Hey, Homeowner: Are You Making These 9 Mistakes At Your House?

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Whether you’ve just closed on a home for the first time or consider yourself a seasoned mortgage-paying pro, you might be surprised by these ten common mistakes homeowners make. It seems we all live in the fast lane this day and time and I think we are all guilty of taking some short cuts that ended up costing either time and money to correct.  Here’s a list of what we think are some of the most common blunders to avoid:

1. Forget to change your locks
This applies to new homeowners who, in the excitement of moving in, forget about swapping old locks for better security (who knows who has a copy of that old key?). Hire a locksmith to swing by and rekey while you work on other things.

ceiling fan photo2. Let your ceiling fans run in every room
Ceiling fans are effective only when you’re in the room, since the breeze cools your skin and makes you feel comfortable enough to change the thermostat. Turn them off and save the motor when you’re not there.

3. Confuse classic with trendy.
If you’re thinking, “bye bye, brick” and “hello, outlandish exterior color,” you might want to think again. Your resale value could rely on those original character traits, like a brick fireplace or mid century modern fixture.

4. Let problems pile up
A simple rule of thumb is: When something goes wrong, fix it immediately. Because little things become big things if left unattended, like a small leak that becomes a big burst.

5. Throw potato peels in your garbage disposal
Spoiler alert: This always ends in disaster. The starchy peels thicken into a paste that clogs up the disposal.

6. Dig holes without calling 811
Do you know where your gas and electrical lines are? Call 811 and someone will come for free to mark the underground lines for you before you dig.

7. Plant trees too close to the house
And while we’re on the subject of digging, be mindful of where you’re planting your trees. Even though they provide shade, closer isn’t better when there is a danger of branches falling on the house. Large trees should be at least 20 feet away.

8. Cutting corners on plumbing and electricity
There’s a Youtube video for it, and you did fix that garbage disposal earlier, so you should be able to do it yourself – right? If it comes to ambitious plumbing and electrical work, the answer is no, unless you’re down with water damage and, you know, electrocution. Hire a pro.

9. Water the grass at night
In Arizona especially, it’s tempting to think that the less sun, the more water gets to your grass. While this is partly true (water can evaporate before it hits the ground in the heat of midday), the best time is actually in the early morning when the air is cooler but there is some sun to evaporate water clinging to blades.

Crazy Monsoon Storms This Year!

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monsoon clouds photoHow about the monsoon storms this year, folks!  Have you experienced any property damage yet?  We have trees blocking our neighborhood roads in North Scottsdale and our neighbor’s pool toys ended up in ours last night.  It’s been impossible to get a hold of my landscaper to get him to clear my driveway of debris and broken branches.  Those guys must be swamped this time of the year!  So, in light of the recent crazy storms that continue to sweep through the valley, I wanted to remind you of some important precautions to avoid or minimize the damage Monsoon storms can cause:

Invest In Gutters

A typical Phoenix home may not have them already, but they are crucial for diverting those buckets of rain away from your foundation. Install downspouts that will direct water away from the home, and clean them periodically (especially after each storm) to remove debris.

Secure The Roof

There’s nothing wrong with calling in a pro for this one, because there’s nothing worse than springing a leak in the middle of a powerful storm. Call in now before it becomes a crisis, and make sure the roofer checks for loose areas, picks up debris and seals gaps. 

Tidy Up Trees And Plants

Landscaping in the summer heat is never fun, but take a cooler morning hour to trim any overgrown and errant branches on your trees, and secure the stakes on young ones. The wind is especially unforgiving to palo verdes and mesquites that have been thinned out too much, causing more pressure on individual branches to snap. If in doubt, consult a professional. One more tip: Excessively moist soil is another culprit for trees toppling over in winds. Check the forecast and lower your watering schedule in advance of a monsoon.

Power Preparedness

Do you know where your electrical panel is? In case of a blackout during a power surge, you should be able to find the circuit breaker without issue. Make sure big electronics like your computer and appliances have surge protectors, and stock an emergency kit for any extended outages with a flashlight, batteries and water. 

After Care

The day after a storm hits is an important time to take stock and reset your yard for the next one. Remove any debris, branches, roof tiles or other casualties, clean out the gutters, check on your drainage strategy, and change the air filter on the AC if it’s clogged with dust (you should be changing it regularly once a month in the summer).

Monsoons and summer storms bring much-needed rain but they can create havoc.  We have seen some amazing storm photos on social media.  Did you capture any?  We’d love to hear from you and see!

Contact Chris & Cheryl

A Few Tips When Traveling With Pets

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Frontier Town Cowboy statue photoWhen you’re planning an upcoming move or just taking a trip, you may not think twice about bringing the family pets along. You’ve got packing, buying and selling, and tons of other changes to make, but don’t forget about your furry companions in the midst of all the moving chaos! Pets can be difficult to relocate, depending on the type of animals your family has, so it’s always important to brush up on the best tips and suggestions for ensuring that your animals have the smoothest and safest relocation experience possible.  After all, they’re members of the family, too, so don’t leave them out when you’re making plans for how to handle your big move.

Identification and Certification
Whether you’re going to be traveling with your pets by car or by air, you need to make sure you have everything within quick and easy reach before you set out for your new home with your furry friends in tow. Make sure your pets’ identification tags and paperwork are either on your pet’s collar or in your purse or other nearby travel luggage. ID tags should include your pet’s name, your new address, your name and a telephone number. You should also consider getting your pet microchipped if you haven’t already.

Collars, Leashes, and Carriers
Your pet should always be wearing a collar and kept on a leash or in a carrier when traveling. Once again, this is applicable when traveling by vehicle or by air. You may think it’s alright to put your pet in the car without a collar or leash on, especially if you’ve got a pet who loves to ride in the car. However, a long trip and a lot of chaos and confusion could cause your pet to jump out of the vehicle at a pit stop, and having identification on will make it much easier for you to find your furry friend if this happens.

Food, Water, and Pit Stops
Always provide your pet with plenty of food and water when traveling. And if you’re driving, be sure you stop for potty breaks as often as necessary, too. You wouldn’t expect your kids to hold it for more than a few hours on the road at a time, so don’t expect the same from your pets. Cats will need access to a litter box in the car, while dogs will be happy to just stretch their legs and do their business on a leashed potty break.

 

Storage Tips for Small Kitchens

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small kitchen photoDo you have a small kitchen? Are you looking for ways to spruce up your space and make the most of what you have to work with? Whether you live in an older home with a more old-fashioned kitchen design or you live in an apartment without a lot of space to work with, don’t worry. You have options when it comes to figuring out the best way to put your kitchen storage to work for you. Check our tips below to help you find the best options for your needs.

Tall cabinets

There’s no reason why you can’t stack cabinets or install tall ones that go all the way to the ceiling. Although this may be a unique design option, it’s sure to give you plenty of space to store everything you need in your kitchen. Just make sure you put the items you don’t use as frequently up on those high shelves, and don’t forget to keep a stepstool or ladder close by so you can reach the higher items as needed.

Hanging Pots

Hang up your pots and pans suspended from the ceiling to maximize the storage space you have in your cabinets. This will help you keep everything much more organized and will give you plenty of room to store other items, such as your dishes or your slow cooker.

Drawer organization

Purchase some low-cost draw organizers to help you keep your utensils in the right place at all times. Don’t waste a drawer in your kitchen on a “junk drawer,” and try to maximize the amount of drawer space you have to work with.

Wall-mounted shelves

Hang shelves on the wall and use them for storing things like mugs, dishes you use frequently, and other items you’ll want to reach on a regular basis. This is also a good place to keep spices if you don’t have a specific spice cabinet, but take care not to let it look too cluttered or end up overflowing with spices, either.

Try an island

Some kitchens are too small for an island, and if that’s true of your kitchen, there’s no need to try to squeeze one in. However, if you have enough room for it, put in a small island and be sure to choose one that has built-in shelves, drawers, or both. This will give you a chance to store even more using the new space you’ve created. Try a rolling island that you can move out of the way as needed if you’re having trouble finding space for a stationary one.

Are you looking to purchase a condo or downsize?  Contact us today  or click here to create a custom home search 

 

 

Pet Travel Tips

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Unlocking a front door photo

Do you take a lot of trips? Do you live bringing along the furry members of your family? Have you ever tried to travel with more exotic or unique types of pets? There’s a lot to keep in mind when you’re planning a trip with the pets in your household, and it’s always a good idea to be completely aware of the safety and travel tips that can help you make the most of the experience. Below, we’ve put together a list of our top four favorite tips to help make traveling with your pet safer and more comfortable for everybody involved.

Practice First

If you’re driving, practice taking your pet on car trips ahead of time to get everyone used to the experience. Start with short trips around town and work your way up to an hour or more in the car to make sure your pet will be able to handle a longer trip.

Bring Everything

Make sure you pack everything you think you might need for your pet during your trip. Bring extra food, towels, bedding, a leash and collar, ID tags, vet records, treats, and favorite toys. It’s better to be too prepared than not prepared enough!

Pick the Right Crate

Whether you’re flying or driving, make sure your pet is secured in a safe, sturdy, well-ventilated crate. For flying, you’ll need a crate approved by the USDA for animal shipping. Freeze some water and put it in the crate before boarding the plane or loading up the car. This way, the water won’t get spilled before the trip begins and it will melt slowly, providing your pet with a drinking source through the whole experience.

Different Needs for Different Pets

If you’re not traveling with a cat or dog, but instead with a different type of animal, remember that there are other considerations you’ll need to keep in mind. For example, if you have a pet snake, you can transport your snake in a cloth pillowcase inside a ventilated plastic container. Birds can often be kept in ventilated cat carriers, but not always, so research your specific bird for more information. Fish should be removed from their tanks and placed in individual baggies or cups before travel.

With the right tips and tricks, you’ll be able to have an enjoyable trip with your favorite furry family member without worry. There’s a lot more to learn about traveling safely and effectively with your pets, however, so don’t forget to read up on information about the specific type of animal you’ll be traveling with when the time comes.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home? Contact us!  We are local area expert in Scottsdale, AZ and surrounding areas.

How to Keep Your Home Safe When Traveling

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North Scottsdale homeWhen you go on vacation, you’re probably caught up in a whirlwind of information you need to keep track of. You want to be sure someone is taking care of your pets, that you have your travel itinerary all under control, that you’ve packed everything you’ll need and that you get to the airport on time if you’re flying. With all these thoughts to worry about, you may find yourself neglecting the house you’ll be leaving behind. Of course, if you’re only going to be gone for a couple of days, there’s not a lot you’ll need to do to take care of your home before travel. However, longer trips mean you’ll need to do some prep work at home before you ever leave.

Leave on Some Lights

It’s always a good idea to leave on a few lights in and around your home while you’ll be gone. Not only will this give the appearance of someone being at home in case any intruders take notice, but also it will make the area outside your home brighter at night too. This will make it more obvious if anyone is trying to sneak inside. If you have motion lights or lights on a timer, be sure to use them while you’re gone, too.

Let the Neighbors Know

Even if you aren’t very close to your neighbors, it’s a good idea to let someone know you’ll be out of town. This way, if your neighbor notices something odd—like a strange car parked in front of your house—they can check in with you and call the proper authorities if it’s necessary, too. You might also want to leave a key with the same neighbor just in case someone needs to be able to get into your house.

Keep the Lawn and Shrubs Trimmed

Make sure your lawn and shrubs are trimmed before you go. If you’ll be gone a long time, schedule someone to come and take care of either or both of these areas while you’re away too. This will make it look like someone is still at home, and it will also make it more difficult for potential intruders to hide behind any unruly shrubs that might have become overgrown while you’re away.

Don’t Post on Social Media

It’s tempting to let everybody know when you’ll be leaving, but remember that anyone can see the posts you make on social media. This includes those you might not want to know you’re away from your home. You can always save your vacation pictures to show off when you get back—and this might make a big difference toward ensuring your home’s safety while you’re gone.

Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be well on your way to a safer experience for your home the next time you travel. Although they’re not a requirement for shorter visits, you can always put them into practice during any trip, regardless of the amount of time you’ll be away.

We are local real estate experts helping home buyer and seller in Scottsdale, Arizona and surrounding areas.  Contact us if you are looking to sell or buy a home.

Hiring the Right Real Estate Lawyer

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Scottsdale home photoDuring the process of buying or selling property—or even owning or renting property—you may encounter situations in which you might need a real estate lawyer. If this happens, you may feel overwhelmed trying to choose the right lawyer to get the job done. Follow the tips outline below to help you make the right decision and choose the right lawyer to suit your specific needs.

Be Proactive:  There’s nothing worse than having to scramble at the last minute to find a real estate lawyer to handle a situation that just came up. Take your time looking for someone when you don’t necessarily need their assistance, or when you know something is coming up but it hasn’t happened yet.  Ask your friends, family and realtor for recommendations and schedule a phone interview or a consultation to see if it’s a good fit.  This way, you won’t wind up choosing someone who may not be the right fit for your needs.

Find Reviews:  Look around online or talk to people in your area to ask for recommendations. A few recommendations or positive reviews can help you see which real estate lawyers in your area are the best options and which ones you may want to stay away from.

Ask About Similar Cases:  Call the lawyer you’re thinking of working with and ask specific questions. Don’t be afraid to explain your situation and ask if the lawyer has worked with any similar cases before. If so, you may even be able to ask for some general details, but remember that your lawyer won’t be able to give you a lot of information about someone else’s case.

Get Fees in Writing:  Always ask for your lawyer’s fees in writing before you get very far into your communications with him or her. Also be sure to ask if there’s any chance of these changing in the near future. Having something signed and in writing from your lawyer can make a big difference when it comes time to talk money. Although most good lawyers won’t try to change the fees  at the last minute, it always helps to know exactly what to expect when payment is expected.

Ask for References:  Ask the lawyers you’re considering for references from happy clients. A good lawyer should have no problem putting you in touch with a few people who can validate their skills and abilities. When you call these references, be sure to ask specific questions rather than leaving it open-ended. Don’t ask, “Is this lawyer good?” but instead ask things like, “Did this lawyer help you reach an end result you were happy with?”

Of course, there are many other ways to settle real estate issues.  Click here to read Ways To Settle Disputes Between Buyer and Seller

Contact us for your real estate needs.  We are local area experts helping buyers and seller in the northeast valley.

 

 

Keeping Pets Safe in Your Yard

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It gets hot in Arizona in the summertime, and your pets are probably even more aware of that than you are. When the hotter part of the year rolls around, make sure you’re doing everything you can to ensure the safety, health, and happiness of your furry friends. There are a lot of simple things you can do to improve their experience during the summer even when you need to keep them outside in the yard for a little while.

Keep Pets Abackyard photoway from Pools:  When it’s hot out, you’ll surely be tempted to get your swimming pool ready for the summer months. This is fine, of course, but if you’ll be keeping your pet out in the yard, be sure there’s some way your furry friend cannot get to the swimming pool. Even if your pet is a great swimmer, accidents can happen. Especially if you have an older or disabled pet, put a fence around the pool or around the part of the yard where your pet will be kept.

Offer Lots of Water:  Making sure your pet has lots of water during the hot summer months is key to a safe and happy pet. You can purchase special waterers that can be installed on your garden hose spigot and will allow your dog to access fresh, clean drinking water whenever he or she needs it. If you don’t want to go this route, however, you can always just be sure to put out several bowls of water and keep them filled. Some pet owners even fill small shallow kiddie pools with water for their animals.

Be Sure There’s Shade:  Shade is almost just as important as water for your pets. Pets can’t regulate heat the same way humans can, so it’s important that they can get out of the hot sun whenever possible. If your pet is shorthaired or hairless, you might also want to provide ample shade to reduce the risk of sunburn.

Never Leave Your Pet Unattended:  This is a good rule no matter what the situation might be. However, when you’re keeping your pets outside during the hot summer months, you should never go away from home and leave them there. You never know what could happen while you’re not at home to check in on things, and if your pet runs out of water or gets stuck somewhere that he or she can’t get to the shade, this could be disastrous.

Don’t Spray Pesticides:  This may not have to do with the heat specifically, but as summer gets geared up, you’ll be tempted to spray pesticides in your yard to make the outdoors more enjoyable. If you keep your pet outside much of the time, however, skip the pesticides, as they can be very toxic to pets. If you must spray your yard, plan to keep your pet indoors only for a few days.

Are you considering moving to the valley of the sun?  Click here to learn about Scottsdale and surrounding areas. 

 

Five Things That Increase the Value of Your Home

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scottsdale house photoAre you thinking about buying or selling a home in the Scottsdale area? Either way, you may be interested in finding out what can increase the value of the property. There are quite a few different things that can make a difference in the value of your home, but below, we’ve listed our top five choices that can help you either sell your home for a good price or buy the perfect home at a great value.

Location, Location, Location:  If you’re selling your home, you can’t do much about the location. However, you can be sure you talk to your realtor about mentioning convenient local attractions in the listing. If you’re looking to buy, pick something that’s not just convenient to your work or to good area schools, but also to popular attractions. For example, if you want a great home for the money, look for homes near Camelback or Papago Park for some great natural scenery and a lot of location-based value, too. Quick walking or biking to local attractions makes for a lot of resell value, too!

Update Appliances and Bathrooms:  If you’re trying to sell, replace old appliances and bathroom fixtures with new ones. Brand-new appliances will increase the value of your home significantly. If you’re buying a home, choose one with newer appliances so you know you’re getting the best value for your money.

Keep it Clean:  It may go without saying, but keeping your home clean can make a big difference in terms of its value. This will reduce the number of stains and other problem areas in and around your home. Keep the outside of the home clean, too!

Add Storage Space:  Buyers are always interested in storage space, so if you’re looking to upgrade a home you’re thinking about selling, add more storage space to make the house much more appealing. On the other hand, if you’re looking to buy a home, be sure you keep your eyes peeled for those that have plenty of storage in the first place. Later on, when you’re ready to sell, you won’t have to add as much to make it worthwhile to the next buyer.

Energy Efficiency:  Being green or at least eco-friendly is very popular in homes today, so the more upgrades you can make to improve the energy efficiency of your home, the more value it will have. Adding energy efficient windows is a great place to get started. Depending on your budget, you can take this all the way up to solar panels or just stick to improving your interior with efficient appliances and a hidden composting trash can in the kitchen.

Popular Trends in Kitchen Designs

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remodeled kitchen photoWhether you’re looking for a new home, considering selling yours, or just wanting to make an upgrade to your living space, the kitchen is a great focal point to pay close attention to. Picking kitchen design trends that are up-and-coming or have just become popular in the past couple of years is an excellent way to ensure that your kitchen is going to stay modern for as long as possible. It can be difficult to keep up with ever-changing styles and ideas, though, so it’s important to keep an eye out for any new trends that might be on the rise.

Easy-Open Cabinet:  In a modern kitchen, you can’t go wrong with automated sinks and easy-open cabinets. The more hands-free your kitchen space is, the more desirable it will be. Easy-open cabinets are mounted on hydraulics that can be opened with the push of a finger—or with your knee, hip, elbow, or whatever you’ve got free while you’re working on putting together dinner in your upscale new kitchen.

Gray Cabinets:  While starkly contrasting black and white kitchens are still popular—and probably won’t be going anywhere any time soon—gray cabinets and fully gray kitchens are starting to gain a lot of traction, too. Painting your cabinets gray and changing the color of your countertops to match can make for a beautiful uniform look throughout your kitchen. If you already have silver fixtures in place, that’s even better! Stainless steel appliances can complete this look for a truly stunning kitchen that’s sure to remain stylish for years to come.

Better Storage:  Whether you’re talking about a house, an apartment, a condo, or a townhouse, storage is key in any kitchen. No matter how small or large the kitchen space may be, the more drawers and cabinets present, the better off the whole room will become. Stacking drawers have become very popular in recent years, as have hidden cabinets and even those that may be uniquely-shaped but offer a little extra storage even so.

Wood Countertops:  Granite isn’t the only way to go anymore! For a warm and inviting texture that’s much different from the norm, wood countertops can be a beautiful addition to any kitchen. Combine them with other textures throughout the room for a contrasting design experience that’s sure to look amazing. They can look especially nice in a country style kitchen!

Farmhouse Sinks:  Last but not least, we’ve seen a recent trend toward big cast iron farmhouse sinks. They’re available in a lot of different colors to fit into just about any kitchen remodel, and they offer a lot of great benefits for any home. These sinks tend to stay in style no matter what types of trends the rest of the kitchen may follow, so if you’re looking for something timeless, you can’t go wrong with a farmhouse sink.

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