I have been to the end of the earth. I have been to the end of the waters. I have been to the end of the sky. I have been to the end of the mountains. I have found none that are not my friends.
~Navajo Saying
(this picture was taken from my front yard a few weeks ago)
I’m headed to the ends of the mountains in the morning with Matt’s side of the family, 7 other adults and 7 kids. Our yearly family trip to AZ’s beautiful White Mountains. (I’ll still be posting over the weekend, though because I don’t want to lose the 21DIBH).
This coming Monday is a day that we “celebrate” together as a nation. Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May and is a day of remembering and honoring those US men and women who have given their lives, the ultimate sacrifice for our treasured (we do treasure it, right?) freedom.
Get out and enjoy the last little bit of “decent” weather before it gets too hot to leave the air conditioning or the pool. Here are some fun Memorial Day events to check out around town:
Salt River Heros = Litter Zero - Take Pride in America and lend a hand “stashing and bagging” picnic trash while enjoying a floating picnic during the “Salt River Heroes =Litter Zero” holiday weekend event. Salt River Tubing and Tonto National Forest encourages tubers to be responsible public lands stewards, May 23 – May 25, 2009, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tommy Tuber litter bags will be distributed to floaters as they board their shuttle buses at Salt River tubing headquarters located in northeast Mesa. Free beach balls and giveaways. $15
Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast and Parade - 6 a.m. May 24. Parade starts at 8:30 a.m. All proceeds go to Surprise Sundancers youth charities. Surprise Recreation Campus, 15850 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise. $5 for breakfast; $3 for kids; free for parade.
Tempe Memorial Day Luncheon - Hamburgers, watermelon, potato chips and apple pie will be served. Musical entertainment also provided. Registration required. Dennis J. Cahill Senior Center, 715 W. Fifth St., Tempe. $4; $5 non-members. 480-350-5214 pkreconline.tempe.gov/eConnect.
Phoenix Historic Celebration – 9:30 a.m. May 26. Wear vintage clothing and join representatives from many of the Valley’s historic societies who will be in period attire as they honor those who have died in the service of their country. Historical activities for children and refreshments also provided. Pioneer and Military Memorial Park, 1317 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix. Free. 602-262-5071
Memorial Day Pool Party - noon-6 p.m. May 26. Event features free hot dogs and drinks. Open swimming is available. Watch a mock drowning staged by Peoria lifeguards, fire and Southwest ambulance. Sunrise Pool and Family Center, Sunrise Mountain High School 21321 N. 86th Drive, Peoria. Free. 623-773-8495.
Memorial Day Arts and Crafts Fair – 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Saturday, May 24-26. A wide array of arts and crafts available, especially jewelry, is on display. Bell Rock Plaza, 10 Bell Rock Plaza, Sedona. Free. 928-284-9627
For me? I’m headed to beautiful Greer, AZ with the extended family.
With all the first time buyers realizing the opportunity that exists if they buy a home this year in time for the $8,000 tax credit I am frequently asked questions about who qualifies as a first time buyer. I thought this bit from the Q & A section of the National Association of Home Builders website was worth sharing.
What is the definition of a first-time home buyer?
The law defines “first-time home buyer” as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse.
For example, if you have not owned a home in the past three years but your spouse has owned a principal residence, neither you nor your spouse qualifies for the first-time home buyer tax credit. However, unmarried joint purchasers may allocate the credit amount to any buyer who qualifies as a first-time buyer, such as may occur if a parent jointly purchases a home with a son or daughter. Ownership of a vacation home or rental property not used as a principal residence does not disqualify a buyer as a first-time home buyer. (my emphasis)
Now is a great time to be a first time buyer. If you know of anyone who should be taking advantage of the opportunity let me know.
I recently posted about a foreclosure that had been thoroughly trashed before the owners moved out. I thought I’d update that trashing a mortgaged house or removing property (i.e. cabinets, appliances, etc.) is a CLASS 5 Felony (see the Arizona Revised Statute below). Apparently several banks (M & I specifically) are getting wise to their legal rights and going after former homeowners.
The appliances that are customary for the homeowner to take include ONLY the washer, dryer and refrigerator. Removing the stove (or toilets…I’ve seen it!) prevents the house from being eligible for most financing options which dirctly impacts the ability for the house to be sold again and increases the banks damages.
If you know of anyone stripping houses you might want to share this information.
Arizona Revised Statute 44-1219. Sale, removal or concealment of encumbered property; classification
A. It is unlawful for a person who has mortgaged personal property to another, or who has possession of personal property under a contract of sale whereby the vendor retains title, to:
1. During the existence of the mortgage or contract, and without first obtaining the written consent of the mortgagee or vendor or their assignees, sell, transfer or in any manner encumber such property without first fully advising the person to whom the sale, transfer or encumbrance is to be made, of the facts of the prior mortgage or contract of sale.
2. Conceal, take, drive or otherwise dispose of or destroy any of the encumbered property contrary to the provisions of the mortgage or contract.
3. Remove the property or any part thereof from the county where the property was located when the contract or mortgage was made, if the property is other than an automobile, and if an automobile, to remove the automobile from the state.
B. A person who violates any provisions of this section is guilty of a class 5 felony.
C. In addition to the punishment prescribed in subsection B, the court shall impose a penalty equal to the amount of any expense incurred by the sheriff in out-of-state travel, which has been reimbursed by the board of supervisors as provided by section 11-444. Upon payment of the penalty such sum shall be transmitted to the board of supervisors.
