Home Remodel Tips • July 10, 2021

Tips to Utilize Each Square Foot of a Small Bathroom

by Dena "Dena & Dave" Plane

Do you have a small bathroom that needs to be transformed to feel more spacious and comfortable? There are some simple tips and tricks to utilize each square foot. Just because a bathroom is small doesn’t mean it has to feel small. Many small bathrooms can be transformed into larger-feeling spaces simply by making some adjustments to design choices.

These tips don’t require major renovations, instead, these minor upgrades will help you make the most of the space that you have:

Add a pedestal sink. Better Homes & Gardens shares that a blocky cabinet under a sink may provide storage, but visually it consumes a chunk of open space. A pedestal sink maintains an open feeling.
Life Storage offers a solution for your towel rack… use the space behind your door. Stylish towel bars stacked three high on the back of your door can eliminate the need for racks elsewhere in the bathroom and open up more wall space.
Elevate shelving above the toilet tank. If you have shelves elsewhere, but the space above your toilet tank is empty, consider relocating high shelving to above the “dead space” behind the toilet. Consolidating this used space into a single area can broaden out the rest of the bathroom.
Utilize the space above your door. We are working to transform your small bathroom into a much larger-feeling space, but you still need storage… Life Storage also provides an idea for that additional storage. By adding a shelve above your door, you can store extra toilet paper, towels, or other products. With this storage being above eye level, it will still provide you with open spacious bathroom space.
Recess lighting. Even if you have only a few light sources in your bathroom, by hiding some of your lighting in recessed areas, you can reduce the “noise” of big fixtures.

According to the Family Handyman, there are also tips to help make a smaller bathroom appear bigger.

Use the same paint color for your walls and ceilings.
Avoid patterned wallpaper
Strategically place mirrors to reflect natural the light in the room.
Limit small accessories such as trinkets and knickknacks.
Install crown molding on the ceiling to give the illusion of a raised ceiling
Opt for light, soft paint colors

Look on the bright side… at least a small bathroom means less to clean! I hope these tips help you open up your small bathroom into a larger feeling space.

If these design tips aren’t enough to open up your small bathroom, and you are ready to make a move instead, I would love to help. Contact us today and together we can begin the search for your next home.

Selling a Home • June 10, 2021

Easy Fixes to Help Your Home Sell Faster

by Dena "Dena & Dave" Plane

Even the littlest details count, especially when buyers are looking at purchasing a home. Lots of everyday wear and tear that you don’t even notice can ding your home in the eyes of potential buyers. Here’s my list of simple improvements you can do to help your home sell faster:

Spruce Up Your Baseboards: Pets, kids, and stumbling husbands in the dark can make a mess of your baseboards. Repainting the baseboards after repairing scratches with putty can make the border of any room look new. Click here to view an article by Abby Lawson that gives simple steps to freshen up your baseboards.
Fill in Nail Holes: Part of interior repainting should be paying careful attention to nail holes from pictures, shelves, and other wall-mounted objects. Click here to learn about multiple DIY ways to fill in nail holes.
Review the roof: Do you have missing shingles or broken tiles? Missing shingles could cause mold and moss to grow. Do some cleaning and spot replacement.
Reinforce your gutters: To reduce staining and damage, keep water off the home’s siding, and reinforce your gutters. Clean them out, dry them out, then caulk them to prevent leaks.
Update Light Switch & Outlet Covers: Light switches, in most rooms, are used every day. Excessive use can cause wear and tear on the light switch covers. Although it is a small detail, replacing the covers will bring a fresh, clean look.
Remove Smoke Odor: Filter replacement is a must if there has been smoking in your home. Wash down walls, prime them to seal in any cooked-in nicotine, and repaint. Along with this, be sure to check entryways and lawns for cigarette butts. Click here for an article that offers additional tips to eliminate smoke odor.
Replace Bad Vinyl Floors: Vinyl flooring is durable and stands up to heaving foot traffic. However, when cracked or cut, it can look dingy. Along with this, a cracked vinyl floor may cause the buyer to believe that there is water damage.
Carpets Cleaning: Unless your carpets are in total despair, cleaning your carpets can bring new life into your home rather than replacing them. While you can hire a professional for a reasonable fee, another option for carpeting cleaning is stopping by your local grocery store or hardware store and renting a machine.
Repair Dripping Faucets: Buyers will turn faucets on and off. Therefore, before listing, you do the same. Turn on and off your faucets in the kitchen, bathroom, tubs, showers, and even outside hose bibs. What do you find? Buyers will view dripping faucets as future headaches. Call a plumber, or even consult YouTube for repair instructions.
Patch Cabinet Scratches: Re-staining or repainting can make cabinets seem new. For scratches on natural wood cabinets of furniture, click here for tips on fixing those pesky scratches.
Reseal Wobbly Toilets: If the toilet bowl moves when you sit on it, there are rusted, or the bathroom floor is damp and discolored around the commode, replace the toilet or at the very least reseal it.

After finishing these minor improvements, contact me to list your home to sell. These repairs are a significant step to a quick sale.

Selling a Home • April 10, 2021

Small Fixes Before You Sell Your Home

by Dena "Dena & Dave" Plane

Spruce Up Your Baseboards: Pets, kids, and stumbling husbands in the dark can make a mess of your baseboards. Repainting the baseboards after repairing scratches with putty can make the border of any room look new. Click here to view an article by Abby Lawson that gives simple steps to freshen up your baseboards.
Fill in Nail Holes: Part of interior repainting should be careful attention to nail holes from pictures, shelves, and other wall-mounted objects. Click here to learn about multiple DIY ways to fill in nail holes.
Review the roof: Do you have missing shingles or broken tiles? Missing shingles could cause mold and moss to grow. Do some cleaning and spot replacement.
Reinforce your gutters: To reduce staining, damage, and keep water off of the siding of the home, reinforcing your gutters is vital. Clean them out, dry them out, then caulk them to prevent leaks.
Update Light Switch & Outlet Covers: Light switches, in most rooms, are used every day. Excessive use can cause wear and tear on the light switch covers. Although it is a small detail, replacing the covers will bring a fresh, clean look.
Remove Smoke Odor: Filter replacement is a must if there has been smoking in your home. Wash down walls, prime them to seal in any cooked-in nicotine, and repaint. Along with this, be sure to check entryways and lawns for cigarette butts. Click here for an article that offers additional tips to eliminate smoke odor.
Replace Bad Vinyl Floors: Vinyl flooring is durable and stands up to heaving foot traffic. However, when cracked or cut, it can look dingy. Along with this, a cracked vinyl floor may cause the buyer to believe that there is water damage.
Carpets Cleaning: Unless your carpets are in total despair, cleaning your carpets can bring new life into your home rather than replacing them. While you can hire a professional for a reasonable fee, another option for carpeting cleaning is stopping by your local grocery store or hardware store and renting a machine.
Repair Dripping Faucets: Buyers will turn faucets on and off. Therefore, before listing, you do the same. Turn on and off your faucets in the kitchen, bathroom, tubs, showers, and even outside hose bibs. What do you find? Buyers will view dripping faucets as future headaches. Call a plumber, or even consult YouTube for repair instructions.
Patch Cabinet Scratches: Re-staining or repainting can make cabinets seem new. For scratches on natural wood cabinets of furniture, click here for tips on fixing those pesky scratches.
Reseal Wobbly Toilets: If the toilet bowl moves when you sit on it, there are rusted, or the bathroom floor is damp and discolored around the commode, replace the toilet or at the very least reseal it.

After finishing these minor improvements, contact me to list your home to sell. These repairs are a significant step to a quick sale. 928-830-6976

Selling a Home • March 10, 2021

What are the Pros & Cons of a Pre-listing Inspection

by Dena "Dena & Dave" Plane

If you’re thinking about listing your home, one thing you might be nervous about is the home inspection. A home inspection is standard practice on most real estate transactions. An essential part of my job as a real estate agent is educating and protecting my clients. Therefore, my job is to teach my clients the pros and cons of a pre-listing inspection.

According to American Society of Home Inspectors a home inspection report will include:

The condition of the home’s heating system
Central air conditioning system (temperature permitting)
Interior plumbing and electrical systems
The roof
Attic and visible insulation
Walls
Ceilings
Floors
Windows and doors
The foundation
Basement and structural components

Should You Get a Home Inspection Before You Put Your Home on the Market?

While each house transaction is different, a pre-listing inspection is very beneficial. It is better to know beforehand rather than receiving a nasty surprise down the road.

Benefits of Pre-Listing Inspection

If your home does require repairs, doing them ahead of time will help move the selling process quicker. Along with this, it will allow you to shop for lower-priced supplies, will enable you to gather estimates for the repair, will allow you to hire your favorite contractor, or will enable you to make the repairs yourself.

Repairs vs. Upgrades

You will need to know the difference between maintenance repairs and home upgrades. Making necessary maintenance repairs does not mean that you can increase your list price. Repairing or replacing your home’s roof does not pump up the sale price, but it is useful as a marketing point over other listings in the area. Therefore, a roof is a maintenance repair; it is not an upgrade, such as a kitchen renovation.

If you choose not to make the necessary repairs, know that it could negatively impact your sale price. For example, if you want to hold off and do not take care of a $1,000 plumbing repair, potential buyers will think about the time, inconvenience, and repair cost. There is a possibility that a $1,000 repair could translate to a $3,000 reduction to the asking price.

You Must Disclose

‘Honesty’ is the only policy! Failing to disclose a problem found in the inspection could translate into a much larger problem down the line.

Although I have given multiple benefits for pre-listing inspection, it is vital to consider the pros and cons. I would be glad to sit down with you and talk about your specific concerns you may have about your home if you’re preparing to list it. Contact me today! 928.830.6976

Buying a Home • February 15, 2021

Answers for First-Time Home Buyers

by Dena "Dena & Dave" Plane

It’s time for first-time homebuyers to turn their dream into a reality and own their very own home. Most first-time buyers have the same questions, which is why I’ve put together this down-and-dirty answer guide for the most common questions home buyers have.

What kind of credit score do I need to have? Generally, 630 or above is what you’ll want to have. The better your score, the better the terms will be on your loan. Some lenders may give you wiggle room on this, but it all depends on the circumstances. A loan professional can help you navigate this as you go.
How much of a down payment is required? Some loans will let you in for as low as 3% – 5% of the home’s value, but I would consider 5% to be the floor. More is better, especially if your credit isn’t as optimal as you’d like it to be. Working with a loan officer will help. Now, if you can put 20% down, there are benefits. You will have a smaller monthly mortgage payment, lower interest rate, and you will not need private mortgage insurance.
What’s the first step to home buying? The next step is getting pre-approval for a mortgage. Don’t shop for a home until you know what you can afford. There’s no use in falling in love with a $300,000 home in your dream neighborhood if the banks will only write you a loan of $150,000.
How much do I have to pay my real estate agent? As a buyer, you don’t have to pay your real estate agent, the seller is responsible for listing fees. Don’t worry, your agent receives a portion of those fees for helping with the transaction.
Why should I use a real estate agent? Like a lawyer, doctor, or other professional hired to represent your interests, the agent will not only advise you about the transaction but will protect and facilitate the process.
How long does it take to buy a house? After you find the home you want to buy, it generally takes between 30 and 45 days. However, the home search can take longer, so have a clear idea of what you’re looking for and able to afford. (Your agent can help you with this. Another reason to have one on your side!)

Jumping back to down payments, here is a list of a few tips that can help you conquer saving for a down payment:

Find out where your money goes. Track each expenditure, no matter how small. Where are you spending cash?
Setup a separate savings account. Don’t let your dream home money mingle with your regular checking or savings account. Have a different account with a “hands-off” attitude.
Pretend you already have a house payment. Once you determine the approximate amount of a new house payment, start making that payment now. Instead of paying the bank, pay your savings account.

Naturally, there’s more to buying a home, but this covers the essential introduction to the process. As your agent, I will walk you through the rest, guiding you along the way. When you’re ready to make a move, reach out to me: 928-830-6976

Buying a Home • January 10, 2021

Woo Sellers with Personalized Touches

by Dena "Dena & Dave" Plane

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 make sure it doesn’t happen again?

When a seller entertains multiple offers, it’s essential to understand that many different factors are in play. If you’re an all-cash buyer, you tend to have an advantage, 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 and foremost, make sure you have 100% of your financial house in order. When you are financially prepared, you have pre-qualification for a mortgage as well as proof of funds. Being organized and ready to go will help give you a small 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 to 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 as to 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. 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. Have pets and kids? Bring them into the picture!

Tips to Keep in Mind While Writing Your Letter

Build a Connection: Look for a connection that 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. While 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 are going to be electronically transferred, dumped into a crowded email inbox. An electronic offer can be convenient, whereas delivering a beautifully prepared package complete with a personalized letter and picture can impact the seller.

I will go the extra mile in helping you attain your dream home. Get in contact with me today: 928-830-6976

The Prescott Area • December 20, 2020

Endless Possibilities Offered in Prescott, AZ

by Dena "Dena & Dave" Plane

If you haven’t figured it out already, Prescott and nearby Prescott Valley have something for everyone. You can find anything from affordable to luxury homes, homes on golf courses, active adult communities, and much more.

Prescott, Arizona, located in Yavapai County, is a breathtaking town filled with beauty and history. Prescott has a perfect location, approximately 95 miles south of Flagstaff and 95 miles north of Phoenix. Prescott, located in the Bradshaw Mountains, sits at an altitude of 5,400 feet. The Prescott area can brag of near-perfect weather with an average high temperature in the winter around 52 degrees and an average of 89 in the summer.

Things to Do in Prescott

In Prescott, Arizona, you will find countless activities to do, including horseback riding, golfing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, local breweries, restaurants, and shopping. Living in Downtown Prescott means living just steps from the Old Town Square, providing a feeling of nostalgia mixed with modernity. You can also find a more private and secluded lifestyle in the rolling hills of the Prescott National Forest.

The historic downtown district of Prescott is nothing short of charming. Old Town Prescott feels like it was pulled right from the Wild West, showcasing an old-fashioned town square with a beautiful historic courthouse and quaint storefronts selling items both new and old.

Prescott is home to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Yavapai College, and Prescott College. The community has been referred to as “Everybody’s Hometown” because it is a fabulous place to retire and raise a family and a great place to call “Home.”

There are around 43,000 people in Prescott, and the surrounding “Quad-City” area of Dewey-Humboldt, Chino Valley, and Prescott Valley and the smaller towns of Mayer, Paulden, and Wilhoit, comprise around 103,000 people.

About Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate

Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate is a dynamic real estate brand that offers a full range of services to brokers, sales associates, and home buyers and sellers. The growing Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate network includes more than 12,000 independent sales associates and approximately 360 offices serving home buyers and sellers across the U.S., Canada, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. In 1978, Meredith Corporation, one of the nation’s leading media and marketing companies and publishers of Better Homes & Gardens magazine, launched the former Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Service. Meredith Corporation owned and operated the company for 20 years and grew the business into a highly respected name in the real estate industry. Using innovative technology, sophisticated business systems and the broad appeal of a lifestyle brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate embodies the future of the real estate industry while remaining grounded in the tradition of home.

About The Plane Team

Dena Plane has served her clients and provided them with excellent service for over 15 years in residential real estate, resale, and new home sales. As a resale agent, Dena has achieved Agent of the Month, Top Ten Agent of the Year, Multi-Million Dollar Club, and International Diamond Society. As the sales manager for new homes, Dena personally sold over 300 homes and custom lots in the luxury golf communities of Prescott and Prescott Valley, Arizona.

Dena is licensed in both Arizona and California and specializes in luxury properties with resort-style living. With a passion for home building and interior design, Dena will help you get your home “show ready” and can easily guide and advise both buyers and sellers on the best practices for a successful outcome!

Dena and her husband Dave are The Plane Team. They help agents increase their production and grow their business and efficiently serve buyers and sellers in their real estate transactions. As your REALTOR’s, Dena and Dave will guide you through the buying and selling process and help you reach your real estate goals! The Plane Team will provide you with the resources and tools for a successful and smooth transaction.

Retirement • November 10, 2020

Making Your Home Ready for Your Retirement Years

by Dena "Dena & Dave" Plane

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. Assess your home and see if there are any changes you may need to make. Doing so will not only reduce the risk of injury, but it will also give your loved ones 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. Showers and tubs are much safer if you reduce the chance of slippage. There are non-slip mats and tape that can be applied to the floors to minimize the possibility of slipping.
Stairway railings. Both inside and outside stairways should have sturdy, useful 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. You may be accustomed to stepping over the occasional random stair or elevated threshold, but it is a good idea to remove potential hazards.
Storage height. If you’ve been used to climbing up and down step ladders to access your storage spaces, look for alternative storage options.
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 there are upkeep and maintenance issues to consider. 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, I have over 15 years of experience in residential real estate, both resle and new home sales. I’d be happy to research options for you. 928.830.6976

Buying a Home • October 10, 2020

Pretty Homes Can Hide Ugly Problems

by Dena "Dena & Dave" Plane

It is hard to miss all of the Flip/House Make-Over shows on television. Some of the transformations are incredible, but some transformations seem ‘too good to be true.’ Okay, maybe they are ‘true,’ but are the make-overs good enough to last long-term?

When inventory is tight and newly renovated homes are wooing prospective buyers, you need to take a step back and remember that the home you’re hunting for is a long-term investment. While futuristic appliances and gleaming hardwood floors may seduce you into making a quick offer, understand that there’s much more to a home than what lies on the surface.

Investors who renovate homes want to maximize their profit as quickly as possible. While many are upstanding folks, there are those out there who will cut corners to boost their return. Sometimes when a home is renovated, an investor will do a “lipstick flip.” This means fixing up what’s cosmetic and leaving the rest as-is. Paint, flooring, appliances, fixtures –all may get a tune-up. But this doesn’t necessarily take into account foundation issues, leaks, plumbing problems, and work performed without permits.

Foundational and mechanical problems are a significant concern, but I would like to caution buyers that cosmetic changes need to be inspected for quality. It doesn’t take much to have a new DIY floor that is installed quickly to present problems. Just take a quick look at the quality of the products used and the renovation details before getting ‘wowed’ by the fresh new paint.

Once buyers close on a home, they’re responsible for the home. This includes issues that may be costly to repair or remain simply unsafe for habitation. This is why it’s vitally important you take the necessary steps to protect yourself before signing off. Here are some tips to prevent the headache and heartache of a bad “lipstick flip” home:

Do not waive the inspection. In addition to the usual areas, have inspections for exposed wiring in the attic and mold. Include a termite inspection.
Ask for a complete list of all work done with receipts for the work.
For all work done, make sure the seller used a licensed contractor.
Ensure the work on the home passed inspection and is up to code. Request a copy of the certificate of occupancy.
Ask the seller for a current disclosure statement, as required by law.

If the seller balks at these requests, it may be necessary to pass on the home. If issues come up during inspection, you may change your mind about the house, or you may negotiate for repairs or closing credits, depending on your agent’s advice.

Don’t worry, not all flipped homes are money pits. Prescott has many homes to offer. Some are recently renovated, some are simply beautiful. But as a trusted real estate advisor, I like to be certain my clients don’t get burned! Let me use my years of experience and help you look for your next home: 928.830.6976

Selling a Home • September 10, 2020

Items to Keep Safe During an Open House

by Dena "Dena & Dave" Plane

For many, an open house is a make-or-break event for marketing a home. The mix of people stopping by can lead to an offer or a quality referral. With the directional signs pointing your way, the balloons bumping off the signposts, and the house looking its best, a successful open house creates a network of awareness around your listing.

A lot of cleaning and preparation goes into an open house. Make sure to freshen up your home’s exterior, garage door, and front door with a fresh coat of paint. Look into purchasing new house numbers and mailbox and remember to open up all blinds and curtains inside your home. When light shines in the room, it will create a bright atmosphere for potential buyers.

After this, it can be easy to forget some crucial elements that might impact the event’s safety or even make the difference between an offer or no interest. Before the doors open, be sure you’ve secured the items below in a safe, alternate location.

Items to Keep Safe During an Open House

Drugs. No, we’re not (necessarily) talking about the sort of stuff you’d see on Law & Order. We’re talking about prescription drugs. Remember that strangers are going to visit your home, and while we like to think they’re all interested buyers, there’s always the possibility that someone will comb through your medicine cabinet. Pain pills and ADD/ADHD drugs are common targets.
Guns. Have a weapon in your home? Is it locked in a safe or stashed under the bed? The last thing you want to grow a pair of feet and walk out the door is a home defense weapon. Don’t assume your gun is well-hidden. If they’re not entirely inaccessible and secure, store them off the premises.
Heirlooms & valuables. Don’t tempt the weak. Gather up the family jewels and store them securely elsewhere. Please don’t assume that putting them in a jewelry box will keep prying eyes away. The same goes for highly portable antiques. The expectation of privacy can get a little murky when people open up closet doors and the like.
Animals. Okay, so you don’t keep a wild cougar in your living room, but what about the family dog? A friendly cat? There’s no such thing as an open-house-friendly pet, especially where allergies and personal preferences are concerned. (And don’t even get me started about snakes!)
Political material. Everyone has different political preferences. During an open house, don’t eliminate half of your buyers with political messaging (Double-check the fridge for magnets, or your front lawn for posters.)

When it comes to open houses, I like to make sure they go off without a hitch for you. If you’re listing soon, get in touch so we can chat about selling your home fast! Let’s connect: 928.830.6976

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