• I'm Dreaming of an Arizona Christmas
• Community Spotlight: But It's So 70's...
• A Holiday Poem: Support our Troops
• Greg Geenan on Appreciation
• Important Dates
• 11 Holiday Safety Tips
• Feedback, Contact Us, Etc.

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I'm Dreaming of an Arizona Christmas

Holiday Greetings {FIRSTNAME Friend},

Where I found the time to pen this months newsletter is anybody's guess, but getting up at 5:30 in the morning with a cup of coffee and the twinkling of the Christmas tree lights certainly put me in the spirit! Granted, we're still experiencing some of that gorgeous Arizona weather with daytime temperatures in the high 70's.

We have so much to be grateful for and so many to be grateful to as well. Like many Americans at this time, my thoughts are with the men and women serving our country. On this heartfelt note, I've included a holiday poem that touched my heart and helpful links for US Troop Donations.

In this issue, I've included Important Dates to Remember, 11 Holiday Safety Tips, and our monthly article from Greg Geenen on the Benefits of Buying or Selling an Older Home. In this month's community spotlight I will be talking generally about the benefits of buying into a more established neighborhood—but it's so 70's…

Wishing you and yours a beautiful holiday season and a New Year of peace and happiness.

Colleen

A Christmas Poem

'Twas The Night Before Christmas, He Lived All Alone,
In A One Bedroom House Made Of Plaster And Stone.
I Had Come Down The Chimney With Presents To Give,
And To See Just Who In This Home Did Live.

I Looked All About, A Strange Sight I Did See,
No Tinsel, No Presents, Not Even A Tree.
No Stocking By Mantle, Just Boots Filled With Sand,
On The Wall Hung Pictures Of Far Distant Lands.

With Medals And Badges, Awards Of All Kinds,
A Sober Thought Came Through My Mind.
For This House Was Different, It Was Dark And Dreary,
I Found The Home Of A Soldier, Once I Could See Clearly.

The Soldier Lay Sleeping, Silent, Alone,
Curled Up On The Floor In This One Bedroom Home.
The Face Was So Gentle, The Room In Such Disorder,
Not How I Pictured A United States Soldier.

Was This the Hero Of Whom I'd Just Read?
Curled Up On A Poncho, The Floor For A Bed?
I Realized The Families That I Saw This Night,
Owed Their Lives To These Soldiers Who Were Willing To Fight.

Soon Round The World, The Children Would Play,
And Grownups Would Celebrate A Bright Christmas Day.
They All Enjoyed Freedom Each Month Of The Year,
Because Of The Soldiers, Like The One Lying Here.

I Couldn't Help Wonder How Many Lay Alone,
On A Cold Christmas Eve In A Land Far From Home.
The Very Thought Brought A Tear To My Eye,
I Dropped To My Knees And Started To Cry.

The Soldier Awakened And I Heard A Rough Voice,
"Santa Don't Cry, This Life Is My Choice;
I Fight For Freedom, I Don't Ask For More,
My Life Is My God, My Country, My Corps."

The Soldier Rolled Over And Drifted To Sleep,
I Couldn't Control It, I Continued To Weep.
I Kept Watch for Hours, So Silent and Still
And We Both Shivered From the Cold Night's Chill.

I Didn't Want To Leave On That Cold, Dark, Night,
And This Guardian Of Honor So Willing To Fight.
Then The Soldier Rolled Over, With A Voice Soft And Pure,
Whispered, "Carry On Santa, It's Christmas Day, All Is Secure."

One Look at My Watch, And I Knew He Was Right.
"Merry Christmas My Friend, and To All A Good Night."

Helpful Links for our US Troop Donations

http://www.operationgive.org/
http://freedompackages.org/
http://www.aafes.com/downrange/home.htm
http://give2thetroops.org/

Appreciation
By Greg Geenan, Axis Mortgage

The benefit of living in a greater metropolitan area that has homes that date back to turn of the century is that there are many choices for home style and age. There are many "diamonds in the rough"in the older neighborhoods. Many older homes are block (or brick) construction that were built with great materials and a high level of craftsmanship

A few of the cities have gone through the process of designating historical neighborhoods. These designations tend to attract homeowners that take pride in the age and architectural style of their homes and neighborhoods. The historic neighborhoods offer the opportunity to appreciate at a higher rate than like neighborhoods with out the designation. The historic designation may also restrict you from adding that second floor, or changing the architectural style of the home.

Over the last few years my wife and I have enjoyed updating our post WWII era home as well as returning some features back to the way they were at the time of construction. The wall to wall, and floor to ceiling, multiple layered drapes and multi-color shag carpet was not to our taste. We did however like the fact that the original flooring in many of the rooms was stained concrete. Over the years tile and carpet were added. We enjoyed the process of restoring and sealing the original concrete floors. Since we purchased this home four years ago, it has appreciated significantly on an annual basis.

If you can see beyond the ugly carpet, outdated drapes, and the less than desirable light fixtures, the potential for great appreciation exists. Your goal for a property may be to purchase, fix up, and sell, in a short period of time. You might want to purchase a home and update slowly as you live there. Perhaps you are looking for a home that will make a good rental property. Regardless of your goal for property, older homes are proven to be a great investment in all three of these scenarios.

Happy Holidays and best wishes for a great 2005!

Greg Geenen is a loan officer with Axis Mortgage based in Mesa Arizona. For more information, contact Greg at
[877] 294-7684 x554, on his cell (602) 363-6157 or send him an email.

Feedback, Contact Us, Etc.

Did you find this article helpful? Your feedback is important to us. If you have any questions or comments about this publication, please let us know.

Email: mailto:colleen@homeisaz.com
Voice: [480] 767-5611
Website: http://www.homeisaz.com

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But It's So 70's...

Depending on your taste of course, a home built pre 1990 might hold charm, the possibilities of charm or in the words of Billy Joel, "I love you just the way you are."

I personally have done a couple of remodel jobs over the last two years. Remodeling can be very time consuming, not to mention inconvenient and disruptive if you’re living in the home while you’re remodeling. But, I can tell you, it’s worth the effort. In Scottsdale where I live, many people (including me) have bought older homes and have either done complete or partial remodels. Kitchens and bathrooms are usually the most expensive, but most enjoyable things to remodel.

Below are the before and after pictures of my kitchen which I just finished remodeling a few months ago. I love my new kitchen!

It’s great to be able to customize and make your home even better than new. I personally think that some older homes have a lot more character than the new builds where they all look alike. Starting a remodel project can be fun and exciting. Having reliable and reputable contractors to do your remodel is a great place to begin. Most realtors have connections for everything from plumbers to electricians and general contractors. You can generally save a lot of money by going thru a contractor than through stores where you are paying for a lot of markup.

Important Dates in December

December 08 - Hanukkah
December 21 - Winter Begins
December 25 - Christmas Day
December 26 - Kwanzaa
December 31 - New Year's Eve