The Phoenix Real Estate Advisor

These days it’s hard to say which is more crowded on a weekend evening: the local cineplex or your neighborhood video store.

Movies are always a popular entertainment choice, whether viewed in the comfort of your own home or in a state-of-the-art theater. But now you can have the best of both worlds by transforming any room into your very own home theater.

One way to lessen the out of pocket impact of a good home theater system is to tie your investment in with your mortgage. If you plan ahead, you can finance a better system and avoid settling for a entry level system that may be limiting or quickly obsolete.

The room
A true home theater is a bit different than your typical television-viewing area. To approximate the movie theater experience, you need to maximize control of lighting, acoustics and viewing positions – constraints that are difficult to impose on a high-use living area. A basement is often the perfect choice since ambient light is usually not a problem, but any room which you can sufficiently darken will work.

The room dimensions will depend on your maximum intended audience and the screen size. In general, the optimum viewing distance is about twice the diagonal screen measurement (for example: a 48-inch TV is best viewed at around 8 feet).

Lighting
Always make sure your light sources are indirect and controllable. Automation is quite popular. Technology is available to automate the theater lights, close and open window treatments, drop the projector from the ceiling and lower the theater screen. All of this can happen with a touch of a button on a sophisticated remote.

Furnishings
Comfortable seats are a must. Small reclining chairs work well, but avoid high backs that will obscure views. Sectional sofas are not always a good choice; half the viewers will have sore necks turning to watch the movie.

Video essentials
Inexpensive viewing options include direct-view sets (32 inches is the minimum) and rear-projection big screens (from 43 to 80 inches). Expect to spend between $800 and $5,000 for a good set. Add some money for a high definition ready set combined with wide screen picture format. A high definition tuner would need to be purchased separately for $600 to $2,000.

If you are willing to spend more you can create a real theater experience with a 100″+ screen and a digital light projector (DLP) or cathode ray tube (CRT) projector. For prerecorded movies, you need a good stereo VCR. These days DVD offers superior video and audio quality and will also play music CDs.

Audio
Start with a Dolby Digital receiver. Then add a 5.1 surround sound system – six speakers for the left, center and right front, rear surround and a sub-woofer for the low frequencies. You can spend under $1,500 for a decent-sounding entry level system or more for a THX certified surround sound system that can be built to a 7.1 surround with additional speakers and amplifier. You can have the home theater of your dreams today and enjoy it for years to come.

Here’s a short video that gives you an idea of what it’s like to live at the Arizona Traditions community. This communtiy offers a large variety of activities and a gate communtiy all at a very resasonable price. Please wathc this short video and let me know if you have questions or would like to see homes in this great community.

I can be reached at 623.271.4234 or simply visit www.Retiring2Az.com

We’ve all heard the old adage “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.” This is especially true when it comes to your home. If you’re thinking about selling, there’s no more important audience to attract than potential buyers, who are highly influenced by how a home looks the first time they get a glimpse of it. Even if your goal is just to impress your neighbors and guests you should pay close attention to the first impression your home in making. Here are a few simple tips and techniques that can positively affect your home’s “curb appeal” and perhaps even its value.

Clean Up and Repair:
The most useful chores to tackle first are basic maintenance and repairs before moving onto larger projects. Clean windows and siding, make sure outdoor lights are working, stow away yard tools and equipment, and clean up dead branches and leaves. Make sure that fences, walkways, and the driveway are in good repair too - a home that looks well taken care of is always more attractive to buyers.

Landscaping:
A full landscape overhaul may not be necessary, but your yard, especially in the front, should look neat and well maintained. Trim any overgrown shrubs, remove weeds, and tidy up planting areas. If the season is right, add some colorful flowering plants to brighten up areas around walkways and the front entrance. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to create an instantly welcoming feeling.

The Entrance:
The front door is another key element of that all-important first impression, and should reflect the style of the home. If replacement is cost-prohibitive, consider reviving a tired, faded door with a fresh coat of paint in a great accent color and swapping out the hardware.

Paint It New:
Brighten up the exterior of your home with a new paint job. Driving around your neighborhood may inspire some ideas of what may be flattering to your home. If you’re planning to sell your home, it’s usually best to go with colors that have widespread appeal so that potential buyers won’t be put off by unusual colors or combinations. Painting the exterior can add significantly to the home’s value.

Jay Otlewski
RE/MAX Integrity
www.valleyREadvisor.com
Jay@valleyREadvisor.com or 623.271.4234

Wood-destroying organisms (termites) cause North American homeowners over two billion dollars in damages each year. These destructive pests primarily feed on wood, but also damage paper, books, insulation, and even swimming pool liners and filtration systems. Wood destroying organisms are often referred to as the silent destroyer because they may be causing damage to your home without you knowing it. A trained inspector is usually required to identify the problem, and will be necessary if you do have an infestation. Read on to learn more about how to protect your home from these common pests.

When should I suspect I have a problem?
Homeowners rarely see termites; they are sneaky insects that hide themselves deep in wood and soil. Finding signs of termite activity in your yard is pretty common, but if you see winged termites indoors it almost always indicates an infestation warranting treatment.

What will a professional look for to determine the extent of the problem?
Inspection and treatment require special skills and technology. A professional pest controller can help. Professionals will look for telltale “mud tubes” or shelter tubes, which are solid evidence of termite activity. They will also look for thin, “bubbled” or distorted areas of paint on wooden surfaces, especially if these feel cool to the touch. Finally, professional inspectors will check any wooden building parts (especially if they are important support structures) that may be beginning to “sag” unexpectedly.

What are my treatment options?
Treatment options vary considerably with the species of termite, extent, and degree of infestation. Chemical treatment, in-ground baiting systems, and fumigation are the most common treatment types. Federal statues strictly regulate pesticide use and guarantee the safety of chemicals for termite control when used by qualified professionals. Regardless of which method or product is selected, it is important to have an experienced technician treat the problem.

From Bill Rosser at Pillar to Post Inspections

Bill.Rosser@pillartopost.com
www.ptphome.com/northwestvalley
602-866-7678

After the purchase price is agreed to and your loan is approved, moving is next on your agenda. Pre-planning and preparation will make your move much easier. Start by setting up a calendar for your move.

The Mover
One of the first things you need to do to prepare for your move is decide on a mover. When selecting a mover, always obtain a written cost estimate from each moving company you consider. Fees for local moves — 50 miles or less — are usually determined on an hourly basis. Long distance moves generally are priced by load weight and mileage.

For long distance moves, purchase protection at full value for each item being moved. After selecting your mover, arrange a moving date. Then use the 30-day checklist below. It will help make the big job much easier.

Countdown
Thirty Days Before . . .

1. Determine what you are going to move and start getting rid of everything else.
2. Decide what you are going to pack yourself and what the movers will pack. The mover is not responsible for breakage of items you pack. Obtain packing cartons from the mover.
3. Notify the post office of your new address. Fill out change of address cards.
4. Gather medical and dental records for all family members.
5. Notify schools and arrange to have transcripts and records forwarded to the new schools.
6. Close local charge accounts.
7. Start a possessions inventory.
8. Solicit estimates from moving companies.
9. Create a file for documenting all moving papers and receipts.

Two Weeks Before. . .

1. Start packing. Do a little at a time. Don’t try to do it all in a day or two.
2. Return borrowed items and reclaim items borrowed from you.
3. Arrange disconnect/connect dates with local utilities.
4. Develop a floor plan to show the movers where you want your belongings placed in your new home.

One Week Before . . .

1. Dispose of all flammable materials.
2. Dismantle outdoor play or gym equipment.
3. Transfer bank accounts and contents of safe deposit box.
4. Pack items you want to move yourself and mark “Do Not Move.”

One Day Before . . .

1. Empty and defrost your refrigerator and freezer; let the appliances air out for 24 hours.
2. Finish packing personal items.
3. Get a good night’s sleep.

Moving Day . . .

1. Strip beds, but leave fitted bottom sheets on mattresses.
2. Be present to answer movers’ questions.
3. Accompany movers through the house for an inventory of things to be moved.
4. Confirm destination address with van operator. Also confirm time and date of delivery.
5. Close all windows and turn out all lights.
6. Lock all doors.
7. Look forward to enjoying your home.

Want more information about buying or selling a home? Visit www.valleyREadvisor.com for all your real estate needs or call me directly at 623.271.4234!