Kimberlie Geile-Gonzalez

When summer temperatures creep up, your air conditioner starts pulling double duty. But running it nonstop doesn’t just spike your energy bill—it can also strain the system. The good news? There are smart ways to keep your home cool without pushing the AC to its limit.

From simple tweaks to everyday habits, these tips can help keep the heat outside—and your home comfortable inside.

Start With the Windows

Windows can be one of the biggest sources of indoor heat. If your home gets a lot of direct sunlight, that warmth builds up fast—especially through uncovered or single-pane glass.

Hang blackout curtains or thermal shades in sunny rooms. For a less bulky option, go with solar film or UV-blocking window film. These are affordable, easy to apply, and help reflect heat away from your space. You can also consider exterior solutions like awnings or shade sails if you have large windows or patio doors that face the sun.

Use Ceiling Fans Strategically

Ceiling fans don’t lower the temperature, but they make rooms feel cooler by circulating air. In summer, make sure the fan blades spin counterclockwise to push cool air down.

You can also use box or tower fans to push warm air out of specific areas—like drawing it out of a window after the sun sets. A few fans in the right spots can take the pressure off your AC and help rooms feel more comfortable.

Block Heat at the Source

Appliances like ovens, dryers, and even dishwashers can warm up your home faster than you think. During the hottest part of the day, avoid cooking with heat or running machines that generate it.

Instead, grill outside, use a microwave, or prep cold meals when possible. Run the dishwasher or laundry after the sun goes down, when your AC isn’t already working overtime.

Keep Doors Closed

Cooling unused rooms doesn’t do much good—and it makes your system work harder. Keep doors closed to spare rooms, laundry rooms, or any other space you don’t need to cool during the day.

That way, your AC can focus on high-traffic areas where comfort matters most. It also helps keep cool air where it’s needed instead of letting it drift into empty spaces.

Add Insulation Where It Counts

Insulation isn’t just for winter. In fact, a properly insulated attic, garage, or crawl space can prevent heat from creeping in when it’s hot outside. Check for gaps around attic access points, light fixtures, or any visible cracks.

If your attic feels like an oven, adding or upgrading insulation could help regulate temperatures and reduce the need for constant cooling.

Let Cooler Air In—At the Right Time

In many areas, the temperature drops significantly after sunset. Take advantage of it by turning off the AC, opening windows, and letting cooler air flow through. Cross-ventilation works best—open windows on opposite sides of the house to create a breeze.

Just be sure to close everything back up by mid-morning before the heat returns.

Seal the Leaks

Cool air can escape faster than you think, especially around old windows, worn door seals, or unsealed vents. Use weatherstripping, caulk, or door sweeps to seal any obvious gaps. These quick fixes don’t cost much but can make a significant difference in keeping indoor temperatures stable.

Keep the Air Filter Clean

A dirty air filter forces your AC to work harder to move air through the system. Swap it out monthly in the summer or sooner if you have pets or live in a dusty area. Clean filters improve airflow, boost efficiency, and help keep indoor air fresh too.

Plant Some Shade

If you’re thinking long term, planting shade trees or tall shrubs near sun-facing windows can help block direct heat from hitting your home in the first place. This natural shade barrier takes time to grow, but it’s one of the most eco-friendly ways to keep your home cool from the outside in.

Minor changes can go a long way when the heat starts to rise. From sealing sneaky leaks to making better use of fans and window coverings, each step gives your AC a bit of a break—and your wallet too. It’s not about living in a dark house with the air off but finding the balance between comfort and control. When your home stays cooler without extra effort, summer feels less like a battle and more like a season you can enjoy.

Here in Flagstaff, our summers have some relief when the monsoon season begins, with its afternoon rains and cool breezes. When you are visiting Flagstaff during the summer months, come on by our downtown Flagstaff office, and let a knowledgeable and friendly Realtor tell you more about our area and the local housing market!

Keeping kids entertained all summer can feel like a full-time job, especially when you’re trying to avoid excessive screen time or constant spending. The good news? You don’t need a packed schedule or big outings to make summer feel special.

With a little creativity and a few basic supplies, your home can be the ultimate summer playground.

Backyard Water Games

You don’t need a pool to cool off. A garden hose, a few buckets, or even plastic cups can turn your backyard into the best place to be on a hot day.

Set up a DIY splash zone with sprinklers, water balloons, or sponge toss games. For extra laughs, build an obstacle course with slip-and-slide sections, kiddie pools to crawl through, and towels at the finish line. Let the kids come up with their own rules—the messier, the better.

Garden Time (Kid-Style)

Gardening is one of several wonderful at-home summer activities for kids. Little hands love digging, watering, and watching things grow. If you already have a garden, set aside a small section for children. Let them plant fast-growers like sunflowers, cherry tomatoes, or snap peas—something they can see change day by day.

No garden? Use small pots or containers. Painting the pots beforehand makes it even more fun and gives them something that feels like theirs.

DIY Art Days

Art doesn’t have to stay at the table, and it is a perfect at-home summer activity for kids. Bring the supplies outside and let the kids go big—sidewalk chalk murals, sponge painting, or cardboard box crafts can keep them busy for hours.

You can even turn your patio or driveway into an “outdoor gallery” where they display their creations. Mix in themed days (like space, animals, or ocean scenes) to keep the ideas flowing.

Backyard Camping

When you can’t get away, bring the fun outside. Pitch a tent in the backyard or set up blankets and sleeping bags under the stars. Tell stories, make s’mores in the microwave or fire pit, and listen to nighttime sounds. For younger kids, even a few hours of pretend camping during the day can feel like a big adventure.

If the weather turns or bugs show up early, move the camp indoors. Flashlights, popcorn, and a good book or movie can set the scene just as well.

Indoor Treasure Hunts

Perfect for overly hot or rainy days, treasure hunts are a great at-home summer activity for kids. It is also a way to keep energy levels up without leaving the house. Hide clues around the home and let the kids solve puzzles to find the next spot.

Tailor it to their age—simple picture clues for toddlers or rhyming riddles for older kids. End with a small prize or surprise snack to make it feel like a real win.

Build-and-Create Days

Not every day needs to be loud and busy. Set aside quiet time for activities that keep hands and minds busy—LEGO builds, puzzle races, or DIY science experiments using pantry staples.

If you have cardboard boxes or extra recyclables, challenge the kids to build a city, a boat, or their dream house. These hands-on sessions spark imagination and keep them engaged, especially on days when the heat’s too much for outdoor play.

Set a Weekly Theme

Creating a loose theme for each week can help add structure without making it feel like school. For example:

• “Under the Sea” week with ocean crafts, fishy snacks, and water games.
• “Science Week” with easy experiments and scavenger hunts.
• “Backyard Olympics” with obstacle races, DIY medals, and family team events.

Themed weeks give kids something to look forward to and help you plan ahead without feeling overwhelmed.

Summer Fun Without the Fuss

With these at-home summer activities for kids, you don’t have to leave the house to make memories. With a few low-cost ideas and a little flexibility, you can keep boredom at bay while turning your home into the go-to summer hangout. It’s about giving kids space to play, be creative, and feel like the season belongs to them, right in their backyard.

 

The Flagstaff Urban Trails System (FUTS) is a network of more than 50 miles of multi-use, non-motorized trails that run throughout Flagstaff, AZ. The FUTS was designed to provide recreational opportunities, promote alternative transportation, and connect different parts of the city to key natural areas, neighborhoods, and commercial districts. FUTS is also connected to the Arizona Trail, a long-distance trail that runs across the entire state from Mexico to Utah. It also connects to the Coconino National Forest and various other regional and local trails, offering access to Flagstaff’s surrounding natural beauty and outdoor recreation areas.This allows for longer hikes or bike rides that go beyond the city limits.Here's how the system was created and what makes it special:

Vision and Early Planning: 

The idea for FUTS emerged in the 1980s as part of a broader urban planning effort to promote outdoor recreation and sustainable transportation in Flagstaff. With Flagstaff’s growing population and its strong outdoor culture, city planners envisioned a network of interconnected trails that would allow people to walk, hike, and bike throughout the city without relying on cars.  

The plan aimed to take advantage of Flagstaff’s beautiful natural setting, including its forests, mesas, and proximity to landmarks like the San Francisco Peaks, and to create a system of trails that would link parks, schools, and neighborhoods.

Gradual Expansion:

FUTS started with a small number of trails and has gradually expanded over the last few decades. Early trails were primarily along existing roads or in parks, but the network has since grown to connect key parts of Flagstaff, including downtown, the Northern Arizona University (NAU) campus, and outlying neighborhoods.

The city continues to expand FUTS as part of its regional transportation plan, which promotes non-motorized travel and aims to reduce Flagstaff’s environmental impact by encouraging biking and walking.

Specifics of the FUTS Trail System:

Trail Types:

• Paved and Unpaved Trails: FUTS features both paved and unpaved (gravel or dirt) trails, providing flexibility for a variety of users. The trails are designed for pedestrians, bicyclists, joggers, and people with strollers or mobility devices. Some trails are also suitable for horseback riding.
• Multi-Use: The majority of FUTS trails are designated as multi-use, meaning they accommodate walkers, runners, and cyclists. The trails are wide, typically between 8 and 12 feet, to allow for safe, shared use.
• Urban and Nature Trails: The system offers both urban trails that run along streets and through neighborhoods, as well as more nature-focused trails that traverse open spaces, forested areas, and scenic landscapes like McMillan Mesa and the Rio de Flag.

Popular Trails:

• Mars Hill Trail: A scenic trail that climbs to Mars Hill and the Lowell Observatory, offering great views of Flagstaff.
• Rio de Flag Trail: Following the course of the Rio de Flag, this trail runs through the heart of the city and features stretches of riparian habitat, including wetlands and wildlife viewing.
• Buffalo Park Loop: One of the most well-known trails, this loop around Buffalo Park offers panoramic views of the San Francisco Peaks and open grassland scenery.

The people of Flagstaff play an important role in the ongoing development and care of FUTS. There are volunteer programs for trail maintenance, and local advocacy groups regularly participate in planning efforts to ensure FUTS meets the community's needs for recreation and transportation.

In summary, FUTS was created through careful planning and collaboration over decades, with the goal of connecting Flagstaff’s residents and visitors to both the city and its surrounding natural landscapes. It’s an essential part of Flagstaff’s identity, offering a way to explore the area’s beauty while promoting sustainable transportation.

 Come see us when you are looking to buy or sell in Northern Arizona, or have real estate questions. We have on-site Realtors available in our office in historic downtown Flagstaff daily Monday - Saturday.

Fixing and flipping (Fix n Flips) real property is a bustling part of the real estate market! Investors, buyers, and many real estate licensees, regularly engage in these opportunities. The key to a successful flip is speed and economic prudence. Savvy investors identify projects, make cost-efficient improvements, and resell quickly. Yet, it can often be a race to the finish and a recipe for problems with inherent risk for those involved. Consider the following:

Lack of Knowledge About a Property. An investor most likely will not have lived in the property and thus, have little historical data. In turn, the invistor often refuses to provide a Seller's Property Disclosure Statement ("SPDS"). This is not a wise position, or in the best interest of the investor and others involved. To explain:

• If the investor received a SPDS from the prior owner, the investor can provide it in the flip transaction. The investor should do so with a caveat that the SPDS was completed by the prior owner. Regardless, there is likely helpful information in the SPDS for the new buyer and an added layer of protection for all.
• Whether or not the investor lived in the property, they do have knowledge about it. For instance, the investor knows what work was performed as part of the fix process. The investor also knows what might have been discovered during that process and should be disclosed. Additionally, the investor is aware of basic information such as the address of the property, if it is in an HOA, if it is on septic or sewer and/or the like. These are disclosures that any investor can and should make.
• The investor is required under Arizona law to disclose the names and license numbers of all contractors performing services at the property. A.R.S. 32-1121(A)(6). This is to be disclosed in the Purchase Contract. Further, all work performed for the purposes of selling a property must be performed by licensed contractors if the cost of material and labor, in the aggregate, is $1,000 or more.

Practice Pointer. Licensees on both sides of the transaction should request copies of all contractor invoices. Further, licensees for the buyer should advise the buyer to review the licensing history of the contractors through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors ("ROC"). This advice should be given in writing and it should only be the buyer that conducts any research and due diligence with the ROC, not the licensee. This exercise allows the buyer to confirm that only licensed contractors performed work and said contractors are still in business and/or do not have a disciplinary history.

Licensee as a Principal. It has become common for some licensees to utilize their market expertise and participate in Fix n Flips as a principal. If choosing to do so, the following is important:

• The licensee should engage in the same disclosure practices noted above. Additionally, the licensee must be diligent regarding the separate duty imposed through the Arizona Administrative Code, R4-28-1101(B). That Code provision requires a licensee in a transaction (principal or not) to disclose anything that materially or adversely affects the consideration to be paid for a property. That disclosure must be in writing and is above and beyond the requirements of utlitzing the SPDS.
• A licensee must disclose in writing that they are principal in the transaction to a prospective buyer before entering into a contract.
• A licensee cannot act as a principal and as a dual agent. This is because the licensee will not be able to treat and represent all parties fairly.
• Finally, the sale of an Agent-Owned Property, if it is the individual's residence, is typically covered by their brokerage's Errors and Omissions Insurance Policy. Those policies don't extend to Agent-Owned investment properties, which is standard in the industry. In the event of a lawsuit, the licensee will be responsible for attorneys' fees incurred, for any settlement monies paid out and/or any judgment. 

Ultimately, with Fix n Flips it is always best practice to be well versed in the heightened level of risk that a licensee and their respective clients encounter with fix transactions.