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7 Home Staging Mistakes When Selling Your Home
Staging Mistakes to Avoid
When you’re staging your home to sell, you want to do everything possible to make it look its best. But sometimes, good intentions can lead to embarrassing mistakes that could hurt your home’s value.
Here are seven of the most common home staging mistakes to avoid:
1. Personal Photos Mementos
You may love your family photos and cherished mementos, but potential buyers don’t want to see them. They want to imagine their own family in the home, not yours. So pack up those personal items before staging your home.
2. Too Much Furniture
Too much furniture in a room can make it feel small and cramped. Reduce your furniture down to the essentials and arrange it to make the space feel open and inviting.
3. Poor Lighting
Good lighting is essential in any room, but it’s critical when staging a home for sale. Poor lighting can make a space feel dark and uninviting, so open up the curtains and turn on all the lights before potential buyers come through.
4. Messy Kitchens and Bathrooms
Your kitchen and bathroom are two of the most important rooms in your home, so they must be spotless when you’re staging them. Be sure to clear off countertops, put away dishes, and declutter any cabinets or drawers. In the bathroom, hide any personal items and ensure the counters are clean and clear.
5. Unmade Beds
An unmade bed can make a bedroom look messy and uninviting. Be sure to straighten the sheets and plump the pillows before potential buyers come through.
6. Pets and Pet Messes
Pets can be a turnoff for some potential buyers, so removing them from the home during showings is best. If that’s not possible, put away any pet toys, food, and water dishes. And always clean up any pet messes before potential buyers come through.
7. Personal Items in Plain Sight
You may think your home is clean, but if personal items like mail or bills are in plain sight, potential buyers will think you’re not keeping up with the housework. Be sure to put away any personal items before staging your home.
Avoiding these seven embarrassing mistakes will go a long way toward helping you stage your home successfully and sell it for the best price possible.
About Kim Shaw
Kim moved to Prescott in 1995 and started her Real Estate career in 1998. As a mother of four, and the veteran of 5 corporate relocation’s, Kim brings a world or understanding and expertise into making a new town and a new house into a new home. Kim’s personalized and comprehensive service, complete support to her clients, along with superior service is key to her successful 20 years of thriving in Prescott Real Estate. Kim’s Testimonials Speak Volumes. Contact Kim
Kim Shaw
(928) 710-9148
Remote Employment Offers Housing Benefits
The increase in people working remotely has been a game-changer in many ways. Remote jobs offer the ability to live and work from anywhere. And for people who are looking to buy a home, this trend opens up a whole new world of possibilities.
Today’s low inventory can be challenging for homebuyers, especially if you’re looking to purchase your first home. But if you’re one of many people who work remotely, you may have a great opportunity to use the flexibility you have at work to achieve your homebuying goals this year.
For remote employment, instead of being tied to a specific location to be close to your job, you can now search for a home that meets your needs and lifestyle, without worrying about a long commute. So don’t let your job location limit your search – you may be surprised at what you find.
Another benefit of working remotely is that you can live and work in any location that suits your lifestyle. If you want to live in a rural area, for example, you can do so without having to commute into the city for work. Or if you prefer to live in an urban area, you can find a home that’s close to all the amenities and conveniences you need. And since your job location does not limit you, you can take your time to find the perfect home in the perfect location. It could also allow you to search for a more affordable location where you have more options in your price range. Plus, you can easily relocate if needed.
In a recent report, Arch Capital Services explains how the ongoing trend of remote work can open up more options for homebuyers:
“. . . This will enable those who are able to work from home on a part-time or hybrid basis to move slightly farther away from job centers. . . . For workers who secure full-time remote jobs, their place of residence will be determined by affordability and personal preferences.”
Remote work doesn’t just give you expanded flexibility for your career as well as for your home. If you’re no longer tied to a location because of your office, you have a great opportunity to expand your housing search. Let’s connect to explore how this can open up your options. Whatever your preference, there’s sure to be a location that’s perfect for you – and your remote work set-up. I can help you with your search today and enjoy all the benefits of working remotely.
Kim Shaw
(928) 710-9148
Live on the Links in Prescott
Prescott, Arizona, is a desirable place to live, but it is also an incredibly popular place to play golf! The Prescott area is home to numerous award-winning golf courses.
Live on the Green
Many people move to Prescott to live in a golf course community. Below is information on some of the more popular golf course subdivisions in the Prescott quad-city area. If you would like information on any of these areas, contact me, and I will be happy to answer your questions.
Antelope Hills Golf Course – Prescott
Antelope Hills is a small golf community located on the 36-Hole Antelope Hills Golf Course in Prescott, Arizona. This quiet community, conveniently located at the crossroads of Highway 89 and Highway 89A, is just minutes from historic downtown Prescott, the Yavapai Regional Medical Center, and the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Antelope Hills residents can enjoy the nearby hiking trails in Pioneer Park, Watson Lake, and Heritage Park.
Hassayampa – Prescott
Copper Canyon Village is tucked away in the tall pines and granite boulders of Prescott, Arizona. The gently rolling terrain, the panoramic views, and the tall Ponderosa pines are just a few of the many reasons Copper Canyon is a popular community in Prescott. Copper Canyon is located on the southwest side of Prescott and is minutes from dining and the quaint shops on the historic Prescott Courthouse Square. There are only 102 lots in this custom subdivision, with several lots still available to build.
Prescott Lakes – Prescott
Prescott Lakes is a master-planned Residential and Private Golf Community in the heart of Prescott. This popular community is comprised of 13 gated and non-gated neighborhoods. The Arnold Palmer Golf Management Group manages the Hale Irwin Signature Championship 18 hole private golf course winding throughout home sites in Prescott lakes. Condos, townhomes, patio homes, custom-built, and estate homes surround the par 72 golf course. Residents can enjoy swimming indoors and outdoors with 30-meter lap lanes, a large open swim area, and a 169 square-foot whirlpool Spa.
Quailwood – Dewey-Humboldt
Quailwood in Dewey/Humboldt, Arizona, is a premier master-planned community located a few miles east of the town of Prescott Valley. This growing community has beautiful views of the Mingus and Bradshaw Mountains. Homes in Quailwood offer townhomes and site-built homes ranging in size from around 1200 sq. ft. up to about 3200 sq. ft. Quailwood offers Tennis Courts, Basketball Courts, an Outdoor Pool, Spa, a Hot Tub, a Workout Room, Community Kitchen, Meeting Rooms, Horse Shoes, Volleyball Courts, a large covered patio, and two Children’s Play Parks.
Prescott Country Club – Dewey-Humboldt
In Dewey-Humboldt, Arizona, the Prescott Country Club is nestled in the golden panoramic valley between the Mingus and Bradshaw Mountain Ranges. This popular subdivision is located at the Fain Intersection and Highway 69, a few miles east of Prescott Valley, minutes from the Prescott Valley Event Center, and only a few miles from the Yavapai Regional Medical Center. This well-established neighborhood is home to one of the top-ranked golf courses in Northern Arizona. Prescott Country Club offers amenities like a clubhouse, fitness center, outdoor pool, restaurant, tennis court, and low monthly HOA dues.
As you can see from the list above, Prescott offers excellent options if you want to live on or near a golf course. Let me know if you want more information on Prescott Real Estate, and I would love to help.
View Homes for Sale in Prescott
Kim Shaw
(928) 710-9148
Is Your Home Ready for Your Retirement?
Preparing For Retirement
If you love your home and plan to live in it through your retirement years, you’ll want to be sure it’s safe for you as you face some of those little challenges aging presents. Now is the time to assess your home and evaluate any changes you may need to make. Doing so will reduce the risk of injury and give your loved one’s peace of mind, especially if you live alone.
Here’s what you’ll want to inspect as you consider aging in place:
- Bathroom handrails. Next to the toilet and tub are the top choices to install handrails. Not only are bars for moments of instability, but they can help you raise and lower yourself more easily. You might also consider converting to a walk-in shower with a seat.
- Non-slip surfacing. There are non-slip mats and tape that can be applied to the floors to minimize the possibility of slipping. Showers and tubs are much safer if you reduce the chance of slippage.
- Stairway railings. Inside and outside stairways should have sturdy, functional rails (i.e., not just decorative).
- Ample lighting. Consider adding lighting indoors and outdoors. Decreased visibility is a significant contributor to falls. Lighting also adds security by deterring would-be burglars.
- Sharp edges. Sharp corners on tables and countertops are a dangerous hazard. Consider replacing these areas with rounded surfaces.
- Flat thresholds. Transitions from room to room should be as bump-free as possible. Stepping over the occasional random stair or elevated threshold may not seem like a significant issue, but removing potential hazards is a good idea.
- Storage height. Look for alternative storage options if you’ve been used to climbing up and down step ladders to access your storage spaces.
- Furniture support. Is your couch too low, do your chairs have armrests for support, or are countertops too high? Find the sweet spot where comfort and safety meet.
Home size is often an issue, especially if upkeep and maintenance issues are a concern. Of course, if you’ve decided your current home isn’t the greatest for an age-in-place approach to your golden years, it may be time to consider a change. Give me a call if you would like information on downsizing, I would love to help you with this transition. Kim Shaw (928) 910-9148.
Improve Your Home Without Breaking the Bank
Want to boost the value of your home but don’t have the budget for a significant renovation? Don’t worry; many home improvements can increase your home’s value but don’t require tons of money.
However, when making your home improvements, it is vital to ask yourself, “Will the money I invest be recouped in the sale of the home?” The best renovations not only cover their costs, but they will boost your home’s value and provide you with an excellent return. Of course, the key is identifying home improvements that will deliver the most significant return for the smallest investment.
Here are renovation projects that are both easy and inexpensive ways to dial up your home’s appeal and value:
- Paint the front door: You might not have the budget for a full exterior paint job, and that is okay, but have you looked at your front door lately? It’s a focal point from the street, and if it’s looking weathered, updating it with a fresh coat of semi-gloss paint will improve its appearance and impact your curb appeal. If you have more room in your budget, consider replacing the door entirely.
- Paint the foyer/entryway: Interior paint is a noticeable improvement, but you don’t have to make it an all-or-none proposition. Where do people enter your home? Like the front door, your point of entry is the first impression of the inside of your home. Refresh the point of entry of your home and make it look brand new.
- Change light fixtures and switch plates: You probably don’t even notice your light fixtures anymore, but buyers will. Swapping out the fixtures and modernizing the look goes a long way. The same goes for switch plates; replace the old (and possibly dirty) with fresh new stylish ones.
- Upgrade kitchen and bath fixtures: Do you need a new sink, or do you need a fresh faucet? It’s incredible how much a deluxe kitchen faucet upgrade can change perceptions of a kitchen. The same goes for the bathrooms: Faucets and even a new toilet can do wonders. Along with this, a detail that often gets overlooked is doorknobs. Replace old doorknobs on kitchen cabinets or anywhere around your home for a fresh and simple upgrade.
- Garden upgrades: Fresh borders on your flower gardens, new flowers, and fresh mulch are all small touches that refresh a home’s exterior. Remember that simple lawn maintenance can pay off in the end. It is believed that “the cost of maintaining your lawn is only about $330. In exchange, you can recover a value of 303% or $1,000 from this basic fix, according to the National Association of Realtors” (CheatSheet).
- Clean Carpets: Having a professional clean your carpets is an inexpensive investment to update your home and make it feel cleaner quickly. It is often suggested not to replace wall-to-wall carpeting before selling your home because homeowners like choosing their carpeting. Therefore, cleaning is the best option to create a clean feeling environment.
Want a second pair of eyes to advise you on your remodeling, big or small? I am happy to help you make a checklist to prepare your home for sale. Give me a call today: (928) 710-9148
Plenty of Horse Properties in Prescott
Horses Love Prescott
Are you looking for a place to live with your horses in beautiful Prescott, Arizona? You are in luck; there are numerous horse-friendly communities in the Prescott area.
Below are a couple of popular horse communities in Prescott. If you don’t see what you are looking for here, don’t worry, there are several other horse communities in our area, give me a call, and I will help you find a property perfect for you and your horse! (928) 710-9148
Granite Oaks
Granite Oaks in Prescott, Arizona, is located at the base of the Granite Mountain in the Williamson Valley corridor, near Williamson Valley Road and Bard Ranch Road. The subdivision of upscale custom homes borders the state land and has access to acres and acres of endless riding and hiking trails. The home sites range from 1 to 3 acres offering lots of privacy and horse privileges. Being able to enjoy country living while only a few miles from downtown Prescott is one of many reasons people fall in love with Granite Oaks.
American Ranch
American Ranch subdivision in Prescott, is located just a few miles north of downtown Prescott . It offers outdoor adventure, multiple amenities, and homes ranging from one to five acres each. The homes in this subdivision are custom built and designed to view the gorgeous mountain and forest views! American Ranch offers amenities including a $3m Equestrian Center, fitness/exercise center, outdoor heated pool, spa, tennis, basketball, and a catch and release bass fishing lake.
Williamson Valley Ranch
Williamson Valley Ranch in Prescott, Arizona, is a prestigious, private neighborhood conveniently located just ten short miles north of the city of Prescott. This equestrian subdivision features beautiful, unique custom homes. Many homes use total solar energy; some are contemporary in design, while others are classic ranch style. Homes range in size from 1100 sq ft on up to over 6000 square feet, with lots ranging from 3 to 8 acres. There is plenty of room for the kids, toys, and horses! In Williamson Valley Ranch, you’ll enjoy country living at its finest complete with paved roads, underground utilities, and riding and hiking trails nearby.
Want More Information on Horse Properties in Prescott?
Give me a call!
Kim Shaw
(928) 710-9148
Evaluating Local Schools When Relocating
The quality of schools is a contributing factor for anyone buying a home. The Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and Dewey-Humboldt areas have numerous award-winning public, private, and charter schools in the area. Each has something unique to offer.
- Prescott Unified School District: Six primary schools and one high school.
- Humboldt Unified School District: Serving Prescott Valley and Dewey-Humboldt with five elementary, two middle schools, and one high school.
- Chino Valley Unified School District: Two primary schools, one middle school and one high school.
- Charter and Private Schools: Tri-City, BASIS, AAEC, Trinity Christian, and Franklin Phonetic.
With so many options, the challenge is how do you evaluate schools? Consider these tips:
- Visit the School: Take time to visit the schools and meet teachers during class hours so you can observe how students interact with each other and what types of activities they get involved in.
- Investigate After-School Activities: Find out if after-school activities such as music lessons, sports teams, tutoring, etc., are offered at the school and if transportation is provided.
- Public or Private: Do you want your children to attend a public or private school?
- Student to Teacher Ratio: Ask how many children there are in each class and the average number of students per teacher (student-teacher ratio).
- Visit Open Houses or Evenings for Prospective Families: These are great opportunities for you to meet other parents who are already sending their children to the school.
- Public Transportation: Does the bus pick up your kids at home? Is it also available after school?
- Community Involvement: Does the school have volunteers, parent groups or support organizations? This is a great indicator of how much engagement there is in the schools by community members.
Be sure to ask me for information. As a realtor in the Prescott area, I know the schools very well and am happy to help in any way I can.
I moved to Prescott in 1995 and started my Real Estate career in 1998. As a mother of four, and the veteran of 5 corporate relocation’s, I brings a world of understanding and expertise into making a new town and a new house into a new home. My personalized and comprehensive service, complete support to my clients, along with superior service is key to my successful 20 years of thriving in Prescott Real Estate.
Home Sale Quiz: Are You Ready to Sell?
Time to Sell?
Are you ready to sell your home? You may be selling now or looking for a new house, but either way, it’s essential to know if you’re ready. Whether you need more space for your family, want to downsize before retirement, or are eager to free up some equity and cash out, there are plenty of reasons that selling can make sense.
The decision to sell your home is a big one. You want to make sure that you are financially and emotionally ready before putting your house on the market. Here are three signs that you may be ready to sell:
You have outgrown your home. You may have outgrown your home if you are constantly running out of space. If you have been cramped for space for a while, it may be time to move up to something bigger. It’s important to remember that selling your home doesn’t mean buying another one right away. You can always rent or stay with family or friends until you find the perfect place.
The price is negotiable. Sellers that are motivated understand the need for negotiation and competitive market pricing in a house sale. Personal budgets are simply part of life, to be sure. However, if you have a “you must obtain” number before putting your home on the market, you should reconsider. If all of the real estate agents who offer your property give too low a price, take a breath and consider whether you’re ready to go ahead.
Time to Downsize. There comes a time in every family’s life when the kids move out, and it’s just Mom and Dad rattling around in that big house. The empty nest syndrome can be challenging, but it doesn’t mean you have to downsize your home! If you’re getting ready to sell, though, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First of all, don’t panic! Just because the kids are gone doesn’t mean your home is suddenly worth less. In fact, with fewer people competing for space in the market, your home may even be worth more than if you still had a full house. But before you start packing up the moving truck, take some time to do your research.
Is it Time to Chat?
When it comes to selling your home, there are many things to consider. It may be time to have a chat with your real estate agent about selling costs and commissions, as well as other selling fees. You don’t want any surprises after all that hard work! Selling can provide many benefits, including freeing up some equity and cash, downsizing before retirement, or getting more space for your family.
If you feel it’s time to sell, give us a call, and I can help answer your questions!
Kim Shaw
(928) 710-9148
Research Before Buying a Flipped Home
We love the multitude of TV shows, taking a worn-down home and flipping it. Seeing an old house tuned up always grabs my attention. Hands down, before and after pictures are my favorite part! Have you recently fallen in love with a “flipped” home? Does the idea of moving into a cleanly renovated space excite you? Before you leap into closing on the house, there are questions and precautions you may want to consider.
“Flipped” or “rehabbed” homes are properties that real estate investors buy to renovate them and sell them for a profit. Sometimes these homes have been secured after short sales, foreclosures, surviving relatives, or at auctions. For real estate investors, part of the profit depends on how fast and affordably they can renovate the property. There’s even more pressure to make sure a home is ready to sell as fast as possible in seller’s markets.
A flipped home is enticing, and many times a solid investment. There’s nothing wrong with purchasing a flipped house, but before you sign on the line, you will want to make sure you know a bit about the home’s history. Make sure to dig a little deeper.
Before Buying a Flipped Home
Here are some questions to ask:
1. What was the shape of the home before the renovation? Was it just outdated? Vacant? Trashed by squatters? Find out the condition of the house when the flipper purchased it.
2. What deficiencies, damage, or other defects did the home have when the flipper bought it? If possible, ask for a list of issues.
3. Who did the work on the house during the renovation? Contractors? Handymen? Did the flipper do the work personally? Are there invoices which detail the work completed and the money spent on the repairs? Were the appropriate permits secured?
4. Was anything left “as is”? What issues were left uncompleted that may have been deemed too small or not vital to the renovation?
5. What was the legal history of the transfer of ownership? Short sales and foreclosures might have legal obligations on the flipper or other liens.
All State Insurance has provided a great article on this topic. All State advises having an inspection to determine if shortcuts were made. Along with this, they suggest researching the history of the house and research the seller. Is their business flipping homes? Is this their first-time flipping homes?
You shouldn’t shy away from a flipped home that you love, but don’t go into the situation blind. I have experience working with buyers who have purchased flipped homes, and I’d be happy to help you navigate the questions.
Want to Be a Historic Homeowner?
I Love Historic Homes
I love driving through historic neighborhoods! Grand old homes, with detailed architecture, beautiful peaks, and peaceful porches, are incredibly breathtaking. Beauty also comes with additional financial benefits. Because historical houses are typical in an established neighborhood or district, projected prices of the homes appreciate quicker than in other areas. In addition, when a resident is indeed classified as a historic home and not merely an old house, owners may be able to take advantage of tax breaks that newer homes might not be able to qualify.
Stunning Historic homes fill numerous Prescott neighborhoods. Did you know that the oldest house in Prescott dates to 1864? It is the Fort Misery log cabin at Sharlot Hall Museum. The Fort Misery log cabin was built in 1864 and moved to the property of the Sharlot Hall Museum in 1943.
But, as we have seen on popular HGTV shows, historic homes can come with problems. That doesn’t mean you have to turn your back on the antique hardwood floors or old stained-glass windows. Still, it is wise to pause and consider the pros and cons of owning, maintaining, or renovating a historic home.
Before Buying a Historic Home
Here are a few things to consider before you pull the home buying trigger:
Be aware of lead, asbestos, and other things hiding behind the walls. Pipes and paint can be lead culprits, while asbestos in basements, attics, and walls may lurk. Also, it’s not uncommon for abandoned septic tanks, cesspools, wells, or even heating oil reservoirs buried somewhere on the property.
Renovation Restrictions
A truly historic home may be ineligible for particular renovations depending on preservation guidelines. Make sure to check out the preservation guidelines beforehand if you have plans for improvements.
Wiring and Plumbing
If the electrical system in the house hasn’t been upgraded, you might find yourself facing problems. Adding appliances or other significant power loads to the system can cause issues. Older plumbing found in historic homes can also change typical plumbing repairs into complicated projects.
Authenticity is Expensive
The materials you’ll need to repair or restore original fixtures, windows, or other aesthetic components of the house can add up quickly.
Now I realize that the list above makes me sound like a “Debbie Downer,” but I promise I love Historical Homes. My goal is to prepare you for the challenges that may occur when purchasing a historic home. Click here for 10 tips for “Inspecting Historic Houses Before You Buy”, from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. If you’re exploring historic homes, be sure to ask the current owners about all of these issues to see if they’ve dealt with them.
If you’d like to look at historic homes or think perhaps it’s time to consider something a bit newer, let me help you find just the right house, Kim Shaw 928.710.9148.
