We’re “On this Move” this week with guest Andy Smith, Marketing Company President for the U-Haul Company of Eastern Arizona.
U-Haul helps you move your stuff, but what about your Car? That is why we have Steve (that and other reasons – he’s the boss). Steve’s Boss, Felecia, joins with everything you need to know about getting your home ready to move.
Then, Felecia and Mortgage Maven Ryan talk about the unicorn that is the current Phoenix real estate market. It’s a good time to buy. It’s a good time to sell. When does that happen, and what does it mean for you? Enjoy!
Episode Recap
FRIENDLY TAKEAWAYS:
- Change your oil every 3 months or 3,000 miles and keep your engine running forever
- Moving? Here’s why you want to call U-Haul
- No Vacation This Year? Update Your Home Instead
- Our weekly Phoenix housing market update
What is Worn Out Oil?
What is worn out oil? Here’s an example. A Ford F-150 manual indicates that oil should be changed every 10,000 miles. But it notes that under severe service, change that oil every 4-5 months or 5,000. What is severe service? Arizona heat qualifies. This client of Friendly’s followed the 10,000 mile guideline and ended up needing major repairs. Why? Worn out oil. If you have any engine operating at high temperatures, you need good, clean oil. This truck had a supercharger, which can get clogged quickly. Make sure you change your oil. The more you change the oil, the longer your car will last! Changing your oil depends on time and miles. Don’t go over either. And your oil light isn’t going to be the best indicator. Most oil lights check pressure, not level. Change your oil every three months or 3,000 miles, and your engine will last forever. Change all of your fluids every 2-3 years.
Why Rent from U-Haul?
Andy is the Marketing Company President, which means he runs the area U-Hauls. The biggest difference with U-Haul is the equipment. All of their equipment is designed for these moves, from trucks to trailers. They’re all fuel efficient. They also have 22% more load space as compared to similar trucks with competitors.
What is a low deck? It’s so much easier to load your stuff into a low-deck truck, because you don’t have to lift it up so high or push it up a steep ramp. Think of loading and unloading heavy appliances? You’ll be thankful for that low deck. Most of the competitors’ trucks are designed for loading docks. Does your garage have a loading dock?
U-Haul is focused on keeping your costs down. The trucks’ profile is designed to save fuel. The trucks also run on gasoline rather than diesel to save money.
U-Haul Roadside Assistance: Not Cost to You
What happens if you get stuck in your U-Haul? Yes, things happen. So, what if they happen to you and your U-Haul? They have a great roadside assistance program. It’s an easy app on your phone that alerts the repair entities, so that they can come up with a solution immediately. This is no charge to you. There is near total coverage over North America. Friendly is one of those entities!
The other thing to know is that U-Haul is all over the country, with over 20,000 independent locations. When you rent from other places, you won’t have that kind of support. There’s always a place near you. When you’re paying by the mile, that’ll save you money.
How to Become a U-Haul Dealer
U-Haul helps businesses add new revenue sources. Their marketing machine is ready to drop inbound sales calls right on your phone. Dealers can book equipment at other locations and get credit for it. There’s no capital required to get in. You get paid on time for commissions. Plus, you have all kinds of company support right here in the Valley. If you think your business is right for a U-Haul dealership, give Andy a call.
Steve loves being a U-Haul dealer. When you move to a new city, the first person you’ll meet is the U-Haul dealer near you, because you need to drop that truck off. Steve treats that as an opportunity to share his knowledge on restaurants, entertainment, and more. It’s a great way to make new connections.
No Vacation This Year? Update Your Home Instead
The last two weeks, we’ve talked home improvements — what to do if you’re selling or if you’re staying in the home. For example, giving your home a quick paint and updating the floors can really add value to your home for sale and make it ‘home’ if you’re moving in.
Now that we’re stuck at home, home improvements are doing really well. People are improving their homes, planting gardens, and sprucing up the outdoors. Like we discussed last week, put in some trees for shade. Again, it really adds value to your home.
Think about your pool. Is it ready for a make-over, water features, or even adding a pool altogether? Turn your backyard into a destination. Add casitas and pergolas.
You can add real value to your home by updating the kitchens — countertops, cabinets. Switching out the countertops is a fast, affordable way to update that kitchen. This will literally add value to your home. Think granite or quartz, but stay away from marble. Marble is porous, stains easy and chips. If you actually use your kitchen, stay away from expensive marble.
Along with your new countertops, think about the backsplash. It’s a great opportunity to add some color, creativity and protect your walls. You can do porcelain, stone, ceramics, etc.
Ryan mentioned painting the block walls in that backyard. You can do murals on those and really add to the look and feel of your backyard.
How about a doggy door? Andy built his own doggy door. Andy’s partner has two little bulldogs. So, they built them a kennel for when they’re alone or at night. Inside that kennel, there’s a door to the outdoor dog run. That’s a pretty cool feature.
What are you going to do with your home while staying in for the summer?
Weekly Housing Market Update
Felecia took three new listings in the past week. Housing is off the charts! Mortgage applications are on the rise. Those who may have delayed due to COVID are now pulling the trigger. Rates are still low, with FHA, VA, conventional and even jumbo loans. With a lower interest rate, that increases the buying power. Appraisers are being a little conservative, but they’re just doing their job. The biggest issue is that it’s taking a bit longer to close, typically about 30 days.
With so many refinances, will this hurt the market down the road? Yes, some people might stay put when rates rise. But people like to move, they want a new home, they need to expand or shrink down. So, the market will still move.
Wrap Up
Until next week, Drive Friendly and Stay Healthy Arizona!
