The housing market statistics in our area for the year-over-year period from the end of June 2021 to the end of June 2022 are very interesting and not what many might expect given the changes in interest rates and other economic turmoil. As one would expect, the number of total listings has increased from 605 at the end of June 2021 to 923 at the end of June 2022, an increase of 52.6%. This is truly an eye-opening statistic given the tight market through the last several years. Another … [Read more...] about The Housing Market: Is it a Buyer’s or Seller’s Market Now?
Columnists
Giving Shelter Dogs a Second Look
Guess what? Dogs never wake up one day and decide they don’t love you or want you anymore. Apparently, some humans do, and we see it more often than you’d think. Like the family that had their dog its whole life but then found it didn’t get along with their new puppy, so they surrendered the one who’s been with them for 10 years. It’s unfathomable to me! You’d be surprised how many people literally trade in their old dog for a new one. How do you just walk away from a member of your … [Read more...] about Giving Shelter Dogs a Second Look
YRMG Cardiologist Lives Life with Heart
Many people have important childhood experiences that steer them toward their life’s work. Few, however, can point to an event as significant as testifying before the United Nations at 11 years old. That experience motivated Olufunso Odunukan, MD, MPH, FACC, FSCAI – an interventional cardiologist who recently joined Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Group (YRMG) – to pursue a career in medicine. “At the time, there was a big famine in Ethiopia,” says Dr. Odunukan, who was born and … [Read more...] about YRMG Cardiologist Lives Life with Heart
Healthy Cells Improve Productivity
Are long hours, tight deadlines and stressful situations sucking the life out of you? Do you wish you could double your productivity, but don’t have the energy to get started? Did you know symptoms of stress like fatigue, brain fog, headaches, muscle tension, insomnia, lack of sex drive, upset stomachs, irritability and frequent illnesses can all lead to health issues such as heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and much more? Imagine a perfect day where you are lying in a hammock, … [Read more...] about Healthy Cells Improve Productivity
Practicing Efficient Water Use
Welcome to “At Home with Tom and Sandy.” As I always like to say, “Sit back, relax and enjoy.” Tom and I hope you enjoy our column this month. Tom: Hi Sandy! This month, we are having our conversation more than 1,500 miles apart. I am safely ensconced in Vermillion, South Dakota. Sandy: South Dakota – how and why? Tom: Kids and grandkids. I’m spending the entire month just being a small part of their lives. Sandy: Tom, that is so cool. Enjoy and have fun, but we have a … [Read more...] about Practicing Efficient Water Use
Addressing Home Maintenance Besides Cleaning
Whether you live in your home full time, half of the year, or own a vacation rental, there are home maintenance tasks that need to be periodically done to keep things running smoothly and to keep your home beautiful and safe. Sometimes these things get overlooked. Some of the reasons might be that you’re not at the home full time or that the time just slips away. Another reason might be difficulty reaching the high stuff. Many of us are not as agile as we used to be and just don’t want to climb … [Read more...] about Addressing Home Maintenance Besides Cleaning
How Viruses May Cause Hearing Loss
Hearing loss, including its causes, has been a topic of study since before the birth of audiology as a profession just after WWII. Hearing loss has been documented in Egyptian literature as early as 1550 B.C. An ancient medical journal describes a remedy for “ear that hears badly,” which included injecting olive oil, red lead, ant eggs and bat wings, among other substances into the ears! In Ancient Greece, there are mentions of hearing loss as early as the 10th century. Today, we understand more … [Read more...] about How Viruses May Cause Hearing Loss
Exploring the Perfect Ground Cover for Desert Landscapes
Ground cover plants are beneficial in so many ways. The foliage provides visual interest across hills, between boulders and down slopes. They also reduce yard maintenance by fighting erosion and suppressing weeds. Here is the definitive list for local groundcovers grown in the brutal sun or dense shade. Many offer an evergreen solution to bare landscape plots. Creeping Juniper Juniperus horizontalis performs best in full (six or more hours) of sun. Creeping junipers resist drought once … [Read more...] about Exploring the Perfect Ground Cover for Desert Landscapes
Are We Experiencing a Housing Market Shift?
The rising tide of inflation and interest rates are beginning to take their toll on home buyers’ and sellers’ sentiment. Fannie Mae spoke to us in May when it reported a third consecutive month of record-low homebuyer sentiment, divulging in its latest National Housing Survey that fewer than one in five Americans think now is a good time to buy a home. A disheartening 17% of the 1,000 Americans polled by Fannie Mae last month believed it was a good time to buy. Times, they are … [Read more...] about Are We Experiencing a Housing Market Shift?
Protecting Your Pet from Heatstroke
Summer in Arizona is very hot, and heat can be a pet killer. As temperatures rise, it’s important to take extra safeguards to keep our four-legged family members safe. At 77 degrees outside, the temperature of the pavement is 125 degrees, and at 87 degrees, the temperature of the pavement is a whopping 143 degrees! An egg can fry at 131 degrees in just five minutes, so imagine how your dog’s paws feel walking on the hot ground. Before you take Fido for a walk, press the back of your hand … [Read more...] about Protecting Your Pet from Heatstroke