Category Archives: Payson Realtor

Should you sell during the holidays?

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Should you sell during the holidays?


Scale back on holiday decorations. Buyers want neutral. Depending on how into decorating sellers are, this could go into either the pro or con column. A seller might want to look into a professional home stager to do their holiday decorations and get them just right. Don’t leave gifts under the tree. There is no reason to welcome in thieves along with potential buyers. Make it smell (and taste) great with freshly baked cookies. Below are a couple of pros and cons to selling during the holidays:

Pro – Buyers that are looking for a home during the busy holiday season are usually more serious about finding a home and are ready to make a decision.

Con – Homebuyers could get the false impression that a seller is desperate and give a low offer if they keep their property listed during this season

Pro – Being in a home during the cold months means a seller will get to see the heating system in action. Ditto for how well the home is insulated and if there is any issue with draftiness around doors and windows. That is a definite plus.

Con – People have more flexible schedules during holiday season, meaning they can view the house at any time. This can become inconvenient for a seller at this very busy time of year (think parties, family time, gift wrapping, baking, etc) Is it worth the hassle?

A seller can consider taking their property off the market during the holidays. They can discuss with their agent if this is a good strategy. Relisting in the new year could ultimately benefit them. New eyes. Fresh start.

There are points both for and against to contemplate when deciding whether or not to list or keep a property listed during the holiday season. In any scenario, it is always wise to seek the counsel of a trusted real estate professional who can guide them with seasoned advice to make the best choice for their situation.

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.

 

Fore! Look out for Great Golf Community Homes of the Rim Country

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The Rim Club in Payson, AZ

 

The Rim Country is host to many beautiful wonders, not the least of which is the abundance of tall ponderosa pines standing proudly throughout the area. Nestled among some of these portions of gorgeous pines are also some of the most striking golf courses in Arizona. With clear air and mild temperatures for much of the year, the Payson area contains hidden gems for golf enthusiasts.

Along with picturesque courses are magnificent homes tucked in right next to the greens. If golf is your sport and cool mountain air is your preference, Payson gladly provides both. Here are a few premium options for golf course properties for those ready to take a swing into the Rim Country.

 

Chaparral Pines

Chaparral Pines is the superior location for luxury homes in Payson, Arizona. This prestigious gated community boasts a breathtaking golf course owned by Mickelson Golf Properties, a joint venture of the legendary golf partnership between Phil Mickelson and Steve Loy. Chaparral Pines website provides a page which offers a detailed analysis of each of the course’s holes (http://chaparralpines.com/golf/course-tour).

Golf Digest magazine lists this course in the “Top 10 New Private Golf Courses in the U.S.” A combination of natural topography and artificial lakes make the Chaparral Pines golf experience one-of-a-kind.

 

The Rim Club

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful golf courses in Payson as well as the state, The Rim Club offers a scenic golf course designed by legendary course designer Jay Morrish and professional golfer Tom Weiskopf. This course features several water hazards and plenty of natural obstacles, all at the crisp elevation of 5000 feet.

In addition to a breathtaking setting for golf courses, The Rim Club also features The Mountain Spa, a luxurious venue for massage as well as having a lavish salon. There is also a tennis court, swimming pool, fitness center, and more to round out an all-in-one package within a gated community.

 

Payson Golf Course

On the west side of Payson, past the serene Green Valley Park, lies the Payson Golf Course. This lovely 18 hole course offers great views and a combination of challenge and leisure. With affordable rates and well-groomed greens, the Payson Golf Course provides a golfer’s oasis year round that is open to the public.

 

Finding Homes Near the Courses

With a handful of beautiful golf courses in the Payson area, many people search for homes near these wonderful greens. The best way to start is by contacting your real estate agent. Get them on board and brainstorm your own ideas of what you want.

With many golf communities in the Rim Country vicinity, the real question is deciding where you want to locate yourself.

Many other options abound for properties and homes in close proximity to the golf courses. Basically, finding the right fit for you boils down to focusing in more and more on what you need and want in a golf community.

 

Some Questions to Think About

When contacting your real estate agent, it’s a good idea to organize your thoughts a little in advance. Some questions you might ask are:

  • How close do you want to be to the golf course? Do you want to be right on the green or a couple minutes’ drive from the course to minimize noise and increase privacy?
  • Does a gated community matter to you?
  • What kinds of dining do you hope for in the area?
  • What noise concerns might you have?
  • Are you allergic to certain types of trees or plants?
  • What are the three most important aspects of a home to you?

 

Cover your bases, and your real estate agent will cover your back. Find your golf community home today and tee off!

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

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.

Payson Realtor – 3 Out-of-the-Box Things to Consider When Looking for a Home

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payson realtor looking for home

Payson Realtor – 3 Out-of-the-Box Things to Consider When Looking for a Home

With all of the details to pay attention to when buying a house, it can be difficult to think of everything. There are plenty of “top 10” lists that cover critical issues for house hunters to remember, but here are a few extra thoughts on not-so-obvious house concerns that could end up being just as essential.

1) Imagine a potential house with your furniture in it

Assuming the home you are looking at is not displayed with a full range of chairs, tables, and the like, visualize the furniture that you either have or want to put in the various rooms and spaces. A charming home can quickly transform into a cramped cage once you insert your favorite sofa, coffee table, and a recliner into it. What about that gorgeous armoire which stands taller than you do? Don’t forget the dog’s chew-proof bed. Making a list of key furniture items and their dimensions and bringing a tape measure with you can make a big difference in planning ahead for your potential purchase.

2) Neighbor noise

When you moved into your first home, you probably thought you had left the noisy dorm days of college behind. In some cases, people never grow up and it would be very unfortunate for those people to turn out to be your new neighbors. This can be a difficult irritation to weed out, since the neighborhood in which you are visiting a house for sale could seem all nice and serene when the Realtor is showing it off. But, with a little research online or some friendly inquiries to someone you may know in the general vicinity, a situation with unruly neighbors might be prevented.

3) Open land next to your dream home could be a shopping mall next year

There have been many stories of new home owners who buy a house next to a lovely open field without knowing there are plans to put a road through it and a convenience store on the corner. Of course, there is not always a way to know who will purchase open land and develop it, but just being aware of potential construction in vacant lots or land can help avoid an unpleasant surprise down the road. Once again, a little extra research can go a long way.

Payson Realtor – Spring Time Home Maintenance Tips

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Payson Realtor – Spring Time Home Maintenance Tips

Now that Spring is in full swing and the temperatures are warming up, it’s time to do some maintenance chores around the house. By doing these chores now, it will help maintain your home and always have it in great condition when you are ready to sell your house. By making minor repairs throughout the year, it can keep those major, costly repair projects at bay. So lets get started with your chore list.

The Roof, Gutters, and Chimney – Now that the snow has melted, is a great time to inspect the shingles on your roof. You may also want to blow the leaves and pine needles from your roof. Then move on to cleaning your gutters so when the Sumer rains come, they will be in good working order. Also, look at your chimney, if you have one, and inspect for any damage or build up. Now is a great time to get your chimney or fire pipe cleaned and inspected by a professional, as they are not as busy as in the fall.

Yard Debris & Maintenance – Now moving into the yard area of your home. You will want to rake up any leaves, pine cones, and other winter debris. Look for any limbs that need trimming. Also check any yard hydrant faucet and hose bibs on the sides of the house to make sure they did not freeze during winter and are in good working condition.

Service AC Unit – Again, it is Spring. Heating and Cooling contractors are in their shoulder months so they will be less busy now to perform the annual maintenance on your unit then they will be as the temperatures rise. Remember to also change your filters regularly.

Smoke Alarms- It is also a great idea to check the batteries in your smoke detectors around your house just to be on the safe side.

If you need any local professionals to help you with your spring home maintenance project, just pop on over to the helpful numbers page on my website.