Category Archives: News

Home Inspector Tips for Sellers and Buyers

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Home Inspector Tips for Sellers
1. Move your pets.
Pets underfoot can make the inspector’s job more difficult. With pets out of the way, the inspector doesn’t have to worry about losing a cat or dog as they move in and out.

2. Clean
Declutter and clean. This may be the first time a buyer is in the house for an extended period of time and it’s a good time to make a good 2nd impression.

Home Inspector Tips for Buyers
1. There will be problems
An inspector’s job is to judge a house fairly but not every issue is critical.

2. Almost anything can be fixed
Everything is upgradable, fixable or replaceable. You need to have a list of what those things are.

3. One thing to worry about is water
Note any issues such as puddles and leaks, address any water-related issues before closing.

4. Home inspectors aren’t fortune tellers
Inspectors can’t tell you how long something will last. They can only tell you if something is in good shape.

5. Find the balance
Weighing the balance between your love for a home and the costs of repairs may make things difficult. Take your time and consider the investment you are about to make.

BRRRR?!

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BRRRR, which stands for Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat, is a popular method for real estate investors to build a portfolio of income-generating properties while also benefiting from long-term equity growth. Here’s a breakdown of each step:

Buy: Investors start by purchasing a distressed or undervalued property typically at a lower cost. The goal is to acquire the property at a price that allows for potential improvements and still makes financial sense.

Rehab: After acquiring the property, investors invest in renovating or rehabilitating it. This includes making necessary repairs and upgrades to improve the property’s condition and, consequently, its value.

Rent: Once the property is in good condition, it’s rented out to generate a steady stream of rental income. The rental income helps cover ongoing expenses like mortgage payments, property management, and maintenance costs.

Refinance: With the property improved and generating rental income, the investor can then refinance the property to pull out a portion of the increased equity. This is typically done through a cash-out refinance loan. By refinancing, the investor can access the accumulated equity in the property in the form of cash.

Repeat: After refinancing and extracting cash, the investor can use that cash to purchase another property or reinvest in the existing property, thus starting the BRRRR cycle again. This strategy allows investors to leverage the equity they’ve built up to acquire additional properties over time.

The key benefits of the BRRRR strategy include building a rental property portfolio, potentially achieving significant appreciation in property values, and recycling capital to continue expanding the investment portfolio. However, it’s important to conduct thorough research, due diligence, and financial analysis for each property to ensure it meets the investment goals and expectations.

Additionally, the BRRRR strategy may involve some risks, such as overleveraging, property market fluctuations, and renovation or construction challenges. It’s crucial for investors to have a clear investment plan, access to financing, and a good understanding of the local real estate market to make informed decisions when implementing the BRRRR strategy.

Make your Home Safer

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Preparing your home for wildfires is essential to reduce the risk of damage and keep you and your family safe during a wildfire event. Here are steps you can take to make your home safer:

Create Defensible Space:

Clear away dead vegetation, leaves, and other flammable materials from your yard, creating a buffer zone around your home.
Trim trees and shrubs to create at least a 30-foot defensible space around your home. This helps slow the spread of the fire and reduces the chances of it reaching your property.
Roof and Eaves:

Use fire-resistant roofing materials like asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or tile. Avoid wood shakes or shingles.
Keep gutters and roofs free of leaves, pine needles, and debris that can easily ignite.
Siding and Exterior Walls:

Use fire-resistant siding materials such as stucco, brick, or cement fiberboard.
Avoid wood or vinyl siding, which can be highly flammable.
Vents and Eaves:

Install ember-resistant vent covers to prevent embers from entering your attic or crawl spaces.
Seal gaps between eaves and roofs to prevent embers from getting inside your home.
Windows and Doors:

Install dual-paned or tempered glass windows, which are less likely to shatter in intense heat.
Use fire-resistant exterior doors with a tight seal.
Decks and Patios:

Build decks and patios with fire-resistant materials, or consider fire-resistant coatings.
Remove flammable vegetation and materials from around these areas.
Chimneys and Spark Arresters:

Install spark arresters on chimneys to prevent embers from escaping.
Keep chimneys and stovepipes clean and in good repair.
Water Sources:

Maintain a well-functioning hose and water supply that can reach all areas of your property.
Consider installing a rooftop sprinkler system that can wet your home and surrounding areas during a wildfire.
Storage and Outbuildings:

Store firewood, propane tanks, and other flammable materials away from your home and in a fire-resistant storage shed.
Keep outbuildings and sheds clear of debris and vegetation.
Emergency Supplies:

Create an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, flashlights, and important documents.
Make sure all family members know the location of this kit and have a designated meeting place.
Evacuation Plan:

Develop and practice a family evacuation plan. Know multiple evacuation routes and have a designated meeting point outside your neighborhood.
Stay informed about local fire conditions and evacuation orders.
Insurance and Documentation:

Review your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure it covers wildfire damage.
Keep important documents, such as insurance policies, birth certificates, and passports, in a fireproof safe or a safe deposit box.
Community Efforts:

Participate in community fire prevention programs, such as Firewise USA, to collectively reduce wildfire risks in your neighborhood.
Stay Informed:

Monitor local fire and weather conditions, and follow any evacuation orders or recommendations from authorities.
Remember that no preparation can guarantee complete protection from a wildfire, but taking these steps can significantly reduce the risk to your home and increase your chances of staying safe during a wildfire event. Always prioritize safety and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
FirewiseHowToPrepareYourHomeForWildfires

Tips for hiring a contractor or tradesperson

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Need a contractor for a big job or a tradesperson for something smaller? Here are a few tips to help with your search.

1. Seek Recommendations: Reach out to friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues who have recently renovated their homes. Ask them about their experiences with contractors.
2. Review Online Platforms: Utilize online platforms like Yelp, Angie’s List, or HomeAdvisor to read reviews and ratings from previous customers. Look for contractors with consistent positive feedback, especially regarding their pricing and professionalism.
3. Request Quotes and Compare: Contact multiple contractors and ask for detailed quotes for your specific project. Look for contractors who provide clear and reasonable pricing with explanations behind the costs. Avoid those with shockingly low prices, as it may indicate low-quality work or potential hidden costs.
4. Check References: When you narrow down your list of potential contractors, ask each one for references from previous clients. Contact these references to inquire about their experiences, including whether they would hire the contractor again and what strengths and weaknesses they noticed during the renovation.
5. Verify Licenses and Insurance: Ensure that any contractor you consider hiring is properly licensed and insured. This information can provide an extra layer of security and professionalism.
6. Meet in Person: Schedule meetings with the contractors you are seriously considering. Use this opportunity to discuss your project in detail and gauge their responsiveness, communication skills, and overall professionalism.

Remember that finding the right contractor is crucial for a successful renovation. Taking the time to research, seek recommendations, and compare different options will increase your chances of hiring a reputable contractor who fits your budget and delivers quality work.

Try Something New

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Just moved to Rim Country? Or maybe you need a new adventure? Here are some ideas for fun things to try in the Payson area.

Play Tourist
From the Zane Grey Cabin and Rim Country Museum to Fossil hunting, fishing or exploring Shoofly Village Ruins, Payson is packed with adventure. See if there is something new for you to try!

Take a food tour
Try a new restaurant. Be adventurous and try a dish you haven’t tried before. Payson’s Saturday morning Farmer’s Market with its many vendors is a good place to start.

Go Geocaching
Treasure hunting and exploring all at once.

Attend a Local Game
Check out the Sports Schedule for Payson High School or Middle School and support your local teams.

Take a step out of your comfort zone and explore something new.

Only Fools and Newcomers

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Monsoon season officially begins on June 15 and runs through Sept. 30.

What is the monsoon outlook for Arizona in 2023? Well maybe only fools and newcomers try to predict the weather here in Arizona but the National Weather Service predicts drier, hotter than normal conditions for Arizona’s 2023 monsoon.

Summer can be one of the best times of the year to visit, play and live in Rim Country. Be sure to keep an eye on the weather during the Monsoon whether you are hiking, biking or road trippin’. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and be informed; Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness