To Flip or not to Flip- that is the question!

A couple of years ago, in 2012, my husband and I viewed several different REO properties as potential investments.  If you remember, this was the height to the real estate downturn and at one point there were over 200 hundred distressed properties in our local market.  On a fabulous fall day, we viewed a property at 38 Pinnacle Rd. in Prescott.  We toured the home, and we could see the potential. This home was built in the late 1970s and still had its modern charm.

Here are a couple of before shots:  From Top to bottom

Exterior front, great room, master bath

The house was located in a desirable neighborhood, had great bones, and oozed with potential. However, at its listing price with the amount of money it would take to bring the home back, it was out of our league. 

Flash forward to yesterday, December 18 2014.  My husband bellowed from the office that I just had to check out a house.  There it was, 38 Pinnacle Rd.  The property had just closed and was starting a new- modern life.  The property was on the market for almost a year (due to an over valued starting price- in my humble opinion).  Purchase price for the REO property was 285K.  Closed price after the rehab was $641K.  Pretty nice profit potential even considering carrying costs and remodel costs.  Check out the pictures below for the updates- I did not even recognize the exterior!

From top to bottom:

Exterior front (new driveway, clean up- same from door!), Kitchen (wall moved, new everything), Great room (flooring, fireplace surround), Master bath (what? no more sunken blue tub?) and a really cool Rear Exterior (nice clear railing and great photo- by Royce Stringer??)

  

5 Money Saving Ways to Winterize Your Home

Fall is here. The weather is cooler, the days are shorter and the trees are changing the color of their leaves. Fall is the best time to prepare your home for the cold weather season before the bad weather sets in. Here are 5 money saving ways to winterize your home.

1. Change your filters – Filters should be changed every 3 months, especially in the dry desert Prescott environment. If three months is too frequent for you, a good way to remember to change your filters is by the season. Once a filter starts to get clogged, your A/C or heater unit has to work much harder to heat/cool down your house. Filters are relatively inexpensive and can be picked up at your neighborhood hardware store or big box store like Walmart or Target. Remember to note the size of the filter before you purchase as there are many different sizes. 
2. Service your heater – Have your heater serviced before winter. Not only will this help you save on your monthly utility bill, it also ensures that your heater is in good working order. There is nothing worse than a heater malfunction on a snowy day. Trust me, I have been there. 
3. Reverse your ceiling fan – Putting your ceiling fan in reverse pushes the air downward into the room. By doing this simple step, the room will stay warmer, which in turn will help lower your heating bill. The way to tell if your fan is in reverse is that the fan blades are spinning counter clockwise. 
4. Turn down the thermostat – Turning down the thermostat can save you up to 50% on your monthly heating bill. Aim for setting the thermostat at 68 degrees during the day and 62 degrees at night for optimum savings. 
5. Take care of the pipes – When temperatures fall, water freezes. Take care of the pipes and hose connections that lead into the house. The easiest way to do this is to turn off any outside water sources in winter.  You can also buy insulated faucet sleeves that cover outside water spigots. These provide a layer of insulation to the water source and can be found at your local hardware store.  Also make sure you are aware of where all of the water shutoff valves are. 

With just a little money, time and effort, you will have a nice and cozy home for the holidays this winter. At the same time, you will keep your property maintained and in proper repair when and if you ever decide to sell. A well maintained home will bring top $.

Team Maneely Welcomes a New Member!

The Maneely Team has some AMAZING news! We have a new team member! Please help us welcome Amy Maneely to the team. 

Check out her bio below to get to know this go-getter. And if you or someone you know is looking to buy or sell a home in the Prescott, area, give Amy a call (928) 830-8282.

Amy grew up in the Midwest and moved to Prescott Arizona in 2001 after graduating from Indiana University. Previously, Amy worked in secondary education at Prescott High School and has spent the last several years raising her children. Jason and Amy teamed up in 2014 to offer their Real Estate services. With a background in education, Amy will communicate with buyers and sellers during every step of the transaction to make sure they are informed and understand the process. She believes in real estate transparency and equipping buyers with any information related to their real estate interests. With a training in home staging and marketing she can offer seller suggestions on how to make their property stand apart from the competition.

By working with Jason as Team Maneely, they combine experience and market leading strategies to make your real estate experience a "Smart" one.

Contact Information:
teammaneely@gmail.com
www.teammaneely.com
(928 )830-8282

Stoneridge – Family Friendly Golfer’s Paradise

Stoneridge is one of Prescott Valley’s most sought after master-planned communities. Conveniently located just south of Hwy 69 in the foothills of the Bradshaw Mountain Range, this family friendly golf oasis is just around the corner from restaurants, shopping and entertainment.  Lot sizes range from .3 to 1 acre. Enjoy sweeping views from your new porch with housing options ranging from 2200 – 2700 square feet, single or two story.

Situated on 1840 beautiful acres, Stoneridge amenities include an indoor/outdoor community pool, workout room, 18 hole golf course, clubhouse and restaurant. If you have a family with young children or pets, there are plenty of parks, playgrounds, sidewalks and tree lined streets for walking. Also included in the community center is meeting space which can be utilized for parties, events or business meetings. And don’t forget the golf!

For those of you looking to live the luxurious life on the links? Stoneridge is currently undergoing new growth with the addition of luxury golf villas. The first phase will consist of 47 units with four models to choose from ranging in size from 1600 – 1955 square feet. You can roll out of bed and onto the course in less than 5 minutes.

I am a 3^rd generation Prescottonian and have been a Stoneridge resident for the past six years. Give me a call today at (928) 925-6050 if you have any questions about buying or selling a home in the Prescott Valley area or to find out more about this wonderful family friendly golfer's paradise. 

Don't forget to "LIKE" us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BuyPrescott for insightful articles, tips, local calendar events, new listings and a little humor. Check out my YouTube channel at MrPrescottRealEstate to see current videos of listings in the Prescott Valley area. 

The Colorful Meaning Behind Your Front Door

I have always been an admirer of houses with brightly colored doors. They liven the exterior and give the house a personality. Your front door can be any color under the rainbow. Although red, blue, green, yellow and purple seem to be the most popular choices. A choice of door color is mostly aesthetic and that of the homeowner, but did you know there is a philosophy behind what each color represents?

We have compiled a list of the different door colors and the many meanings behind them.

Red: In Feng Shui and old American tradition, a red door means welcome. It also provides protection and means the home owner is mortgage free. A recent study found that people who live behind a red door are the happiest. Could being mortgage free be the reason?

Blue: Blue is one of the most eye-catching front door colors. Blue doors represent water and abundance. They are also viewed as being calm and representing trust, loyalty and stability.

Green: Green is one of the most popular colors for an exterior front door.  In some cultures, a green front door represents growth because it is the shade of green plants in nature. They can also represent prosperity and safety.

Yellow: Yellow doors are viewed as being cheerful and bright, much like a sunny disposition. They also represent a home owner that is perceived as being social, giving and community oriented. They are friendly, optimistic and welcoming.

Purple: Purple is historically viewed as representing wealth, honor and royalty. In this day and age, having a purple door let’s others know that you are living a prosperous life. Not so much in a monetary sense but that you are rich in your quality of life. They can also represent honorability, open-mindedness and like a blue door, a sense of calm.

What color would you paint your door?

Sew On and Sew Forth

Some people would consider sewing a lost art, but it doesn't have to be. As times change, women and men are not as self-sufficient as we once were.  Many people have grown up not learning how to sew.

I grew up with a grandmother and mother that enjoyed sewing, so I was fortunate enough to have some basic sewing skills. In college, I really enjoyed sewing as a hobby, but did not know much about creating a professionally finished project. The more I was sewing, the more I knew I needed lessons.

Fortunately the machine I had purchased from a big box store, finally died. Somehow I convinced my darling husband that a new machine would be a great birthday gift. This time however, I also wanted to upgrade. Time to shop!! So after a little research, I found Central Sewing. The Marchant family owns this gem of a sewing store. I found a great machine, and my husband gifted me with it. Because Central Sewing is the BEST- the machine came with lessons. I can not emphasize how important lessons are. I learned so much about technique and how to use my machine. Jamie (Marchant) Estes taught the classes, and she is excellent. High energy, patient, always willing to help- Jaime is a 'rockstar' in my sewing world. Of course, this wasn't my last experience with Central Sewing. Over the years, I have purchased a Serger to accompany my sewing and embroidery machine and lots of small items to help with my sewing. My projects are now professional looking and I could not be happier. Hopefully I will have a chance to "upgrade" my machine again and take my sewing projects to the next level. When I have the opportunity to do this, I know where I will head- Central Sewing.

Just a Hop, Skip and a Jump from Prescott, AZ

Check out our newest video, "Just a Hop, Skip and a Jump from Prescott, AZ. Where will your journey take you?

Take A Hike! to the Hike Shack

                                                                            

Raigan, Amanda and Toby ready to help you "take a hike" at the Hike Shack

Located on the corner of Whiskey Row and Gurley Street in the heart of downtown Prescott, sits the home of the BEST outdoors store in the Prescott area.  This outdoor outfitter is so much more than a place to score great looking and functional all terrain items, it is a community asset!  Of course, the Hike Shack isn't going to tell you how awesome they are- but I will.

Every year the Highland Nature Center seeks to raise funds to continue to grow their education and facilities.  And each year the Hike Shack supports these efforts with an Open House/Fashion Show.  Come for the food and fashion-- stay for the silent auction!  Along with generous corporate sponsors like Chaco, the Hike Shack auctions off some amazing items.  Everyone has a great time, for a great cause.  This year we won the Chaco gift certificate and our kids scored some amazing sandals.

Another reason the Hike Shack is an asset, is their caring spirit.  Prescott hosts the annual Whiskey Off Road Mountain Bike race.  This year, the owners of the Hike Shack decided to open their doors at 6 a.m. to give the early morning riders a place to stay warm until the race started.  Little did the owners or riders know just how valuable this would be.  The conditions were blizzard like, snow coming down sideways, gale force gusts, rainy, icy---YUCK.  The previous day and following day were warm and sunny.  Go figure.  Not only were the riders able to stay warm pre-race, but if they were unprepared, they could purchase gear that they would need for the ride.  Smarter to have warm gear than suffer hypothermia.  Thanks to the Hike Shack many riders had the right gear to complete their race.

In my opinion, there is no other place to shop for your adventure needs than Prescott's Hike Shack.  Go visit Raigan, Amanda, or Toby on the downtown square- it will be hard to walk away without something special.
 

The Good Life in Granville

Granville is a master planned subdivision located North on Glassford Hill Road. There are two sides, one to the East and one to the West of Glassford Hill Road. Granville is one of the largest of the Prescott Valley subdivisions with 1500 established homes and an additional 300+ currently being built. In future, Granville will total 3200 homes. Construction is taking place on both sides and the demand for these houses is high.

Granville has ample community amenities with 2 clubhouses, each containing a pool, weight room and event
space. There are also two play areas for young children, basketball and tennis courts, and a sand volleyball area. A very active community, Granville offers many events for residents. If outdoor activities are your thing, sidewalks are plentiful and Iron King Trail is located right next to Santa Fe Loop which offers hiking, jogging, mountain biking and horseback riding.

Looking for a new build option? There are three quality housing types from Universal home builders with offerings from attached (1070 – 1443 sq feet), First time single family (1096 – 1636 sq feet) and premium move up homes (2017 – 3682 sq feet). Lots range from 4000 to 9000 sq feet. The buyer is able to pick exterior paint color and interior furnishings at time of purchase.

New build is not your only option in Granville. Existing homes rarely stay on the market for long. Also, if you are looking for investment property, Granville has a popular sought after rental market.

Situated between the two main thoroughfares Highways 69 and 89, Granville is a stone’s throw away from your morning coffee, super markets, entertainment and fine dining. Anyway you slice it, you could be living the good life in Granville.

Call me today at (928) 925-6050 to schedule a time for your personal Granville tour.

Here are the current market stats for Granville.

Active Properties:  37	Average Sq Ft:  1774	Low Price:  $174,900	High Price:  $369,900
Pending Properties:  12	Average Sq Ft:  1694	Low Price:  $239,000	High Price:  $274,900
Sold Properties:  67	Average Sq Ft:  1646	Low Price:  $159,000	High Price:  $386,000

I am Jason Maneely and I am here to help you with all of your real estate needs. "As a 3rd generation Prescottonian, I have a wealth of knowledge about the many desirable subdivisions of Prescott Valley. 

Don't forget to "LIKE" us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BuyPrescott for insightful articles, tips, local calendar events, new listings and a little humor. Check out my YouTube channel at MrPrescottRealEstate to see current videos of listings in the Prescott Valley area. 

The Dinner Bell Cafe - "Where everybody knows your name"

Menu with Pictures

Think of the Dinner Bell as more than a breakfast joint, its more like the bar from "Cheers", where everybody knows your name.  Ever since I have moved to Prescott, and ever since my husband was a mere young boy, the obvious choice for breakfast in downtown Prescott has been the Dinner Bell.  Of course the food is perfect- every combination of scramble you can imagine.  Our favorite is the Chorizo Scramble.  Of course when dining with our children (or even solo) you can't go wrong with a huge, gooey cinnamon roll.  The setting is everything you want from a greasy spoon, bar stools at a seated counter, or booths along the perimeter.  Go on the weekends and expect to wait- it is worth every minute!  However, the most important reason to return is the service.  It is above and beyond.  The staff knows our names, children's names, and beverages of choice on entering.  It is the only place where I have received a gift from the owner on the birth of a child.  It is so much like "Cheers"  that the waitresses have taken a fruit cup and transformed it to a grape cup, because that was my son's favorite fruit.  And just like "Norm and Cliff"  I will keep returning for more. 

Neighborhoods - Are You Buying in the Right One?

Neighborhoods, you remember the one you grew up in, the one you raise your family in and the one you will retire in. 

Per Wikipedia, the definition of a neighborhood is "a geographically localized community within a large city, town, suburb or rural area. Neighborhoods are often social communities with considerable face-to-face interaction among members."

A good neighborhood has a positive impact on a house. It helps a house maintain it's value and makes it easy to sell when you are ready to move on to the next chapter of your life. 

So, what constitute the qualities of the "right" neighborhood when looking for a new home? Below are positive indicators that you've found the right place. 

When looking at a new neighborhood, does it meet your specifications? Does it have the amenities you're looking for like a community pool or events? Are people friendly? Are there places for people to walk, children to play? These can be signs of how socially interactive a neighborhood will be. 

Do you like what you see and hear? Home improvements like new paint, well kept lawns & landscaping show that people care about how their property looks and are interested in keeping the home values high. Is there traffic noise? Are there dogs barking? Don't be afraid to ask residents who already live in the neighborhood about the pros and cons you will encounter if you move there. 

Can you get a latte? I know this is a funny one BUT having a Starbucks or any other high end coffee chain is a sign of affluence and also indicates a well-established neighborhood as coffee houses pick areas that they know will be able to sustain the business. 

Does the neighborhood have a neighborhood watch group or an HOA that holds monthly or quarterly meetings? These are signs of a tight-knit community where residents tend to be more attached to the neighborhood if they know that others are watching out for their and essentially your family's well-being. 

Are schools close and of high educational ranking? This will be a major selling point for parents with school age children. Close proximity to a fire/police station, city services and a good commute to work and activities are also favorable draws to the vicinity. 

Get a realistic picture of the neighborhood by making several visits at different times of the day and on the weekends. You can't base on what will be, at minimum, a 5-7 year decision on a one time weekday visit. 

A well educated home buyer will be a happy home buyer because they will have done their research and will have found their perfect neighborhood for years to come. Be sure to check back frequently as we will be covering each of the most desirable subdivisions of Prescott Valley, starting with Granville. 

I am Jason Maneely and I am here to help you with all of your real estate needs. "As a 3rd generation Prescottonian, I have a wealth of knowledge about the many desirable subdivisions of Prescott Valley. Call me today at (928) 925-6050 to set up a tour of the different options available to you. 

Don't forget to "LIKE" us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BuyPrescott for insightful articles, tips, local calendar events, new listings and a little humor. Check out my YouTube channel at MrPrescottRealEstate to see current videos of listings in the Prescott Valley area. 

Curb Appeal: Landscaping Tips for Home Selling Success

Did you know that a well landscaped yard not only gives your home beautiful curb appeal but can also increase your home’s value by 10 percent? According to a 2013 National Association of Realtors survey, a whopping 71% of home buyers factor in curb appeal when conducting their home search. Put your home's best foot forward with these five inexpensive landscaping tips. 

1.  Plants - natures way of dressing up the scenery. 

Not only do plants add instant color they can also add a backdrop that compliments the style of your house. Most seasonal and annual selections are relatively inexpensive and good deals can be found at your neighborhood nursery, big box retail or home improvement store.  Local nurseries are good sources for finding information and selection of indigenous plants which in turn create an inviting habitat for local birds and wildlife. 

2.  Decks and Patios - a great place to relax.

People are always on the lookout for places to hang out and socialize. If your backyard does not have a patio or deck, this might a good area to spend a little money. A backyard with something is better than a backyard with nothing at all when it comes to increasing value to the property. If you have patio furniture, it should be in good condition. Power-wash it to spruce it up (if needed), apply a coat of paint and get new cushions. These are just a few inexpensive ways to give a tired patio set a new lease on life.

3.  Create interesting focal points with container gardens.

These mini eco-gardens or a single large tropical can add interest and an appealing nature to a deck or patio area you want to highlight. Potential buyers will be able to picture themselves relaxing in the space with family and friends.

4. Add a water feature.

Fountains, birdbaths and water features add to the aesthetic of a lush backyard by incorporating a flowing focal point. Water can also create a melodious spa-like cooling effect especially if the house is located in a state that has warm summers, like Arizona.  

5. Keep the yard tidy.

This is the time to make sure all trees and shrubs are pruned and flower beds are weeded.  A new application of mulch can do wonders in tiding up an unruly flower bed. Mulch can be purchased inexpensively and will give your beds a uniform finished look. Not only will this show favorably for your house but also has a positive effect on the neighborhood.

With these five tips, your house will be well on its way to attracting a new owner. Your real estate agent is a great source of information in regards to local landscaping companies and landscaping ideas that have worked in selling other homes on the market. 

I am Jason Maneely and I am here to help you with all of your real estate needs. "As a 3rd generation Prescottonian, I have a wealth of knowledge about the area, schools, culture and the many activities Prescott has to offer."  Call me today at (928) 925-6050 and let's find the home of your dreams!

Don't forget to "LIKE" us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BuyPrescott  for insightful articles, tips, local calendar events, new listings and a little humor. Check out my YouTube channel: MrPrescottRealEstate, to see current videos of listing in the Prescott area. 

Tips for Spring Time Home Buyers

Flowers and trees in backyards across the country are starting to wake from their winter slumber and bloom. Spring is finally here and is known to be the busiest time of year for real estate agents and  potential buyers looking for their forever home.

This Spring is proving to be a challenge for the housing market. Inventory in the Prescott area is slightly higher but still seeing slow growth and demand for available homes is still high. With competition on the rise and some properties garnering multiple offers, it is best for the potential buyer to be prepared.  Here are 4 easy-to-follow tips to insure Spring time home buying success.

1. Hire a real estate professional.
A potential home buyer wants to choose the best real estate agent for them. The agent you pick should have experience in many different types of transactions, has your best interest at heart, understands your aesthetic, is knowledgeable about the area and what it has to offer, and understands market trends.

2. Get pre-approved for a home mortgage before you start your search. 
Too many times potential home buyers fall in love with a home before they know what their budget can afford. Getting a mortgage these days is not as easy as it used to be. You may not be able to qualify for the amount you thought you would.  When you are pre-approved for a mortgage, this adds credibility to your offer once you find the perfect house.

3. Figure out your wish list before you start the journey. 
Having a list of preferred amenities you would like in your new abode  (like stainless steel appliances or granite counter tops) can help your Realtor narrow down the playing field so that you don't get overwhelmed with too many choices. This is also a good time to think about the type of neighborhood you would like to be a part of. Are you single and want to be near other singles and nightlife? Are you and your spouse newly retired and looking for a development that offers different recreational activities like golf or a community swimming pool? Knowing these things will make your home search easier.

4. Be prepared for possible competition. 
This is currently a sellers market as there is more demand than supply. There is a pretty good chance that  another family could fall in love with the same house your family just fell in love with. Put your best offer forward. The days of substantially underbidding are a thing of the past. Putting a creative spin on your offer like extending extra days to move out can make your offer stand out among the competition. Your Realtor is the perfect person to help you think of inventive ways to do this. Use his expertise and land the home of your dreams.

Spring is the perfect time to find your new home or investment property. Please contact Jason Maneely at (928) 925-6050 for all your real estate needs. "I am a 3rd generation Prescottonian and am proud to call Prescott home. I have a wealth of knowledge about the area, schools, subdivisions, culture and the many activities Prescott has to offer".

Don't forget to "LIKE" us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BuyPrescott for insightful articles, tips, local events and a little humor. We can also be found on YouTube at MrPrescottRealEstate. 

Prescott, Here We Grow Again

Culver's (photo courtesy of Bayland Builders)

Prescott, once a two horse town with a rich western history is well on it's way to being the main hub of Northern Arizona. Known for its four seasons, mild climate, abundant outdoor activities, and small town feel has drawn commercial growth and people wanting to call the Prescott area home.

Prescott Valley, just to the East of Prescott is having a resurgence in residential and commercial growth. New commerce has moved into the area, which in turn is creating more jobs and the increased need for housing. Some of our newest businesses to the area are Dick's Sporting Goods, Walmart and Culver's (just in case you get a hankering for a custard after all that shopping). More on the way include; Sprouts Farmers Market, a rumored Marshall's Clothing Store, Einstein's Bagels, ULTA Cosmetics and the possibility of a Dunkin' Donuts.

Currently Listed for Sale: 7375 Night Watch Way, Prescott Valley, AZ
(photo courtesy  of Rick Brazil Photography)

We are also seeing growth in the housing market. Prescott Valley subdivisions; Granville, Pronghorn Ranch, Quailwood, Stoneridge, and Viewpoint are all seeing substantial expansion. Most homes are barely completed before they are sold.

Spring is the perfect time to find your new home or investment property. Please contact Jason Maneely at (928) 925-6050 for all of your real estate needs. "As a 3rd generation Prescottonian, I have a wealth of knowledge about the area, schools, culture and the many activities Prescott has to offer."

Don't forget to "LIKE" us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BuyPrescott for insightful articles, tips, local calendar events, new listings and a little humor. You can also see a video tour of my latest listing, 7375 Night Watch Way, Prescott Valley (pictured above) on my YouTube channel: MrPrescottRealEstate. It just might be the home of your dreams.