Category Archives: News

Payson’s Market on the Move

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Market on the Move (MOM) is a farmer’s market type event and is being held on the second Saturday of every month through May.  The next Market on the Move is February 8th  from 8 am to 10 am.  Subsequent markets will be held on March 14th and April 11th.

Market on the Move is a great way to stretch your grocery dollars.  A $15 cash donation qualifies you for up to 60 pounds of produce and/or groceries.  Items are on a first come, first served basis.

Come out to Sawmill Crossing Shopping Center and join us!

 

 

Staging your home: Is it worth it?

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What is staging? Home staging is the art of preparing your home aesthetically in the best possible light to be shown to potential buyers. Great staging highlights everything a home has to offer and minimizes any blemishes. The goal is twofold: to get you more offers, and to make those offers higher than they would be without staging, and to do both more quickly than would happen without it.

Tips for making the most of staging: Appeal to the largest pool of buyers by using a few key strategies when staging your home.

  • Declutter! Most importantly, get rid of excess. Papers, books, games, dishes crowding cupboards….and just, stuff. Box it and store it while the house is being shown. Less is always much, much more. Minimize as much as possible, then minimize more.
  • Group furniture strategically. Pull your furniture away from walls and arrange in cozy groupings. Studies have shown that downsized furniture is often used by professional stagers in order to make rooms appear larger, so use the smallest and most delicate furnishings you have.
  • Give rooms purpose. If you have a space that could serve as an “office nook” or mudroom, make it appear as such, even if that hasn’t been how your family utilized the space. Make each room count.
  • Focus on lighting. Simply increasing the wattage on bulbs can literally shine new light on an area. Different color hues can cast different moods in a room as well.
  • Use paint to make spaces larger. Paint is one of the most cost effective ways to give a space a facelift. Monochromatic color between attached rooms can make the whole space appear loftier than it is. Matching paint color to curtain color has the same effect.
  • Embrace color. Accent walls, and pops of color in the form of pillows, towels, and accessories do a lot to add appeal to a room.
  • Use art creatively. Hang things at unusual heights and spacings. Be bold and distinctive to catch attention.
  • Use nature, bring the outside in. Utilize all you can of your native environment when it comes to decor. Branches, local flowers, ivy, fruits and veg from a garden, or distinct stones can all be used attractively to accentuate your home.
  • Make the master bedroom an inviting escape. Make a cozy bed and little else the focal point of a master bedroom. Some even buy a frame and a blow up mattress, adorned with beautiful linens to give the correct scale to a bedroom if their own appears to be the incorrect size.
  • Don’t forget the details, think hotel spa: luxurious towels rolled, baskets, beautiful toiletries that are attractive on their own atop the counter, decorative mirror framing. These things can be very impressive to buyers.
  • Think outside the box and use what you have. Look around the attic, basement or garage for unusual pieces that can be repurposed for display.
  • Keep the fur-babies under wraps. Unfortunately, buyers tend to see pets as a negative when viewing a house.
  • First impressions count. Entryways are a focal area you should concentrate on.
  • Keep your personal life packed away. Religion, politics, excessive family photos should all be relegated to boxes in storage for the time the house is on the market and actively being shown.

What does it cost to stage your home? Staging can be done on a very limited budget, or you can swing for the fences and hire the help of a professional to do the heavy lifting for a higher price tag. The investment is entirely up to you. A do-it-yourself approach is cost effective and very attainable, while professional services have the benefit of experience, resources, and knowing the current industry trends.

 

 What is the return on the investment of staging your home? What’s in it for you? Good staging is key to getting the best offers the most quickly. Recent studies in the US housing market showed that staged homes sold for 6-20% more compared to unstaged or empty homes in the same area. Potential buyers stay longer in homes that are pleasing to the eye, and people who linger are more likely to buy.

Payson – Electric Light Parade and Lights on Main

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It’s that time of year again, and Payson is always up for a good time during the Christmas season. The Annual Electric Light Parade is happening this Saturday evening at 6 pm all along Historic Main Street and it will be lined with locals and visitors alike, waving to the 40+ floats from local businesses and organizations. As if that were not enough, the Town of Payson Parks and Recreation/Tourism department has added a new event on main Street that evening to compliment the Parade. Business owners on Main Street have signed up and started preparing for the 1st Annual “Lights on Main” event.

 

Lights on Main encourages all of the local Main Street merchants to decorate the exterior of their building while also creating a fun, interactive experience for families to participate in. Lights on Main is happening from 4-6 pm before the official start of the parade. Merchants will have photo booths, hot cocoa, crafts, snacks, and more all set up for anyone and everyone to come and enjoy before the parade. The goal of the town is to take the event to the next level, while allowing business owners and community members to have fun interaction. So, dress warm and come enjoy the entire evening with your friends and family!

 

Weighing the Value of a Real Estate Agent

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Real estate is a huge field of business with endless ways to invest capital and generate potentially huge amounts of income. Few things are as secure as investment in property and houses. Real estate agents play an important role in this buying and selling business, making the choice of the right agent an essential decision. You can find real estate agents at variable rates, but what is the best choice to make?

Where to Begin?

The first step is to do the math. Play with the numbers and see how much can you spend or make when buying or selling the property. When calculating the cost, include the estimated amount you expect to pay your real estate agent. There are expensive as well as discounted real estate agents out there but you’ll have to choose wisely so that you don’t waste your time and money.

Discounted Real Estate Agents

There are many reasons behind lower commission rates. There are agents who are willing to charge 1.5 percent of the property, but let’s examine why this is so. Here are some things to consider about cheaper agents:
• Less experienced agents may be motivated to just get some sales under their belt and willing to work for less
• They probably aren’t as well-connected as more expensive agents
• They might not offer all the services you need

More Expensive Real Estate Agents

Higher cost doesn’t automatically mean higher quality, but for the most part the old adage “You get what you pay for,” holds true in most investments. In this caliber, you can probably expect these advantages with a more expensive agent:
• Better connections
• You have a knowledgeable agent to handle difficult paperwork and tough negotiations
• Larger skill set and more services provided
• More motivated which equals a better price for your house or property

Final Thoughts

With all of the things a seller needs to do to get their home ready for sale, hiring the right real estate agent is crucial to alleviate the stress. While there are hidden gems out there who might prove to deliver more than their low rates would suggest, buying or selling a home is a huge decision, one you want to make fully informed. It’s worth putting out a little more for a quality agent to ensure the wisest investment.

 

The holidays are just around the corner!

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There’s nothing like the holidays to inspire good cheer and be an excuse to spruce up your home. With a bit of imagination and some expert pointers, any house can be transformed into a cozy holiday home, even on a budget.

 

Pine Cone Decor

An easy way to infuse your home with some holiday accents is to simply take a hike and collect a few fallen pine cones. Nothing says cozy winter like some pine cones adorning your window sills and shelves. Plus, it’s free decoration!

Light it Up

Candles create the perfect holiday atmosphere and are cheap. Red, green, and brown candles add to the colors of the season, bringing warmth into the home and providing a subtle accent.

Throw it Down

Many clothing outlet stores carry seasonal throws and blankets. A plush autumn, Thanksgiving, or Christmas throw is an easy way to splash some holiday style onto a sofa or chair. When the weather starts turning cold, you’ll be glad to have them anyway!

Knobs and Handles

A clever way to temporarily remodel the look of your home for the holidays without spending a fortune is to purchase some new door knobs and drawer handles. During the holiday season, you can probably find reindeer knobs or drawer handles in the style of autumn leaves. Replacing your current knobs with these will instantly give your home a seasonal look and they can easily be removed after the holidays are over.

 

Creativity is Key

Look around you, both in stores and when you take an afternoon walk. There are so many little things that you can add to your home during the holiday season to match the mood and style you want for this time of year. Let your creativity run wild!

Ready for a New Home? House Hunting Tips to Keep in Mind.

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Location

We’ve all heard the real estate mantra: location, location, location. However, this repetition is completely warranted, as it can’t be stressed enough how important location is to the value of a home.

Neighborhood obviously plays a role in a house’s value, but so does the location within that neighborhood. It’s generally best to find a house that is on the low price end in a good neighborhood. The reason for this is the already high-value homes in the area will help bring up the value of the others homes as well.

Research a neighborhood before casting any judgments on it, whether good or bad. While it may seem best to simply invest in an already “good” neighborhood, what does the future of that area look like? Have any large businesses moved in nearby that could affect the immediate vicinity and desirability? When looking for the right neighborhood, see if you can find any projections on where that area is headed. In some cases, the best bet could be to buy into an average neighborhood that shows promise.

 

 

 

 

 

Rub Off that Genie Lamp

The best place to start your house hunt is actually in your own mind. Before you pore over hundreds of listings online, first think about what you really want in a home. This is the fun part! Pull out a sheet (or sheets if needed!) of paper and jot down the things that make a house truly your dream home.

While it might seem simple to write down the things you want, it can be overwhelming to organize the what and why of your list. The best way to cut through the confusion is to break up the list into categories. Not everything you want in a house is about the physical appearance and location. Many elements are intangible, such as the feel of walking through the front door. Do you feel at home when you step through? If the house you are looking at is not staged, imagine what it would be like filled with furniture? Does it start getting a little cramped?

Is having a big yard critical to you? How important is the square footage of the house? Does a million-dollar-view matter?

One of the most important, and most amorphous, elements of a house is convenience. How this is defined will depend on the individual buyer. This is a good time to make another list, one that keeps track of your deal-breakers. Sometimes it’s easier to realize what you have to have in a home by thinking of the things you can’t do without.

 

 

 

Stay on Track

As listings catch your eye, ask yourself what it is that makes them jump out to you. Make note of these important things and add them to the wish list you made above. Now is the time to start browsing listings online and attending open-houses. Your wish list will keep you on track and free from distractions. Any time you get that good feeling looking at a house, notice what causes your excitement.

It’s a good idea to keep a list of the houses you like too. By doing this you can compare and contrast to discover the pros and cons you may have overlooked when viewing them individually.

 

October Events in Payson

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Fall is here and so are a whole slew of fun events! From off-road racing to dog shows, mark your calendar for all of the upcoming events in Payson!

 

Time Out Charity Golf Tournament

This event benefits the Time Out Shelter, helping victims of domestic abuse.

Where: The Rim Golf Club, 300 E Rim Club Dr, Payson, AZ 85541

When: Friday & Saturday Oct. 4th & 5th

 

Rim Country Empty Bowls

The Third Annual Rim Country Empty Bowls is a popular pottery making event with 100% of the proceeds donated toward Payson and Pine food banks.

Where: Majestic Rim, 310 E. Tyler Parkway, Payson, AZ 85541

When: Saturday Oct. 5th, 4:00PM-7:00PM

 

Payson AZOP Grand Prix

Experience two days of thrilling racing on bikes, ATVs, and UTVs.

Where: The Payson Event Center, 1400 S Beeline Hwy, Payson, AZ 85541

When: Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 5th & 6th

 

26th Annual Beeline Cruise-In Car Show

Surrounded by the beauty of Green Valley Park, this car show brings out tons of visitors and culminates with the participants taking a cruise around town.

Where: Green Valley Park, 1000 W Country Club Dr, Payson, AZ 85541

When: Oct. 11th & 12th

 

4th Annual “Dog’s Day Out”

This event includes a dog show and a K-9 demonstration.

Where: Pet Club, 101 W Aero Dr, Payson, AZ 85541

When: Saturday Oct. 21, 9:00AM – 2:00PM

 

Trunk or Treat

The Trunk or Treat Fall Festival includes vendors, a photo booth, a tractor display, and more!

 Where: The Payson Event Center, 1400 S Beeline Hwy, Payson, AZ 85541

When: Thursday Oct. 31st, 6:00PM – 9:00PM

 

Home Inspection – What’s the Big Deal?

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As the buyer of a new home, you might be advised to have the home inspected before the sale closes. While it’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement of the new house and want the sale to close as quickly as possible, it is important to have both a home inspection and a WDO inspection.

  •  Home inspection will check the structural condition of the home and includes the electrical, plumbing, roof, heating and AC.
  •  WDO inspection is typically referred to as a termite inspection, but termites are only one type of wood destroying organism. Carpenter ants and rodents can also wreak havoc with your home.

Why is this so important?

You might be thinking you don’t need the Home Inspection at all, especially if it’s a brand new house. But there are several reasons that an inspection is highly important.

It can save you from a really bad deal. If there are flaws in the home, you, as the buyer, can negotiate price with the seller, ensure that the seller pays for repairs before the closing of the home, or, depending on the level of damage, back out of the sale completely.

It can save you major legal problems down the road. An inspection can reveal illegal installations that were added or done outside of building codes that can be dealt with before it becomes your obligation to adjust or pay for down the road.

It can save you money. It can also help predict future costs, by revealing the age of certain aspects of the property like heating, plumbing, roofing, and other fixtures.

It can help you decide what to fix and when. Inspectors know their field well. Their task is to do an extensive inspection of the house including the plumbing, electrical, foundation, crawl spaces, attics, basements, and many other things. At the end of the inspection, they can give you tips and advice on how to handle current damages that need to be repaired right away, versus the ones that can be put off for a while longer until your budget allows it. They can also tell you which items should be repaired versus completely replaced, and recommend good contractors or product brands.

It can identify potential pest problems.

Some evidence of rodents is obvious, such as droppings or suspicious holes in a wall. However, resident pests aren’t always so easily spotted. This is another reason that having a WDO inspection done on your potential house is a good idea.

One of the primary pest concerns is with wood-destroying organisms (WDO). This includes any wood-boring pests, but mainly focuses on the most common perpetrators in this department: termites. Getting a WDO inspection is crucial because the inspector is trained to find subtle evidence of termites in a house.

It’s important to be sure the inspector is licensed in pest control to ensure a quality inspection. This also means they can identify potential termite threats that would otherwise get past even a savvy home buyer.

A termite inspection is worth every penny, because according to turnerpest.com these pests cost people over $5 billion a year.

Who pays for the inspection?

There are times when the seller might have the home inspected before putting their house on the market, so that they can adjust the asking price of their home, and also so that they have an inspection report to give to potential buyers. If not, then it’s your responsibility as the buyer to get an inspection on the house. Usually you’ll have a stated number of days in your contract to do so, and it’s your choice who to hire. Prices for a full inspection can range anywhere between $250 to $500 depending on the location and the size of the property. If you’re unsure which inspector to hire, ask your realtor for recommendations.

In short, home and pest inspections aren’t the most exciting part of the home buying process, but they are very important and shouldn’t be skipped because of the time, money, and problems that they will save you down the road.

 

 

 

 

 

Labor Day Weekend in Payson

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Labor Day Diversions

This Labor Day kicks off with tens of thousands of visitors passing through Payson on their way to a variety of scenic destinations and serene retreats. With the above average wave of high temperatures across the Phoenix area, weekenders set their sights northward to escape the heat and revel in the beauty of the Rim Country.

There’s no shortage of outdoor activities to partake in, but not everyone comes up for adventures in nature. For those who enjoy really getting a feel for the area, here are a couple of local Labor Day events in the Payson vicinity.

 

Payson Farmer’s Market

A longstanding tradition, the Payson Farmer’s Market attracts a bounty of local artisans and farmers peddling everything from handmade gifts to the best organic produce money can buy. According to paysonrimcountry.com the weekend market boasts 40 stalls of local vegetables, fresh baked goods, entertainment, and more. The Payson Farmer’s Market can be enjoyed every Saturday during the summer 8:00AM-12:00PM in the Sawmill Theater parking lot at 816 S Beeline Hwy, Payson, AZ 85541.

 

Pine Fall Festival

A must-stop for any traveler this weekend, the 39th annual Pine-Strawberry Labor Day Arts & Crafts Festival promises to deliver the same quality display of expert artisans and local vendors that have drawn visitors to this amazing event for decades. From unique, handmade jewelry, clothing, antiques, gifts, and a variety of delicious foods, this festival has something for everyone. If Pine and Strawberry aren’t already on one’s travel route for Labor Day, these two cozy towns can be found just 15 miles north of Payson on Highway 87.

For more information about this and other events visit https://pinestrawberryartscrafts.com.

With local festivals and endless outdoor activities all available in close proximity to each other, you’re sure to find something fun to do this Labor Day in the Rim Country.

 

Horsing Around the Payson Rodeo!

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One of the most amazing things that Payson, Arizona is known for, is being the location of the world’s oldest, continuous rodeo. In 1884, in a meadow that is now the site of the Sawmill Crossing, a handful of ranchers and cowboys gathered together on the third weekend of August for a friendly competition of roping and riding. The yearly competition soon became tradition, and now, over 130 years later, Payson is still the grounds for this famous and historic rodeo.

 

The fun begins on Thursday evening, August 15, at the Payson Rodeo Grounds, and will continue throughout the weekend with several afternoon and evening events and performances continuing through Friday and Saturday. The weekend will be packed full of exciting things like bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, barrel racing, and more! There will be performances from the Women’s Pro Rodeo Association and the National Barrel Horse Association, and a special event, Tough Enough To Wear Pink, with all proceeds going to local breast cancer awareness programs.

 

After two full nights of rodeo performances, head on over to Payson’s Historic Main Street on Saturday morning for the annual World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo Parade! Then it’s back to the rodeo grounds for a day packed full of events, performances, food, and fun, and finish off the weekend with the Payson Pro Rodeo Boots and Bling Rodeo Dance.

 

Whether you’ve lived in Payson your entire life and enjoy keeping this Wild West tradition alive, or are heading up north from the Phoenix area looking for a good time, mark your calendars for August 15th – 17th. This is one event you don’t want to miss out on!

 

For more information on specific events, fun facts, or ticket prices and purchasing, visit www.paysonprorodeo.com.