Author: Platinum Team

This post is part of a series to help you get to know the members of our team. We’re real people who call Arizona home, not a faceless corporate machine! Enjoy this quick Q&A with a key member of our team…

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Tell us about your personal background and family.

I was born and raised in New York and have happily called Scottsdale my home since 1984. Though I treasured seeing the NYC skyline everyday (had a view of the Empire State Building from my bedroom window when growing up), I have come to fall in love with the mountain views that now surround me.

What has your career been like?

My work history has been long and diversified. The majority of my career was spent working as a Psychotherapist in the Managed Healthcare industry. I have held traditional jobs (taught a couple of college level classes) and not so traditional jobs (sold hot dogs and beer at Shea Stadium). I even tried my hand as a Realtor.

I have been with Platinum since February of 2015 and can honestly say this is one of my best and “most fun” positions yet. I love getting to meet and work with so many agents on a daily basis. HomeSmart agents are so dedicated, and I really enjoy being part of the process.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and reading. Though I am embarrassed to admit it, I am a mall rat and love to shop. I also love to travel! I was lucky to have had a trip of a lifetime to Paris and Italy a couple of years back and look forward to many more adventures.

What have you learned and would love to share?

I have come to learn that life is about the stretch. “Life begins outside of your comfort zone.” Some of the best times and experiences that I have ever had have been when I have challenged myself.

Contact Marissa

[email protected] 

602-818-8198

Here’s why you want to kiss those chemical drain cleaners goodbye

At some point, every homeowner ends up there – staring down a slow draining shower or sink with much frustration – scrambling for the best way to clear the stoppage.

If you find yourself at that crossroads, you may want to reach for one of those ubiquitous chemical drain cleaners. And who can blame you? Pouring the liquid down the drain seems like the easiest way to get the job done. 

But… we’ll caution you there. Given the smell, you may have guessed – the chemical cocktail takes a toll on your indoor air quality, the health of your family and the environment too. For some, that’s a minor nuisance; for others, it’s a real serious concern. 

A lesser-known concern we want to bring to your attention is the health of your pipes. The harsh chemicals do more than just break up the clog. They can eat away at your plumbing pipes – a recipe for much greater plumbing problems. Bummer, right? The last thing you want is your “solution” causing more problems down the road! 

What to do instead

Fret not! We aren’t here to provide bad news without an alternative solution. Here are some other options…

Opt for baking soda and vinegar. This combo is much more friendly on your pipes – and carries less potent fumes too. Use hot water first, followed by equal parts baking soda and vinegar. Let this sit for a good 20 minutes before flushing it with more hot water.

Try using a plunger. Plungers aren’t just for toilets. If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog in your sink or shower, bust out the plunger. Perhaps that brings a shiver – ewwww, use the thing for your toilet in your kitchen sink?!? Well, we suggest keeping multiple plungers on hand – one for your toilets, one for anything else :)

Empty the p-trap. If you’re dealing with a slow-draining sink, try emptying the p-trap. This is a common culprit and is relatively easy to resolve. If you aren’t already familiar with how to do this, you may want to have a professional walk you through the process. 

Use a plumbing snake. If you have a proper plumbing snake, you can feed it into the drain to see if it clears the clog. Avoid using any homemade tools though. Bent clothing hangers are a big no. Often they cause more harm than good.

Befriend a drain catch. This won’t help you with an existing clog, but it can ward ‘em off them in the future. An inexpensive drain catch prevents hair and other debris from going down the drain, where it accumulates and causes clogs.  

Need an extra hand?

Some plumbing clogs are best handled by a pro! For stubborn situations – reach out to us at 602.733.5000. One of our trusted technicians can help get things resolved!

 

This post is part of a series to help you get to know the members of our team. We’re real people who call Arizona home, not a faceless corporate machine! Enjoy this quick Q&A with the newest addition to our team…

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Tell us a bit about your personal background and family. 

I grew up in Wisconsin/Minnesota and moved to Arizona when I was 17. I am the wife of a firefighter and mom to two girls – Brooklynn 13 and Dallas 10.     

What has your career been like? / How did you get started at Platinum?  

I have been in the real estate industry for 5+ years. Originally, I began my career as a loan originator, but through experience, I learned that what I love and my strength in this industry is being out and about making connections.

What are your hobbies?  

I like to be outside – hiking, rollerblading, or walking the dogs. I like bright colors and have discovered a passion for customizing sneakers and other things to be unique and colorful. 

What are five things you can't live without? 

God, family, outside, strawberry acai refreshers from Starbucks, and the ability to explore new places/things

What keeps you motivated and inspired each day? 

My kids are my biggest motivator, hands down. I like being able to enjoy new experiences with them and see new places, and that pushes me to meet and exceed goals.

What have you learned that you would love to share? 

Hmmm… that if you have kids, they don't care what kind of car you drive, how fancy your house or clothes are, or how you look in a bathing suit. They just care about you and the time you give them.

What does "home" mean to you?

Home is less of a place to me and more of a feeling. To me, home means being with the people I love and that love me.

 

Contact Brooke

480-766-3851

Home maintenance.

If you’re like most people, you throw it in the same category as a trip to the dentist, visiting the post office during peak holiday season or working on your taxes.

Cringe-worthy.

Can home maintenance please get less annoying?

Yes. It can!  Here are five ideas to help you...

• Bust out the tunes. Music works wonders. Pick whatever will put you in a good mood and refresh the dull tasks.

• Recruit someone. Don’t go it alone. Invite a friend to keep you company, then head to their home to return the favor. Or, get your family on board to help!

• Get your zen on. Instead of letting your thoughts wander, stay present in the task. Feel the weight and texture of the tools in your hand. Breathe in the air. Be glad that your body is able to do this task.

• Pick a prize. What will entice you to get to the finish line? A night out at a favorite restaurant? A trip to the movies? Once you finish the list, reward yourself!

• Hire a pro. If home maintenance ain’t your thing, call us at 602.733.5000! Or email [email protected]

 

Want extra protection on a newly-built home? Our new build coverage helps you extend the warranty builders typically provide. We offer 4 years (48 months) of coverage at a special rate.

New Build Standard (for 4 years): $625

Standard coverage for major home systems and appliances

New Build Standard PLUS (for 4 years): $750 

Includes all Standard features + Platinum Plus

This coverage must be purchased at closing. Coverage begins year two or three, based upon your preference; this must be designated in writing at closing.

Typically, builders provide a 2-year warranty on new homes. Some homeowners prefer to overlap their Platinum home warranty with their builder's warranty, while others prefer to start coverage once the builder's warranty wraps up. We let you choose! 

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FAQs

What does new build coverage include?

The coverage is the same as our Standard plan (and our Platinum Plus coverage when PLUS is selected). See our Terms & Conditions for full details. If you need additional coverages above and beyond the standard plan (e.g. for a refrigerator or pool), be sure to ask for added coverage.

What’s the difference between New Build Standard and New Build Standard PLUS?

PLUS includes our Platinum Plus package – which adds coverage for even more items and eliminates some potential fees. Check out our Terms & Conditions (see G.19) for full details, or reach out to our team for more information. 

If I have a builders warranty, do I need a home warranty too?  

A home warranty can provide further protection and can be especially helpful when your builder's warranty runs out. Many homeowners appreciate having that extra layer of coverage to help cover some of the costs of normal wear and tear on their home’s systems and appliances.

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Ready to order new build coverage? 

Call us at 602.733.5000 to order this special coverage. If you’re a real estate agent, you can also reach out to your sales representative to place an order or get more details.

Summer in the Valley of the Sun is… intense! You likely find yourself hopping from one air conditioned space to the next for relief from the heat.

Your A/C system is feeling it too. As it works extra hard to keep you cool, that strain can wreak havoc on its many moving parts. 

How can you give your A/C an extra dose of support right now? Take a moment to do these two things. They’re quite simple, but could be the difference between enjoying cool comfort and sweating a service call. 

Check and change air filters 

Most air filters have an average life of three months, but it’s important to check them monthly during extended periods of hot weather!

Why? Well, as your A/C system runs more frequently, the filter fills with particles faster. This may seem harmless, but dirty air filters force your system to work harder to push cool air through your home. As you can imagine, this uses more energy and places even more strain on the air conditioning system. Not a good thing!

So, be sure to check those filters frequently! To do so, take the filter out, and hold it to the light. If the dust on the filter is so thick that you can’t see much light shining through the filter, it’s time for a new filter. 

Keep outdoor unit clean and clear 

For safety, always turn the thermostat and outdoor unit’s breaker off before doing any work around that outdoor unit. Once everything is off, go ahead and check the unit for anything blocking the unit’s sides or top. Remove any plant growth, grass clippings or debris caught in the coil walls. 

The coil can be cleaned using a soft-bristle brush to gently sweep the fins. Always brush in line with the fins, and be gentle because the fins can bend easily. Because the fan pulls air through these fins, you can expect to find dust clinging to the fins. Removing this dust and other debris will reduce resistance and increase efficiency. 

Prune or remove any shrubs or other growth that is touching or close to the unit. Do not use a weed eater or other powered cutting tool that might damage the fins. Garden shears or some other type of hand clippers are recommended.

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Need help with your AC?

Whether you need service on your existing system or want to purchase a new AC unit, we’re here to support you! Reach out to us at 602.733.5000.

It’s that time of year. Temperatures are toasty! If you’re a lucky homeowner with a pool, you’re likely spending LOTS of time in it.

To keep your pool in top shape during prime swim season, we recommend the following: 

 

1. Skim Debris

One of the fastest and easiest ways to keep your pool clean is by skimming the pool’s surface every few days. Yep, it really does make a difference! Skimming significantly increases the efficiency of the pool’s circulation system and lowers the amount of chlorine you’ll need to add to your pool. 

Bust out that long-handled net (aka hand skimmer or leaf skimmer), and remove leaves, bugs and other unwanted floaters. All of that debris eventually sinks and becomes harder to remove, so the sooner you tackle it, the better off you’ll be. 

 

2. Clean Out Baskets

Don’t forget about those strainer baskets! These guys are in the pool deck of in-ground pools or attached to the side of above ground pools.

Make cleaning out strainer baskets part of your routine at least once a week. Getting all that gunk out of there helps circulation and lowers chlorine demands too. 

Simply remove the plastic basket, and shake it out… away from your pool, of course ;) Spraying the inside with a hose can help dislodge stubborn objects. 

 

3. Vacuum the Pool

A pool should be vacuumed every week to keep water clear and reduce the amount of chemicals you need to add to it. 

There are many types of pool vacuums – whether automatic or manual. If you have a manual design, work it back and forth across the surface of the pool, as you would if vacuuming carpet. Slightly overlapping each stroke can help ensure you get good coverage.

And, check the filter each time you vacuum, and clean it if necessary. 

 

4. Brush Walls and Tile

Brushing the walls and tile is important to do weekly as well! This helps minimize algae buildup and calcium deposits, which may otherwise fester and become problematic. 

What cleaning tools should you use? Well, that depends on the material of your pool walls.

• Plaster-lined concrete pools: Select a stiff brush.
• Vinyl or fiberglass walls: Use a softer brush. 
• Tiles: Use a soft brush to prevent scratching or degradation of grout. A pumice stone, putty knife or a half-and-half mixture of water and muriatic acid can also work well. 

 

5. Clean the Pool Filter

There are three kinds of pool filters: cartridge, sand and diatomaceous earth. While there are different maintenance procedures for each type, all require periodic cleaning depending on the type of filter and how often a pool is used. 

An unexpected point – cleaning the filter more often than recommended can actually hinder the filtration process. Wait, what?! It turns out that a clean filter is less efficient than one with a mild amount of dirt in it. Why? The dirt helps trap other particles, which removes debris from the water. 

That isn’t an excuse to let the filter get too dirty though ;) You’ll run into other issues if you do. A sign that it’s time to clean is an increase in flow between the pressure gauge and flow meter. Clean the filter when the difference reaches 10 to 15 pounds (4.5 to 6.8 kilograms) per square inch. 

 

6. Professionally Service the Heater

Typically, pool heaters require the least maintenance of all pool equipment. Gas heaters may work fine without being serviced for a couple years, and electric ones can last even longer. Consult your manufacturer’s manual for specific care instructions. 

Sometimes, calcium scales build up inside the tubes of a heater and restrict flow, preventing the water from heating adequately. If this happens, recruit the help of a professional (like our team here at Platinum!) because the heater may need to be disassembled and have its tubes cleaned out with a wire brush or acid. 

 

7. Check and Maintain Water Level

During the swimming season, a lot of water is lost – largely because of evaporation and normal activities (swimming, splashing and exiting the pool). 

When you remove debris with your skimmer throughout the week, that’s a good time to check the water level too. Ensure it doesn’t fall below the level of the skimmer; otherwise, the pump could be damaged. If the water is low, use a garden hose to bring it up to safe levels. 

A bonus pointer: If you drain your pool to perform maintenance in the off season, don’t let the pool sit empty too long. It’s best to leave water in a pool throughout the winter because the weight of the water counteracts with forces from the ground pressing up against the pool from below. 

 

8. Maintain the pH Level

Pool water should be tested regularly to make sure it’s clean and healthy. The pH scale is a measurement of acidity or alkalinity that runs from 0 to 14. A reading between 7.2 and 7.8 is ideal – safe for swimmers and helps sanitizers work at top efficiency. 

You can monitor your pool’s pH level with a testing kit. One type of testing kit is a reagent kit. You take a sample of pool water, then add liquids or tablets to it. The water changes color, indicating its chemical balance. 

Another common testing kit is a test strip. You submerge this strip in the pool for a few seconds, and it will change color. Match up the strip to a color chart to determine the pool’s pH level. You can use this information to gauge what kind and quantity of chemicals your pool needs. 

 

9. Super Chlorinate Water

Organic contaminants like ammonia or nitrogen build up in a pool over time. Massive amounts of such contaminants can interact with a pool’s chlorine to form chloramines, which give off that potent chlorine smell that many people associate with pools. 

To get rid of this harsh odor, it’s necessary to super chlorinate — or shock — pool water back to normal chlorine levels. While it may seem counterintuitive, adding a large amount of chlorine to a pool can make the undesired odor go away. 

Some pools should be shocked once a week, while others can go a significantly longer time. Follow manufacturers’ instructions before super chlorinating your pool to get the best results. 

 

10. Find and Repair Leaks

Sometimes it’s difficult to determine if low water levels are due to evaporation or a leak. You can discover leaks in your pool by conducting a simple bucket test. 

Fill a plastic bucket three-quarters full of water. On the inside of the bucket, mark the water line. Place the bucket in the pool, then mark the water line on the outside of the container. (If the bucket has a handle, remove it to allow for better stability while floating.) Let it float for two or three days. 

If the water inside and outside the bucket has gone down the same amount, your pool is losing water due to evaporation. However, if the pool water level has gone down more than the water inside the bucket, your pool has a leak. That’s your cue to call a professional to have it patched.

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If you need help taking care of your pool or other home systems, we’re here to help! Reach out to us at 602.733.5000. 

We live in the day and age of automation, don’t we? Automated emails, telephone prompt systems and AI systems are the norm. All that tech advancement can be amazing. And, it can leave us craving… a little more humanity.   That’s why – in this age of automation – we decided to go slightly old school. Instead of shooting off an automated email survey, we created a more robust customer care program. It’s a key reason we’re worth your while.

What is Customer Care?

It’s our way of making sure homeowners are happy and receive the top notch service they deserve. After each and every service call, we pick up the phone and check in to make sure our work is up to par and the homeowner is happy. If for any reason they aren’t, we’re able to take care of things right away.

Why does it matter?

• We close the loop

Top notch service is our norm, but we know we’re human too. On the rare occasions when our service is less-than-stellar and homeowners aren’t happy, we absolutely want to know about it. Our customer care follow up program helps us make sure that any lingering issues don’t fall through the cracks; instead they reach proper resolution. Our homeowners rest assured knowing that they have the opportunity to be fully heard.

• We keep raising the bar

We want to keep improving the service we provide, and homeowner insights are invaluable in helping us get better and better each day. Our follow up program keeps the lines of communication open with homeowners -- many of whom help us see ways we can evolve our business and become even better at what we do.

• Our team stays motivated to help

Some of the most meaningful feedback we can give our team members comes straight from homeowners. We love the chance to give our team proper kudos where they are due, and our customer care program helps us find out when each team member deserves an extra round of applause. This, of course, motivates us to better help you.

In a nutshell, our customer care program helps us be better at helping you. It takes extra time (and team members) to make a personal call after each and every claim, and it’s certainly not the norm in our industry. Still, we believe closing the loop is essential, and we want to make sure our homeowners are happy! Want to know more about customer care or our home warranties? Reach out -- 602.733.5000 or [email protected]

This post is part of our Life at Home series. Here we explore different thinking, techniques or tools related to the concept of a home and what it means to live well in ours.

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Ahh yes, springtime. There’s a reason poets often celebrate this season with such hope, isn’t there? As flowers blossom and birds chirp, nature seems to be injecting a bit more magic into the air. True, the seasonal shift isn’t quite so dramatic in Phoenix as it is in other locales with snow-filled winters. Still there’s something special about springtime – an undeniable theme – you’re invited to renewal.

Being such champions of home, we love focusing that energy of renewal there – finding ways to do a spring refresh – whether big or small. Nah, we’re not talking about some annoying guilt trip that you should be doing a ton of scrubbing and deep cleaning… unless that gets you super jazzed… in which case, can you stop by our homes too?! ;)

What we’re focused on here is finding ways to hit refresh that actually fill you with all the good vibes – excitement, possibility, joy. If your home has been feeling stale, dull or heavy, now’s an opportunity to look at your home in a new light.

What can you do to shake things up? We’ve rounded up five ideas to get you going… without breaking the bank, we might add!

Open those windows and doors

Ooh, the power of a pleasant crossbreeze through a home. Fresh air, good juju… whatever you believe is flowing through, bask in it. No cost. Super easy. Phoenix has such beautiful weather this time of year – embrace it fully!

Rearrange the furniture

Can you flip the orientation of your bed or couch? How about swapping around end tables? Depending on the furniture of choice, you may need some strong arms at your disposal, but otherwise this is a freebie too.

Change up your paint color

It’s amazing how much a new shade can transform a room! Grab a painting buddy, and seize this chance to try something new. If you need a dose of inspiration, hit up Pinterest or the like for compelling before-and-afters. 

Swap artwork, mirrors or wall hangings

What might that painting look like there instead of that mirror? Give it a go! This can be as simple as swapping two pieces you already own, or if you’ve got a budget for it, you can invest in something new. 

Organize your bookshelf or closet by color

If seeing a rainbow makes you smile, this one's for you. Enjoy the hands-on activity, and group all your books or clothes based on color. It’s a no-cost way to add a dose of joy to your daily flow.

This is just a start, of course! Whatever bubbles up for you, we hope you’ll join us in hitting refresh – enjoying the invitation to usher forth much goodness in your home.

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If you want to stay focused on the fun stuff above and need help with the not-so-lovely realities of home repairs – we’re here for you! Give us a call at 602.733.5000. 

Appliance care might not be a top-of-mind concern for most people, but it should be; a little effort goes a long way in keeping the appliances in your home running well and making your life easier. In this FAQ series, we explore proper home appliance maintenance care in the laundry room! 

Having a dryer can be a huge time-saver, keeping your clothes soft, warm and dry in less time than air-drying. However, because of the use of heat, your dryer can also be a major fire hazard if used incorrectly or not properly maintained. Below are some of our top tips on making sure that your dryer stays efficient and safe! 

 

• Clean the lint trap: Cleaning out the lint trap after each use, and deep cleaning the trap with a recommended cleaner every three months, can help prevent lint buildup, which is a potential fire hazard.

• Clean the interior of your dryer: You should wipe down the drum of your dryer with a microfiber cloth and warm soapy water at least once a month. This helps remove or prevent stains and residue that can end up on your freshly cleaned clothes!

• Keep load sizes manageable: Overloading your dryer can lead to inefficient run cycles, as well as damaging the interior of your dryer. 

• Keep your dryer level: Check to make sure that the legs of your dryer lie level on a flat surface. Running your dryer while it’s not level can cause the rotating components to wear out faster. 

• Use metal exhaust vents: While plastic or vinyl exhaust vents may be cheaper, they’re also prone to melting and catching fire. Replacing your plastic or vinyl vents with metal can eliminate this fire hazard. 

• Clean around your dryer: It’s recommended that you move your dryer and clean under and around it at least once a year. There can be residue build-up or stray items around your dryer that can become fire hazards if left unattended. 

 

• Unclog dryer vents: Clogged dryer vents and ductwork can cause serious fire hazards along with decreasing your dryer’s efficiency. Unclogging your dryer vent at least once a year can help keep your dryer running safely and efficiently! While you can unclog vents yourself, you can always call in a professional if it makes you feel better! 

Learn more about how to keep your appliances warranty-ready at our blog or contact us!

Links to external sources are for informational purposes only and deemed reliable at the time of posting but not guaranteed.