Archives for November 2010

The Five States of Building a Home with an Architect by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

November 29, 2010 szabogroup

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

On all typical residential projects, the architect will complete generally five stages These stages include the Programming stage/ Schematic Design stage, the Design Development stage, the Construction Documents stage, the Bidding or Negotiation stage, and the Construction/Construction Administration Stage. These should be figured into the written agreement, and should specify the services that each stage should include.

In the Programming stage, you will decide what exactly you want your project to include, and what you want out of your design project. This stage also provides the first estimate of how much this will cost.

In the Schematic Design stage is the point at which you will formulate the initial design of your project, including everything you want, along with the expertise of your architect.

The Design Development stage is when the design solution is developed and refined. This stage accounts for about 20 to 25 percent of the cost, and requires the most participation from you, the owner.

The Construction Documents stage is the stage in which all the little kinks and specific detail are worked out, and your architect documents the design in detailed drawings and specifications, that the contractor will use to determine the actual cost of the construction. About 40 percent of the total cost is accounted for in this stage.

The Bidding or Negotiation stage is the stage in which you select a contractor, because architects and contractors most typically deliver their services under separate contracts.

The Construction phase is the phase, of course, when the building of your project is followed through with. Most construction projects include a few last minute changes, but these can raise the price of the project and should be kept to a minimum, especially because they also affect the time in which the project will be completed.

The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Black Friday Deals by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group Scottsdale Arizona

November 26, 2010 szabogroup

by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group

Bloomingdale’s – For the Big Brown Sale, you can take 20-40% off many items and $25 off for nearly every $200 you spend. There’s also an Early Bird deal online. While the latter sale isn’t amazing, it does give you 10% off for spending up to $99.99, 20% off for spending between $100-$149.99 and 20% off purchases of $150 or more. The Early Bird sale goes through 4am Friday morning. www.bloomingdales.com

Neiman Marcus – This deal is in-store only: snag a $50 gift card for spending $100. This deal runs from 9am until 2pm at Neiman Marcus stores (not Last Call stores).

Rebecca Minkoff – This designer is having a Black Friday sale. The sale runs through Monday and many bags are marked down considerably.

Ralph Lauren – This online sale gives you an additional 25% off sale items. The deals include $50 polos. There’s also automatic free shipping, no matter how little you spend.

Gap – Select Gap locations are opening at 12am and running a 50% off promotion through 10am. Other locations will run the promotion during the early hours they choose to be open. Online you can save 20% off your purchase with code GAPTHANKS at checkout. Gap is also offering free shipping on orders of $50 or more.

The Body Shop -The Body Shop is running a promotion for 3 items for $30. Get automatic free shipping with purchases of $50 or more.

Massages and Spa Treatments – You may be able to purchase a massage or other service directly rather than a dollar amount gift cards. This will often save you the most money.

High End Flooring by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group Scottsdale Arizona

November 22, 2010 szabogroup

by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group

Looking for high end flooring options?

Ceramic and porcelain tile flooring choices are durable and easy to maintain. They are ideal for those high traffic areas in your home, including kitchens, entryways and family areas. It looks great in bathrooms, too.

There are also slate and stone titles such as terrazzo and travertine. Tiles are available in a variety of widths and thicknesses, textures, colors, and patterns.

Hardwood flooring comes in a variety of styles, colors and designs. Choose from factory finished, unfinished, solid, engineered, strip, plank, parquet, and acrylic impregnated. Consider oak, maple, cherry, bamboo or cherry hardwood floors. It offers a warmth and beauty to your home.

Armstrong Flooring is a national company and offers many hardwood choices, including ash, birch, cherry, oak, maple, and exotic choices to name just a few that they carry. To see these and more visit www.armstrong.com/flooring/products/hardwood

Brazilian Direct – www.highendflooring.com offers red and white oak flooring.

Here are some flooring places in Scottsdale:

Arizona Flooring Direct – www.arizonaflooringdirect.com
Located at 14202 N. Scottsdale Rd.

Scottsdale Floor Coverings International – https://scottsdale.floorcoveringsinternational.com
Located at 7655 E. Redfield Rd., Suite 3

Scottsdale Thanksgiving Events by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group Scottsdale Arizona

November 19, 2010 szabogroup

by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Below are some events in Scottsdale and the surrounding area.

November 21

10 AM – 2 PM

Farmer’s Market at CityNorth

You can purchase fresh produce, plants and holiday wreaths. Enjoy some music as well as activities for the kids, including face painting and pony rides. CityNorth Merchants will have specials as well.

Admission is free.

CityNorth is located at 5515 E. Deer Valley Drive in Phoenix. For more information, visit www.citycenterofcitynorth.com

November 25

7 AM – Registration

Mesa Mi Amigo’s Turkey Trot

Events:

1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, 8:15 AM

2 Mile Fun Run/Walk, 8:30 AM

10K Run, 9:00 AM

Winners in the various age brackets will receive a free turkey. The race will be held at Red Mountain Park, 7745 E. Brown Road in Mesa. Registration is required. For fees and to register online, visit www.active.com/framed/event_detail.cfm?CHECKSSO=0&EVENT_ID=1849653

November 25-28

8 AM.-7:15 PM

Thankful 4 Valley Ho Spa

Get a relaxing 60-minute full-body massage or a 60-minute Being True facial for $75, each normally $125.

The spa is located at Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main Street in Scottsdale.

If you want to go out for a meal on the Thanksgiving holiday, here is an option for you:

12- 8 PM

Trader Vic’s

The restaurant will be serving a special menu of starters, entrees, and desserts just for the evening. The regular menu will also be available. Trader Vic’s is located at Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main Street in Scottsdale. Reservations are recommended. For more information visit www.tradervics.com

The Well Stocked Toolbox for Homeowners by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group Scottsdale Arizona

November 15, 2010 szabogroup

Recently, I was at a party where one of the guests talked about a unique and valuable wedding present she received. A fully stocked toolbox for her new home! What a great gift to a young couple first starting out – and in this case – neither of them were particularly handy but we all know that that changes once you own your own home. So I have put together a quick list of tools that I think are essential in every family home;

Adjustable Locking Wrench – firmly holds nuts, bolts and hose connections.

Clamp – medium size to hold glued pieces together until dry.

Duct tape – a multipurpose fabric- tape adhesive.

Claw Hammer – 16 ounce is the most common size but I recommend and additional small one used for hanging pictures and small items.

Flashlight – for safety and small jobs in dark areas.

Pliers – To twist wire, removed a dub drain or handle similar tasks.

Screwdrivers – include small, medium and large for basic home repair.

Tape measure – 25 foot metal tape measure will hold up over time.

Utility Knife – To loosen painted shut window or heavy jobs

Nails – Lowes and Home Depot have handy packages of assorted sizes

Put all these in a handy box and you have a handy, helpful and much appreciated gift for a new couple.

The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020 or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com

What Do I Need to Know About Choosing a Real Estate Agent by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group Scottsdale Arizona

November 12, 2010 szabogroup

The Buying and Selling of Scottsdale, Arizona Real Estate is one of the biggest life decisions people make. There are many choices in real estate agents as well as in the companies they represent. Joe Szabo and the Szabo Group know how important it is to find an outstanding Scottsdale, Arizona Real Estate Agent for the Buying and Selling of homes and property.

First, does your agent have a real estate license in good standing? Check with the governing agency in your area if you’re not sure. Joe Szabo and the Szabo Group think it is imperative that you find out how many years of experience your real estate specialist has in the business, and how many successful sales they have on their record.

Does the agent you are considering live in the area? Are they familiar with the schools, the shopping and the local activities? Are they knowledgeable about the areas you are considering? Can they answer your questions and give you the information you need to make the best decision for you?

In the event you decide to work with an agent who has fewer than three years experience, Joe Szabo and the Szabo Group feel it is important for you to know that the agent works under close supervision of an experienced broker who will assist you if necessary.

Joe Szabo and the Szabo Group think it is a great idea to ask for the names of Buyers who’ve used the agent recently and talk to them. This way you can get a better feel for the agent you are considering — away from the sales and marketing techniques. It is as critical to feel comfortable with your representative as it is to know they have a good reputation for trustworthiness and a proven track record.
Does the Scottsdale, Arizona Real Estate specialist have a personality you can relate to, while maintaining a professional demeanor? After all, this person will be representing you to a wide variety of Scottsdale, Arizona Real Estate specialists. They are representing you in all manners of the transaction.

Joe Szabo and the Szabo Group realize that you are probably in the information gathering stage of your process, and we want to provide assistance to you in any of your Scottsdale, Arizona Real Estate needs When you are ready to invest in the real estate market let us help you. After all, we are the experts in Scottsdale, Arizona Real Estate.

Tips For Choosing An Electrician by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group Scottsdale Arizona

November 9, 2010 szabogroup

by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group

Tip #1 – Ask for their license:

Look closely to make sure that the license has not expired, and you can probably check the license number with your state.

Tip #2 – Contact References:

It’s also very important that you contact at least a few references if you are serious about hiring a quality electrician to get your job done. Someone who does good work will have several references to offer you. Take the time to call and talk to the references that are given to you. Ask about the work done and if they were satisfied.

Tip #3 – Trust Your Instincts:

When you meet with the electrician, don’t discount your feelings. How do you feel about the person? If the person makes you feel uncomfortable in any way, then make sure you go with someone else.

Tip #4 – Make Sure They are Insured:

You also need to make sure that the electrician you hire is insured. If an accident happens, you need to know that their insurance is going to take care of it.

These are just a few tips that you should definitely use when trying to hire an electrician. No matter what kind of job you need done, you want someone that is going to do a quality and safe job. – The above tips were taken from https://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andre_Savoie

Tip #5 – Find out about charges for work done

Check on his experience and references. New people may be competent for your job; however find out before starting the project if they can provide all the wirings, fittings, lighting and power fittings for the project. – Taken from www.trustatrader.com/references/electricians-05-02-08.asp

Scottsdale Fall Attractions by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group Scottsdale Arizona

November 5, 2010 szabogroup

by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group

Arizona Birds of Prey Take Flight
Now through December 31

Recurring weekly on Friday

Times: 4:00 p.m.

Location: Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch, 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale

Phone: 480-444-1234

Seven Year Anniversary at the F1 Race Factory
Now through October 31

Recurring daily

Times: Mon-Thurs: 2:00pm – 10:00pm / Fri-Sat: 11:00am – Midnight / Sun: 11:00am – 8:00pm
Location: F1 Race Factory, 317 S. 48th Street, Phoenix
Phone: (602)302-RACE (7223)
Admission: Starting at $14.95 for Members and $20 for Non-members

F1 Race Factory will be celebrating by giving our fans Anniversary Specials ALL MONTH LONG! They will be offering different specials each week.

They will also be running a raffle through the month of October. Here are a few of the great prizes up for grabs so be sure to get your entries in!

4 pairs of tickets on the F1 Party Bus to Zoomtown!
2 All Day Passes at F1 (unlimited racing for a day).
5 F1 Race Factory $25 Gift Cards.
10 Free Race Passes.

Each raffle entry costs $1, 100% of raffle sales are donated to the MS Society. Buy 5 tickets and get 2 extra bonus entries!!

Halloween PREpare Party
October 29 – October 30

Recurring daily
Times: 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Location: The Salon & Day Spa at The Scottsdale Plaza Resort
Phone: (480) 951-5150
Admission: FREE

The Salon & Day Spa at The Scottsdale Plaza Resort is holding a special event this Halloween. Come prepare for your spooky night in the posh salon & day spa. Great drink specials, make-up and nail specials and even massages to relax before a night of scares!

For more attractions and events, visit www.scottsdalecvb.com/planning-tools/events/?showday=1&cdate=10-29-2010&menuID=302#event8194

Getting Your Home Ready For Winter by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group Scottsdale Arizona

November 2, 2010 szabogroup

by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group

Check for Leaks

Weatherstripping and caulking is probably the least expensive, simplest, most effective way to cut down on energy waste in the winter. Improperly sealed homes can waste 10 to 15 percent of the homeowner’s heating dollars.

Check Your Insulation

Insulate your attic. In an older home, that can be the most cost-efficient way to cut home heating costs. Before energy efficiency standards, homes were often built with little or no insulation. As a result, large amounts of heat can be lost through walls, floors and – since heat rises – especially ceilings.

How much insulation should you install? Typical framed homes now being built in California’s Central Valley must meet insulation requirements of R-38 insulation in ceilings and R-19 for walls and floors.

Check Your Heating System

Get a routine maintenance and inspection of your heating system each autumn to make sure it is in good working order.
Replace your heater’s air filter monthly. Your heating system will work less hard, use less energy and last longer as a result. Most homeowners can replace filters and do such simple tasks as cleaning and removing dust from vents or along baseboard heaters.
Make sure all hearing vents are opened and unblocked by furniture or other items. This will ensure that the air is evenly distributed through the home.

Change a Light Bulb

Lighting our homes can represent 20 percent of home electricity bills and is one of the easiest places to start saving energy. If every household changed a light to an ENERGY STAR® one, together we’d save enough energy to light 7 million homes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to that of 1 million cars.

Taken from www.consumerenergycenter.org/tips/winterize.html Be sure to visit the site for more detailed tips.