Tag Archives: Payson Real Estate

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.

Finding a Listing Agent

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Finding a Listing Agent

With just a cursory glance, you probably find a dozen different local real estate agents in your area. You want to sell your house, but how do you know which agent is right for you? Like choosing anything, a little research goes a long way in getting better results.

Credibility

The first step in choosing a listing agent begins with credibility. Let’s start with a little information on the types of representatives that are out there. There are real estate agents, brokers, and Realtors, but what is the difference between all of these? And why do Realtors get capitalized?

To put it simply, a real estate broker has completed a broker’s exam and therefore has the right to work independently or with others whereas a real estate agent must work for a broker or Realtor.

Back to the question of why a Realtor gets their title capitalized— well, it’s simple. “Realtor” is a trademark and indicates an individual who is a member of the National Association of Realtors. This distinction does assure that he or she has the extra training and knowledge on realty-related issues beyond a state’s particular laws, but it is not necessarily the criteria by which to choose a reliable agent.

 

Ask Others

When it comes to finding a listing agent, it’s hard to beat good ol’ word-of-mouth. There’s no credibility like first-hand positive experience. Ask your friends or co-workers who sold their houses. This will at least give you a starting point and even if you don’t like the agent your friend used, you’ve got a foot in the door of a real estate office where you can get a feel for the other agents working there.

While not as trustworthy as a friend’s word, testimonials on a website are a great source for determining a listing agent’s reliability. As long as there are more than just a couple testimonials available, it won’t be too difficult to get a cursory idea about someone.

 

Experience

Perhaps more important than anything else, experience says the most about a listing agent. Whether a real estate agent, broker, or Realtor, an individual’s track record conveys the most about them. Find out how long an agent has been licensed and what their typical time-frame is for sales.

Take a look at your house inside and out and consider what kind of potential buyers you might have. Does your property have enough space for an RV lover? Maybe your home is ideally suited for a large family. In whatever way your house can be highlighted, find out what kinds of listings your prospective listing agent has successfully sold. Someone who has proven themselves selling similar listings is likely a good match for you.

 

Make Your Move: 4 Tips for Moving Out & Moving In

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Make Your Move: 4 Tips for Moving Out & Moving In

 

One of the biggest undertakings when buying a new home is moving. From packing to getting your previous home cleaned up, the list just goes on and on. So today we’re here to give you some moving tips to make the haul into your new home a little easier.

1) Strategic packing materials

Many soft items can be used to protect your dishes and fragile items. Tee-shirts work well for individual breakables like plates. Towels are great for larger delicate items and can be shaped any way you need. A large beach or bath towel can line a box of glasses or other fragile items. If you just look for soft objects in your house, you can find a variety of things to insulate your moving boxes, save on space and packing material costs.

2) Getting rid of stuff

Moving is a great opportunity to flush out the things you no longer use or wear. The less stuff you have to pack and haul around, the easier your move will be. So, it’s time to go through the closet and the garage to dig out those things that have been lying around unused for years.

Have more winter coats than you ever use? How about the shoes that have only been worn once? Get a box of donations together from your closet and take it down to your local thrift store. There are probably some tools in the garage that don’t get used and there are probably a neighbor or two that would take these off your hands. Whatever way you pare down, when it comes to moving, less is definitely more.

3) Timing

Moving is a big job. Even if, after you’ve packed everything up, you get moved into your new home in one day, it’s likely going to take a few days just to create a scintilla of order. Also, you probably aren’t going to feel up to going to work the following day so planning a three day weekend could alleviate some of the stress of your move.

4) Have what you need

Because it’s unlikely to unpack everything in your new home right away, it’s a good idea to have a bag or even a single box of essential items you will need for your first few days after the move. Toiletries, a few dishes, and any other essentials will make your post-move days smoother. If you plan on going to work within a day or two of your move, it’s convenient to have a couple work outfits nicely packed in a separate case, ready and waiting.

Moving is exciting. It means you’re starting a new chapter! Make turning this new page of your life a fun experience by eliminating extra stress with a little planning ahead.

Payson Real Estate: Buying a home – A few things to take into account before making an offer

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Payson Real Estate: Buying a homePayson Real Estate: Buying a home – A few things to take into account before making an offer

If you are interested in buying a home in the Payson real estate market, you should know that you must consider a few important things before making an offer. After all, you are looking for a new home where you and your family will live for a long time. In addition to the safety of the neighborhood, access to schools and healthcare facilities, and closeness to work, there are few other things that are equally important.

Your budget

When people make a decision to buy a new home, they usually have some budget in mind. In other words, they know whether they can afford that home or not. So, no matter how beautiful the home may look, if it doesn’t match your budget don’t waste your time – simply move on. Never buy a home that you can’t actually afford. In case you buy a home that doesn’t match your financial capabilities, it is very likely that your home will go into foreclosure because you won’t be able to make the required monthly payments.

A thorough inspection

Experienced realtors know that there are many houses that look impressive both outside and inside, but these houses can still have some problems that ordinary people can’t notice. The only way to avoid these unpleasant surprises is to perform a thorough inspection. In case you believe that you have found a home that you really like, it’s perfectly fine to put some money down as a sign that you are serious about the purchase, but this payment should be directly related to the final results of a professional home inspection. Using the help of these professionals will confirm that you are looking at a good home. In case the home inspection report indicated that there are certain damages, check whether this damage is easy to repair. Of course, you should also find out how much it will cost to repair these problems. Obviously, in case the damages are practically unfixable or they are expensive, it’s the best idea to avoid that home. Don’t forget that the market is full of homes for sale.

Space

Your future home is not just a place that provides enough space for your family now – it should provide enough space in the future too. In case you are moving into your new home with your spouse and you still don’t have children, you still need to think about the space your future kids will need.

Amenities and features

There are many homes for sales that have more or less special amenities and features like beautiful, large garden areas or spacious decks. There is no doubt that they will make the home more attractive, but they will also increase the price of the house. It is a good idea to think if you will really use these additional features. Additionally, you must check whether these amenities and features are in a good condition, otherwise, you will have to pay for their revitalization.

Payson Real Estate – 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home

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Payson Real Estate New Years Resolutions HomePayson Real Estate – 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home

It is almost time to start thinking about your New Year’s Resolutions which typically mean to make ones like losing weight, exercise more, and save more money. But how about setting some resolutions just for your home. Now is a great time to set some goals for improving your home.

#1 – Small Home Improvements: How about starting off with a small list of little home improvements that would really help around the house. Maybe you have a broken tile which needs to be repaired or a leaky faucet which needs fixed. Or maybe the weather stripping around the front door is torn and needs to be replaced. Fixing these small items can really help maintain your home in the long run.

#2 – Remove the Clutter & Organize: Now organization is always a popular New Year’s Resolution. Although it’s been said, “You can’t organize clutter.” So the first step is to remove the extra stuff and clutter from your home then you can organize the rest and find a place for everything. It’s hard to keep an area clean if items do not have a specific place to “live.”

#3 – Home Security: Often times when people think about home safety they think of a security system for their home to keep the “bad guys” out. But home safety is much more than that. Think about checking and replacing the batteries in your smoke detectors. Also be sure to clean the lint from your dryer vent.

#4 – Cleaning System: Now that you have removed the clutter and organized your home it’s time to work out daily chores and a weekly cleaning system to keep your home in order. On a daily basis, make sure the dishes get in the dishwasher at night so you have a shining sink to wake up to in the morning. Also they say a load of laundry a day can keep it under control. So make sure clean clothes get put away. A few minutes in the evening of “picking up” will start the day with a picked up home. Then develop a weekly cleaning system like cleaning the floors on Monday and the bathrooms on Tuesday. This way keep a clean home will only take a few minutes each day.

#5 – Cut Your Utility Bills: Ok, this New Year’s Resolution can help you save money. You can save money on your electricity bill by turning off lights when they are not in use, replacing light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, and drying some clothes on a clothes line instead of the dryer. Also reduce your water bill by installing low-flow shower heads, running the dishwasher only when full, and planting drought-resistant landscaping in your yard so you can water less. These tips won’t only save you money but will help the environment as well.

Payson Real Estate – 5 Welcoming Winter Decorating Tips

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Payson Real Estate Welcoming Decorating Tips

Payson Real Estate – 5 Welcoming Winter Decorating Tips

Colder weather has come to the Rim Country and its time to do some winter decorating now that the season has finally started to change. Here are five winter decorating tips to make your home more welcoming and cozy.

Tip #1 – Focus on your Living Room – You can arrange furniture in your living room to make it cozier. If you have a fireplace or wood burning stove, you may want to move couches and chairs to focus around the heat source. Also adding some throw pillows and blankets help keep guests and family members comfy and warm.

Tip #2 – Adding Warmth to the Bedrooms – In winter, a popular decorating tip is to layer fabrics. Adding different textured blankets and throws to the bed along with pillows of different fabrics can add coziness to an otherwise cold bedroom during the winter months. Remember to avoid the winter blues by adding pops of color thru out the house as well.

Tip #3 – Trimming the Floors – If you have wood floors in your home you may want to put down area rugs in the main living areas of your home to keep those toes toasty in the winter time. A fluffy floor area rug can add warmth to a room.

Tip #4 – Warm the Windows – During colder weather a lot of your home’s heat can be lost by large north facing windows. Consider adding thick curtains to these windows which will help keep the cold air out while keeping the heat inside.

Tip #5 – Season Scents – Remember nothing says, “Warm and Welcoming” like the scents of the season. Whether it is evergreen, cinnamon, or even a candle with the scent of apple pie or vanilla; these scents will welcome guests into your cozy home this winter.

So, enjoy the cooler winter months with these welcoming decorating tips for your home. If you have any questions about listing your home for sale  or purchasing a home in the Payson Real Estate Market call Rory at 928-595-0136.

Payson Real Estate – Fall Community Events in the Rim Country

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Payson Real Estate Fall Community EventsPayson Real Estate – Fall Community Events in the Rim Country

Well, fall is in full swing. The colors are changing  all over the Rim Country. Pumpkin festivals are happening all around the state of Arizona. And here in Payson, AZ we have community events ranging from Jazz Concerts to our Trunk or Treat Festival to our Annual Turkey Trot in the next month and a half. Below is a list of events to enjoy this fall in the Rim Country. Make sure to get out and enjoy it.

Sunday, October 30th – At 2pm at the Sanctuary at 800 West Main Street, the October Jazz All-Stars will be featuring Loannis Goudelis piano in a Quartet.

Monday, October 31st – The Town of Payson Trunk or Treat Festival will be held from 6pm until 9pm at the Oxbow Saloon on Historic Main Street. Bring out all your witches and goblins for a good time.

Wednesday, November 9th – The Next Generation Leahy will be performing their Celtic based music as a part of the TCCA Concert Series from 7pm until 9pm at the Payson High School Auditorium.

Friday, November 11th – From 2pm until 4pm there will be a Veteran’s Day Program at the Payson High School Auditorium.

Saturday November 12th – At the Payson Public Library there will be a Tree Workshop and Firewise Education program from 9am until noon. This is a great workshop for homeowners to learn about which trees to plant in our area.

Sunday, November 13th – The November Jazz All-Stars will be featuring saxophonist Tony Vacca from 2pm until 4pm at the Community Presbyterian Church at 800 West Main Street.

Saturday, November 19th – The Annual Turkey Trot – 5K fun run will be held at 9am. Registration begins at  8am at Green Valley Park. Participants who pre-register will receive a long-sleeved sweatshirt.

Friday & Saturday November 26th & 27th – The Swiss Village will be holding their annual Christmas Lighting. A carnival will be there for kids to enjoy as well as Santa Claus. Face painting, magicians, and Christmas carolers will also be there for more entertainment. Bring some can goods as they will be collecting food for the area food banks.

Saturday, December 3rd – The Electric Light Parade will be held from 6pm until 8pm down Historic Main Street. Come see all the bright Christmas Lights and enjoy the hometown family fun to kick off the Holiday Season.

Payson Real Estate – Fall Maintenance Tips for your Home

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Payson Real Estate Fall Maintenance TIpsPayson Real Estate – Fall Maintenance Tips for your Home

Fall is a period of many changes. For instance, some fruits are becoming ripe, leaves are changing their colors and temperatures are going down especially at night. It turns out that fall is the ideal season to get involved in some home maintenance activities too because every home must be prepared for the colder months in a timely manner. According to many experts, fall cleaning is as important as spring cleaning. That’s why we have decided to create a list of fall home maintenance tips that will help you keep your most valuable possession (your home) safe and in great condition when you are ready to put it up for sale on the Payson real estate market.

Leaky faucets

Inspect all the faucets on your property to make sure that they are not dripping or leaking. Visit your bath, kitchen and utility rooms. In case you notice any leaky faucets, replace them before the colder months come because you can experience more serious problems. It is also a good idea to turn off the sprinkler system and outdoor faucets during fall and winter.

Check the furnace

Find a good HVAC service provider and prepare your furnace. If your furnace is working in a proper way, you will save energy which means that you will save some money too. Keep in mind that you should change the furnace filter at least 3-4 times during autumn and winter.

Inspect the gutters

As we all know, fall season usually brings some rainfall and that’s why the gutters must be checked on a regular basis. They can easily get clogged with leaves and needles causing problems to the external walls and roof. Besides cleaning the debris from the gutters, you should also check whether the gutters are damaged or not and whether the water is draining in the right direction. If the water is not draining away in a proper way you can damage your house’s foundation.

Check the attic

Visit the attic before fall comes and check the insulation. Watch for signs of leaks and damages. Additionally, make sure that the insulation is not blocking the ventilation system. This inspection will also help you determine whether the area is sealed well, so you won’t have to deal with pests in winter.

Check the windows

Windows that are not sealed well can lead to a wide range of problems. They can use a lot of energy from your home when it becomes cold. So, look for air leaks, malfunctioning glass fitting, and ill-conditioned caulking. If you’ve been thinking about replacing weather-stripping then this is the right time to do it.

Check the fireplace

In case you have a fireplace, this is a good time to inspect the vents and the chimney. If there is any sign of blockage, hire a professional to clean them. Keep in mind that a clean chimney prevents some serious problems like CO intoxication and a chimney fire.

We hope that these tips will help you prepare your home for the colder months. And if you have any questions about the Payson Real Estate Market, contact Rory at 928-595-0136.

Payson Real Estate – Tips for Selling your Home in the Fall Season

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payson real estate fall selling tipsPayson Real Estate – Tips for Selling your Home in the Fall Season

According to some statistics, the majority of homes are sold in the fall and spring season in the Payson real estate market. This makes sense because, after the long hot summer days, people are focused on taking some life-changing steps and buying a new home is certainly one of those steps. However, this doesn’t mean that you just need to list your home and wait for the buyers to come. On the contrary, you must be active and get involved in some activities that will help you sell your home in the fall season faster and bring you more money.

So, before the holiday season kicks in, try to use some of these tips to increase your chances for a good deal for your home.

  1. Take care of the exterior

There are many people who make the same mistake by focusing on the interior of their home. Of course, the interior probably plays a crucial role when it comes to overall appearance, but truth is that the exterior is very important too especially during the fall season. Let’s not forget that the exterior of the property is the first thing that buyers will see and as we all know the first impression is always important. So, remove the fallen leaves, remove the weeds and mow the lawn. It’s also a nice idea to plant some vegetables or decorative plants that naturally grow during the fall season like pumpkins, so you can create a beautiful atmosphere.

  1. Change the listing

Analyze the photos that you have submitted together with the home listing online and add new ones or replace them completely with photos that represent your home during the fall season. In most cases, your home will look more interesting during this season because of the interesting contrast of changing colors outside your home. This is especially true for those who have trees and plants in their yards.

  1. Replace the décor

Most people associate the fall season with dull and dark things, but it doesn’t have to be like that. The cold weather should not stop you from creating a more enthusiastic atmosphere in and around your house. Include seasonal decorations with autumn colors around your home. Experts advise the use of neutral, earthy colors on the walls and throws, cushion covers and other furnishings in warmer colors including orange and red.

  1. Make your home warmer

The fall season brings colder days and nights and these low temperatures can affect the mood of the buyer. However, by setting an ideal temperature inside your home, the visitors will feel more comfortable and satisfied. Don’t hesitate to use the fireplace in case you have one. A fireplace can create a cozy, friendly atmosphere.

  1. Take care of the small details

Even though this tip can help you at any season, we will still mention it. Creating a warm atmosphere inside your home should be your top priority. That’s why you should add some aromas around your home with the help of candles, fresheners or even with some baked goods.