Archives for September 2018

10 Ways to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

September 28, 2018 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Small bathrooms aren’t the easiest spaces to work with. They’re usually cramped and crowded, with limited natural light and awkward layouts.

Whether it’s your powder room or your apartment bathroom that’s cramping your style, here are a few tips for making any small bathroom seem bigger — no wall demolition required.

1. Brighten the room

Bring in as much light as possible. Light, bright rooms always feel more spacious than dark and drab ones.

Wall color. Paint the walls and ceiling the same light color to make the bathroom feel double its size. Multiple colors chop the room into different compartments, making it seem smaller.
Windows. If you have a window, use sheer window coverings to maximize the natural light.
Lighting. Install additional flush-mount wall or ceiling light fixtures to increase the light in the room.

2. Add mirrors

Install larger — and more — mirrors than you typically would in a bathroom. The reflected light will open your small space into one that feels more spacious.

3. Streamline storage

Keep all storage as flush with the walls as possible, because anything that sticks out will chop up the space and close it in. Install recessed shelving and medicine cabinets instead.

4. Eliminate clutter

Nothing crowds a space faster than clutter. A good rule of thumb: If you don’t need it there, store it elsewhere. Pare what you keep in the bathroom down to the bare necessities.

5. Raise the bar

Raise your shower curtain bar all the way to the ceiling — it’ll draw your eyes up and make the ceiling seem taller, creating the illusion of a larger space.

The same goes for any window treatments. Raising sheer curtain panels to the ceiling also creates the illusion of a larger window, making the small bathroom seem larger.

6. Hide the bathmat

Having a bathmat on the floor all the time can make your bathroom feel smaller. Put your bathmats away when you’re not using them to expose the flooring and make the space appear larger.

7. Install a sliding door

Swinging doors can take up almost half the room, depending on how small the space is. A sliding barn door or a pocket door won’t encroach on your bathroom’s already limited real estate.

8. Think pedestal sink

The added bulk of a full vanity takes up valuable space, so try a pedestal sink instead. You may not have a place for soaps or towels on the vanity, but there are plenty of wall-mounted solutions perfect for bathroom accessories.

9. Choose light-colored flooring

Even if your walls and ceiling are light and bright, a dark floor will negate their effect and close the space in. Keep the flooring light to create a space with a bright and open flow.

10. Go frameless, clear and cohesive in the shower

Clear glass shower doors make the room appear larger, while frosted glass breaks up the space and makes it seem smaller. The same goes for a frame around the glass. A frame can make the area seem choppy rather than smooth and open.

Additionally, install the same shower tile from floor to ceiling. The seamless look from top to bottom adds cohesion and openness.

Just a few changes to your small bathroom can make dramatic differences in how open it feels. Once you’ve tried these tips and tricks in the bathroom, apply them throughout your home! It’s all about creating the illusion of space.

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, [email protected] 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.

Modern Design Goes Green in This Park City Mountain Escape By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

September 25, 2018 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Although the home on 635 Parkview Dr, Park City, Utah, couldn’t look more modern with its clean, angular lines and stacked appearance, it maintains a rustic, cabin-like feel that blends seamlessly into the forest.

This austere display is, in large part, thanks to the dark cedar exterior that was designed to mimic the vertical lines of the surrounding pine trees.

Built just this year by Park City Design+Build, the home — aptly nicknamed the Treehaus — is state-of-the-art in every sense of the word. Its energy efficiency is said to be two to three times greater than nearly any other home in the world.

The home’s interior is also something to brag about: Light oak floors, exposed beams and beautiful dark staircases dazzle in the abundant natural light that flows throughout the house.

The kitchen is especially impressive, with sleek white cabinets that contrast beautifully against a large dark island.

The kitchen opens up to the living-dining area, which has plenty of space to entertain guests and sits right against a sliding glass door that leads out to the deck.

From the deck area, gorgeous mountain views abound — perfect for soaking up that fresh mountain air.

The main suite upstairs is luxuriously complete with a steam shower in the bathroom and extra space that can be used as a home office or a nursery.

Putting Your Touch on the New Place By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

September 21, 2018 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Adding your own touches, and perhaps getting rid of the previous tenant’s, helps make a new place feel like home. Just make sure you understand the terms of your rental lease agreement before modifying anything. Some landlords allow tenants to paint the walls, while others don’t want so much as a nail in them. Here are ways to cozy up your rental space without fear of losing your deposit.

Freshen up

Weird smells happen, whether it’s smoke or something funkier. Try to find the source of any unsavory odors, because masking them with fragrances may only make it worse. If you aren’t sure of the source, put white vinegar in a bowl and circulate air throughout the rental by turning on a fan and opening windows and doors. You can also combine equal parts of water and white vinegar as a neutralizing spray. You can also sprinkle baking soda over carpet and other fabrics to help neutralize smells. And if the aroma is coming from the garbage disposal, grinding up lemon or orange peels will do the trick. If your rental lease allows it, painting the walls can also be a great way to get rid of those all-too-common musky or smoky smells – and give you a fresh color palette.

Find your style

Not sure whether you’re contemporary or traditional, country or cottage? Decorating sites let you explore design trends and find the style that suits you best. An eclectic mix of styles — like sleek modern furniture with vintage accessories — can help strike a comfortable balance and really make your place feel like home. The key is finding what inspires you and incorporating elements of it throughout.

Make your temporary mark

Even if you can’t make permanent changes, there are plenty of ways to personalize a rental:

Change up window dressings if your lease allows it. Switching out basic aluminum mini blinds for flowing curtains or even a modern print can transform the look of a space.
Add a rug or two. Rentals often come with less-than-desirable flooring. A fun rug — even laid on top of carpet — can detract the eye from what’s beneath it. Use rugs with distinct colors and textures to make them pop.
Try removable wallpaper or decals, which allows you to add personality to your space without making any permanent changes.
Simple touches like throw pillows are a great way to add personal flair without a huge investment.

Maximize small spaces

There are plenty of simple ways to optimize your space and make it appear larger:

Think about flow and furniture placement. Whether you want to apply the Chinese philosophy of feng shui or would just like to create a space that works best for your lifestyle, consider the location and position of your furniture. Resist the urge to push everything against a wall and opt instead to place certain pieces diagonally, such as putting a loveseat in a corner.
Let there be light. Even if your rental doesn’t have great natural or overhead lighting, you can brighten up your space (and mood) with a range of lighting fixtures, from trendy corded chandeliers to minimalist floor lamps.
Add mirrors. They can do wonders for rooms with limited space or lighting, helping to replicate the feel of a window.

Get smart with storage

There’s no such thing as too much storage, and most rentals rarely have enough of it. Some tips:

Take advantage of unused space. Areas like the back of a door or under a bed are great places for storage. Behind-the-door shoe holders, for example, can double as organizers for numerous small items, from makeup to mail.
Go tall. The higher the bookcase, the more storage you’ll have. Keeping the horizontal footprint small will make your place look larger and save room for the furniture pieces you really want.
Limit the stuff. Moving is an ideal time to pare down your belongings and donate or get rid of what you don’t need. The less stuff you have, the bigger (and more organized) your place will appear.

Plant a container garden

Nothing breathes life into a place quite like plants, and container gardening works well in even the tiniest of spaces. Learn how to grow one of your own.

Show off the place

The place won’t really feel like home until you open it to friends and family. Hosting a party is also the ultimate motivator to get your space into shape. Worried about entertaining in tight quarters?

Edit your guest list. You don’t have to invite everyone you know, especially if you’re limited on square footage. Make sure you’ll have enough room for guests to move around without stepping on each other.
Keep the space open. If you have multiple rooms, you may want to move some of the bulkier furniture to an area guests won’t see.
Assume spills will happen. And the smaller the space, the greater likelihood of it. If you have white carpeting and don’t know any red wine removal techniques, consider serving white wine or beer. Cheers on finding your new place!

Creative Ways to Add Color to Your Rental By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

September 18, 2018 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Living in a rental can put a significant damper on your design options. With unchangeable fixtures and cabinets, blasé paint colors, and the threat of losing your security deposit if you make changes, a lot of renters suppress their personal style and force themselves to live with builder-grade basic.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. By getting creative with your furniture and accessories, you can have a colorful and inviting home without sacrificing your deposit or infuriating your landlord.

Wall to wall

Many homeowners choose painting the walls as a relatively easy way to bring color to a space. But landlords and property managers often forbid changing a rental’s interior paint color.

Think beyond paint and you’ll discover a multitude of ways to dress up your walls without touching a paintbrush. The key is to think big when it comes to finding ways to cover boring walls.

Find oversized large-scale art pieces that speak to your style and feature punchy colors. Collect favorite snapshots in ombre frames of your fave hue instead of traditional black or white, and assemble a gallery wall.

Have an artistic streak? Paint a mural on a large piece of canvas and tack it over an entire wall.

For the less artistically inclined, removable wallpaper or decals in bright shades and eye-catching designs provide an instant pick-me-up.

You can also cover entire walls or awkward spaces with a pretty patterned curtain or piece of fabric for a cozy bohemian vibe.

Punch it up

Rental apartments or homes often come equipped with boring or outdated cabinets, fixtures and flooring that can’t be altered. Beige, brown, and off-white are the norm for these spaces, but that doesn’t mean you have to let it restrict your style.

Add visual interest and draw attention by bringing in splashy pieces of furniture and decor. Look for pieces in your favorite color or choose a theme, like sunny yellow and coral, to drown out the drab.

Vibrant painted wood chairs can give your dining space some zing. Or purchase a couch or chair in a daring tone like emerald or sapphire.

Don’t have a ton of cash to spend? Go DIY. Find furniture with good bones at your local thrift shop or garage sale, and give it a makeover. Use spray paint for smaller decor pieces, and latex or chalk paint for dressers and side tables.

Add extra flair with stenciled details and paint-dipped legs. Line the backs of bookshelves with decorative paper, and temporarily replace boring kitchen and bathroom pulls and knobs with vibrant versions.

Soft goods, bold tones

Textiles in an assortment of rainbow colors will be your best friends when it comes to dressing up your outdated or dull apartment. Start with an inviting rug in a rich jewel tone or a trendy overdyed hue.

Stay away from traditional white and beige curtains, and instead opt for a bright color or lively pattern.

The same goes for bedding. White may be a traditional go-to for duvet covers, but in the case of a blah apartment, pick a print or hue that will make your bedroom an energizing getaway or relaxing retreat.

If you’re looking for a calm vibe, search for a bed set in cool indigo, lavender, or sage.

Want to make it upbeat instead? Try poppy colors like coral, tangerine, or sunflower.

Fun throw pillows and blankets will spice up your bed, couch, lounge chairs and more. Keep the color trend going into the bathroom and kitchen by choosing pretty hand towels and bathmats.

Make it yours

By punching up the walls with custom artwork, bringing in attention-grabbing furniture, and using pretty textiles to boost the style factor, you can have a custom colorful home without ever touching a drop of paint.

The key is moderation and intention. Stick with a few favorite shades and mix it up by using variations of those hues instead of pulling in every color in the rainbow. Choose a few important focal points to infuse with color and let the rest blend in.

You’ll be happier for the design boost and your landlord will be glad you haven’t made any big changes. That’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.

This Urban Castle’s Magical Design Will Have You Spellbound By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

September 14, 2018 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

An urban castle in downtown Minneapolis has the Muggle world intrigued. “It’s kind of gone viral nationally — even as far as London — with references to it being the ‘Harry Potter House,’” says Coldwell Banker Burnet’s Jeffrey Dewing, the listing agent for the 4,547-square-foot home.

Just steps across the light rail line from the US Bank stadium, this ivy-walled property is the only single-family home within a 12-block radius. It’s in walking distance of restaurants, shopping, and great city parks. But central location is only the beginning of its charm.

Built in 1911, this property has a long, storied history. “At the turn of the century it was a blacksmith shop,” notes Dewing.

“After that, it was used for a few different commercial uses,” he continues. “One of those was an electric company called Flash.” On one of the building’s outer walls, you can just make out a decades-old painted advertisement from when the building was home to Flash Electric Company.

In the early 1980s, Sage and John Cowle converted the building into a residential and dance studio space, at the beginning of the revitalization of the Mississippi River waterfront in downtown. The Cowle family sold the building in 2002 to musician and restaurateur Jeff Arundel, whose extensive renovations have given it today’s whimsical castle look.

“It’s one of those houses that every time you go to it you notice some new and unique detail,” Dewing says.

Some of the enchanting fixtures include an elaborate central wrought-iron staircase, stained-glass inset arches, a flagstone foyer, and rustic fireplaces in the living room and master bedroom. “Paul Tierney, who’s local in Minneapolis, made all of the metal work by hand,” says Dewing.

Every detail show’s an artist’s personal touch: Several carved faces peep out from the home’s intricate fixtures. A wooden face beams down from the staircase, and a metal face and hands point out from a downspout on the roof. An iron dragon sculpture keeps watch from the turret-topped entrance gate, as if waiting for a secret password.

“One of the things that’s wonderful about the property is all the outdoor space,” says Dewing. Inside the cobblestone courtyard, a large mature tree shades the plantings below, and a porch juts out from the building to make space for a sitting area.

The building’s roof deck affords great views of sunsets and the skyline. There’s ample room for patio furniture — possibly even an owlery.

A window-lined first-floor hallway connects the house to a two-car garage. The kitchen boasts custom cabinets, and an island with bar-height counter, for mixing the most elaborate potions with ease.

The master bathroom’s deep green tilework serves as the perfect backdrop for a relaxing shower, or puzzling out a mysterious cipher.

Though it has served for years as a residence, this property also has great commercial potential, for the enterprising witch or wizard.

Earlier this year, the property had been in talks to be purchased and made a brewery and taphouse.

Even in current showings, the interest has been almost an even split between residential, mixed use, and commercial. “People have looked at it as a restaurant space, a wine bar, and a commercial office space,” says Dewing.

This incredible urban castle is just waiting for the right people to harness its magic.

3 Design Tricks That Will Make Your Small Space Feel Big By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

September 11, 2018 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Got a small space in your home that you’re not sure what to do with? Or is your cramped apartment forcing you to get creative with your furniture arrangements? You’re not alone.

Make your small room or living area fit your needs with clever solutions that will streamline your life and maximize your space.

1. Thoughtful paint choices

Choosing the right paint color for your small room can instantly give the impression of more space. Traditional neutrals like white, cream and light gray are great choices, because they provide a clean and streamlined look that makes the room feel brighter and more expansive.

Painting the ceiling white to draw the eye upward is an easy way to create visual openness overhead. You’ll have an airy and inviting space in no time.

On the other hand, if you want to play up the small-space vibe even more, go bold with dark colors. You can emphasize the smallness of a room by making a cozy, den-like atmosphere with colors like black, dark gray and navy.

Whether you decide to go light or dark, adding paint to your small space will help you get the effect you’re going for, both quickly and affordably.

2. Savvy storage

Tight spaces don’t often come with great storage. But by incorporating creative and flexible storage solutions, you can keep clutter out of sight and keep everything you need handy.

The kitchen is a great place to implement clever storage solutions:

Create an adjustable cooking area with roll-away islands and pantries.
Hang spices or wine glasses beneath your cupboards.
Attach holders to the backs of cabinet doors to keep foil and cleaning supplies neatly out of sight.

Don’t forget to look up! The ceiling is a great place to hang big items like bicycles, and you can add shelving high up in closets for rarely used items.

3. Multitasking furniture

When you have limited floor space, it’s important to make your furniture work double duty. Choose pieces that have hidden storage and multiple functions or furniture that you can compact and store when not in use.

If you can’t fit a dresser in your bedroom, try using drawers or crates under the bed for clothing and extra linens. A pouf or leather ottoman can easily transition from a seat to a footrest or side table.

Add function to your entryway by employing a bench with storage inside to hide extra shoes, gloves and scarves. And if you have wall space to spare, hang a fold-down dining table.

Limited square footage doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice function and style. Small-space living is a great way to lead a simplified and streamlined life.

With creative thinking, you can go from a cluttered, cramped mess to an organized and inviting space with room for all.

The Tiny House That Love Built By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

September 7, 2018 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

While some couples might balk at the suggestion of designing just one room together, Lauren Shumaker and Scott Mooney are no ordinary pair. She’s a construction engineer, he’s an architect, and they’re both wickedly creative. So much so that they collaborated to design an entirely unique dream home together.

Oh, and it’s only 624-square feet.

The custom dwelling was built with the help of TaylorSmith Sustainable Construction in the enviable Richmond neighborhood of Portland, OR. Though the home is close to music venues, restaurants, and some of the best shopping in the city, what makes it so special is its clever design and sleek structural features.
“We both lived in many compact-sized homes over the years, but they weren’t as well laid out as they could have been,” says Shumaker. “We knew with simple tweaks in the design, we could make small-space living function well for both of us.”

The couple worked together to design a home that catered to their specific needs — for example, an integrated dog door leading to the bedroom.

Built-in storage lines the outside of the house, providing ample space for outdoor equipment and bicycles, and generously sized windows wash every last inch of the home in natural light.
All that sunshine did end up including one slightly unpleasant and unforeseen aspect, however.

“We opted to put a window in our shower enclosure for more light [and] air movement,” Shumaker says, “but water accumulates on the ledge and if we had to do it over again, we would probably avoid putting a window in that location.”

You live, you build a custom compact home with your spouse, you learn. That’s how that saying goes, right?

Less is more

Despite the singular design snafu, the home is a triumph for the couple. The personalized space allows them to live in a beautiful home that’s truly their own.

“We’re interested in living simply, economically, and sustainably, so living in a small, well-designed space fit our lifestyle,” Shumaker explains. “My partner and I love our new house. Functionally, it works great for both of us as there’s equal closet storage, it’s easy to clean, and compact yet has enough storage. Neither of us feels like we’ve had to make any compromises in our ability to live comfortably together.”

And something that helps to maintain that comfort? The classic “less is more” approach, according to Shumaker.
“We’ve found paring down is always the best policy, and we continue to be diligent regarding what comes in the house,” she says. “While we were previously living together in a smaller space, we still found ourselves going through round after round of purging before we moved into the new house.

“Fortunately, this enabled us to be thoughtful with what we introduced into our home, and now we’re happy to not have to worry about any additional clutter beyond what we use most frequently.”

Ask any aspiring home designer what romance looks like, and visions of tidying guru Marie Kondo and custom closet spaces would probably dance through their heads. If fairy tales were modernized, minimalism and clean design would surely be part of every couple’s happily-ever-after.

But in our real world of endless dream house Pinterest boards and wistful home design shows, the Shumaker-Mooney family doesn’t take their labor of love lightly.

“We feel lucky to have been able to see this through,” Shumaker says. “We love how the process of designing and building this home brought us closer together as a couple, [and] being able to enjoy the space we put so much heart into is the icing on the cake.”

How to Perform a Landlord Background Check By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

September 4, 2018 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

You’ve found the perfect new apartment or rental house. You love the neighborhood. Your application has been approved. You’re ready to sign on the dotted line, right?

Not so fast. How much do you know about your soon-to-be landlord, property manager or property management company?

There are lots of reasons why you should take the time to ask yourself, “Who is my landlord?” before you commit. Your rent payment is likely one of your biggest monthly expenses, and if you’re signing a lengthy lease, you should find out as much as you can about the person who owns and operates the place you’ll call home.

Check out these five easy ways to check your landlord’s reputation before signing your lease.

1. Make Google your friend

The internet has a way of quickly uncovering all kinds of misdeeds, so start with a simple Google search of your landlord’s name or property management company, as well as the property address.

Hell hath no fury like a renter scorned, so you’ll also want to peruse some of the many apartment and landlord review sites online that let tenants anonymously review their apartment complex, landlord or property management company.

2. Search public records

There’s a wealth of information about properties and landlords available via your local government agencies, and you’re usually able to check your landlord for free. Consider it your landlord background check!

Your county courthouse should have ownership records searchable by address, so you can find out the legal name of the person or company that owns the property — it may not be your landlord directly.

You can also search for code violations, foreclosure proceedings, evictions and small claims court settlements, all of which should be red flags for renters.

3. Get to know your (future) neighbors

If you’re moving into an apartment complex with multiple units, take a few minutes to walk around the grounds out of earshot of the landlord.

If you see any tenants out and about, strike up a conversation about what it’s like to live there. Ask how long they’ve lived there — renewed leases are a good sign of a positive landlord-tenant relationship. Get a few pros and cons, ask how complaints are handled, and find out if they have any gripes about management.

If you’re moving into a single-family home, ask the landlord if they’d mind you having a conversation with the current tenants.

If you don’t have access to any other tenants, find a neighborhood-specific blog or Facebook group to join. Tell people you’re thinking of moving into the area, and ask if they know anything about the property manager. In these hyperlocal groups, you’re likely to gain some invaluable insights for your landlord check.

4. Be the interviewer

Landlords ask you questions when you apply to live in their property, so why shouldn’t you ask them questions too?

Ask them how they handle repair requests. Find out if the landlord lives on-site, nearby or even in a different state. Ask how the move-in and move-out process goes. Learn more about their process for requesting entry to your unit.

They should be able to easily, clearly answer your questions and address all of your concerns.

5. Go with your gut

When in doubt, trust your instincts. If you experience any of the following:

The price seems too low for the apartment size, amenities or neighborhood
The lease terms are unclear
The landlord is hesitant to answer your questions
The landlord tries to rush you through the rental process

Think twice — and keep looking.