Archives for January 2019

Most would-be buyers and sellers believe the real estate “deal” is negotiated at the signing of the contract. By that point, the counteroffers have been made and the back and forth has happened, so it’s easy to assume that the deal will go on auto-pilot until closing.

The reality, though, is that in many cases, the deal-making and negotiations only start at the contract signing. Even in more competitive real estate markets, negotiations still happen once in escrow.

For example, if you’re a buyer, the property inspection or sellers’ disclosures — maybe the HVAC system has some issues — may prompt you to seek a credit. But where do you go from there?

Here are three tips for negotiating repairs after a home inspection.

1. Ask for a credit for the work to be done

The sellers are on their way out. If the property is moving toward closing, they’re likely packing and dreaming of their new home. The last thing they want to do is repair work on their old home. As a result, they may not approach the work with the same conscientiousness that you, as the new owner, would. They may not even treat the work as a high priority. If you take a cash-back credit at close of escrow, you can use that money to complete the project yourself. Chances are you may do a better job than the seller, too. Finally, if you get the credit, there will be less back and forth to confirm the work has been done.

2. Think ‘big picture’

If you know you want to renovate a bathroom within a few years, then you likely won’t care that a little bit of its floor is damaged, that there’s a leaky faucet or that the caulking needs to be redone. These things will get fixed during your future renovation. However, the repairs are still up for negotiation. Asking the seller for a credit to fix these issues will help offset some of your closing costs.

3. Keep your cards close to your chest

A good listing agent will walk the property inspection with you, your agent and the inspector. Revealing your comfort level with the home or your intentions, in the presence of the listing agent, could come back to haunt you in further discussions or negotiations.

For example, if you mention you’re planning a gut renovation of the kitchen, the sellers will certainly hear about it. And they’re going to be less likely to offer you a credit back to repair some of the kitchen cabinets. Also, if the listing agent hears you tell the inspector that you love the home so much you don’t mind replacing the HVAC system, the agent will surely let the sellers know about that.

Eyes wide open

A word of caution: You should never complete the original contract assuming that you can negotiate more as a result of the property inspections. If it’s a competitive market and the property inspection comes back flawless, there’s nothing to negotiate. If you attempt to negotiate anyway — to recoup what you lost in the initial contract negotiations — you risk alienating the sellers and possibly giving them an incentive to move on to the next buyer.

You need to go into escrow with your eyes wide open. A real estate transaction is never a done deal until all the money has been wired in and the deed transferred. Prior to signing the real estate contract, your main concern is that you may be competing with other buyers. Once you’re in escrow and doing inspections, however, it’s just you and the sellers. Stay on your toes. Otherwise, you may risk losing out on further viable negotiation opportunities, which could lead to buyer’s remorse.

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.

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.

Lighting a room seems easy enough: Plug in a lamp, flip a switch, and voilà! What was once dark is now bright. But certain missteps can cause a comfy space to feel, well, off. Here some common mistakes to avoid:

1. You don’t think in layers.
It seems easy enough to install a row of recessed lights in a room and call it a day, but this strategy will ultimately disappoint.

“Homeowners tend to light rooms like they’re hosting a convention — too much overhead light,” says Robert Gross, an architect at Lee H. Skolnick Architecture + Design. “This doesn’t add any warmth or character to a room.”

Overhead lighting is a go-to option in many spaces, but it’s often not enough. If you omit task lighting, like floor lamps and table lamps, reading on your couch or writing at your desk could strain your eyes. And if you only install can lights in your bedroom, you won’t get the cozy quality that bedside lamps can provide.

Plus, a variety of light sources make your common areas more flexible. Ambient (overhead) lighting will come in handy when you’re hosting large holiday parties, but you’ll crave the intimacy of a table lamp when it’s just you curled up with a magazine.

Want to get super fancy? Accent lights that highlight art, cabinet interiors, or walls (think sconces) can add a luxe design element to a room.

2. You dismiss dimmer switches.
Many of the designers we spoke to named this mistake as a major pet peeve. Dimmers are the best kept secret of lighting design. They allow you to control your lighting from day to night, for various events, and depending on your mood. A quaint dinner party simply isn’t so quaint if your dining room is lit up like a stadium.

3. You forget about where shadows might fall.
Place a light in the wrong spot, and you could create more of a problem than a solution.

In bathroom, try sconces on either side of the mirror, instead of a single light above.” Overhead lighting can cast shadows on your face. If you must go with an overhead light, choose a longer, horizontal fixture (instead of one with one single bulb) to help fully illuminate your face.

Shadows can plague your kitchen workspace, too. If kitchen can lights are positioned above the edge of the counter, when you stand at the counter to work, you cast a shadow exactly where you need the light. Solve this problem by installing under-cabinet lighting.

Notice the same overhead shadow problem in your office? Make sure your desk has a task lamp.

4. You pick the wrong size fixture.
This a common mistake I see homeowners make- a too-small chandelier over a large dining table or an oversized lamp on a table next to a sofa will make the area look disproportionate.”

Try these design tricks from Wayfair for picking the right-size chandelier: Add together the room’s height and width in feet. That number, in inches, should be the approximate diameter of your chandelier. In dining rooms, you should choose a chandelier that’s one foot smaller than the table’s narrowest width.

And don’t rely on eyeballing it when you get to the store. Fixtures often look smaller in lighting showrooms, so bring measurements.

5. You don’t position lamps at a helpful height.
The bottom of a pendant light should be 30 to 36 inches above a kitchen island. The bottom of a chandelier should be 66 inches from the floor in a dining room, and when you’re sitting next to a table lamp, the bottom of the shade should be at shoulder height. If the lamp is too tall, you’ll be blinded by the bulb!

6. You don’t consider your room’s paint color.
No matter how many lights you place in a room, it just won’t have that light airy feeling if the walls are too dark. This seems obvious, but even slightly different hues in the same color family can make a difference.

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.

If your home has lots of wall-to-wall carpeting that gets lots of traffic and stains, you’re gonna want a carpet cleaner. Owning a machine is less costly over time compared to renting or hiring a professional to come by. Plus, you’ll have the machine on-hand to tackle stains the minute they happen. The good news: Most come with attachments to clean small areas and small bottles of detergents to get you started. You’re going to want to professionally deep clean your carpets every 12-18 months, according to most carpet manufacturers (and some even require it to uphold the carpet’s warranty!) Rolling up your sleeves and doing so will give your carpets new life and give you the satisfaction of a super clean home.

The Cleaning Lab’s top pick is the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner– as Rated by Good Housekeeping. It can clean everything from light to heavy soil and the double brush rolls help draw even the deepest dirt out of carpets. If you need to clean in a hurry, fear not: The Express Clean Mode had our test carpets clean and dry in only about one hour, one of the reasons it earned our Good Housekeeping Seal. And because the clean and dirty water tanks are stacked (rather than side-by-side or front-to-back), the appliance has a slim design and low profile that’s easy to maneuver under furniture and to store. We’re all about less bulk!

A few things to keep in your back pocket as you consider this and other models:

Before You Buy a Carpet-Cleaning Machine

• Consider the machine’s weight. Carpet cleaners are much heavier to push and more cumbersome to use than traditional vacuum cleaners. And once you add water, they weigh even more.
• Look for special features, like edge cleaning, rotating brushes, a heater, and attachments. Depending on your needs, they may be worth the money.
• Read over the machine’s warranty (many manufacturers post this information on their websites). While you’re at it, check your carpet’s warranty to make sure you’re not using a product that will void it.

Before You Rent a Carpet-Cleaning Machine

• Remember to factor in the cost of the cleaning solution. It doesn’t come with the machine rental, and you’ll have to purchase it separately.
• The machine is probably not brand-new and may not be in the best condition.
• Think about convenience: You’ll need to lug the rental home and return it to the store when you’re done.

How to Get the Most Out of a Carpet-Cleaning Machine

• Before deep-cleaning your carpets, vacuum the area thoroughly to pick up any loose dirt. When cleaning the entire floor, move furniture out of the way.
• For pieces that are too heavy to move, place aluminum foil or wax paper under the legs. This prevents wood finishes from staining the carpet as it dries.
• Begin cleaning at the farthest point from the doorway and work back toward it so you can step out when you’re done.
• Never close up a room with a wet, newly cleaned carpet; it slows down drying time and can promote mold growth. Instead, keep the air circulating by opening the doors and windows.
• Once the carpet is dry, vacuum once more to pick up any remaining soil.

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.

Have a professional to check out your heating and air-conditioning system. If you have a maintenance agreement, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If you don’t have a service contract, it may cost you $80 and up to have your heat pump, or furnace inspected. Again, schedule as soon as possible. Make sure the inspection measures for carbon-monoxide leaks. Also, the filters should be changed, Buy extra ones so you can change them when needed.

The sooner you call for furnace maintenance check, the better as you don’t want to call when your furnace breaks. When you research contractors and technicians, look for ones associated with the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. Make sure they have a certification from the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) program. Anyone you hire should follow the standards of the AACA.

Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

Preparing your home for winter includes reversing your ceiling fans, which is easy to do. Just flip the reverse switch so that the fan’s blades turn clockwise after you turned on your heat. An updraft will occur and push down the hot air that rose to the top of your room. If your house has high ceilings, you may be able to turn down your thermostat a degree or two which may help you to reduce your energy bill.

Did you know that a burst pipe may cost you more than $5,000 in water damage? The good news is that a little winter home maintenance can help prevent this. If you go on vacation, don’t turn your heat down to low because your pipes need heat to prevent freezing. Allow your faucets to drip during cold snaps. Wrap pipes with insulation. You can find fiberglass sleeves or foam rubber at your local hardware or home improvement store. Caulk cracks and holes near pipes to prevent cold air from reaching them. You may also consider contacting a licensed contractor to ensure your pipes are ready for winter.

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.

Whether they are kids or grand-kids or maybe even you – legos are fun but a nightmare to step on…and a pain to store. Here are some great ways to store legos for a fun, stress-free way to enjoy one of American’s classic toys.

We love our kitties— until you spot them “relieving themselves” on your favorite rug, bedpost, or somewhere other than their litter box. While you might just think that your cat is acting up (it’s possible), there may be a reason for this strange — and smelly — behavior. According to PetMD, dirty litter boxes, the type of litter used, mounting stress, or various medical issues, including urinary tract infections and diabetes, may be to blame. Regardless, accidents happen but you shouldn’t accept living with the stinkies.

If you don’t clean up the mess with the right product, the smell will linger. “The best way to get rid of cat urine smell for good is to use a stain remover with enzymes,” Carolyn Forte, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, suggests. “Enzymes kill the bacteria in the urine that causes the smell.” Still lost? Think of enzymes as the little guys that eat up all the bad stuff a.k.a. that odor.

When you notice a not-so-pleasant surprise in your house, work quickly to remove the stain and smell. “It’s important to get rid of the smell as well as the stain because it is the scent that brings animals back to pee on the same spots over and over again,” she says. And let’s face it, nobody wants to deal with this mess more than once. Follow this guide to remove unwanted cat pee odors from carpet, upholstery, wood, and tile.

Carpet

Bissell Pet Stain & Odor Remover, an enzyme-based cleaner and Good Housekeeping Seal holder, is your best bet for cleaning carpets and area rugs. Before using, soak up — don’t wipe! — as much of the stain matter as you can with a paper towel or rag. Spray the product (which also removes stains and smells from feces, vomit, and blood, FYI) on the trouble spot until the area is thoroughly saturated. Gently blot the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove as much of the stain as possible. Cover the spot with a damp towel and let sit for up to 12 hours.

Upholstery

If the cushion covers are removable, stick them in the wash ASAP or take them to the dry cleaner. For stains that have set into the sofa cushions, try the Bissell Pet Stain & Odor Remover and follow the same steps above. If worst comes to worst, hire a cleaning service to deep clean your couch cushions and pillows to remove the odor.

Wood

If your wood floors have a sealant, you’re in luck: Simply, use paper towels to absorb urine and clean with your favorite hardwood floor cleaner like Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Spray. Say you’re a little late to the game and you didn’t realize that the accident happened a few hours ago, use a pet-specific hardwood floor cleaner like Simple Solution Hard Floor Pet Stain & Odor Remover. If a dark or discolored stain forms, it may be best to call a professional.

Ceramic Tile

Unless the urine has spread to the grout, you simply wipe up the mess with a paper towel and clean with a tile cleaner like Lysol Clean & Fresh Multi-Surface Cleaner. If the tile isn’t glazed or the liquid has spread to the grout, use CLR Bath & Kitchen Cleanerto remove discoloration. To remove odor, make a thick paste with water and baking soda, rub into the grout, and wipe once dry.

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.

How to Get Candle Wax Out of Clothing

For wax dribbles on tablecloths or washable clothing, let the wax harden and gently scrape off as much of it as you can with a dull knife. If the wax is still soft, freeze the item to harden the wax, and then scrape off the excess wax. If the wax is colored, sponge the stain with a solvent-based cleaning fluid, like Guardsman, to remove as much of the dye as possible. Place clean paper towels on top of and under the stain and press the area with a warm dry iron. Rotate and replace the towels as they absorb the melted wax. Rub liquid laundry detergent into any remaining stain and wash the fabric in warm or hot water. Add chlorine or all-fabric bleach, if possible.

How to Get Candle Wax Out of Carpet

If the wax is still soft, freeze it by applying an ice cube wrapped in a small plastic bag, and then scrape off the excess wax. Sponge with a carpet and upholstery spot remover, like Bissell’s Tough Stain Pretreat for Carpet and Upholstery. Cover the stain with a clean white cloth and press, using the tip of a warm iron to transfer the wax to the cloth. Repeat, using a clean portion of the cloth until all the wax is transferred from the carpet to the cloth. If a color stain remains, sponge the stain again with the carpet and upholstery spot remover. Blot dry.

How to Get Candle Wax Off of Wood Furniture

If the candle on your coffee table has sprung a leak, let any wax that’s settled onto the wood harden so it will be easier to remove without damaging the finish. With a plastic spatula or credit card, gently scrape up the brittle wax. Weiman’s Wax Away also does a good job zapping wax from surfaces. Once the wax is removed, buff the area with a clean cloth and furniture polish to blend and camouflage the repair.

How to Remove Candle Wax That’s Stuck Inside a Candleholder

One of the easiest — and fastest! — ways to get rid of wax residue is to run steaming-hot tap water over the holder, scooping out whatever’s inside with your fingers or a paper towel. Then simply pop it in the dishwasher and let the machine do the rest. If it’s not dishwasher-safe, here are a couple of other tricks that have worked for me. Place your candleholder in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This will make the wax bits brittle and easy to nudge off with a dull knife or even just your fingernail. Or, trying warming leftover wax with a hairdryer set to low heat: As the wax softens and becomes pliable, you’ll be able to peel it off.

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.