Are you wondering about the things you need to do before your home goes up for sale? When you are drowning in things to do before your home goes up for sale – just take a breath and prioritize. You don’t need to do everything ( nor will you have the time or spare money to do everything) you just need to do the right things. So what are the right things – well we have 5 top tips for you right here. Selling your home is no simple endeavor, but there is a lot that needs to be done before you can even put your house on the market. When you have viewings, you are going to want to present it in the best light possible, to increase your chances of making a sale. What’s more, you’re going to want to make as much money from your home as possible, so preparation is key. If you don’t know where to start, here are five things that you need to do before your home goes up for sale.  

Get Rid Of Clutter

Getting rid of all of your clutter is important for a few reasons. Firstly, it means that you will have less to take with you to your new property, which not only makes your life a lot easier when it comes to packing, but it will also save you money. This is because you will be able to hire a smaller moving van. There is also the fact that a cluttered home isn’t going to look great in pictures or in person, and may put people off buying your home, as they assume you haven’t looked after it.  

Increase Your Curb Appeal

First impressions matter and that includes the first impression that potential buyers will have of your home. The last thing that you want is for people to drive up to your house and be horrified that they’re even considering buying it, so you have to make it look as good on the outside as it does on the inside. This means keeping your front garden tidy and having a nice front door.

De-Personalize Your Home

You don’t want viewers to walk into your home and feel like intruders because your home is all about you. You need it to be neutral and like anyone and everyone could live there. This means getting rid of your bright yellow door and painting over your brightly colored wall mural.

Clean Everywhere

You can’t avoid it any longer; If you want to sell your home, you’re going to have to clean absolutely everywhere before the viewings start. This includes your gardens, windows, and garages, as well as everywhere inside your home. It definitely isn’t fun, but no one is going to want to buy a home if it’s covered in dust and dirt. Selling your home is incredibly complicated, but the work starts well before it goes on the market. 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.

From time to time we like to feature really great articles we find online. Ready to get going? Here is some great advice from Clean & Sensible Living. 

STEP 1 – PURGE The kitchen can be a hard place to organize – there is just SO much stuff and we all love our kitchen gadgets!  I have been through the kitchen a few times and thought that I actually had things quite organized.  Once I actually pulled everything out of the cabinets though, I realized how much stuff I still had that I really didn’t need.  

You can go through the cupboards one at a time to save on time and mess; however, if you have a lot to organize, I would recommend taking everything out of the kitchen cabinets and starting from scratch.  This really allows you to see how much stuff you have and gives you a good opportunity to re-arrange what you are putting back into each cabinet.  {WARNING:  This may have taken me over a week to actually get everything back into the kitchen so give yourself some time!} Now I know that it can sometimes be hard to get rid of things, but you really do need to be ruthless when you purge.  Obviously, anything that is broken or you no longer love or use needs to go.  As a rough rule of thumb, donate or sell non-seasonal items that have not been used in the past 6 months or seasonal items that were not used during the past season.  For items that you use only once or twice per year, think if you could just borrow a similar one from a friend or family member rather than keep it around your own home.  If you are not sure if you should keep it or not, set the item aside until the very end and see if there is even space left.  For me, seeing how nice my organized cupboards look is enough motivation to part with those so-so items that are left.

STEP 2 – MAKE THINGS ACCESSIBLE

When you are organizing your cupboard space, there are a few things that you need to consider.  Unless you really want to get down and dirty, you are probably not going to be changing around your cupboard sizes.  You will need to pick cupboards that fit what you are needing to store and make sure that you are optimizing all of the space while still keeping your items easily accessible.  I try to make sure that everything in the cupboard can be removed {and put back!} by removing only one other item {or block of items} at most.  If you have to take out 4 or 5 items to take out what you want, chances are that you are either not going to use it or that it will not get put back properly. Place items that you rarely use on higher shelves or towards the back of cupboards so that frequently used items can be grabbed easily. For smaller items on top shelves, I love these fold-down units. If you have kiddos, you might also want to have a kids’ cupboard so that they can easily reach all of their own kitchen items.  Ours holds the kids’ plastic dishes, bowls, cups, lunch bags, and lunch containers. Using slide-out bins or drawers also helps to be able to reach items in the back and keeps smaller items contained.  This was an old drawer that I had been using underneath our kitchen sink but was too tall once the new {deeper!} sink was installed.

STEP 3 – ARRANGE ITEMS BY ZONES

Try to group all similar items together and closest to the area that you will be using them.  Keep dishes, glasses, and silverware close to the dishwasher for a quick and easy put-away.
Group cooking items and baking items together and keep these located close to the stove.  I have all of our cooking items {other than the larger kitchen appliances}  located in the cupboards on either side of the stove and most of the cookbooks stored in the cabinet overhead.
I used removable Command hooks to hold some file folders from Staples to the inside of the cupboard doors above the stove to hold loose recipes that I want to try.  If you are short on space, the inside of cabinets is a great way to gain a little extra storage!

My favorite little zone is the tea zone by the breakfast bar.  I don’t actually like drinking coffee but love steamed and frothed milk and various teas.  This cupboard space was freed up following my kitchen purge and gave me room to create a little fun area of my own.
All of our different teas are stored in these cute jars from Michaels and then placed in a bin for easy access.

STEP 4 – COME UP WITH WAYS TO USE POORLY DESIGNED SPACES

I think that it is safe to say that most of us have at least one space in the kitchen that just seems like useless space.  The side cupboard in our corner cupboard unit is such an awkward size for storage and its location makes it difficult to reach items.  Using the plastic corner bins that are designed for showers, I turned it into a medicine cabinet so that we just need to pull out the bin to find what we are looking for.

For small or uncommon drawer sizes, you can purchase interchangeable drawer dividers to organize smaller items.  This one was purchased at Bed, Bath, and Beyond and I know Ikea has similar options.

In order to utilize all of the vertical space in our cabinets, I purchased some adjustable metal shelves last year.  When I re-arranged the cabinets this year, I realized that the shelves could actually be stacked on each other {I have no idea why I did not figure this out sooner!} which ended up doubling my storage space.

STEP 5 – HAVE A JUNK DRAWER

The kitchen always seems to have a ton of miscellaneous little items that don’t really seem to fit anywhere.  We created an organized “junk drawer” for these using small office dividers and it is probably one of the most used drawers in the kitchen.  Just make sure it is useful junk! 

Hopefully, these tips will help to bring a little organization to your own kitchen! 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.

You can try to lighten the room up by pairing the dark walls with lighter furnishings and accessories, such as curtains and wall art. This creates contrast in the space and helps the room feel lighter. You could also try adding more lighting to the room—a few lamps can make a huge difference. Another option would be applying a paint treatment such as rag rolling in a lighter color over the dark brown. Overlaying another color would add depth to the walls and also help to lighten the walls while still keeping the rich brown color. The colors of the rooms in your home are a direct reflection of your personality. While most of us may not spend a lot of time thinking about room color, it affects us every day. Room color can influence our moods and our thoughts. Color affects people in many ways, depending on age, gender, ethnic background and climate. Certain colors (or groups of colors) tend to get a similar reaction from most people; the variations come from the shades or tones used. This is why it’s so important to choose colors wisely when it comes to decorating. You don’t have to worry about trends in order to have a beautiful home. Color trends will come and go. The people who live in a home make it beautiful by choosing colors that reflect their preferences and personalities. The trick is to blend the colors you like into a pleasing combination. Choosing color combinations is one of the most intimidating steps for beginners. Color has the power to change the shape and size of furnishings, as well as the shape and size of the room itself. Selecting colors is not difficult if you equip yourself with some basic information about color and its effects. Let’s find out more about room colors and how they influence your mood.

Choose Wisely

Keep in mind that each color has a psychological value. Think about how certain colors make you feel; they can influence any emotion, from tranquility to rage. To create peace and harmony in your home, choose your colors wisely; some colors in large amounts might have the opposite effect on you and your loved ones. What mood do you want to create? Which colors will help you achieve that mood? If you need help answering these questions, look at magazines, decorating books, blogs and websites for ideas. Also, let your textiles be your guide. Fabric, carpeting, furniture and tile are available in a more limited range of colors than paint, so choose them first and then decide on your paint color. Once you find something you like, limit the number of colors in a room to no more than three or four. Too many colors can make a room look busy or cluttered. Paint is fairly inexpensive and transforms a room more quickly than anything else, so you can afford to experiment a little.

Room Colors and Their Effects

Colors act in three basic ways: active, passive and neutral. You can easily match every room’s colors to your personal desires, to your taste and to the room’s purpose. Light colors are expansive and airy, making rooms seem larger and brighter. Dark colors are sophisticated and warm; they give large rooms a more intimate appearance. 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.

Keeping the whole family in mind as you contemplate new flooring options for your kitchen and breakfast room (both the two- and four-legged ones!). After doing some research, I stumbled on luxuryhousingtrends.com that offers some smart points about kitchen flooring options. Hope my Cliffs Notes version helps you out! HARDWOOD: It may be stunning underfoot, but have you watched a dog run into room with hardwood flooring? All that slipping and sliding cannot be comfortable, nor can the claws be good on it, either. Hardwood and other similar surfaces are best saved for the day when your home isn’t facing wear and tear that comes with three children and a dog. If, however, you’re willing to take the risk, be sure it’s protected with a hard urethane finish. Most planks come prefinished and can stand up to claws, but the floors will require more maintenance and refinishing sooner than they would if your house were pet- and kiddo-free. CERAMIC STONE/TILE: Practically impervious to claw scratches and potential damage from spillage or other pet-related accidents, glazed tiles clean easily, so they’re easy to keep looking good year in and year out.  The downside? They’re not comfortable for Fido to lie on. If you go with this option, buy a cushy dog bed so he can stay comfortable. LAMINATE: It may resist scratches well, but it’s a very hard surface for our furry friends. Like hardwood, consider putting down some rugs for extra warmth and traction if you opt for laminate. These materials resist scratches well, but they are very hard and slippery for our clawed friends.  They also aren’t very comfortable to rest upon.  If you buy laminates, you should definitely invest in some rugs, but truly, the slippery factor makes laminate one of the worst options for people with pets. Whatever flooring type you choose, you can minimize problems by keeping your pet’s nails trimmed.  Also, sweep or vacuum the floor weekly, and wipe up any stains or spills promptly.  To further protect your floor, choose water bowls with wide bases, or consider a pet placemat to keep the eating area clean. 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.

Save water — and the environment — one efficient home product at a time. Replace your old hot water heater with a tankless option or add sensors to your shower head to reduce the amount of water your use and save money. You already know about low-flow toilets and turning the water off when you brush you teeth. These cool innovations take your water savings even further — and that’s good news for both your wallet and the environment. 1. Trutankless Tankless Whole-Home Electric Water Heater Heat water on demand with this briefcase-size water heater. The Trutankless water heater can be installed almost anywhere in your home, including inside a cabinet. Find the sweet spot, central to your popular hot-water outlets, and no more wasting water while you wait for the hot. It shuts off automatically if there’s a leak, too. If the price seems steep, consider that it should last more than twice as long as a traditional tank heater, while effectively cutting both your water and electricity bills (no more keeping a huge tank of water hot and ready 24/7). $1,300 and up 2. Epiphany! Digital Flow Optimizer Attach Epiphany! between your existing shower’s arm and head. It’ll use motion sensors to dial back the flow when you move away from the showerhead to shave your legs or lather your hair, then automatically switch back to full power when you stand under it again, for an average savings of $450 annually on your water and energy bills. $189 and up (scheduled to ship in early 2015, preorders 10% off and shipped for free) 3. Droplet Robotic Sprinkler This 6-pound smart sprinkler hooks directly onto your garden hose. Via your home’s Wi-Fi, it then pairs  current weather info with intelligence on your plants, trees, and lawn to individually and uniquely water each, only as needed. It can water plants up to 30 feet away, and cover about 2,700 square feet of lawn. Estimated to cut the average user’s overall water bill by nearly half. $300 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.

Choosing a new or replacement roof is a big-budget project that has a big impact on your home’s curb appeal. You’ll be living with the roof for a few decades (hopefully!), so spend time reviewing your roofing options and coordinating roof colors with the color of your home. In general, dark-color roofs retain heat and are well-suited to cold-weather climates; conversely, light and white roofs, which reflect heat, are good choices for warmer regions. Dark-color roofs recede to minimize a home’s visual mass and downplay roof-peak height differences; lighter roofs do the opposite, causing homes to look bigger and roofs to look taller. Here are a few other things to consider when choosing a color for your home’s roof. Look to your home’s unchangeable elements, such as chimneys, stone facades, and brick exteriors, for inspiration when choosing a roof color. Select shingles, tiles, or shakes that blend, match, or complement the colors showcased in these substantial structures. Set roofing samples against an area of your home where exterior siding, brick or stonework, and painted trim intersect. Check and recheck the samples at various times of the day to see how surfaces and colors partner in sun and shadow before finalizing your selection. Still not sure? Take a drive around town, noting the roofs on homes similar in style and color to your own. Some reliable color combinations include the following: dark gray or black shingles capping white, gray, yellow, and blue homes; a brown, gray, or black roof topping yellow, green, and red homes; and brown shingles or earth-tone blends crowning green, brown, cream, and tan exteriors.

Complement, Contrast, or Match

Roof color affects how your home appears to passersby. Matching the roof color to a home’s exterior color creates an abode that steps quietly into view. Choose a roof color that offers a high contrast to a home’s paint color to fashion a captivating residential silhouette. Select complementary partners, such as a brown roof on sage-green home, and you’ll devise a fetching facade that is understatedly pleasing to the eye. If your home’s exterior is highly detailed with decorative millwork or stone facades, choose a low-contrast roof to keep your home from appearing too busy. Use brightly colored roofs to energize ho-hum homes, but opt for neutral shingles if you’re getting ready to sell your home — just like inside, neutral colors appeal to the widest range of home buyers. Look beyond asphalt and architectural shingles and consider alternative materials when selecting roofing materials. Cedar, redwood, and pine shingles and shakes bring natural wood tones and textures that work nicely with historical, cottage, and contemporary homes. Clay, concrete, and slate tiles offer a wide array of colors, color blends, and shapes that create roofs that complement Colonial-, Mediterranean-, European-, and Mission-style homes. Aluminum and steel roofing, available in seamed panels, corrugated sheets, and shingle designs, come in various hues and work especially well on country, contemporary, and cottage-style homes (think of forest green metal roof cladding a log cabin or a white painted farmhouse). Copper roofs bring distinctive chromes and old-world patinas that harmonize with historical and European-inspired dwellings. These alternate materials can also be used to highlight your home’s distinctive architectural feature; use them for roofs that set off porticos, porches, bay or bow windows, and dormers. While color and style can boost your curb appeal, be sure to choose a roofing material that best withstands the elements your region faces. 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.

A leaking roof can cause serious and costly damage to your house. Infiltrating water can destroy drywall or plaster, cause mold, and even rot framing. You should repair a roof as soon as possible after the damage occurs. Dealing with a damaged roof is sometimes a simple matter of applying roofing cement to an obvious hole; at other times you will need to spend time diagnosing the problem and calculating the benefits of repairs versus installing a new roof. This section will guide you through repairs for all types of roofs.

How to Fix a Leaky Roof

If a roof starts to leak, determine whether it is worthwhile to make permanent repairs or whether you need to apply new roofing. Here are your choices:

• If the roof is basically sound with only one or two weak spots, the damage may have come from a falling branch or a particularly severe windstorm. In this case make permanent repairs.

 

• If the roof shows signs of general wear, making repairs will solve the problem only temporarily; other leaks will soon appear. Start planning a reroof.

   

• If you can reroof soon but need a few weeks to plan and prepare, cover leaks with plywood or plastic sheets until you can start.
• If you need to wait a year or so, make permanent repairs now, such as replacing shingles. Inspect the attic after every rainfall and make further repairs or take steps to protect your interior spaces from water damage.

 

How to Identify Roof Problems

Even if you haven’t noticed a leak, it’s still important to inspect your roof every year. This section will show you some of the problems to look for, such as cupping, splitting, water damage, and more. We’ll also offer suggestions for repairing common roof problems.

How to Replace Shingles and Shakes

If during your annual roof inspection you notice a few shingles or shakes that need to be replaced, fear not. This is a job most homeowners can manage without calling a professional. The first step is to locate replacement shingles or shakes—and hopefully you have some left over from your original roof installation. Then you’ll need to remove the damaged pieces, install new underlayment, and add the new shingles or shakes. Learn how to replace shingles and shakes here.

How to Repair a Flat Roof

Flat roofs often have different coverings than standard roofs, thus the repair process is a little bit more complicated. This section shows you how to patch both small and large holes in the roof. You’ll learn what materials to use and the perfect process for the job.

How to Vent an Attic

A roof must breathe or moisture from the air will be trapped in the attic, ruining insulation and leading to mold and rot. This section will help you understand the principles of attic ventilation and show you how to install the most common venting products.

How to Install Various Types of Vents

Ventilation is a key roof feature that is often overlooked. Vents help stabilize the air temperature between the attic and the roof. Without vents your roof would be much more prone to ice buildup in the winter, as no warm air from the attic would reach it. This section walks you through the installation of four common vents: soffit vents, ridge vents, roof vents, and gable vents. 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.

If your home’s curb appeal makes a great first impression, everyone — including potential homebuyers — will want to see what’s inside. Check out these simple, low-cost curb appeal improvements that you can do in a day, a week, or a month. Dress up the front door Your home’s front entry is the focal point of its curb appeal. Make a statement by giving your front door a blast of color with paint or by installing a custom wood door. Clean off any dirty spots around the knob, and use metal polish on the door fixtures. Your entry should also reflect the home’s interior, so choose a swag or a wreath that reflects your personal style. Create perfect symmetry Symmetry is not only pleasing to the eye, it’s also the simplest to arrange. Symmetrical compositions of light fixtures and front-door accents create welcoming entryways and boost curb appeal. This door is flanked by two sidelights. The lantern-style sconces not only safely guide visitors to the door, but also coordinate with the door hardware and urns. Install outdoor lighting Low-voltage landscape lighting makes a huge impact on your home’s curb appeal while also providing safety and security. Fixtures can add accent lighting to trees or the house or can illuminate a walking path. If you aren’t able to use lights that require wiring, install solar fixtures (but understand that their light levels are not as bright or as reliable). Create an instant garden Container gardens add a welcoming feel and colorful curb appeal to any home exterior — quickly and affordably. You can buy ready-made containers from garden centers or create your own with your favorite plants. For most landscapes, a staggered, asymmetrical arrangement works best to create a dynamic setting.

Choosing a faucet is tricky. The variety of styles, materials and finishes-and prices-can be overwhelming. You’ll probably live with your new faucet a long time, so you might as well love it. Here are seven things to consider before getting in the checkout line.

Looks aren’t everything

Most people choose a faucet based on looks alone. And that’s a mistake. Looks are important, but you can usually get the look you want without compromising on convenience and long-term dependability. For advice on those practical considerations, we talked with faucet designers, manufacturers, retailers and plumbers. Here’s what we learned.

Spend enough but not too much

Plan to spend at least $65 for a bath faucet and at least $100 for a kitchen faucet. You might get a great faucet for less, but it’s more likely that you’d get a low-quality faucet. If you spend much more, you’re paying for extra features or style rather than basic reliability or durability.

Watch the spout height and reach

Faucet spouts vary a lot in height and reach, and most of the time you can just choose the look you like best. But if you have a shelf above the sink, a tall spout may not fit. With a three-bowl kitchen sink, a spout with a short reach may not extend to all the bowls. A bath faucet with a short reach might cause you to slop water behind the spout when you wash your hands.

Choose ceramic valves

If you want to avoid having a faucet that drips, get one with ceramic valves. Other types of valves are usually drip-free for years, but they can’t match the long-term reliability of ceramic. Faucets with ceramic valves cost about the same as other faucets.

Some finishes are tougher than others

Here’s Rule No. 1 of faucet finishes: Choose a finish that matches nearby cabinet hardware, towel bars, etc. Mismatches look bad. If you plan to replace existing hardware, your choice of faucet finishes is wide open. The vast majority of faucets have polished chrome, satin nickel or bronze finishes. All of these finishes are durable and keep their good looks for years. But some are more durable than others. Chrome is the most durable finish and the easiest to keep clean-that’s why it’s always been the favorite for commercial kitchens and public bathrooms. If your faucet gets heavy use, it’s your best bet for long-term toughness. Nickel finishes are usually labeled “brushed,” “satin” or “stainless steel” and have a dull shine. They’re durable but prone to fingerprints and water spots, so they’re harder to keep clean. Some have a coating that reduces stains and smudges, but that coating isn’t as durable as metal and may chip or wear. Bronze faucets have a brownish tone and are often called “oiled” or “rubbed” bronze. But the surface is a coating (such as epoxy) rather than metal. This coating is tough stuff, but can be chipped or scratched more easily than metal.

Count the holes in your sink

If you want to switch from two handles to one, you have to think about the number of holes in the sink. Most sinks have three holes: one for the hot handle, one for the cold and one under the spout. Some single-handle faucets include a cover plate to hide the extra holes. But some don’t, so check the label. If you currently have a “wide spread” bathroom faucet with two handles far from the spout, you can’t switch to a single-handle model. If you want a kitchen faucet with a “pull-down” sprayer mounted in the spout, there will be an empty sprayer hole. But the solution is simple: install a soap dispenser. Your new faucet may even include one.

A single handle is more convenient

Two-handle faucets have a stylish symmetry that suits many bathrooms, especially traditional ones. But in practical terms, single-handle faucets have all the advantages. They’re just plain more convenient; water temperature adjustment is easier and there’s one less handle to clean.

Pull-down sprayers are better

If you’ve ever had a “side” sprayer (a spray handle mounted in the sink), you’ve probably had dribbles or leaks. And you might assume you’d have similar (and more expensive) trouble with a faucet-mounted sprayer like the one shown here. Probably not. All of our experts told us that “pull-down” sprayers have proven much more reliable than the old side sprayers. 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.

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.