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Things to Consider When Moving with Kids
Keep Kids in Mind
With school-aged children in your home, buying or selling a house can take a different approach. Finding the right size, location, school district, and more is essential. Here are some things to remember when you’re ready to move with your family.
Housing
You’ll need to find suitable housing for your family, including any special needs your children may have. If you’re renting, check out the area carefully before signing a lease.
When it comes to finding a house that meets the needs of your school-aged children, location is critical. You’ll want to be close enough to their school for them to walk or take the bus, but not so close that there’s too much traffic or noise. You’ll also want to ensure there are plenty of things to do in the area, like parks, playgrounds, and after-school activities.
Schools
Research the schools in your new area and decide which one would be the best fit for your children. If you have children with special needs, find out what services and support the schools in your new area can provide.
The school district is an essential factor when having kids in school. 53% of homeowners say the quality of the school district is a vital factor when purchasing a home, and 50% select neighborhoods for the convenience of the schools.
Childcare
If you need to find childcare for your children, research providers in your new area and visit them in person to ensure they are a good fit for your family.
House Size
When considering a move, consider how much space your family will need now and in the future. As your children grow, you may need more space. Many parents with kids under 18 said they need more living space than they currently have. National Association of Realtors®(NAR) reported that buyers with children on average purchase larger, detached single-family homes with four bedrooms and two full bathrooms at approximately 2,110 square feet.
Activities
Look into what kind of extracurricular activities and programs are available for children in your new area. Activities can help your children adjust to their new surroundings and make new friends.
Connections
If you have family or friends in your new area, reach out to them for support during the transition. They can help you settle in and get to know your new community.
When raising a family, buying or selling a home can be driven by different priorities. Making a move with kids can be a challenge, but if you take the time to plan and research your new area, it can be a smooth transition for everyone involved. If you’re a seller with children and looking to relocate, contact me, and I can help you navigate the process in the most reasonable time frame for you and your family.
Trent Beaver
(928) 916-1921
Great Things to Do with Kids in Prescott
One of my favorite things about being a realtor is becoming a resource of information for our clients. We often get asked, ‘What is there to do in Prescott?’. Luckily, the answer is that there are many things to do in Prescott, even for the kids.
There are valid reasons that Prescott, Arizona, is dubbed as “Everyone’s Hometown.” With Prescott’s perfect climate and four distinct but gentle seasons, everyone gets to have fun!
You can first start with Prescott’s charming downtown. Upscale shops and restaurants, art and antiques, and everything in between! Prescott has an old-fashioned town square with a historic courthouse, but what surrounds it is anything but old-fashioned.
Prescott is an excellent place for an active lifestyle. You can kayak at Watson Lake, hike, bike, ride horses or quad in the National Forest, or play at one of our many signature golf courses. Also, dogs love Prescott! Prescott is a very dog-friendly community, complete with a beautiful dog park.
But what about the kids? With the high retirement population, it is common for grandchildren to visit the area. You will be pleased to know that there is an abundance of options to do with your family and kids (or grandkids!) in Prescott. To give you a little help, we have put a list together that can help you plan your visit.
Gripstone: Prescott, AZ
- Gripstone Prescott Arizona offers rock climbing, bouldering, yoga, a cafe, and a pro-shop. No previous climbing experience is necessary, and after a quick 30-minute video and hands-on tutorial, you will be ready to climb. Climbers under 14 years old must be accompanied by a participating adult over 18 years old. Children under 14 are welcome, and harnesses are available for tiny children. They have even had 2-year-old climbers!
- Pricing starts at $16 for adults, and the pass lasts all day. It’s a full-body workout, it’s fun, and it’s great for all ages! You can leave for lunch and come back later for more climbing.
Jarz of Clay: Prescott, AZ
- At Jarz of Clay, you pick a pottery piece from hundreds of different options. You then paint your selection, and then it will be glazed and fired. Within 4-5 days, you can then pick up your glazed pottery! Jarz of Clay is located at the Prescott Gateway Mall outside the village shops.
- The studio fee includes the price of each item. The studio fee includes the paint, use of tools, and the glazing/firing process. Canvas and wood paintings are also available. This activity is perfect for all ages.
Heritage Park Zoo: Prescott, AZ
- Visit Prescott’s local zoo! Heritage Park Zoo is located on 10 acres and overlooks Willow Lake. Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary offers the Tarantula Grotto and Reptile House, with the Tarantula Grotto being one of the largest public displays of spiders in the country. While the Reptile House houses Gila monsters, iguanas, geckos, and even a 13-foot Burmese python.
- The Heritage Park Zoo loves saving animals and giving them a home. Housed at the zoo is an American Black Bear that was orphaned, a gray fox found alone and half-drowned, and a mountain lion that was illegally kept as a pet in Arizona. Along with this, the zoo participates in the American Zoo and Aquarium Association’s Species Survival Plan by saving endangered species such as the Mexican Gray Wolf.
- Heritage Park Zoo hosts special events throughout the year, including Zoofest, Eggstravaganza, Boo at the Zoo, moonlight events, and Zoo Camp for kids. The zoo is open every day of the year. You can view admission prices here.
- Heritage Park Zoo Event Calendar
While these are only a few options, I hope this may give you a jump-start on what activities are available for entertainment in the Prescott Area! Below are some additional items that may interest you:
- Sharlot Hall Museum, Prescott, AZ
- Mortimer Farms, Dewey-Humboldt, AZ
- In the Game Freedom Station, Prescott Valley, AZ
We enjoy spending family time in Prescott! If you need more information on what Prescott has to offer, give us a call, and we can “Talk Prescott”!
Trent Beaver
(928) 916-1921
Prescott Offers Endless Possibilities
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, including horseback riding, golfing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, local breweries, restaurants, and shopping. Living in Downtown Prescott means living just steps from Old Town Square, providing a feeling of nostalgia mixed with a modern flare. 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. Downtown Prescott feels like it was pulled right from the history books, showcasing an old-fashioned town square with a beautiful historic courthouse, quaint stores, and antique shops.
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. The surrounding “Quad-City” area of Dewey-Humboldt, Chino Valley, 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 | BloomTree Realty is an impact-driven brokerage on a mission to deliver the best service to our clients, energize and elevate our agents with unmatched insight and training, and support important causes in the communities we serve. In short, we work together to Be Better and to give back.
Our vision is to lead the way forward through boldness and innovation, driven by our people’s creativity, teamwork, and integrity. As a partner of the most trusted global brand in Real Estate, we’ve won more independent consumer survey awards in the last three years than all other real estate companies combined.
About Trent Beaver, REALTOR®
Trent Beaver grew up in Parker, Arizona; a small-town along the Colorado river. Growing up in the small town atmosphere Trent soon learned two key traits growing up, honesty and loyalty. Trent Beaver observed first hand that for any long term success, these qualities are a priority. Trent uses these two attributes for the basis of his business as a REALTOR ®.
As a REALTOR®, Trent puts his client first by being a good listener, good communicator, and responding to your needs quickly. He upholds his core values and looks to be your lifetime REALTOR ® finding you the home or property that suits your needs best.
In 2006, Trent Beaver moved to Prescott to further his education. He soon graduated from Yavapai College with his Associates of Business and from Old Dominion University with his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Upon purchasing a house with his wife, Jenni, who is a 3rd grade teacher in the Prescott School District, Trent Beaver soon realized his passion for real estate and began to fulfill the requirements to get his real estate license.
When Trent Beaver isn’t working at the BloomTree Realty Office, he enjoys traveling, Off-Road Racing, Golfing, and playing with his dogs: Scout and Piper.
Trent Beaver
(928) 916-1921
How Much Down Payment Do I Need?
Calculating Your Down Payment
Getting your finances in order is vital when preparing to purchase a home. If you’re looking to purchase a home, one of the first things you’ll need to consider is how much of a down payment you’ll need to make. Depending on the type of loan you’re applying for, the size of your down payment could vary.
Generally speaking, most conventional loans will require at least 5% down payment. Some government-backed loans, like FHA or VA loans, may allow for a down payment as low as 3.5%. And if you’re eligible for a USDA loan, your down payment could be as low as 0%.
Of course, the size of your down payment isn’t the only factor that will affect your home buying experience. You’ll also need to consider your credit score and the current market conditions.
So, how much down payment do you need to buy a home? As we indicated above, the answer depends on a variety of factors, but in most cases, you’ll need at least 5%. Keep in mind, though, that the size of your down payment also affects the competitiveness of your offer.
A high down payment shows the seller that you’re serious about buying the home. It also demonstrates that you have the financial resources to follow through on the purchase. This advantage can be significant in a competitive market, where the seller may have to choose from several offers.
A high down payment also gives you more leverage in negotiations. If the seller knows that you’re willing and able to put more money down, they may be more likely to accept your offer – even if it’s not the highest one.
So, if you have the means, a high down payment is always the best way to go when buying a home. It will make your offer more attractive to the seller, lower the amount you will need to borrow, and give you more negotiating power. Just be sure that you have a solid plan in place for how you’ll finance the rest of the purchase.
If you’re interested in learning more about low-down payment options, there are several places to go. There are programs for qualified buyers with down payments as low as 3.5%. There are also options like VA loans and USDA loans with no down payment requirements for qualified applicants.
To understand your options, you need to do your homework. If you’re interested in learning more about down payment assistance programs, information is available through sites like downpaymentresource.com. Be sure to also work with a real estate advisor from the start to learn what you may qualify for in the homebuying process.
Give me a call, I can point you in the right direction! Trent Beaver (928) 916-1921
Prescott Has Fantastic Golf Communities
Live Where You Golf
What I love most about living in Prescott, Arizona, is the area’s natural beauty. Not only are there mountains to climb and trails to hike, but also lots of different golfing options!
Prescott is home to multiple beautiful courses for both amateur and professional players. The courses are located conveniently near Prescott, making it easy for residents and visitors to golf as often as they want!
If you’re planning a golfing trip to Prescott, I’ve included information on some of the popular courses below.
The Club At Prescott Lakes, Prescott Lakes
18 holes over 7,216 yards with a par of 72 (Private)
315 E Smoke Tree Ln
Prescott, AZ 86301-4419
(877) 643-3501
Capital Canyon Club, Private
18 holes over 6,660 yards with a par of 71 (Private)
2060 Golf Club Ln
Prescott, AZ 86303-4957
(928) 350-3150
Antelope Hills Golf Courses
18 holes over 6,129 yards with a par of 72 (Municipal)
1 Perkins Dr
Prescott, AZ 86301-8458
(800) 972-6818
StoneRidge Golf Course
18 holes over 7,052 yards with a par of 72 (Public)
1601 N Bluff Top Dr
Prescott Valley, AZ 86314-1901
(928) 772-6500
Talking Rock, Private
18 holes over 7,350 yards with a par of 72 (Private)
15075 N Talking Rock Ranch Rd
Prescott, AZ 86305-5681
(877) 922-4440
Prescott Golf Club
18 holes over 6,783 yards with a par of 72 (Public)
1030 N Prescott Country Club Blvd
Dewey, AZ 86327-5801
(800) 717-7274
Quailwood Greens Golf Course
18 holes over 5,258 yards with a par of 67 (Public)
12625 E State Route 69
Dewey, AZ 86327-4530
(928) 772-0130
Popular Prescott Golf Communities
Below are a couple of golf subdivisions in the Prescott area. If you don’t see what you are looking for here, let me know, there are several other communities to choose from!
Talking Rock
Talking Rock is an upscale master-planned golf community in the Williamson Valley corridor north of Prescott, Arizona. This prestigious community offers private and tranquil living only twenty minutes from shopping, dining, and medical services. At the heart of Talking Rock is the inviting Ranch Compound, a one-of-a-kind high country clubhouse, which provides a place to meet for recreation and connect with your neighbors. Architect Jay Morrish designed the highly acclaimed golf course, which lies perfectly in the natural contours of the land, the rolling terrain, and beautiful vistas.
Antelope Hills
Antelope Hills is a small golf community located on the 36-Hole Antelope Hills Golf Course in Prescott, Arizona. This quiet community is conveniently located on the crossroads of Highway 89 and Highway 89A, just minutes from downtown Prescott, the Yavapai Regional Medical Center, and the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Residents of Antelope Hills enjoy the nearby hiking trails in Pioneer Park, Watson Lake, and Heritage Park.
Stoneridge
StoneRidge in Prescott Valley, Arizona, is set in a diverse terrain with Panoramic Mountain, Valley, and Golf Course elevations. StoneRidge community offers direct access to Highway 69, yet it is set back in the hills so that residents can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and star gaze the beautiful night sky. Residents of Stoneridge enjoy a Golf Course, two Clubhouses (Golf and Fitness), Meeting Rooms, Gym, Parks, Playground, Hiking, Walking Trails, Tennis, Basketball, Volleyball, Sand Volleyball, Horseshoe Pits, Locker Rooms, Indoor and Outdoor Pools, and Indoor Spa. Families and retirees love to call StoneRidge home!
Give me a call, I would love to help show you all
that Prescott has to offer!
Trent Beaver
(928)916-1921
Legend Hills: Prestigious Prescott Valley Community
Legend Hills, Prescott Valley, AZ
The Legend Hills community, located at the base of Mingus Mountain, has breathtaking views overlooking Prescott and Prescott Valley, Arizona. The growing community is easy to find, take 89A North, as if you are heading to Jerome, Arizona, and just past mile marker 331, turn left onto Legend Hills Road.
As of November 2020, there are 625.95 acres of land in Legend Hills, 373.16 improved parcel owners, 272.79 unimproved parcel owners, and 151 custom homes. (Source LegendHills.net)
Legend Hills of Prescott Valley, Arizona, is a prestigious community with 2-acre minimums and immaculate homes. Legend hills offer high-quality contemporary and ranch custom homes. Many of the homes in Legend Hills feature foam insulation in the ceiling and blown insulation in the walls making the homes very energy efficient. Other custom features include central vacuum, custom kitchens, granite countertops throughout, tile and hardwood flooring, wood-beamed ceilings, and tile showers. You can find paver brick driveways and patios, beautiful stonework, crushed granite, and individual gates to your home on the exterior of the houses. Legend Hills also provides plenty of space for an oversized RV garage, allowing you to store your RV and toys safely. This popular community is a horse-friendly subdivision, with plenty of land for a barn and horse corrals.
Enjoy stunning views of Mingus Mountain, Granite Mountain, and Bradshaw Mountain from inside your home or from the comfort of a covered patio.
Information regarding the Legend Hills community association can be found at LegendHills.net.
You can watch past meetings on Zoom. View the past Zoom meeting recordings here: Legendhills.net/zoom-recordings
About Prescott Valley
Prescott Valley, Arizona, is a family-oriented community that sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet and is located 85 miles north of Phoenix. Strong in economic development, the community attracts retailers and restaurants such as Kohl’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, T.J. Maxx, Sprouts, Culvers, Chick-fil-A, Buffalo Wild Wings, and a host of independent food and shopping choices.
There is no shortage of places to spend your leisure time. Attractions such as Fain Park, Mountain Valley Splash Pool, and special events such as Prescott Valley Days, Balloon Glow, or the Christmas Valley of Lights will keep you entertained all year long.
Families and retirees have chosen to buy homes and relocate to Prescott Valley because of its strong work ethic, quality educational system, family values, and great year-round weather. Can you tell that I love Prescott Valley? If you want more information about Legend Hills, or other homes available in the Prescott area, give me a call!
Trent Beaver
(928) 916-1921
7 Tips to Declutter Your Home to Sell
Homeowners are often reluctant to declutter their homes in preparation for a sale, but it’s important to remember that potential buyers will judge the home based on how cluttered or uncluttered it is. Clutter can make an otherwise great house feel dreary and lifeless. Here are seven tips you should know before decluttering your home so you can sell faster than ever!
- Start with the easy stuff: The first place to start decluttering is usually the easiest – the junk drawer, the coat closet, or under the bed. Just take a few minutes to go through each area and get rid of anything you don’t need.
- Create zones in your home: When it comes to decluttering, it’s helpful to think in terms of zones. This will help you stay organized and make it easier to find things when you need them. For example, you might have a zone for paperwork, a zone for kitchen supplies, and a zone for clothing.
- Don’t try to do it all at once: Decluttering your entire home can be daunting, so try not to stress yourself out by trying to do it all at once. Take it one step at a time, and you’ll get there eventually.
- Think about the end goal: When decluttering, always keep in mind why you’re doing it in the first place. Are you getting ready to sell your home? Then focus on decluttering the areas that will make the most significant impact – like the living room and kitchen.
- Create storage solutions: Once you’ve decluttered, you’ll need somewhere to put all of your stuff! This is where storage solutions come in handy. Invest in some good-quality shelves or cabinets so you can store things away neatly and out of sight.
- Don’t forget about sentimental items: It’s important to remember that not everything needs to be sold or thrown away when you’re decluttering. Keep your favorite photos, artwork, and other sentimental items so you can decorate with them once again in your new home.
- Hold onto things that matter: It’s easy to get carried away when decluttering because there is no denying how freeing it feels to get rid of clutter (and how much space it frees up!). But before you get rid of something, ask yourself if it really matters to you. If the answer is no, then chances are you can live without it.
These are just a few tips to help you declutter your home quickly and easily. Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to having a clutter-free home in no time!
When opportunity isn’t knocking, build a door.
Nearly a year and a half ago, The Premier Homes Team was formed. In that time, we have helped roughly one hundred families find homes, accomplish real estate goals, prepare for their next step in life, create the foundation of wealth, and create a shelter or protection for themselves.
2020 found many people unemployed, behind on rent or mortgage, or just experiencing the tremendous shortfalls that a pandemic creates, not knowing what or where their next step might be. All of that noise created an opportunity for a lot of people and uncertainty as well. The real estate market was booming, with many agents, buyers, sellers, and people trying to figure out how to adjust.
This post isn’t about my clients. Instead, it is about my team members and my thankfulness and gratitude for them.
During this uncertainty, I reached out to some people/agents/friends who took a call from me to listen to an idea to form a real estate team. Much like I do at a buyer or seller’s appointment, I was selling what I do and what I offer, but it was to other agents this time. After countless zoom meetings, they took a chance on me much as my clients do, and for that, I am forever grateful.
To my wife, thank you for supporting me thru this wild ride in real estate for the past 8+ years. Your understanding of calls at all hours of the day, listening to scenarios, and for the sacrifices you make for us and our family to allow me to be successful.
To all who helped me with this venture, all I can say is thank you! Whether it be talking about team agreements, entry/exit plans, logo design, team names, structure, style of leading, etc.
I formed a team hoping to help educate team members, teach them, learn what they like about the business, and provide them the options to be the best at what they enjoy in real estate. I didn’t realize how much I would learn from them. Every day it is something different. I only hope the value and teaching I provide them is as good as what they have taught me.
When opportunity isn’t knocking, build a door. Learn something new every day, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
– Trent
No two roads are alike.
No two roads are alike. Just as no two people are alike.
Some roads are less traveled; some are highly trafficked; some are bumpy and filled with potholes. Some roads are new. Some roads can be smooth, paved, dirt, high speed, and so much more.
One thing all roads do, is they tell a story. No story is the same, and the path leading to them creates a different story for everyone.
Just know, when your road or story hits a valley, it is the start to the next peak! Stay the course, trust your instincts, and tell your story! People want to hear it, don’t be afraid!
We are entering the final days of 2021. There is no better time to start shaping your story for 2022!
Is your road leading you to relocate or move into a new home?
As a REALTOR ®, I put my client’s needs first by being a good listener, a good communicator, and responding to your needs quickly. I pride myself in upholding my core values and working hard to be your lifetime REALTOR ®, finding you the home or property that suits your needs best.
Prescott: “Everybody’s Hometown”
Prescott, aka “Everybody’s Hometown,” is nestled among the incredible ponderosa pines of the Prescott National Forests. Prescott sits at an elevation of 5,200 feet. Prescott’s perfect weather provides an average annual temperature of 70 degrees. Residents enjoy four beautiful and distinct seasons and are surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. If you love granite mountains, lakes, streams, and rolling meadows filled with wildlife, you will fall in love with Prescott.
Top 10 Home Preparations for Vacation Time
Protect Your Home While on Vacation
It is a fact, Prescott, Arizona, is an excellent place to vacation! People visit Prescott from all parts of the country (and world) to visit our beautiful town. Buy, what if you are a Prescott resident, and you are opting out of a staycation this year and vacationing elsewhere? While you are away, there are simple strategies that you must take to ensure your home is safe while you are gone.
Before you leave town, there are a few precautionary safety tips to keep your home and your possessions safe while you’re gone. Often in the prep time for a vacation, people neglect to take simple steps to protect themselves from becoming a victim of theft or vandalism.
You’ve probably covered your bases, but just in case, here are ten necessary precautions you can take when leaving for a vacation:
- Have someone collect your mail and newspaper daily. If you cannot have someone pick up your deliveries, have the Post Office hold your mail and call and put your newspaper subscription on a vacation hold.
- Try not to draw attention to something different at your home; leave shades, and blinds in regular positions.
- Purchase inexpensive timers from the hardware store and put at least two lights and a radio on automatic timers.
- Have someone leave trash at your curb on garbage collection day. Even though arranging someone to set out your trash may be challenging, this detail catches the thief’s attention.
- Have someone park a car in your driveway occasionally. If you leave your car outside, arrange to have it moved every so often.
- Leave a key with a trusted neighbor in case of an emergency. Inform the neighbor about where you are going and your expected date of return. Leave them a way to get in contact with you in case of an emergency.
- Lock all windows and doors before you go. Do not forget to double-check the basement and garage doors.
- On extended trips, have someone maintain your landscaping (grass mowed, leaves raked, etc.)
- Consider turning off your home’s water main to prevent possible damages from a burst pipe. If this isn’t an option, turn off your wash machine valve because this is the number one culprit to explode when no one is home.
- Be careful how much you check in on social media while on vacation. If your privacy settings are incorrect, you might reveal to strangers your home is vacant!
We sincerely hope you stay safe and have a great vacation. It is worth repeating, Prescott is a fantastic place to go on vacation. Maybe it is time to purchase a vacation home or a vacation rental? Maybe it is time to call Prescott your home?
Give us a call, we would love to show you what is available. Contact me a call at (928) 916-1921.
