Category Archives: News

6 Tips for Pricing Your Home

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You need to buy a new mattress. You find one you like in a used furniture store for $399 and the same one on Craigslist in roughly the same condition for $400. Without giving it much thought, you probably gravitate to the $399 option, simply by the more inexpensive perception. This sales practice has long been in use and continues to influence consumers to this day.

Now you want to sell your house. When you’re agonizing over the price tag you are going to put on your home (and we all do), employ this same tactic and others that we’re listing today. Here are 6 tips for pricing your home to sell.

  1.  Keep it real

With such a big asset, you want to make sure you get a fair value for your house. However, the temptation to set a high price tag so that you can deal down to your “real” asking price can resign your listing to obscurity. Starting high to protect your selling price often leads to houses sitting on the market.

  1.  Price reductions

This is always a painful one, because what seller wants to drop their price? Reductions don’t have to be discouraging. If your listing has had a reasonable number of views but no takers, a minor reduction could be the incentive to turn those viewers into buyers. Start with a small reduction so you don’t feel like you’re losing anything because you can always drop a little more at a time if necessary.  Just because a home has been on the market doesn’t mean it is undesirable

  1.  Follow the “99” rule

This point is as simple as the name. Think of how 99% (that was intended) of retail merchandise is priced and follow suit.

  1.  Keep your price simple

Because we know pricing things with the “99” rule is effective, we may be tempted to take it a step further and devise a sum like 488,999, but experts say these types of prices don’t help your odds of selling. When pricing your listing, resist the urge to get creative and keep it simple.

  1.  Keep Internet searches in mind

In the opening, we urged the use of the ninety-nine rule, meaning to opt for a number just under the rounded version. Here this tactic is more important than just a psychological tool to appear cheaper. If someone were to set their home at 515k, a potential buyer searching a price range of 350k-500k wouldn’t find it. Chances are, if a buyer is willing to go to 500k they would likely pitch in a few extra thousand for a home they liked if they saw it in the search.

  1.  Know your minimum

This doesn’t have to be written in stone, but consider some low numbers for your listing that you could live with. Write out these hypothetical prices on a piece of paper to help visualize how you would feel if you receive these offers. Determine how much you are willing to let the house go for in the event you get a lower offer but are eager to sell.

Rural Realty

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There’s no doubt about it; Payson is a beautiful town with plenty to offer in its own right. However, a major attraction to this little town is the diverse housing market just a stone’s throw outside the town’s borders. Many people who move here just want to escape the valley’s hectic lifestyle and blazing summer heat. This dream is not only realized in Payson but in the idyllic surrounding area. For half the commuting time the average Phoenician spends in angry traffic, one can travel between their workplace in Payson and a mountain sanctuary in dozens of nearby forested communities. We’re sharing our top-secret tips to find these hidden gems today. Ditch the pavement for ponderosas

 

Real estate apps

A good place to start is with a reliable real estate app. Thankfully with so many to choose from you can easily find one that caters to your specific needs. For example, United Country’s app (http://www.unitedcountry.com/iphone.htm) allows you to search the U.S. for “countryside” style listings under the slogan “Rural Real Estate at Your Fingertips”. There are many such apps out there ready to assist you in your specific house hunt.

 

Find the right real estate agent for you

The most common advice anyone will give for finding a good real estate agent is asking friends and family about their own experiences. Have your friends tell their friends what kind of home you are searching for to widen your net.

By far the most effective method of finding the right real estate agent for you is through research. The more you narrow down your needs the better. If horse property is important, for instance, this will allow you to focus your parameters more efficiently on a real estate app. For a real estate agent, find out if they have at least a few sales under their belt for the type of house you want. If that information is not available on their website, make a meeting and ask them directly.

 

Pine

Okay, we’ve covered some ways to do your own rural house searching, now let’s look at some of the prime areas around Payson for these kinds of homes.

 Situated 15 miles north of Payson, the cozy town of Pine is tucked into a dense ponderosa forest. While you will most likely go to Payson for your major grocery runs, Pine has a convenient little market as well as several delicious eateries. They even have a farmer’s market with loads of fresh produce and handmade gifts. With plenty of housing developments branching off every direction, this quaint town is only a 20 minute commute to Payson through gorgeous scenery.

 

Strawberry

Just a two mile jaunt north of Pine is an even smaller town called Strawberry. The surrounding area is dotted with fantastic homes nestled away from the rest of the world. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the woods while being in close proximity to your work and shopping needs.

 

Christopher Creek

About 17 miles east of Payson, Christopher Creek boasts one of the most beautiful locations in the Rim Country. A 25 minute, scenic drive down East Highway 260 takes you into the core of what makes the Payson area special. Thick evergreen forests and mountain vistas greet you as soon as you begin your commute. The seasonal Christopher Creek Lodge has scrumptious food and great views. Explore any random road in the area and you will find woodsy communities filled with cabins, a-frames, and even luxury homes to suit your taste.

 

 

 

 

 

 

From Start to Furnish…

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Ways to furnish your new home on a budget

 

You say you just moved into a new house? Congratulations! But before you let us bring the champagne you explain that there’s no furniture in your new home yet. Maybe you moved across the country or just flushed out your old stuff since you were moving anyway. Either way, you need some help furnishing your house and adding your own decorative touch.  Have no fear! We’re here to offer ways to fill up your home without emptying your wallet.

 

Blank Slate

Realize that an empty house is a blessing. It gives you the rare opportunity to actually fill up rooms with only the things you want in them without the guilt of donating some ancient family relic in order to free up space.

Take this moment to look at your blank canvas and think about how you want to furnish it. Go through each room and make a list of what you will use it for. From there consider the style or theme you would like to emerge and if a consistent look throughout the house is important to you or not.

Craigslist

By far one of the most economical ways to furnish your home is through the online classified site, Craigslist. With tens of millions of new postings each month, this online venue can provide literally every last thing you need for your new house.

Of course, with used items of any kind, prudence needs to be exercised. The advantage with buying used furniture is that generally the original owners know they are over a barrel when selling. Used furniture depreciates in value very quickly and is difficult to move, adding (or should we say “subtracting” for your cost) to the challenge of selling it on.

In one instance, a friend bought a queen size mattress off of Craigslist for $100, pitched in an extra $20 to have the owner drive it over in his pickup, and that friend enjoyed years of exceptionally comfortable nights. No joke, the mattress he got was probably originally ten times what he paid for it. No stains, rips, or unpleasant bed bug surprises. It was used gently for a year as the owner had claimed.

Obviously, not every transaction story can be as smooth as the one my friend experienced, but with a combination of caution and research you can score amazing deals on your perfect furnishings. Lots of furniture has to be donated and even then, some volunteer organizations don’t have enough room for all of the donations to even accept them. This leaves owners with the option of paying a fee to trash it or offer good deals locally. Leverage this situation with online stores such as Craigslist.

 

Get Thrifty

The other efficient option is to surf your local thrift stores and used furniture places. Thrift shops are often inundated with donations. Usually with reasonable prices, thrifts are great venues to check out furniture in person. Check closely for faded stains or disintegrating edges.

Filing cabinets, book shelves, and desks abound! Furnish your home office with all the accessories you need to be organized and productive. I know several people who have found incredible office chairs at thrift shops for the equivalent of the price of tax on the same chair in a new office supply store. In addition to some savvy searching, let friends and co-workers know you are in the market for furniture. Just be warned that you might get a lot of junk offers. Don’t accept everything even when it is a generous offer because if it isn’t what you really want, then you will be struggling to pass it on.

 

Solid Foundations: Tips for Purchasing an Investment Property

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“A funny thing happens in real-estate. When it comes back, it comes back up like gangbusters.” So says American businesswoman and investor Barbara Corcoran. And it is true. The real estate world is like a series of intense waves, not unlike other investment venues like the stock market. Regardless of the housing tsunami’s up, down, and up again cycles, most experts agree that property is always a solid asset. Here are some excellent tips for surfing the waves of investment properties.

 

Research

If you can find a real estate agent with experience in flipping properties for a profit, that is ideal, but do your own research too. You are the best resource you have in this case. Much of the same information that an experienced investor has is available to you as well. It may be a little difficult to find for first-time property investors, but it is accessible.

Get advice and experience from friends or friends of friends that have ventured into property investment. Find out how they pursued their purchase and if they used any agent that they give the thumbs-up to.

Consider buying locally, as you undoubtedly already have the knowledge of the area from purchasing your first home. Use this experience to your advantage.

 

Budgeting

At the start, determine your financial limits for investing, allowing for unforeseen expenses that may arise from repairs and the like. A good way to do this is to calculate your fixed costs. That is, add up the expenses that you know you will have each month regardless of anything else. Then, you’ll want to create a number that represents the pesky expenses that creep in. Assume there will be maintenance needs every couple months and double that price to keep your wallet covered.

 

The Down Payment

Buying a second property is more challenging than your first home purchase because the down payment is higher. Investopedia.com’s columnist Tim Parker elaborates, “You will need at least 20 percent, given that mortgage insurance isn’t available on rental properties.”  Since the down payment percentage is quite a bit higher on an investment property, this is an expense you’ll want to factor into your budget.

 

Do your own repairs

Wherever possible, perform your own maintenance on your new property. Unless there is a complicated job like an electrical-related repair that is not only advanced but potentially dangerous, a wealth of handyman tutorials are readily available on YouTube. You can find step-by-step repair videos on virtually everything, and it can save you a ton in the long run. Tim Parker says, “Estimate maintenance costs at 1 percent of the property value annually.” Every time you patch up a problem yourself, you are doing your budget a favor.

 

Summary

One of the primary advantages of purchasing an investment property is that the urgency of a place to live is not stressing you like it did with your first home. Not that there isn’t a whole new set of problems with an investment house, but don’t let anyone pressure you into purchasing until you feel good about the decision. Take your time. Weigh your options and negotiate the price down. Remember that every little bit you can deal is financing you can invest in your new property and your future.

Keeping up Appearances

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Fall Yard Beauty Tips

Leaves may be falling, but house prices are staying strong according to a number of real estate-tracking websites. Keep those values high while also keeping your yard beautiful during the autumn season. During the spring and summer it’s easier to maintain the exterior appeal of your home since everything grows more effortlessly with the help of the monsoons. However, the later end of the year poses more challenges to continue the manicured appearance outside. Beautify your home’s autumn look with these useful tips.

 

Yard Clean Up

Raking leaves is the most stereotypical image we think of when we hear the word “autumn”. It’s a cozy activity and more importantly essential care for your yard and lawn. Dead leaves will block necessary sunlight to your lawn so clearing them out is one of the most basic favors you can give to your yard.

 

Great Opportunity to control weeds

The fall is a great time to literally weed out the unwanted things in your garden. Clear out the dry stalks and dead leaves on your floral bushes or climbing vines. Once these are out of the way you can easily identify the pesky weeds that are still squatting in your garden.

Because the ground may be hard at this time of year, you may need a sharp, forked tool to stab into the roots of these weeds before you can comfortably pull them out by hand. Extract these weeds and add them to your compost pile.

 

Autumn Lawn Care

Now is the ideal time to repair damaged patches of your lawn. Whether from dryness or perhaps a dog looking for a lost bone, lawns have a tendency to get thin or completely dead in some areas for a variety of reasons.

Reseed these areas now for the best results. Without as many weeds, fall offers the best time to regenerate the dead patches of your lawn. The mild Arizona autumn weather also gives new seedlings a better chance to root themselves before the blazing summer. For even better results, feed your lawn twice during the fall to support not only the new growth but revive any patches that may be withering from the summer heat. Allow about eight weeks between feeding to achieve the healthiest results.

 

Thoughts to ‘Leaf’ With

Some yard care in the autumn is harder but thankfully nature gives a hand with some of it, such as clearing out the dead wood so-to-speak. Whether it’s just for maintaining an attractive real estate listing or just the satisfaction of a beautiful view while you sip on your hot cocoa, a little outdoor maintenance makes your fall a better experience.

Looking for Dog-friendly Housing

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In an ideal world, you would find pet-friendly apartments or housing in the area you want to be near the job you’ve got. However, sometimes the only area that is practical for your purposes doesn’t welcome pets with open arms. The most challenging scenario is usually finding rentals that allow dogs, so here are some strategies to employ when moving with your canine companion.

Search and Research

When you begin your pet-friendly housing hunt, consider some helpful resources like the local humane society. Animal care facilities such as these will often have some leads on pet-friendly housing available in the community.

If nothing presents itself from these resources, make a list of the most desirable areas you’d like to move to. Some housing will accept a limited range of pets or have a weight limit on dogs such as 20 pounds. Even if a location has specifications that are outside your dog’s size, you are more likely to negotiate your way in if you can prove you are a conscientious pet owner.

One of the most likely places to find some negotiating leverage is in private housing. Approach a potential landlord with the willingness to show them what a responsible dog owner you are.

Dog training

If your dog isn’t already trained, it’s a good idea to find a reputable trainer for your dog. Unless your dog is highly disobedient, trainers can get most breeds up to standards within a few months. A well-trained dog makes a positive impression and also provides useful supporting documentation to show a landlord.

Powers of Persuasion

Consider the situation from the home owner’s or landlord’s position. You wouldn’t want a dog messing up your rental any more than you would want a person to. In this way you have a great opportunity to make the right impression. A reliable pet owner would likely make a conscientious renter too.

Be willing to put down the extra money for a pet damage deposit. This shows the owner that you take responsibility and are serious about making this arrangement work. Lastly, get the agreement in writing.

Get the job… I mean home!

Persuading a landlord to let your dog move in along with you is not so different than a job interview with a company. You need to convince them you’re a safe bet for the position. Just like a job interview, now is the time to boast your (or in this case your dog’s) qualifications. Bring your pet in to meet the landlord and see for themselves how well-behaved it is.

Make a file of all papers relating to your pet and bring it with you when you talk to a landlord. Words are nice, but official documents are always more persuasive. Veterinary records showing a clean bill of health are recommended. Proudly show any training certifications your dog has successfully completed. If you don’t have any relevant documentation, ask a trusted veterinarian to give you a positive statement about your pet’s obedience, health, and great behavior.

Living High – Looking for Luxury Homes

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There’s nothing like moving in to that beautiful 5 bedroom 4 bath tucked away in the woods. Whether you’re searching for a five-star dream home or the ultimate oasis in the desert, this house hunt is an exciting step in your life.

This is also likely the biggest single purchase you will ever make. Obviously, you want to do this right. To aid you in your quest, we’re offering four strategic snippets of advice for your luxury home query.

1) Find an experienced agent

It’s always a good idea to connect with a reliable REALTOR®, but even more important in the luxury home market. Not only do the house prices rise, but so do the price of amenities that come with a high-end home.

When you sit down with a potential broker, bear in mind a few extra questions:

  • Does the broker have a good track record? (i.e. has he or she got a decent number of sales under their belt?)
  • Does the broker know the area you are interested in like a local?
  • Has the broker handled several luxury home sales before?

2) Know what you want

You’re in the realm of luxury homes now. Think big because the sky’s the limit! Okay, unless you’ve got your own oil wells, that might be an exaggeration. However, high-end homes typically boast a multitude of extraordinary conveniences and it’s important to know what you want before beginning your search.

Are you an avid chef? While most luxury homes will have gorgeous kitchens, make sure the layout is to your liking. The best kitchens are beautiful and functional. Having ample counter space laid out in a practical manner allows your culinary skills to shine. You might need your own movie theater to chill in after dinner. After a good work out in your exercise room, there’s nothing better than relaxing in your spa.

3) Learn about the area

I know we use the word “research” a lot on this blog, but it really is important. Find out all you can about the surrounding area of your ideal location. Make sure that beautiful view from the second story balcony won’t be obscured by a high rise development in a couple years. Ask your broker about the zoning and land nearby.

4) Study market trends

Time your purchase when the supply of luxury homes is high and the prices are down. In the luxury home buying game, it is better to not be in a hurry. If possible, take your time in this process and your purchase will be one you can be happy with for years to come.

Summary

Buying a luxury home is an exciting milestone. Prepare for this significant purchase with a solid list of what you want, team up with a knowledgeable real estate agent, and you’re on your way to luxury living.

 

A Model Home: 3 Inexpensive Ways to Increase Your Home Value

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Ways to Increase Your Home Value 

No one wants to see tacky walls and broken drawers. A handful of minor improvements can be the difference between selling or sitting. There are a lot of ways to spruce up your listing even on a tight budget. Here are some cost-effective fix-up projects to boost the value of your home.

 

Get in Sink

Over time water corrodes the seal around sinks and faucets. This not only can cause leaks but lead to icky-looking counter tops. Tubs and their surroundings need some TLC too. Thankfully, resealing sinks and tubs is a relatively easy task. Get some caulk and fill in those deteriorated seals. It goes a long way to sprucing up any kitchen or bathroom. If you are uncertain what kind of caulk is right for your sink, it’s a good idea to inquire at your local hardware store.

Get a Handle on Things

Get a grip on your home’s appeal and purchase some replacement handles for cabinets and drawers. Hardware stores generally have inexpensive options for handles, but whatever style you choose to buy just be sure they all match the same style. Potential buyers will subconsciously like the consistent look in your home and of course a fresher image all around.

Give Your Home a Facelift
Perhaps the most significant improvement you can make to your home is repainting the walls. Nothing infuses a house with new life like a fresh coat of paint. In most cases, you’ll want to go for a neutral tone that gives the house a nice, clean look. Potential buyers will see a bright, blank canvas in which they can picture themselves.

At the same time you do some repainting, you’ll have the opportunity to fill in small holes made by nails and thumbtacks. Unless the hole is really big, most can be fixed with a touch of spackle or similar paste. Most stores carry a specific, easy-to-use nail hole patch which can conveniently be administered through a long-nosed applicator.

You can give your home an additional boost with some wallpaper. Depending on the tone you chose when painting, matching wallpaper can transform any room from ordinary to stylish. If you don’t feel like you have the decorating gene, it’s okay. From plenty of inspirational imagery that can be found online to creative advice from the paint department, there are plenty of ways to get the creative support you and your home need.