no wonder this place has such a great reputation. Hard to beat those stats! Host to the 1960 Winter Olympics, Squaw Valley also boasts one of the longest ski and snowboard seasons, stretching well into the spring.

Directions:In an electric mixer, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard and garlic salt. Mix until smooth. Transfer into a large mixing bowl. Fold in crabmeat and mix until well combined.

Place into an ovenproof and microwave proof crock, and cover with plastic wrap and heat crab dip in the microwave for 1 to 1 ½ minutes. Remove plastic wrap, then place in oven on broil and cook until golden brown.

While the crab dip bakes, slice hoagie rolls in half lengthwise. Flatten and brush each piece with garlic butter. Toast in the oven until golden brown. Cut into wedges.

After baking, transfer crab dip to a serving platter then garnish hoagie rolls with lettuce and lemon wedge.

Yields: 4 to 6 servings

As Desert Botanical Garden celebrates its 37th year of Las

Noches De Las Luminarias, we invite you to join us for one

of Arizona’s best holiday events. For 16 magical nights,

the Garden will come to life with the soft glow from more

than 8,000 hand-lit luminary bags, thousands of white

twinkle lights and the vibrant sounds and sights of 10

entertainment groups. Enjoy dinner at the Garden with

family and friends, and stroll each path with a warm cup

of cider or cocoa. The Southwest elegance and beauty of

the Garden at night will remind you of what the season is

all about.

Looking for a little fun in the snow this holiday season? Check out these hot spots for unbeatable ski and snowboard action. Whether you like to hit the slopes hard, or you prefer to snuggle up at the lodge with a mug of hot cocoa, here’s a quick look at some of the best resorts in the West.

The History of LuminariesMany current customs using light or fire may be traced

to early origins. The history and symbolism behind the

present day usage of luminaries is both inspiring and

beautiful. Early Spanish families in the Southwest lighted

three bonfires before their homes on Christmas Eve.

Luminaries have become the substitutes for these early

bonfires. But they have grown in numbers—from three

to hundreds—and are used decoratively to outline

driveways and grounds with a soft, radiant glow.

November 28-29, December 5-6, 12-13,

19-23, 26-30

5:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Timed entry admission intervals are 5:30 or 7:30 pm

The Great Snow Escape

Vol. 1 Issue 12

work in styleYour Perfect Home Office

stay warmVillage Tavern’s Hot Crab Dip

las noches de las luminariasDesert Botanical Garden

Delivering Quality Management Services To Investors

Since 2001 Mark Brower has actively owned and operated companies involved in

various real estate investing, brokerage and appraisal activities.

While pursuing an undergraduate degree in Business Economics from ASU Mark

purchased his first rental property with a partner and began renting it out. After

graduating Magna Cum Laude from ASU Mark joined Hogan & Associates and later

Commerce Realty Advisors where he brokered over $100 million in land transactions

from 2003 to 2007. Mark also formed and operated a residential appraisal company in

2006 offering services in Arizona and California.

In 2007 Mark was recruited to start the land brokerage division for Apartment Realty

Advisors’ Phoenix office. As the land market declined through 2007 and 2008 Mark saw

an increasing opportunity for effective, quality management services. By this time he

and his wife had acquired a total of 6 residential rental properties and understood the

importance of effective management.

While attending the ASU MBA program in late 2008 Mark began managing residential

real estate for clients. In 2011 Mark hired Teri Roe, a veteran property manager with

a career of managing thousands of multifamily properties for large investors. Teri has

brought a level of expertise and controls that allows the company to offer management

services unequaled by other small residential management companies in town.

Mark Brower Properties currently manages over 200 residential assets and, because

of their expertise in the industry, was selected in April 2013 as the primary property

management company for Fannie Mae foreclosed rental properties in the East Valley.

Mark is married with 4 children and has called Mesa home since 1985. He serves

actively in his church and is a member of NARPM (National Association of Residential

Property Managers).

Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net

Do you want your investment property

to be managed by the best?

Mark BrowerMark@MarkRent.com | EMAIL

480.336.2556 | OFFICE602.228.9617 | CELL

Call Mark today for the

most effective, worry free, full-service

management company ready to

serve you at 480.336.2556.

www.markrent.com

winter fun

www.markrent.com