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Protecting Your Valuables During a Move
Moving is a costly undertaking. And really, it shouldn’t be. Destroyed possessions get VERY expensive! Therefore, whether you hire a professional company to help you relocate or plan a DIY (Do It Yourself) adventure, keep these handy tips in your pocket to protect your goods.
Use the right-sized boxes. Small boxes are ideal for heavy, dense objects like books, and larger ones are preferable for lighter items such as pillows and comforters. A large, heavy box is more likely to split or crush items, so keep an eye on each box’s size-to-weight ratio. A good rule to implement, the heavier the article, the smaller the box. TIP: To keep costs down, Craigslist, Facebook Swip Swap, and Facebook Garage Sale Groups offer boxes at great prices, sometimes even free.
Remember the tape and markers. Purchasing ahead of time one or two tape guns with plenty of rolls of packaging tape will make for a smoother packing process. Multiple permanent markers also need to be on the shopping list. Having these supplies ahead of time will make the process go much faster.
Fill until it’s still. If a box is rattling around, you’re risking damage. Fill in the space with towels, padding, or other cushioning items to isolate the valuable contents from stop/start or shaking motions. One client shared with me that they never pack a box of only towels; instead, they set the towels aside to use as packing material.
Add padding to dishes. Place bubble wrap or packing paper between dishes and wrap bundles of four or more with extra padding. Be sure to pack dishes on their sides to mitigate the hazard of shattering from an accidental side impact! Filling the bottom and top with padding will provide an additional layer of insurance.
Don’t flatten out your flat screen. Spend the money on a special packing box for your flat-screen LCD or plasma TV. Having the original shipping box is best, but an aftermarket die-cut foam-supported kit will save you the hundreds (if not $1000+) in replacement costs. (Also: Don’t lay the TV flat or stack any boxes on top.)
Tape in the reinforcements. Taping around the top and bottom edges will support the areas where most of the load is distributed.
One box, one room. To create easy unpacking, pack the same room in the same box. It is best not to mix or co-mingle your rooms.
Keep tiny things with significant value to yourself. For example, keep your grandmother’s heirloom necklace, vital financial/legal documents, or special family photo collections safely on you. Anything small and irreplaceable should be set aside and kept with you during the move.
I love the excitement of my client’s move. Hopefully, these moving tips will help that happen. Need an agent to help you find that perfect home for your valuables? Get in touch with me today!
Kim Shaw
(928) 710-9148
How To Be Safe Using Your Cell Phone
As technology rapidly advances, so does our reliance on it. Cell phones have become a common staple in everyday life with features that make communication more effortless than ever before; however, with the convenience cell phones comes a potential for danger if not used properly. With this in mind, knowing how to operate your cell phone safely and responsibly is essential.
The convenience of mobile devices also comes with risk. As you check in, text, share photos, and increasingly run your life on the go, you may inadvertently expose private information or make yourself more likely to be a victim of a crime. Here are four things you should be aware of as you use new mobile and social technology that might spare you expensive or embarrassing lessons:
1. Beware of how often you “check in” through social media.
Apps like Foursquare and websites like Facebook allow you to “check in” when you’re out and about, effectively broadcasting where you are… and where you’re not. Be especially sensitive to checking in from airports and locations far from home. Enterprising thieves can use this information to target your home or business.
2. Beware of the photos you’re sharing.
If a picture is worth 1,000 words, what are your images on Facebook saying to friends, family, and co-workers? Just like checking in when you’re out of town, vacation photos posted in real time can inadvertently let people know you’re not home.
3. Remember to log out of public computers
Have you ever checked your email in an internet cafe or hotel computer? Did you remember to log out? Closing a browser window isn’t usually enough. People who open the browser can often waltz into your email account because your “session” is still active. Remember to click “log out” or “exit my account” when logging into private accounts through public machines.
4. Protect your devices
Smartphones now carry the sort of data you used to keep under lock and key in your home office or closet safe. If your devices are lost or stolen, how much of your private information could be exposed through your device?
First and foremost, add password protection to your device in case it is lost. Most have a setting you can activate that forces someone, to enter a code before accessing the device’s apps and data.
Second, consider adding an app or service to track your device via GPS if it is lost or stolen. Depending on your device, there are an array of options to help locate your smartphone if it disappears. To find an app specific to your device, try Googling (without quotation marks): “app tracks stolen [device name]” where [device name] is replaced with your brand of smartphone (iPhone, Android, Blackberry, etc.).
Hopefully, we have provided a few simple starting points for ensuring safety when using your cell phone. Of course, additional measures can be taken to prevent your data from being accessed and unauthorized usage. We would love to hear from readers about other ways to provide safety when using your cell phone. Together we can ensure increased protection for our digital lives so that we can continue to make the most of all the incredible comforts and conveniences of modern-day living with peace of mind.
Kim Shaw
(928) 710-9148
Tips for Lower Heating and Cooling Bills
As a homeowner, you are always looking for ways to save money. Your heating and cooling bills can be a large part of your monthly expenses, so finding ways to reduce those costs can significantly impact your budget. Here are five tips to help you save money on your heating or cooling bills:
- Programmable Thermostat: Installing a programmable thermostat can help you save money on your heating and cooling bills by allowing you to set specific temperatures for different times of the day. For example, you can select the temperature to lower when you are asleep or out of the house and rise when you are home and awake.
- Seal Those Leaks: On average, heating and cooling account for almost half of a home’s energy consumption. One way to reduce energy loss and save money on your heating or cooling bills is to weatherstrip your doors and windows. Weatherstrip will help to keep the cool or warm air inside your home and prevent it from escaping. (Tip: Take simple steps like caulking windows, sealing leaks around chimneys and recessed lighting, and sliding draft guards under your doors to save up to 20% on heating costs.)The minor leaks can be equivalent to leaving open a 3-foot-by-3-foot window.
- Change Your Air Filters Regularly: Another way to save money on your heating and cooling bills is to ensure your HVAC system is properly maintained. This means having it regularly serviced and changing the air filters as needed. Dirty air filters can restrict airflow and make your system work harder, which uses more energy and drives up your costs.
- Utilize Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans can help circulate the air in your home, making it feel cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Fans can help you reduce your reliance on your heating and cooling system and save you money.
- Be Mindful of Your Lighting:In the winter, take advantage of natural daylight by opening blinds and curtains during the day. In the summer, do the opposite and close them to keep the heat out. And no matter what time of year it is, use energy-efficient lighting whenever possible. LEDs are a great example of how innovation and technology can make your life easier. They last 25 times longer and consume up to 90 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs. (Tip: By switching five of your home’s most frequently used bulbs with ENERGY STAR® certified LEDs, it’s possible to save $75 on energy costs annually.)
By making a few upgrades to your home, you’ll save on your utility bills and improve your home’s energy efficiency. When you’re ready to sell your house, these key features will make it even more attractive to potential buyers. Contact me when you are ready to discuss what buyers are looking for regarding energy efficiency options in our area.
Kim Shaw
(928) 710-9148
Make Decluttering Easy and Profitable
How to Quickly Lighten Your Moving Load
As you are packing to move, we have a secret for you . . . move less stuff!
It’s obvious, but it’s true. You can save time, money, and the anxiety of finding the right place for extra stuff if you take the time before your big day to declutter. While you may have things destined for the dump, the odds are you have a lot more stuff that could find a better home with someone else. So how do you quickly and easily declutter your home before the move?
- Start with a garage sale. The garage sale is a reliable way to offload your junk. For example, you may not want to keep your surfboard when moving to Prescott, but someone may be willing to pay top dollar for it. Another option is a “moving in” garage sale. Consider having a garage sale when you arrive. Plus, this can be a great way to get to know your new neighbors.
- Sell your stuff online. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, and Nextdoor are all excellent venues for finding buyers. These online marketplaces offer a fast option for many people to see what you have to sell. However, remember to be safety conscious when meeting with strangers. Beware of scammers, and instead of inviting strangers into your home, if possible, meet the buyer in a grocery store parking lot or at a gas station.
- App it up! There are multiple competing apps for selling stuff privately, including OfferUp, Gone, and LetGo. Best of all, these work directly from your smartphone, making it easy to snap pics and post ads in a hurry.
- Recycle: Take any electronics or paper goods to the nearest recycling center. It’s an eco-friendly way of decluttering your home and getting rid of unwanted items.
- Donate it! Get a tax deduction, and let someone else benefit from your unwanted items by dropping them off at Goodwill Industries, Stepping Stones, or the Salvation Army. This is also an excellent way to impact the community positively.
Don’t let extra clutter drag down your move. Set aside time before the big day to sell, trade, or donate. You may sell enough to earn a few extra bucks to buy pizza on your first night in your new place.
Are you still searching for that perfect home? I’d love to help! Or, if you need to list your home, I love listing homes and helping them sell fast. Give me a call! Kim Shaw (928) 710-9148
Moving to Prescott?
Are you getting ready to move to the Prescott Area? Welcome to “Everybody’s Hometown!” We are excited to have you! You have picked a gorgeous town. Prescott truly has something for everyone. There are plenty of things to do in the area, making it the perfect community for people of all ages. Prescott is rated as one of the best places to retire, but our town is equally as family-friendly (and dog-friendly too!). The Prescott population is growing; however, it still offers the small-town feel the city has to offer and gives residents the best of both worlds.
Tips to Hosting a Successful Open House
Are you getting ready to put your home up for sale? Open Houses are a great way to attract potential buyers, and there’s no better time than now to start planning. A well-planned open house can help get your property off the market quickly and create a positive impression on everyone who enters your door. Here are vital preparations necessary for hosting a successful and memorable open house that hopefully has people lining up in droves to make an offer!
Get the Word Out
One of the essential steps in planning an open house is getting the word out. You can start by advertising through real estate websites, print media, and local neighborhood postings. Social media can be a great way to spread the news about your upcoming open house with targeted ads that are sure to get people talking. Have your realtor connect with other local real estate agents in your area, and encourage them to share information about your open house with their contacts.
Clean Up
Before potential buyers come for a home tour, you must tidy up the space from top to bottom. This includes vacuuming carpets, mopping floors, washing windows, and scrubbing bathrooms. Give extra attention to areas where there may be a lingering smell, such as the kitchen or basement. Don’t forget to dust, declutter and rearrange furniture if necessary.
Prepare Refreshments
Providing light refreshments at your open house is a great way to create a hospitable atmosphere and leave a positive impression on buyers. Offer non-messy finger foods for guests to munch on while they explore each room in your home. Be sure to have plenty of cold drinks handy as well; water, lemonade, and iced tea are always popular options!
Make Your Home Smell
Yes, make your home smell! Make sure your home smells clean, fresh, and inviting. Remove pet scent, musty mildew smell, or burnt food odor. You can use scented candles, essential oils, or other fragrant items to make a lasting impression on visitors. NOTE: Avoid overtly floral or scented scents, as many people are allergic or sensitive to strong scents.
Greet Guests with a Smile
When potential buyers arrive at your open house, greet them with a warm welcome and friendly smile! Make sure someone is available to answer questions and provide information about your home, neighborhood, and local amenities. Allow visitors to explore the property independently while still being present in case they need assistance.
Follow Up Afterward
Once your open house is over, follow up with guests who attended. By keeping an open line of communication, you can ensure that potential buyers are kept up-to-date on any changes or updates, and ultimately help to create a sense of trust that will lead to a sale!
Follow these simple tips for planning an open house, and you’ll be well on your way to selling your home quickly and successfully. Contact me today; I’d love to help you sell your home. I will work hard to sell your home faster and at a higher price. My secret is simple . . . dedicated customer service.
Market vs. Assessed Value: What’s it all Mean?
If you’re a homeowner, at some point, you’ve probably wondered what your home is worth. And if you’ve ever sold a home, you’ve likely heard of the terms “market value” and “assessed value.” But what’s the difference? And which one matters more? Here’s a breakdown of each term and why it matters when selling your home.
What is market value?
Market value is what a willing and informed buyer would pay for your home on the open market. In other words, it’s what similar homes in your area have recently sold for.
Several factors can affect your home’s market value, including its location, size, condition, and any unique features or upgrades. The current state of the housing market also plays a role. For example, if there’s high demand for homes in your area but limited inventory, your home could sell for more than it would in a buyers’ market with more homes to choose from.
To get an accurate estimate of your home’s market value, you can talk to a real estate agent specializing in your area. They’ll be familiar with recent sales of similar homes and can give you a good idea of what your home is worth.
What is assessed value?
Your local municipality sets your home’s assessed value for taxation purposes. It’s based on several factors, including the size, location, and age of your home. In some cases, the assessed value may also consider any upgrades or renovations you’ve made.
Keep in mind that the assessed value is different from the market value. The assessed value is typically lower than the market value because it’s used to calculate your property taxes. As such, it’s not necessarily a good indicator of how much your home would sell for on the open market.
In most cases, your home’s assessed value won’t directly impact your ability to sell it. However, the assessed value will be vital if you plan to appeal your property taxes.
If you’re considering selling your home, the market value is the number you should focus on. Potential buyers are willing to pay this for your home, and it’s the best indicator of how much money you’ll ultimately make from the sale.
Call me today to learn more about how to value a home! My personalized and comprehensive service, complete support to her clients, and superior service are key to my 20 years of thriving in Prescott Real Estate.
Our team of agents, lenders, and marketing professionals ensures that your goal of purchasing or selling a home is reached. Sellers benefit from my years of experience in Prescott and my dedication to ensuring they reach their goals. Whether working with buyers in new home sales, retirees downsizing, or first-time home buyers navigating the home buying process, I will work tirelessly to ensure a smooth transaction.
Deciding How to Stage Your Home: Virtual or Real?
When marketing and selling a home, staging can be a powerful tool. Staging helps a home sell faster in numerous cases, and it can boost the buyer’s desire for a home. In this world of incredible technology, there is an alternative to standard staging. Virtual staging uses computer imaging technology to create realistic listing photos that display a staged home, even though the property isn’t physically staged. Through 3D modeling and photo editing, empty rooms transform into a staged home. The results can be quite impressive.
Styldod states, “The fundamental difference between traditional staging and virtual staging is that traditional staging showcases a property as it is, while virtual staging shows property as possible. In virtual staging, a photograph is all you need to get the room virtually staged.”
Pros:
- Cost Effective: One of the benefits of virtual staging is its cost-effectiveness. Home sellers don’t have to pay for the cost of renting furniture or accessories, and they don’t have to pay a professional stager. Standard staging can cost thousands, “on average, it will cost you at least $7,000-$30,000.” In contrast, virtual staging “per image, it will cost you only $16-$100” (Styldod).
- No Labor: Another cost-effective reason to use virtual staging is that there is no labor-intensive work. When you use a service to stage your home physically, this includes renting the furniture, setting it up, and then taking it down once the listing period is over. With virtual staging, you only need a digital photo of your room.
- Not Time-Consuming: The entire process of virtual staging is not time-consuming. You don’t have to wait for the furniture to be delivered or for the stager to set it up. Virtual staging can be done quickly and easily.
Possible Cons:
- Less Personal: One potential drawback of virtual staging is that it can seem less personal than traditional staging. When you see a virtually staged home, you see a computer-generated image. It’s not an actual photo of the house with real furniture. This could make some buyers feel like they’re not getting a real sense of the property.
- Empty Home: Some buyers may be disappointed when they arrive at an empty home. They might have pictured the house with the virtually staged furniture and feel like they’re not seeing the “true” property.
What Part of Your Home Should You Stage?
Below is what over 4,200 surveyed home buyers deemed as the most critical rooms in the home to have staged.
- 86% Living Room
- 84% Master Bedroom
- 68% Kitchen
- 63% Outside Space
- 71% Dining Room
Whether you are physically or virtually staging, in either case, it’s a good idea to view staging not as an expense but as an investment. Contact me today if you’re thinking of selling soon and would like to work with a stager. I can connect you to trusted professionals who will make your home look its best.
Things Buyers Can Do in Today’s Housing Market
Rising mortgage rates have defined the 2022 housing market. With increasing rates, purchasing a home has become more costly.
“Compared to one year ago, the monthly mortgage payment rose to $1,944 from $1,265, an increase of 53.7%” (National Association of Realtors).
Is this causing you to put your home-buying plans on hold? You may want to reconsider. The good news is you can navigate today’s housing market and this rising rate environment with a few simple tips.
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage & Determine Your Budget
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is one of the most critical steps to take when buying a home. This will give you an idea of how much money you can borrow and what interest rate you will be paying. What monthly payment can you comfortably afford? This is an important question to answer.
Mortgage calculators help you determine your budget. Enter your desired monthly payment, down payment, and interest rate, and it will calculate how much home you can afford.
Remember that your monthly budget should also include property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintenance costs. These are often overlooked when determining how much house you can afford.
Look for Homes That Are Within Your Budget & Expand Your Search Area and Criteria
There’s no use looking at homes out of your price range. Not only will this cause frustration, but you may end up making an offer on a home that’s not affordable.
To avoid this, only look at homes within your budget, and if you’re having trouble finding a home that meets your needs, try expanding your search area or criteria.
Expanding your search location or re-prioritizing the items on your wish list can open up opportunities you haven’t considered, which could help you afford more of what you need (and want) in a home. As CNET notes:
“Area growth is likely to keep pace with the market, which means that the outskirts of town might be hopping within five years. Consider stepping out of your ideal location by searching in the nearby cities. You may find better prices and more square footage.”
Look for Grants, Gift Funds, and Down Payment Assistance
There are also many options available regarding securing the funding you need to purchase a home. One valuable resource to explore is downpaymentresource.com. As NAR indicates:
“Many local governments and non-profit organizations offer down-payment assistance grants and loans, targeted to area borrowers and often with specific borrower requirements.”
Work with a Local, Experienced Realtor
When you work with a local, experienced realtor, they will be able to help you navigate today’s housing market. They will have a pulse on the local market and can help you find homes that meet your needs and budget.
A good realtor will also be able to negotiate on your behalf and help you through the home buying process from start to finish. If you’re looking to buy a home in today’s housing market, following these tips will help you navigate the current landscape and find the right home for you.
Buyers Beware of these Home Buying Hazards
When you’re ready to buy a home, you must know the potential hazards that can pop up and kill your deal. Fortunately, a little attention to detail and thorough planning can save you from the heartbreak of a bad buy. Here are seven of the most common:
- Last-minute shopping sprees: It’s not uncommon for buyers to make big-ticket purchases just before applying for a mortgage or after pre-approval. But beware because this can ding your credit score and ruin your chances of getting approved.
- Changing jobs: If you’re in the process of buying a home and you switch jobs, your mortgage lender may get cold feet. That’s because they like to see stability regarding employment history. So if you’re thinking about making a career change, it’s best to do it after you’ve closed on your home.
- Not drilling down deep on seller disclosures: When you’re buying a home, the seller must disclose details pertaining to the property’s condition. Sellers must disclose, so you’re well within your rights to ask after anything which seems unreasonably unexplained. But beware because some sellers may not be entirely forthcoming. So be sure to have your agent review the disclosures carefully before you move forward with the deal.
- Not clarifying which appliances/fixtures come with the house: Before buying a home, ask the seller which appliances and fixtures are included in the sale. Otherwise, you may be surprised when you move in and find that the washer and dryer you thought were included are missing.
- Forgetting about HOA dues: If you’re buying a home in a neighborhood with a homeowner’s association (HOA), be sure to factor in the monthly or annual HOA dues when budgeting for your new place. These can add up, so you’ll want to be prepared.
- Not securing a preliminary title report: A preliminary title report is a document that outlines any potential liens or encumbrances on a piece of property. This is important because it can help you avoid buying a home that’s not free and clear. Be sure to work with a reputable title company to get this done.
- Insurance surprises: Homeowners’ insurance can be expensive, so it’s vital to get an estimate of what your policy will cost before you buy a home. Is the house in a flood plain? Will your rates be through the roof for hurricane or earthquake risks? It’s worth investigating early on in the process to either avoid purchasing the home or budget accordingly.
I like to help buyers navigate the home buying process smoothly, armed with all the knowledge they need to find the right home at the right price. Pay attention to the details, and work with a reputable agent and title company to help you through the process. If you keep these potential hazards in mind, you’ll be much less likely to have your home buying deal go sour.
Going Beyond the Numbers to Help My Buyers Win
How to Woo Sellers with Personalized Offers
If you’re home hunting in a competitive market, you’ve probably had the heartbreaking experience of losing out on the perfect house. It can be incredibly frustrating to find out the seller rejected your offer in favor of another buyer. How can you do your best to ensure it doesn’t happen again?
When a seller entertains multiple offers, it’s essential to understand that many different factors are in play. You tend to have an advantage if you’re an all-cash buyer, as cash removes potential financing roadblocks. But if you’re like most people, paying cash for a house isn’t an option. What do you do then to make your offer competitive?
First, ensure you have 100% of your financial house in order. When you are financially prepared, you have pre-qualification for a mortgage and proof of funds. Being organized and ready to go will help give you a slight edge from the start. Also, be sure you work with an agent who is highly responsive to requests. Sellers don’t need to wait around for agents to provide necessary information when multiple offers are landing in their inbox.
Beyond these factors, there’s another way to boost your offer’s profile: Personalize it.
While most sellers want to go with someone who will pay the most for their home, you should never discount the emotional dynamic of the home selling and buying experience. Though sellers are ready to move on, they often want to feel like their home is going to someone who genuinely appreciates it and needs it.
Work with your agent to craft a personal letter explaining why you love the seller’s home. What features do you love? How will this home help you personally, professionally, or with your family needs? Include a photo of yourself and your family. Have pets and kids? Bring them into the picture! Putting a human face on the offer can transform your offer from one more name in a pile of numbers into a genuine person worthy of living in the seller’s home.
Tips to Keep in Mind While Writing Your Letter
Build a Connection: Look for a connection you and the seller share. This connection could be being in the same line of work or noticing a hunting sign. Build on that connection.
Keep it Short: Don’t write a novel. Share your point, build a connection, and add a few reasons why you’re the best buyer.
Leave Out Remodeling Plans: If you plan on remodeling, be mindful of the seller’s protectiveness over their home. Even though they are selling their house, they still have emotional attachments to different areas of their home. They may not be fond of knowing that you want to destroy parts of it.
Have your agent personally deliver the offer: Most of the offers will be electronically transferred and dumped into a crowded email inbox. An electronic offer can be convenient, whereas providing a beautifully prepared package with a personalized letter and picture can impact the seller.
I will go the extra mile in helping you attain your dream home.
