Welcome to “At Home with Tom and Sandy.” We are going to talk about aging in place, because I receive calls weekly about home modifications such as removing tubs and installing walk-in showers, widening doorways, adding ramps. Yes, the baby boomer generation is aging. Sandy: Summertime, summertime, sum-sum-summertime! Warm, then hot, then blistering hot, and hotter. And let the monsoons pour! Tom: Sounds counterintuitive, but I agree, let’s hope the monsoons, as our summer rains are known, … [Read more...] about How to Make Aging in Place Safer, More Convenient
Exploring the Best Four-Season Trees for Any Landscape
Trees are where your landscape value is. Plant them right and your home value grows; get trees wrong, and they take over, lift patios and driveways, hide beautiful architecture and more. Think of trees and the four seasons. Begin with trees that announce spring by blooming, then have trees that offer summer shade, autumn reds and gold, ending with visual interest through winter. The goal is not simply to collect specimens in the yard but rather to have at least one model tree per season that … [Read more...] about Exploring the Best Four-Season Trees for Any Landscape
Understanding Home Appraisals: Ensuring Fair Market Value in Real Estate Transactions
An appraisal is a critical part of the homebuying process. It is an objective, professional assessment of the value of the property. An appraisal will verify that the sale price of the home matches fair market value. This ensures that the buyer pays what the home is worth, and that the lender doesn’t lend more than the home is worth. When a homeowner is refinancing their mortgage, the lender will get a home appraisal to ensure its market value before offering a new loan. Here are some things a … [Read more...] about Understanding Home Appraisals: Ensuring Fair Market Value in Real Estate Transactions
Considering the Election, Market, Bonds, Interest Rates into the Second Half of 2024
When writing these articles, I find difficulty in relevance, especially when submitting weeks before publication; however, here are some thoughts on where we have been so far this year and where we are going. Election Obviously, this is a very hot topic as I write this in July, and it will continue to be so. Most interesting to me, it appears a prediction can’t be made until we have an electoral outcome. Most important, though, is to follow the data, not the narrative (the topic of my last … [Read more...] about Considering the Election, Market, Bonds, Interest Rates into the Second Half of 2024
Meeting Prescott’s Unique Cleaning Needs
Living in Prescott presents unique challenges, especially regarding maintaining a clean home. As owner of Prescott Maid to Order, I understand these challenges deeply and have built a business that caters to the specific needs of the Prescott community. Overcoming Challenges When I first started Prescott Maid to Order, I faced numerous obstacles. The initial challenge was understanding Prescott’s unique cleaning needs, where seasonal pollen posed significant problems for homeowners. … [Read more...] about Meeting Prescott’s Unique Cleaning Needs
Corporate Philanthropy: Businesses Giving Back to Society
In today’s dynamic business environment, corporate philanthropy stands as a cornerstone of how companies engage with and support their communities. By actively participating in charitable initiatives, businesses not only contribute to societal well-being but also bolster their own performance and enhance their brand reputation. Corporate philanthropy includes a wide range of activities aimed at positively impacting society. These include charitable funds, employee giving programs, competitive … [Read more...] about Corporate Philanthropy: Businesses Giving Back to Society
Arizona Philharmonic Kicks Off Season with Passion, Peace, Power
Arizona Philharmonic is excited to launch its seventh season on Sept. 8, with Passion, Peace, and Power, a concert featuring the sublime artistry of violinist Dr. Katherine McLin and the AZ Phil orchestra. Maestro Peter Bay, music director and conductor of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and conductor of the Bravo! Big Sky Classical Festival Orchestra in Montana, will return for his seventh season leading Arizona Philharmonic. The performance will start at 3 p.m., at the Ruth Street Theater on the … [Read more...] about Arizona Philharmonic Kicks Off Season with Passion, Peace, Power
Exploring a Gold Mine of an Opportunity South of Prescott
The Senator gold mine is an inactive mine located in the picturesque hilly and wooded area at the end of Senator Highway, about 10 miles south of Prescott. It was first opened around 1871 and was primarily operated between 1883 and 1899. Although it was initially created for the prospect of gold, the mine also produced significant amounts of lead, zinc, copper and silver. A mining town was established adjacent to the mine along the Hassayampa River to support the mine, including a saloon, a … [Read more...] about Exploring a Gold Mine of an Opportunity South of Prescott
Real Estate Industry Transforming for Realtors
The real estate industry is on the brink of a significant transformation, especially for members of the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), starting in August. This change stems from a pivotal settlement that NAR reached, aiming to enhance transparency and fairness in real estate transactions regarding compensation. These adjustments will undoubtedly reshape the landscape for NAR REALTOR members, impacting various facets of their professional practices and changing how they work with … [Read more...] about Real Estate Industry Transforming for Realtors
Prescott Jazz Summit Begins with the Blues
The Prescott Jazz Summit is celebrating its 23rd year with the grand opening concert “The Birth of the Blues” on August 22-25. We present musicians from around the United States, including Arizona and our own Quad Cities area. Many of these musicians have performed with the biggest stars in the entertainment business, such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, The Blues Brothers, The David Letterman Show, June Christy, Anita O’Day, Toni Tennille, Cab Calloway, Joe Williams and the big bands of … [Read more...] about Prescott Jazz Summit Begins with the Blues