This newsletter provides information about home improvements, safety tips for appliance purchases, and a pumpkin pecan pie recipe. It discusses using spring cleaning as an opportunity to update a home with simple solutions like replacing windows. It offers tips for assessing appliance safety and researching rebate programs. It also shares that adding a bathroom is a worthwhile investment that can be done affordably using new macerating toilet technologies. It closes by noting April is National Garden Month and shares ways to get involved in the community.

1. Agave Premier Properties & Investments
Over the Fence Yvette M. Palmer
Associate Broker, Realtor®
1859 N. Grand Avenue, Suite 4
Nogales, AZ 85621
Phone: 520-313-0352
N E W S F R O M Y O U R R E A L E S TAT E P R O F E S S I O N A L …
Fax: 520-761-3307
ypalmer@agavepremier.com
www.SouthernAzHomes.com & www.AgavePremier.net
V O L U M E 8 • I S S U E 4 A P R I L 2 0 1 0
Dreaming of Spring? Seek Safety Selling Your Home?
Keep Home Improvements
When Purchasing Easy Improvements to Attract
on Your Wish List Energy-efficient Home Buyers
(ARA) A harsh Appliances (ARA) A spare bath is a great investment.
winter may have (ARA) Have government or manufacturer Second only to kitchen remodels for
many Americans rebate programs enticed you to purchase a recouping resale value, bathroom additions
dreaming spring. new home appliance? Before purchasing, boast a 63.5 percent rate of return,
How will you it’s important to consider all your options according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2008–
celebrate a day of before you make a final decision. 2009 “Cost vs. Value” report. And when an
warm weather up-flushing, macerating toilet—or “up
that signifies According to an October 2009 toilet”—is used for the project, its
spring has survey commissioned by comparatively low installed-cost makes a
arrived? Many Underwriters Laboratories bathroom addition very affordable.
people will devote (UL), a leading independent
safety testing organization, one An up toilet can be installed virtually
the day to spring anywhere in the home. That’s because this
cleaning. in four homeowners involved in
purchasing decisions type of plumbing system operates above
Spring into independently reported they the floor, using small-diameter piping to
action: Not only are likely to buy a large pump waste and water up, not down, and
will spring bring household appliance in the new into sewer or septic lines. As a
warmer temperatures and cleaning chores, year because of cash back offers consequence, there is no need for the
but a likely wave of remodeling projects. for purchasing an energy mess and heavy expense of digging
According to research from Pella Windows efficient appliance during 2010. through flooring, especially the concrete
& Doors, more than 61 percent of variety in the basement.
homeowners plan to make improvements The following tips can be used to
help assess whether your current Macerating technology is ideal for adding a
to their current home, while only six bath in tight spots. The simple installation
percent said they would move into a home appliances are safe and assist you to make
smart decisions when purchasing new process drives the cost savings. Best of all,
that doesn’t require upgrades. this type of home renovation reaps instant
appliances:
Simple solutions: To create a simple, rewards, improving the quality of life now
beautiful space in your home, begin by 1. Only use as intended: Using appliances and paying dividends later.
taking a look around at rooms or items for activities other than what they are
designed for can pose serious risks. Learn more about low-cost above-floor
that have become dated or non-functional. bathroom systems by visiting www.saniflo.
Consider everything from your front door 2. Trust your instincts: If an appliance com or calling toll-free at (800) 571-8191.
to your windows and window treatments. smells, sounds or functions strangely—be
Enlighten your days: Adding windows suspicious. This is a likely indicator to
doesn’t mean you’ll be adding to your replace the problem appliance or at least
utility bill. With energy-efficient windows have it inspected by a licensed technician.
like Pella Designer Series wood windows or 3. Look for safety certification: Safety
doors, which have window treatments National Gardening Month
certifications, such as the UL Mark, confirm
(blinds or shades) included between panes a product has been tested and certified to National Pecan Month
of glass and offer superior energy efficient meet the highest standard in safety.
qualities, you’ll save on monthly energy April 23rd–25th: National Pie Week
costs. For more information on Pella For more tips on appliance safety, and 2010
remodeling projects, visit www.pella.com state rebate programs, visit www.UL.com/
or call (888) 847-3552. appliancesafety.
OVER THE FENCE

2. Agave Premier Properties & Investments
Yvette M. Palmer - Associate Broker, Realtor®
1859 N. Grand Avenue, Suite 4
Nogales, AZ 85621
Repair, Replace, Relax with Fidelity National Home Warranty (FNHW). A home warranty from FNHW provides both the home buyer
and seller with “peace of mind” when it comes to repairs and/or replacement of a home’s major systems and appliances. FNHW prides
itself on superior customer service, including quick response time and efficient solutions for homeowners’ problems and needs.
If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in the near future, please call
for a personal interview and property assessment with no obligation.
This is not intended as a solicitation if your property is currently listed with another agent. These materials contain information and articles obtained from third parties.
FNHW does not endorse the recommendations of any third party nor guarantee the information provided is complete or correct.
When You Garden,
You Grow! dash of salt
Every April communities, organizations, 2/3 cup light or dark corn syrup
and individuals nationwide celebrate 2 tablespoons melted butter
gardening during National Garden Month.
1 teaspoon vanilla
Gardeners know, and research confirms,
that nurturing plants is good for us: 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
attitudes toward health and nutrition 1 prepared deep dish pie crust*
improve, kids perform better at school,
and community spirit grows. Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350°.
Here Are Some Ways to *If using a frozen pie crust, do not thaw;
Spread the Spirit of Gardening preheat a baking sheet in the oven and
CLASSIC PUMPKIN PECAN PIE
in Your Community: place the pie on the cookie sheet to bake.
l Organize or take part in This month we celebrate National Pecan In small bowl, combine one egg,
a town beautification day. Month and then on the 23-25th, we pumpkin, 1/3 cup sugar, cinnamon,
celebrate National Pie Week! We ginger, cloves, and salt. Spread in pie
lVisit your local farmers' combined both celebrations to bring crust.
market. you the classic Pecan Pie Recipe.
In medium bowl, beat remaining two
lCompliment a neighbor Ingredients: eggs slightly. Stir in corn syrup and
on his or her garden. 3 eggs, divided remaining 2/3 cup sugar, the butter and
l Get together with 1 cup canned solid pack pumpkin vanilla; stir until well blended. Stir in
neighbors to purchase pecans. Carefully spoon over pumpkin
1 cup sugar, divided mixture.
compost and mulch in bulk quantities.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
l Volunteer to plant and maintain a garden Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until filling is
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger set around edge. Cool pie completely on
at your town library.
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves wire rack.
For more information visit: http://www.
nationalgardenmonth.org/
OVER THE FENCE