Looking for a new home is not like shopping for a new pair of shoes, it is one of the most important purchases that a person will make in his life and should be approached with an examining eye. While it is true that it is easy to see a home and fall in love with it on your own, the benefits of using a Realtor are many and can save a person much unwarranted pain in the long run.

There are a things to realize and remember as a both a first time home buyer and a veteran home buyer. A Realtor will not only help you negotiate a price for a home but will also help you along every step of the process which will include an inspection, financing and the title process among other things.

While a buyer may have his or her heart set on a property a good Realtor will make sure that the buyer is seeing everything and knows exactly what he is buying so that there are no surprises come closing day.

Click here to read an article from Realty Times on the top ten home buying mistakes that people make.

Tim Anderson, a Prescott AZ Realtor, can help you search for Prescott AZ real estate or give you advice on selling your Prescott AZ home.  Tim Anderson can be contacted at (928) 308-9595 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (928) 308-9595      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (928) 308-9595 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (928) 308-9595      end_of_the_skype_highlighting      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or by email.

Online Prescott MLS Search | Find Your Perfect Prescott Home

Online Prescott MLS Search | Find Your Perfect Prescott Home

DISCLAIMER: Tim Anderson disclaims liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance upon information, products or services contained in this blog, or for accuracy of comments or opinions posted by visitors to my blog, or for links to other websites and the content, products or services that may be offered on or through those sites.

Here are ten easy tips to help lower your homeowners insurance costs of your Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, or Dewey-Humboldt home.

5175 W Almosta Ranch Road, Prescott, AZ 86305 (MLS # 941438)

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A CUT ABOVE!PVT CRTYARD SETS STAGE FOR A GRAND ENTRANCE TO THIS CLASSIC ELEGANT SANTA FE IN A CLASS BY ITSELF,NESTLED IN A SERENE & ENCHANTING SETTING PERFECT FOR HORSE LOVERS.EXQUISITELY APPTD & DESIGNED.A SPACIOUS PLAN INCLUDES A LG KIT W/CORIAN C/TOPS,C/ISLAND, CUST OAK CABS.GREAT LIBRARY W/CUST SHELVES & B/IN WALL SAFE.O/SIZED 4-CAR GARAGE W/STORAGE CLOSETS, 1,474 SQ.FT. BARN W/TURNOUT PENS,FEED & TACK LOUNGE.WKSHOP,MESH FENCING.BARN COULD BE CONVERTED TO A GUEST HOUSE.SEE SUPPLEMENT.

Property Type(s): Residential / Site Blt Sgl Fam

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Listed with REALTY EXECUTIVES NORTHERN ARIZONA

(view all details for MLS # 941438)

1. Raise your deductible.  If you can afford to pay more toward a loss that occurs, your premiums will be lower.
2. Buy your homeowners and auto policies from the same company. You’ll usually qualify for a discount.  But make sure that the savings really yields the lowest price.
3. Make your home less susceptible to damage. Keep roofs and drains in good repair, roofs clean of pine needles is always a good idea.  Retrofit your house to protect against natural disasters such as flooding or fire hazards.
4. Keep your home safer. Install smoke detectors, burglar alarms, and dead-bolt locks.  All of these will usually qualify for a discount.
5. Be sure you insure your home for the correct amount. Remember, you’re covering replacement cost, not market value.
6. Ask about other discounts. For example, retirees who are home more than working people may qualify for a discount on theft insurance.
7. Stay with the same insurer. Especially in today’s tight insurance market, your current vendor is more likely to give you a good price.
8. See if you belong to any groups—associations, alumni groups—that offer lower insurance rates.
9. Review your policy limits and the value of your home and possessions annually. Some items depreciate and may not need as much coverage.

See if there’s a government=backed insurance plan. In some high-risk areas, such as the coasts, federal or state governments may back plans to lower rates.  Ask your agent.

Tim Anderson, a Prescott AZ Realtor, can help you search for Prescott AZ real estate or give you advice on selling your Prescott AZ home.  Tim Anderson can be contacted at (928) 308-9595 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (928) 308-9595      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or by email.

Online Prescott MLS Search | Find Your Perfect Prescott Home

Abundant Selection of Prescott AZ Schools Available (image courtesy of billselak on flickr.com)

Families who choose to live in Prescott have an abundant selection of Prescott AZ schools. 

The excellent Prescott Unified School District offers many public schooling options, while private and charter schools are found throughout the city area as well.  For higher education opportunities, look to Prescott College, satellite campuses for Northern Arizona University, Old Dominion University, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to satisfy your need for knowledge. 

Not only do all of these schools provide the Prescott community with education, but cultural activities and jobs also are an important contribution to the Prescott area. 

Tim Anderson, a Prescott AZ Realtor, can help you relocate to Prescott AZ or show you available Prescott property for sale.  Tim Anderson can be contacted at (928) 308-9595 or by email.

Another successful school year is winding down for the Prescott School District. 

The standardized test scores in this school district exceed county, state and national averages and hosts a variety of state and national award-winning athletics, music, and art programs. 

The campuses across the district can boast modern computer and media labs as well as Internet access in the libraries.  The Prescott School District also has great sports and arts facilities to offer their students. 

And for all those students that will miss school this summer, there are always summer remediation and enrichment programs offered district wide. 

For more information on the Prescott school district, please contact Prescott real estate agent, Tim Anderson.

Recently a public forum was held to discuss the future of Prescott High School.  In attendance were the Prescott United School District’s Board President, Dee Navaro, Superintendent Kevin Kapp and Dr. Andy Newton along with about 35 other community members.  On the docket was a discussion about possible future land sites if a new high school were to be built as well as school remodelling at the current site. 

A common concern from attendants seemed to be that the property near Pioneer Park was not acceptable due to the potential impact on the highly used Circle Trail.  Representatives from the Yavapai Trails and Saddle Club were on hand to voice their concerns about interfering with the enjoyment of Prescott recreation opportunities.  Others were concerned that preliminary plans do not use existing PHS resources. 

The group also discussed the possibility of touring other area schools that chose to remodel versus rebuild on a new lot to help generate new ideas.  Some of those in attendance agreed that it is possible to remain on the current site and rebuild however they were worried about the student experience if the school remained.  Those in favor of remodelling cited the following reasons: negative impact on Circle Trail, Traffic, distance, number of out of town students, tradition and nostalgia.

While some citizens feel this process is taking too long, others encouraged the board to take the time they need to make the right decisions.

For more information about Prescott real estate please contact Tim Anderson or feel free to use our complimentary Prescott Area MLS Search.

The Prescott Library is high tech these days!  Students can now get help with schoolwork via the "Live Homework Help" Program.  This program is provided for students K through 12, lower-level college and adult learners.  Tutoring is offered seven days a week from 3 to 8pm via an online interface. 

The interface is just like instant messaging.  Students log-in, choose a grade level and ask questions via an IM chat housed on the Prescott Library website.  There is also a virtual two way white board for drawing out questions or solving math problems.  Both students and tutors can see the drawing board.  Live Homework Help has a base of 1,200 tutors nationwide.  They include certified teachers, college professors, and professional tutors, all with proven experience in the fields they tutor.  All tutors have also passed criminal background checks so the environment is safe for your children.  The process of connecting a student with a tutor is entirely random.  No student will likely ever have the same tutor twice and all personal information is hidden by both parties. 

The Live Homework Help Program was made possible by a generous donation to the Friends of the Prescott Library specifically for this purpose.  Students anywhere in Yavapai County can use the service, however those outside of Prescott must come in to register their library cards.

What a tremendous value and aid for furthering learning in our favorite hometown!

Want to try it out?  If you are set to go with the Prescott Library, you can access Live Homework Help here.

Prescott Public Library