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Get New Cabinets By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Arizona
Archives for September 2013
Mistakes that Can Cost You When Selling Your Home by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Arizona
1. Don’t Sell Before You Get Qualified to Buy Your New Home
If you signed a contract to sell your house before you were qualified to buy another, you’re asking for trouble. Here’s why: Your financial circumstances may have changed since your last purchase, and you might not be able to qualify for a loan, or you might not be able to sell at a price that allows you to buy the type of replacement house you want. You could end up renting or buying something that was far from ideal.
Before you decide to sell the house, get pre-approved by a lender you trust and research the housing market in the area where you wish to live so that you have a good idea how much it will take to buy a replacement. Make plans in case you have to move right away.
2. Don’t Guess Your Loan Payoff
Check your mortgage payoff. Call your lender to check the payoff for your current home mortgage. Make sure there are no penalties written in your contract for early payoff. Some lenders have a pre-payment penalty for paying off your loan to soon!
3. Don’t Guess on the Sale Price of Your Home
Determine your home’s fair market value. Real estate agents will usually help you determine value as a courtesy, but you might take it a step further and order a fair market appraisal. Not an appraisal for the purpose of a full loan amount, but an appraisal for the true market value. There is a difference!
Nothing loses potential buyers faster than an overpriced home. Then, when you lower the price it makes it look like you are getting desperate to sell. On the flip side, you don’t want to lose money by selling too cheap. It might get you a fast sale, but you might miss out on several thousand dollars, too. Learn how to price your house for sale the right way.
4. Don’t Underestimate Your Closing Costs to Sell
Don’t forget to calculate the following items:
- Real estate commission, if you use an agency to sell.
- Advertising costs, signs, other fees, if you plan to sell by owner.
- Attorney, closing agent and other professional fees.
- Excise/Gains tax for the sale, if applicable.
- Prorated costs for your share of annual expenses, such as property taxes, home owner association fees, and utilities.
- Any other fees sometimes paid by the seller (appraisals, inspections, buyer’s closing costs, etc.).
Real estate agents deal with transactions every day and can give you a very close estimate of seller closing costs.
5. Don’t Spend Earnest Money Given to You
Don’t assume the earnest money deposit is yours until the deal has closed and recorded. Also give the buyer a receipt. There are many stories about sellers who spent the deposit money prior to closing. When the transactions didn’t take place for valid reasons — such as financing or repair issues — the buyers had to fight or sue for a refund.
Whenever possible, give the money to your broker or a neutral party who will hold the deposit for you until closing day and make sure your contract dictates what happens to the funds if the transaction doesn’t close.
6. Don’t Let Your Emotions Take Over
Keep a cool head during the entire selling process, especially during and after a home inspection. Be realistic and assume there will be issues. No home is perfect, especially older homes. It’s not unusual to have to take care of some repairs yourself. Don’t let the buyer’s demand to do a small repair kill the deal.
On the other hand, don’t commit to fixing anything in advance, unless you’re sure you can handle it emotionally and financially. Decide what type of repairs you can realistically tackle, then stick with the decision. Some repairs can get out of hand and end up costing you big money.
7. Don’t Forget to Cancel or Switch Utilities & Insurance
That sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to tell utilities they are moving or apply for utility service at their new home. Call the utilities and your insurance company as soon as you have a contract. Find out how many days lead time they need to switch or cancel, then get back with them when you have a firm closing date.
8. Don’t Become Best Friends with the Buyer
It’s great to be friendly, but don’t get into too many long discussions with the buyers, because personality conflicts often cloud judgments.
Remember, this could be their new home. You’re no doubt excited about moving. But buyers will start second guessing–everyone does. A casual statement about “gettin’ out while the gettin’s good” might be enough innocent chatter to kill the deal.
9. Don’t Panic if the Appraisal Comes in Low
At least not at first. There are some things you (and your agent) can do to correct the problem. Study your options.
10. Don’t Go It Alone
Selling a home can be one of the most stressful things in your life. Answering calls, setting appointments, cleaning house, boxing up memories can be overwhelming for most. If you’re working with an agent, it’s the agent’s duty to track many of the day-to-day details that involve the buyers and taking phone calls. The paperwork required in a sale alone is enough to drive anyone over the edge.
11. Don’t Ignore Inspection Requirements
Know what is expected of you and take care of it. For instance, a buyer getting an FHA loan will have an FHA inspector who may require some repairs to process the loan. That’s something you may have to handle yourself if the buyer can’t manage it. Answer inspector questions and provide required paperwork as quickly as possible–selling your home depends on it.
12. Don’t Go to Closing Unprepared
Do not go to closing without your “HUD Estimate” which is provided by your title company. It will outline your costs and will give you a good idea of how much money you will be getting or will need to bring at closing. Also, make certain you speak with your agent and/or title officer to get a more exact figure and to make sure no surprises have risen. Its always a good idea to choose your own title company, and get some quotes since title insurance is a large part of closing costs.
13. Don’t Write an Offer For the Buyer
With the exception of YOUR Agent, do not write an offer for the buyer. The buyer should write the offer themselves or with the help of their agent. Hire your own agent whenever possible to protect your interests. Remember, a listing agent WORKS FOR YOU. So avoid letting your listing agent act as a limited broker who will become neutral to both sides.
14. Don’t Show Your Home Unprepared
Get everything ready in advance, especially “eye-sores” or any repairs that may scare buyers away. Get rid of any water leaks, stains, broken windows/doors, bad smells, etc. You don’t want to lose a potential buyer. I’ve often sold a home to the first buyer on the first day!
15. Don’t Follow Buyers Around When Showing
Whenever possible, don’t be home when showing. If you’re listing with a real estate agent, they’ll often ask you to leave when the house is shown. Why? Because lurking sellers make buyers nervous–they don’t feel comfortable inspecting the house when they feel they are intruding. It’s easier for buyers to visualize the home being theirs when they have a chance to critique and discuss the home among themselves. If you must be home, try to stay out of the way and answer questions only if asked.
Unless there’s a real reason for it, don’t ask your agent to be present for all showings either. That’s the kiss of death for showing activity. Other agents want privacy with their buyers and they don’t usually have time to work around your agent’s schedule.
16. Don’t Waste Your Time With Non-Qualified Buyers
Nothing wastes time worse than showing your home to someone who can’t even buy it! I had a friend who spent two weeks preparing his home for a co-worker who wanted to buy his home. He spent over $1,000 removing a storage shed and met with the guy 2-3 more times discussing the price only to find out 3 weeks later that he could not qualify for a loan!
Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit https://scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.
Top 10 Trends for Kitchens By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Arizona
By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
1. Let There be Light!
LED bulbs have been improving for some time now in terms of both energy efficiency and effectiveness as a light source. Thanks to their slim profile, LEDs are the natural choice as effective accent lighting to highlight cabinetry and other features in your kitchen. Alternatively a strip of LED lights work equally as well as task lighting. If you think that your kitchen could use a certain something to breathe new life into it, but you don’t want to go down the route of a full redesign, it’s definitely worth seeing what’s out there in terms of new lighting options. What’s more, LED lighting is particularly effective at bringing a warm glow to even the most traditional style Arizona kitchen.2. Ecologically-Sound Butcher Block Counter Tops
As a countertop, the warmth of natural wood and its neutral tone means that it sits equally at home in a contemporary or rustic style kitchen. You can now get hold of some great ‘butcher block’ style options that won’t necessarily cost you the earth. It’s safe to say that this type of countertop is fast catching up to marble in the popularity stakes. Red oak and maple are perennial favorites but you’ll also see some highly attractive ‘ecologically sound’ options out there – crafted from materials such as Lyptus – originating from renewable forests.3. Quartzite: the New Alternative to Marble?
Another material that’s recently been making steady inroads when it comes to countertops is quartzite. The appearance is very similar to marble but its durability is such that there aren’t the same issues with scratches and staining.4. The Application of Hydraulics
Tired of walking into open head height cabinet doors? If recent innovations are anything to go by, the problem might soon be a thing of the past! Some manufacturers are beginning to introduce hydraulic cabinet doors that fold upwards and out of your way with the touch of a button.5. Hands Free Technology
It seems that automatic taps are now making their way into the kitchen in a big way. They’re hygienic too: thanks to motion-activated faucets, you don’t have to touch the tap unit with dirty hands.6. Going Retro With the Faucets
Speaking of taps, it seems that you’re no longer restricted just to chrome. Brass is making its way into the ranges offered by many kitchen manufacturers as well. Brass faucets represent the perfect combination of modern technology with traditional style.7. A Splash of Color with your Appliances
When it comes to appliances, stainless steel is probably never going to lose its appeal totally. Let’s face it though, refrigerators and other appliances are often big hefty items. Why not seek to make the most of them if you can? The best way of doing this is with a bright colorful appliance.8. Glass is Back
Designers are utilizing technology to come up with some fantastic designs in glass. Nowhere is this more evident than with the range of glass backsplashes that’s available out there. You can let your imagination run riot and what’s more, a colorful backsplash can be used to enhance either a modern or traditional kitchen with equally impressive results.9. It’s all about Multimedia
The fact is that for several years now, we’ve been doing more and more in our kitchen space. Why go work in the study if everything you need’s on a laptop or tablet? Why move into the living room after dinner when you’ve got a plasma screen in the kitchen? Wi fi, remote speakers, faster broadband, you name it; all of these trends combine to ensure that the amount of time many of us are spending in the kitchen is increasing all the time. The best thing is that you’re now much more likely to be in the kitchen for the purposes of fun rather than chores. Expect this trend to continue.10. Kitchens: the Entertainment Space of Choice?
Given that the kitchen is now a prime place to be, it’s not surprising that it often becomes the room of choice for entertaining our guests. While the gadgets in our kitchens are getting more advanced all the time, many of us are doing more to make the space less ‘clinical’. Think more in terms warmer shades rather than pure black or white when it comes to cabinetry. It’s all about making your kitchen more welcoming as a place to socialize. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.Fall Arizona Restaurant Week By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Arizona
Fine Dining in Scottdale
August 2013 Paradise Valley Arizona real estate market update
Although the median sold price in Paradise Valley, Arizona went down slightly (5.3% to $1,197,500) this is still an 8.4% improvement from August 2012. New listings and new contracts are up 16.7% and 21.2% respectively from July 2013, while closed sales took a dive to 30 closed sales as opposed to 49 in July 2013. The summer months tend to slow down, but we are still seeing great recovery progress from 2012 especially in the Paradise Valley luxury market. We anticipate a wonderful fall with all of the great activity we’ve seen this year so far.
Considering a purchasing or selling a property in Paradise Valley? Take advantage of the great market conditions and get your home listed for sale.
We hope that you enjoy reading and analyzing the Paradise Valley Luxury Home Report and should you have any questions or comments, please feel free to Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020 or email him directly at Joe@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or Joe@AZLuxuryHomes.com. You can also visit https://www.AZLuxuryHomes.com or https://scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Paradise Valley Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Paradise Valley and to search the Paradise Valley MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.
Please note that this Paradise Valley Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Paradise Valley Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale and Paradise Valley Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Paradise Valley, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results.
August 2013 Paradise Valley Arizona real estate market update
August 2013 Scottsdale Real Estate Market Update
Home prices are up once more! The median home price in Scottsdale Arizona has increased from $375,000 to $395,000 since July 2013. This is up 5.3% since July of 2013 and a whopping 27.6% since last year at this time. New listings are up from July with 848 listings as opposed to 775 from the previous month. New contracts and closed sales are also down 6.9% and 19.9% respectively. The summer months tend to slow down, but we are still seeing great recovery progress from 2012. We anticipate a wonderful fall with all of the great activity we’ve seen this year so far.
Considering a purchasing or selling a property in Scottsdale? Take advantage of the great market conditions and get your home listed for sale before the snow birds and students return in the fall.
We hope that you enjoy reading and analyzing the Scottsdale Luxury Home Report and should you have any questions or comments, please feel free to Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020 or email him directly at Joe@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com. You can also visit https://scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.
Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results.
August 2013 Scottsdale Arizona real estate market update
Upcoming September 11 Events for 2013 provided by Joes Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
Organizers of tributes around the Valley are focusing on remembering those who were lost, honoring those who work to keep America safe and educating the generation that has come of age since 2001. Here’s a look at the events planned to commemorate September 11.
Patriot Day Events
Friends of Freedom, a Phoenix non-profit group, is raising funds to build a No One Left Behind Center in the West Valley to help military veterans transition to civilian life. A gala banquet Friday, Sept. 6, at Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale includes comedy, entertainment and an auction. Foursomes can golf Saturday, Sept. 7, at Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia in Peoria.
Details: Banquet: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale. Golf: registration at 7 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, 12575 W. Golf Club Drive, Peoria. $100 for banquet; $2,500 per foursome to golf. 623-239-1437, friendsoffreedom.us.
9/11 Heroes Run
Honor first responders, veterans and heroes of Sept. 11 by running a 5K through Tempe Beach Park, ending at an American flag-lined finish line. Instead of a medal, you’ll get your own dog tag. Music and video presentations are included in an opening ceremony. Music, food, vendors and giveaways are featured, and a most-patriotic prize is awarded. The 100 Club of Arizona, which helps families of fallen public-safety personnel, receives 50 percent of proceeds. This is one of 40 such events across the nation presented by the Travis Manion Foundation, which targets issues facing veterans, survivors and the military community.
Details: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7. Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway. $30; $100 for family of four. 215-348-9080, travismanion.org.
9/11 Charity Pancake Breakfast
The El Mirage Firefighter Association Charity invites the public to its third annual 9/11 breakfast, which benefits the charity’s fund assisting families of fallen public-safety officers. A flag-raising ceremony begins at 8 a.m. A fire truck is on display and kids can enjoy bounce houses and a fire-hose game.
Details: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Sept. 7. Fire Station 121, 13601 N. El Mirage Road. Free; donations welcome. 623-238-0300, cityofelmirage.org.
Hands on Greater Phoenix Projects
Participants are needed for a variety of projects in Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Peoria and Queen Creek honoring first responders, military members and veterans. Events include preparing and serving brunch for veterans, enhancing a low-income public-housing community garden and writing letters or making cards to show support for servicemen and women serving abroad.
Details: Sept. 8-14. Event times and locations vary. Enter 9/11 in the keyword box at handsonphoenix.org.
Massing of the Colors and Service of Remembrance Day
Arizona’s active-duty military and former veterans are honored at this event, sponsored by the Phoenix Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars, the Phoenix Union High School District and Carl Hayden Community High School Junior ROTC cadets. The 108th Army Band of the Arizona Army National Guard begins the day with a patriotic concert, and Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett speaks at 2:30 p.m. Prisoners of war and those missing in action are remembered by the Patriot Youth Corps and the JROTC. Boy Scouts form the color guard, and the Girl Scouts carry the 50 state flags.
Details: 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept.8. Carl Hayden Community High School, 3333 W. Roosevelt St., Phoenix. Free. 480-595-8089.
9/11 Remembrance Display
The National Flag of Unity honoring victims and heroes of 9/11 will be on display in the atrium of the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. The flag, comprised of flags from 50 states and six districts of the U.S., includes the names of victims and first responders. The names of 9/11 victims will be read at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Details: 10 a.m.-5p.m. Monday-Friday, Sept. 9-13. 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. Free. 480-499-8587, scottsdaleaz.gov/events.
Healing Field 9/11 Memorial
Take in a display of nearly 3,000 U.S. flags at Tempe Beach Park honoring the victims of 9/11. The 10th annual tribute, presented by the city and the Exchange Club of Tempe, includes a concert by Kaitlin Jones, a memorial ceremony and a candlelight vigil. The American Red Cross will hold blood drives Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; more information is available online.
Details: Display 5 a.m.-11 p.m. daily; concert 7 p.m. Tuesday; ceremony 5:46 a.m. Wednesday; candlelight vigil 7 p.m. Wednesday. Sept. 10-14. Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway. Free. 480-350-5209, 480-204-3864, tempe.gov, facebook.com/September11.HealingField.
Phoenix September 11th Memorial Ceremony
Phoenix City Hall holds a ceremony at which the public can remember police, firefighters and civilians who lost their lives Sept. 11, 2001.
Details: 9:30-10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 11. 200 W. Washington St., First Floor Atrium. Free. 602-495-7398.
Eleven Days of Peace & Sustainability
A color guard presentation is given by the Marines, doves will be released, Native American spiritual leader Uqualla will speak and prayers for peace will be shared.
Details: 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Sept. 11. 3535 E. McDowell Road. Free. 480-323-0933, starshineacademy.org.
A Night of Remembrance
The Casa Grande Youth Commission holds a candlelit ceremony at Peart Park. Candles are provided, students sing, and a guest speaker gives a presentation.
Details: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11. 350 E. Sixth St., Casa Grande. Free. casagrandeaz.gov.
9/11 Hero Workout
Honor the heroes of 9/11 by working out alongside men and women in uniform on Wednesday, Sept. 11. Donations will be accepted for the 100 Club of Arizona, which helps families of fallen public-safety personnel. Space is limited. Call or e-mail info@sicfit.com to reserve your spot.
Details: 8 or 9 a.m., and 5 or 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11. SICFIT Scottsdale, 14885 N. 83rd Place, Scottsdale. Donations accepted. 480-922-3253, 100club.org.
9/11 Memorial Ceremony
Gather around Gilbert’s 9/11 memorial, a 1,500-pound beam from the North Tower of the World Trade Center surrounded by granite slabs and engraved bricks, for a remembrance celebration. Remarks will be shared by Mayor John Lewis and Fire Chief Jim Jobusch. A joint police and fire honor guard presentation of colors, and performances from Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department and the joint Arizona State Fire Department pipe and drum bands are included.
Details: 8:30-9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11. 50 E. Civic Center Drive. Free. 480-503-6200, gilbertaz.gov/calendar.
Massing of the Colors and Service of Remembrance Day
Arizona’s active-duty military and former veterans are honored at this event, sponsored by the Phoenix Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars, the Phoenix Union High School District and Carl Hayden Community High School Junior ROTC cadets. The 108th Army Band of the Arizona Army National Guard begins the day with a patriotic concert, and Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett speaks at 2:30 p.m. Prisoners of war and those missing in action are remembered by the Patriot Youth Corps and the JROTC. Boy Scouts form the color guard, and the Girl Scouts carry the 50 state flags.
Details: 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept.8. Carl Hayden Community High School, 3333 W. Roosevelt St., Phoenix. Free. 480-595-8089.
Phoenix September 11th Memorial Ceremony
Phoenix City Hall holds a ceremony at which the public can remember police, firefighters and civilians who lost their lives Sept. 11, 2001.
Details: 9:30-10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 11. 200 W. Washington St., First Floor Atrium. Free. 602-495-7398.
Eleven Days of Peace & Sustainability
A color guard presentation is given by the Marines, doves will be released, Native American spiritual leader Uqualla will speak and prayers for peace will be shared.
Details: 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Sept. 11. 3535 E. McDowell Road. Free. 480-323-0933, starshineacademy.org.
Emergency Preparedness Expo
The Maricopa County Department of Public Health’s Office of Preparedness and Response presents information about CPR, water safety and first-aid. Free flu and tetanus and diptheria immunizations are available for the uninsured. Families will have the opportunity to practice drills and learn to evacuate in case of smoke or fire at the Phoenix Fire Department’s “smoke house.” Raffles will be held and new pairs of socks collected for the Phoenix Rescue Mission.
Details: 3-7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 11. Metrocenter, Interstate 17 and Peoria Avenue, Phoenix. Free. 602-722-0509, wearepublichealth.org.
Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit https://scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.Geothermal Home in Scottsdale, AZ provided by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
A luxury home as reported by AzCentral in Scottsdale’s DC Ranch has taken environmental design to the next level, using geothermal cooling and heating to greatly reduce the owner’s utility bill.
Operating quietly and mostly out of sight and out of earshot, the geothermal heat-pump system takes the energy of the Earth and uses it to cool and heat the home, nestled in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains.
“Geothermal is not new, but it is the last great frontier for environmental awareness,” said Jay Egg, an expert in the field. “The fact that there is nothing to see is one of its greatest qualities.”
Around the country, geothermal is a growing but underutilized means of heating and cooling homes, said Egg, author of two books published by McGraw-Hill on the subject and a consultant to the industry.
The western United States has been especially slow to adopt the technology, he said, while in the Midwest and East, at least a dozen entire neighborhoods are tied into geothermal technology.
The home is about 3 miles east of the intersection of Pima Road and the Loop 101 freeway. It is cut into the hillside overlooking the DC Ranch golf course, with views toward downtown Scottsdale and Phoenix interrupted only by Camelback Mountain.
The amenities of the upscale home include the finest equipment in the kitchen and laundry room, a butler’s pantry, at least two large gathering spaces, numerous fireplaces, high ceilings, hardwood and tile floors.
Upgrades are everywhere — sizable rooms, exposed beams in the ceilings, large windows to the west that overlook an infinity-edge swimming pool and pool house
.
But what is not seen or heard is what makes the 13,000-square-foot house special and has folks interested in energy efficiency taking notice.
Using the Earth
The system features 10 geothermal wells sunk beneath the driveway, protected by a 20-foot-high retaining wall from the hillside above, wide enough only to accommodate two runs of flexible pipe.
In back, hidden by the natural slope, are four cooling towers, which resemble standard air-conditioning units. Inside, behind closed doors, sits a room full of equipment.
Taking advantage of the constant temperature of the Earth, about 70-75 degrees, it is clear how little supplemental heating or cooling will be needed to keep the home comfortable.
Not only can geothermal cut electric bills in half, it lasts longer, requires less maintenance, does the job better and takes away the clunky look of rooftop air-conditioning units and solar panels, advocates say.
But with fewer than 10,000 homes nationwide using it, geothermal needs better marketing, Egg said.
Although energy efficiency may work for some potential buyers, the fact that it is out of sight and silent, hygienic and reliable, is the best way to sell it to others, he said.
Egg said the efficiency of a geothermal system is remarkable.
Even though it might cost more than a standard system to install, it can cut in half a home’s energy consumption.
At the Scottsdale home, on a 110-degree day in the desert, the temperature inside was a reasonable 78 degrees.
No thermostats were visible because it was all controlled electronically and wirelessly from an iPhone or iPad.
Jeremy Meek, president of Desert Star Construction, which built the home and installed the system, said the installation cost for the house was comparable to a standard heating and cooling system when federal tax incentives for the geothermal system were taken into account.
It will save the homeowner 57 percent on his energy bills, he said.
The home has many other energy-efficient features: good insulation, advanced air filtration, and walls and roofs sealed against the desert heat.
In this particular house, there are four cooling towers and four air handlers.
Without the geothermal boost, the large structure would require 13 air handlers, Meek said.
The Meeks, father Jerry and son Jeremy, note that the geothermal system would not be as efficient without the other energy-saving features, such as upgraded air filtration, advanced insulation and well-sealed doors, windows and other openings in the house.
Jeremy Meek said the homeowner, who asked to remain unidentified, was able to knock 40 percent off the cost of the system through government incentives.
Cost is a factor
Meek would not disclose the cost of the home or the geothermal unit, but numerous studies have been done on the value of such systems.
One technical book, “Geothermal HVAC,” by journalist Brian Howard and Egg, the geothermal specialist, laid out the following example for a standard home of 2,000 square feet:
The geothermal system would run about $43,000. A standard home-heating and -cooling system would cost about $23,000, a difference of $20,000. Federal incentives covering 30 percent of the system’s cost would make up about $13,000 of the difference, leaving $7,000.
With reduced energy and system-maintenance bills, the homeowner would make up that difference in three to five years.
Meek said that, for the Silverleaf home, “after the incentives, up-front costs are on par with a normal heat- pump system, but the long-term savings are significant.”
“Choosing to pursue geothermal was a bottom-line decision,” the homeowner said. “With the federal and local incentives available, it made good financial sense for us to pursue.”
Anthony Floyd, manager of Scottsdale’s Green Building Program, said the Valley does not have many geothermal systems set up, especially in private homes where costs can be prohibitive.
He said costs can increase because drilling can be difficult in the Valley’s soil. Some systems forgo the cooling towers, Floyd said, and others can use the water in a swimming pool as a place to deposit excess heated water.
Arizona Public Service’s Damon Gross said the utility has 146 residential customers and five non-residential customers who use geothermal heating and cooling. The Silverleaf house did enough in terms of energy savings that it qualified for LEED certification.
LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a program of the U.S. Green Building Council, which establishes standards for energy efficiency.
LEED certification is a goal for many new buildings in Arizona, but few of them are private homes.
In Arizona, geothermal has attracted the attention of high-end custom homebuilders but not production builders, said Spencer Kamps of the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona.
“Custom builders blaze the way because their customers can afford it,” he said. “There are a lot of good, energy-saving technologies out there, but not a lot that are financially feasible.”
Even those that are feasible take time to win public support, Kamp said. That is changing as energy bills increase.
Connie Wilhelm, president of the homebuilders group, has had a geothermal system at her home in central Phoenix since she built the place in 2010.
Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit https://scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.
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But what is not seen or heard is what makes the 13,000-square-foot house special and has folks interested in energy efficiency taking notice.
Using the Earth
The system features 10 geothermal wells sunk beneath the driveway, protected by a 20-foot-high retaining wall from the hillside above, wide enough only to accommodate two runs of flexible pipe.
In back, hidden by the natural slope, are four cooling towers, which resemble standard air-conditioning units. Inside, behind closed doors, sits a room full of equipment.
Taking advantage of the constant temperature of the Earth, about 70-75 degrees, it is clear how little supplemental heating or cooling will be needed to keep the home comfortable.
Not only can geothermal cut electric bills in half, it lasts longer, requires less maintenance, does the job better and takes away the clunky look of rooftop air-conditioning units and solar panels, advocates say.
But with fewer than 10,000 homes nationwide using it, geothermal needs better marketing, Egg said.
Although energy efficiency may work for some potential buyers, the fact that it is out of sight and silent, hygienic and reliable, is the best way to sell it to others, he said.
Egg said the efficiency of a geothermal system is remarkable.
Even though it might cost
more than a standard system to install, it can cut in half a home’s energy consumption.
At the Scottsdale home, on a 110-degree day in the desert, the temperature inside was a reasonable 78 degrees.
No thermostats were visible because it was all controlled electronically and wirelessly from an iPhone or iPad.
Jeremy Meek, president of Desert Star Construction, which built the home and installed the system, said the installation cost for the house was comparable to a standard heating and cooling system when federal tax incentives for the geothermal system were taken into account.
It will save the homeowner 57 percent on his energy bills, he said.
The home has many other energy-efficient features: good insulation, advanced air filtration, and walls and roofs sealed against the desert heat.
In this particular house, there are four cooling towers and four air handlers.
Without the geothermal boost, the large structure would require 13 air handlers, Meek said.
The Meeks, father Jerry and son Jeremy, note that the geothermal system would not be as efficient without the other energy-saving features, such as upgraded air filtration, advanced insulation and well-sealed doors, windows and other openings in the house.
Jeremy Meek said the homeowner, who asked to remain unidentified, was able to knock 40 percent off the cost of the system through government incentives.
Cost is a factor
Meek would not disclose the cost of the home or the geothermal unit, but numerous studies have been done on the value of such systems.
One technical book, “Geothermal HVAC,” by journalist Brian Howard and Egg, the geothermal specialist, laid out the following example for a standard home of 2,000 square feet:
The geothermal system would run about $43,000. A standard home-heating and -cooling system would cost about $23,000, a difference of $20,000. Federal incentives covering 30 percent of the system’s cost would make up about $13,000 of the difference, leaving $7,000.
With reduced energy and system-maintenance bills, the homeowner would make up that difference in three to five years.
Meek said that, for the Silverleaf home, “after the incentives, up-front costs are on par with a normal heat- pump system, but the long-term savings are significant.”
“Choosing to pursue geothermal was a bottom-line decision,” the homeowner said. “With the federal and local incentives available, it made good financial sense for us to pursue.”
Anthony Floyd, manager of Scottsdale’s Green Building Program, said the Valley does not have many geothermal systems set up, especially in private homes where costs can be prohibitive.
He said costs can increase because drilling can be difficult in the Valley’s soil. Some systems forgo the cooling towers, Floyd said, and others can use the water in a swimming pool as a place to deposit excess heated water.
Arizona Public Service’s Damon Gross said the utility has 146 residential customers and five non-residential customers who use geothermal heating and cooling. The Silverleaf house did enough in terms of energy savings that it qualified for LEED certification.
LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a program of the U.S. Green Building Council, which establishes standards for energy efficiency.
LEED certification is a goal for many new buildings in Arizona, but few of them are private homes.
In Arizona, geothermal has attracted the attention of high-end custom homebuilders but not production builders, said Spencer Kamps of the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona.
“Custom builders blaze the way because their customers can afford it,” he said. “There are a lot of good, energy-saving technologies out there, but not a lot that are financially feasible.”
Even those that are feasible take time to win public support, Kamp said. That is changing as energy bills increase.
Connie Wilhelm, president of the homebuilders group, has had a geothermal system at her home in central Phoenix since she built the place in 2010.
Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit https://scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.Find Destinations to Hike By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Arizona
By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve is like no other place in the Valley. It is unique geologically. It is home to stunning geography, lush cacti forests and diverse wildlife. It features award-winning trails and facilities.
See for yourself. Now is a great time to explore the preserve, stretched across roughly 27,800 scenic acres of Scottsdale.
The Preserve encompasses the McDowellMountains, where recent discoveries are causing geologists to rethink how this region formed and evolved. New trails and amenities are bringing Scottsdale’s “mountains of discovery” closer to residents and visitors. Check them out!
Pinnacle Peak
The Sierra Club rates the 150-acre PinnaclePeak as a moderate hike with an elevation gain of approximately 1,300 feet. The trail has a very smooth tread with a number of ups and downs over the course of the 1.75 mile trail (one way). It is not a loop trail so you come back over the same trail. High point on the trail is 2,889′, the lowest point is 2,366′, and the elevation at the trailhead is 2,570′. Hiking, horseback riding and rock climbing will take you to spectacular views of the valley . Rock climbing, for experienced climbers with appropriate gear, is permitted in three areas of the park with a variety of routes and skill levels.
Amenities include an 90 space paved parking area (including 4 motorcycle parking spaces at the west end of the lot) restrooms, drinking fountain, ramada, and 4 picnic tables.
The park is an ideal habitat for a variety of native plants such as Saguaros, Cholla Cactus, Creosote plants, and for creatures such as Bobcats, Gila Monsters and Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes. Hiker safety is important to us, so please read Park Rules and Safety Information.
Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.
Pinnacle Peak
The Sierra Club rates the 150-acre PinnaclePeak as a moderate hike with an elevation gain of approximately 1,300 feet. The trail has a very smooth tread with a number of ups and downs over the course of the 1.75 mile trail (one way). It is not a loop trail so you come back over the same trail. High point on the trail is 2,889′, the lowest point is 2,366′, and the elevation at the trailhead is 2,570′. Hiking, horseback riding and rock climbing will take you to spectacular views of the valley . Rock climbing, for experienced climbers with appropriate gear, is permitted in three areas of the park with a variety of routes and skill levels.
Amenities include an 90 space paved parking area (including 4 motorcycle parking spaces at the west end of the lot) restrooms, drinking fountain, ramada, and 4 picnic tables.
The park is an ideal habitat for a variety of native plants such as Saguaros, Cholla Cactus, Creosote plants, and for creatures such as Bobcats, Gila Monsters and Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes. Hiker safety is important to us, so please read Park Rules and Safety Information.
Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.
