Treating Termintes

pest controlWhether you are buying, selling or living in a home, termites are likely something you will encounter. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that homeowners spend more than $2 billion annually on termite pest control and on repairs caused by termite damage. Termites also damage more than 600,000 homes annually here in the United States, thus making termite prevention and control a critical part of home maintenance.

The first thing to remember is that termites do work slowly. Most termite colonies take 2-3 years to form. Therefore, if you do see evidence of termites, you have time to determine how you’re going to deal with them most effectively, and it’s not going to be an emergency situation. Generally speaking, termites become more active in times of moisture as they can’t move around without moisture. So here in Arizona, that time is typically after monsoon season has ended, and the temperatures have dropped; mid-September through December.

It’s critical that you have a termite inspection of your home at least once a year. In between the inspection times, be sure to personally walk around the exterior and interior of your home every few months to look for mud tubes. The mud tubes look like dry brown tubes about the width of a pencil on the walls. If you discover evidence of termites in the form of these tubes, it’s time to call a termite exterminator.

Finally, take steps to prevent future termites. Preventing moisture from getting inside the walls of your home is critical. Therefore, keep your home’s foundation dry by preventing irrigation systems from dripping or leaking near your home’s structure. Keep attics well-ventilated and seal all openings into your home such as cracks and knotholes. Taking these simple steps will go a long way to prevent these omnipresent wood-loving bugs.

Celebrate Memorial Day

Memorial DayMemorial Day has become a day for picnics, pool parties and the start of summer vacations, but it’s important to remember the holiday has somber roots. Memorial Day was first held on May 30th, 1868, to honor those lost during the Civil War.  After the United States’ involvement in World War I, the holiday was expanded to honor all killed in any US war. Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1968, this moved the observance of Memorial Day from May 30th to the last Monday in May. Here are some events and activities in the valley to celebrate Memorial Day and honor those who we have lost.

Flags for Our Fallen
More than 200 bikers with 500 American flags will pay tribute to those who have served our country. Camping is available starting Friday, May 24th. Riders arrive at 4am on Memorial Day; the ceremony will begin at 8am.
Details: 5-9am Monday, May 27th. 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix. Free to participate; $10 each or three for $25 to sponsor flags. ridersusa.net

Memorial Day with Pioneers’ Cemetery Association
The Pioneers’ Cemetery Association presents its annual Memorial Day observance with Marty Manning as master of ceremonies. Free public parking available at Wesley Bolin Plaza. After the ceremony, tour the cemeteries and visit the historic Smurthwaite House.
Details: 9am Monday, May 27th. Pioneer and Military Memorial Park, 14th Avenue and Jefferson Street, Phoenix. Free. azhistcemeteries.org

Blue Star Museums Initiative
The Heard Museum is part of this program which offers free admission for active-duty military personnel and their families from May 27th through Labor Day, September 2nd. That includes active-duty Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserve members and up to five immediate family members.
Details: 9:30am-5pm Mondays-Saturdays; 11am-5pm Sundays. 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Free to those eligible members; $7.50-$18 for others. heard.org

Prescott Memorial Day Observance
Head up north to Prescott to join U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar, Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli and others at the annual Memorial Day Observance at the Historic Citizens Cemetery.
Details: 9-10am Monday, May 27th. Citizens Cemetery, 815 Sheldon St., Prescott. Free. prescott.org

Arizona Day Trips

Grand Canyon

As we approach Memorial Day, the summer heat is also approaching fast.  Sometimes the best way to escape the heat is to escape entirely, even if only for a day.  Here are some popular day trips to consider this summer:

Sedona. Pack up up a cooler and head to Sedona for the day.  Sedona is a mecca for hikers, mountain bikers, golfers, art lovers and shoppers. Everyone who visits enjoys the jaw-dropping views of Sedona’s red rock formations.  First-time visitors to Sedona may want to consider signing up for a Jeep tour which is an exciting, off-road way to experience Sedona.

Lake Pleasant Regional Park.  This gorgeous park is located on Carefree Highway, about 15 miles west of the I-17 freeway.  This 23,000-acre desert park has the beautiful Lake Pleasant as its crown jewel.  There are multiple ways to enjoy this desert oasis.  From fishing, boating and hiking to camping and swimming, there is something for everyone at Lake Pleasant.

Grand Canyon.  The Grand Canyon is only about 4 ½ hours north of Phoenix, so it’s entirely possible to make the Grand Canyon a destination for a day trip.  Assuming you don’t want to hike into the canyon or take a mule trip down its depths, you will have a good 4-5 hours to take in the stunning vistas of this national park without having to find overnight accommodations.

Verde Canyon Railroad.  This is a fantastic day trip any time of year, and you’re sure to see abundant wildlife as well as Indian dwellings.  The train leaves from Clarksdale, about 2 hours north of Phoenix, and is ridden 4 hours (out and back) along the Verde River through the gorgeous Verde Canyon. You may also want to consider taking one of the moonlight trips during the summer months to experience the Sonoran Desert after dark.

Jerome.   This is a must-see for visitors and residents of Arizona.  The historic copper mining town is located only about 90 miles from Phoenix between Prescott and Flagstaff.  This mountainside town, at 5,200 feet elevation, features lots of shopping, dining and art, all within historic buildings.  This fun day trip is suitable for all ages.

Do you have a favorite Arizona day trip? Please share with us so we can it to our summer plans!

Phoenix/Scottsdale Real Estate Market May Update – April 2019 Stats

Here is the Phoenix/Scottsdale area Monthly Real Estate Market Report for May 2019, which shows 9,671 homes sold in the month of April compared to 9,165 homes in April 2018. This is a 5.3% increase in the number homes sold year over year, and an increase of 12.1% from last month! The market has increased seasonally and remains strong with the average sale price is up 5.1% year over year. And the amount of listed homes is up by 7.2% to 17,724 from 16,450 in April 2018. Demand is still gaining strength into Spring/Summer when the market is strong seasonally. And sales activity that had been constrained by the lower supply of listed homes has improved but the number of listed homes has come down a bit again. The average days on market is down 4.5% from last month to just 63 days.

Click here to see the full April 2019 Market Report & Statistics

Give us a call or text us at 480-754-9477 or 480-754-9077 and let us know if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home this Spring/Summer, as the strong market continues to be good for both buyers and sellers, or if you have questions about this information. And don’t forget to explore our website AzDreamHomesScottsdale.com to see Scottsdale area homes and more helpful articles. – Chris & Cheryl Park

The Importance of Curb Appeal When Selling

front entrance
First impressions are everything when preparing your house for sale. Curb appeal is the initial preview of your home for potential buyers. In today’s real estate market, potential buyers will first view your home online. Then if your home matches the criteria they are using in their home search, these buyers will drive by your home. If the exterior of your home isn’t well-kept or your landscaping isn’t on par with the other homes in the neighborhood, your home showing may turn into a drive-by only with those potential buyers.

Implementing a few steps to update and maintain your home’s exterior is critical to prepping your home for sale. Doing so will invite more potential home buyers to come closer to check out all that your home has to offer. The first step is to take an objective look at your front yard’s landscaping. A desert landscape littered with weeds and overgrown trees implies deferred maintenance in all areas of home care and upkeep. Trimming trees, weeding, and pruning shrubs will also allow potential buyers to actually see your home. Planting fresh flowers or desert plants in pots near your walkway or front door is also another quick and inexpensive step to freshen up your home’s exterior and landscape. Power-washing, hosing down, or simply sweeping your driveway, walkway and front entry way are other inexpensive steps that will pay off with a big impact when showcasing your home’s exterior. While you’re at it, be sure that your windows sparkle with a fresh cleaning inside and out.

If you’re lucky enough to have a front patio area or large entry way, stage this area by placing a couple chairs to showcase a conversation area to your potential buyers as they are walking into your home. Furthermore, the simplifying rule that applies to the interior of your home also applies to the exterior and landscaping, so remove any yard or lawn art from your front yard and entry way. Keeping the door clean and free of decorations is another way to showcase the architecture and beauty of your home without providing unnecessary distractions.

As realtors, we can give you more specific advice unique to your home and neighborhood, to help you maximize your home’s curb appeal. Give us call today to learn more how we can help sell your home for top dollar! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

Keeping Your Home Safe While on Vacation

backyard photo

As summer quickly approaches, we all like to head out of town to relax and enjoy some cooler weather. The last thing you want to do while on vacation is stress about the security of your home and everything you love that is inside of it.  Living in the safest areas will provide some sense of security, but let’s be realistic, crime can happen anywhere!  Here are some tips to keeping your home safe.

-Hire a house or pet sitter. Having someone come in your home on a regular basis while you are away is a great way to deter crime. It leaves the illusion that you are home or at the very least someone is coming in and out at varying times. This option can be a little costly but may be well worth it.
-Have the post office hold your mail while away. They are able to do this for 3 to 30 days. This is especially a good idea when your mail box is on your property.
-Invest in some timers for your lights. Head over to the local home improvement store pick up a few timers and set them to go on and off every day while away.  Again gives the illusion someone is home.
-Have your landscaping taken care of if you’ll be gone for a while.  If your lawn is starting to get overgrown it is a good indication no one has been around to take care of it.
-Check your locks on everything before heading out.  It is easy to forget this simple step.  You may have opened a window and forgotten to lock it afterward, go through everything and check.
-Keep your social media announcements about traveling to a minimum. It’s fun to tell good friends and family of your travels, but be wary about posting your every move, you just never know who could be reading it. Save the photos of your trip to post till after you’re home.
-If parking in long term parking at the airport do not leave your GPS or garage door opener in the car.  A thief could break into your car and GPS their way back to your house and click your garage door open.
-Having a home security system is a great way to have your home monitored while away.  It can also detect fire or carbon monoxide.  Some systems are so advanced now you can have it programmed to turn on lights and some even have video cameras so you can see your home while away.  This would definitely be a long term investment for your home.

Taking just a few extra precautions can really give your home the added protection it needs!

No time for a vacation? Then let’s find your dream home so you feels like you are living on a vacation every day! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477