Joe Szabo, Author at Scottsdale Real Estate Team / Arizona Luxury Homes

Keeping Mail Clutter at Bay by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

August 25, 2020 Joe Szabo

Learn how to develop an effective organizing system to handle the daily flow of mail into and out of your home. Stacks of mail arrive daily, often smothering entry tables, burying dining room sideboards, and consuming needed counter space in kitchens. Not sure how to tame the clutter? Here are some ideas for handling the constant barrage of letters, circulars, broadsheets, and publications. The first line of defense against the assault of mail should be near the door you come in with the daily stack. A mudroom offers plenty of space to stow letters along with car keys, coats, hats, and more. A collection of built-in shelves in this mudroom provides a spot to store a couple of days’ mail accumulation before the pile gets moved to a final sorting station.

If it works in the post office, why won’t it work for you? Cubbies take the headache out of sorting and organizing mail and ensure no items get lost in the shuffle. Use bold vinyl stickers or decorative labels to designate a mail cubby for every member of the family. Transform cards — items that often end up stuffed into a drawer or cluttering a desktop — into works of art. Hang strings of twine along a stretch of empty wall space and use tiny clothespins to attach pretty greeting cards and postcards. Switch out certain pieces as the seasons change to create a dynamic display.

Tame clutter-causing mail piles by creating individual cubbies for each family member. Label each cubby with a name or a function (such as “outgoing mail”) to ensure that nothing gets lost in the hectic mudroom shuffle. For little ones who don’t get much mail, use the cubbies as a holding zone for their important school papers. Place any items that need to go back to school into a folder that children can grab on the way out the door.

Create a keepsake box to house important pen pal notes or letters using an old book. Apply crafts glue to the inside back cover and close the book. When dry, apply glue to the book’s edges and let dry. Mark a rectangle on the first page about 1 inch from all sides. Use a crafts knife to cut along the mark and through several pages. Remove cut pages and continue removing pages to the desired depth. Seal the cut pages with glue.

Surprisingly, open storage can often make an entryway feel less cluttered. Oversize wall clips keep important bills and papers visible and within easy reach at all times in this mudroom. Keeping important items on display ensures you won’t wait until the last second to send in that bill or sign that permission slip. Labeling each wall clip ensures items always end up where they belong.

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.

Secrets for Getting Organized by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

August 20, 2020 Joe Szabo

Organizing your home is a major undertaking that can be tricky to keep up with. It’s an ongoing process that requires focus, creativity, and a defined plan. These nine organizing secrets will help you get your home organized (and keep it that way). Before you start, determine the spots that need organizing the most. Try standing in the center of a room and taking in a 360-degree view. Zero in on the areas where clutter draws your eye and plan to tackle those first.

Turn your organizing task list into a set of written goals. “The act of writing gets the goal into your subconscious,” professional organizer Laura Leist says. “Plus, it’s nice to be able to go back during and after the project to see how you’re progressing.” Check off items on the list as you progress through the space.

To reinforce the goal, Leist suggests assigning a specific due date to each step and an end date for the project. For even more motivation, schedule an important event or party at your house as a deadline for completing the organization project. If you don’t have an upcoming event, Leist recommends you still put a date on your calendar and set up a few key milestones along the way. “You must have something specific out there to work toward,” she says.

Quick fixes work in a pinch, but a bigger organization strategy takes time to implement. To make a big project easier to manage, break it down into mini-projects you can do in 15-60 minutes and keep the list specific. “Having to move around or make lots of different types of decisions will wear you out quickly,” says. She recommends focusing on one small project and consciously reminding yourself with something like, “All I need to do for the next 15 minutes is sort clothing by type.”

Before you go to the trouble of figuring out where to store stuff, decide if you really need it. Declutter rooms in a series of smaller chunks, such as focusing on one desk drawer instead of organizing the entire office. To ensure you make time for organizing, schedule a decluttering session with yourself. “Write it down like an appointment,” professional organizer Donna Smallin Kuper says. Once you’ve decluttered, store your remaining stuff using a strategy like the SIMPLE method developed by . “The SIMPLE method is all about acting rather than overthinking,” Jenkins says. Making dozens of decisions haphazardly about what to keep, where to keep it, and how to label it will wear you out quickly. The SIMPLE method structures the process. The acronym goes like this:

Tackling major reorganization and decluttering is a big accomplishment, and you should feel good about it. Maintain the momentum by making it a habit. “Your routine should be whatever you need to remind you of what you’re suppose to do,” Jenkins says. Successful routines are simple ones, such as having a house rule to put things away after use, or tackling the mail every evening when you come home.

How to Properly Dispose of PPE by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

August 18, 2020 Joe Szabo

No, you can’t recycle used masks and gloves.

Five months after the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, we’re finally at a point where it’s a little bit easier to find personal protective equipment (PPE) like disposable masks and gloves in stock. Thank goodness for that! But while the acquisition of these goods is no longer a huge problem, have you ever considered how you should dispose of them? Here’s everything you need to know about getting rid of your PPE.

No! PPE cannot be recycled. “Many types of PPE are flimsy or flexible in design—think gloves and masks—and can clog sorting equipment at the recycling center, making it difficult to sort the right stuff,” says Jeremy Walters, sustainability ambassador and head of community relations for recycling and waste company Republic Services. “The other concern with used PPE is for the health and welfare of workers at the recycling centers that are sorting through the recyclables.”

In fact, prior to the pandemic, the Bureau of Labor Statistics deemed recycling and waste collection the fifth most dangerous career in the United States, based on the annual number of fatal incidents. Now with the pandemic, workers in the field are more exposed to risks than ever.

Here’s exactly what PPE and associated materials cannot be recycled:

Disposable masks
Gloves
Disinfecting wipes
Paper towels, napkins, and tissues
Medical equipment and supplies

If you’re not thrilled about the ecological impact of single-use PPE, consider buying reusable options, which are far more sustainable. With those items, you’ll want to be sure you are sanitizing them regularly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest you wash your reusable mask after every use.

While PPE belongs in the trash, you shouldn’t just haphazardly toss your masks and gloves in the bin. The same issue facing workers sorting recyclables also faces waste workers—you don’t want your dirty PPE to get anyone sick. So when you throw away PPE and associated goods like paper towels or tissues, make sure you’re placing items in a garbage bag that can be sealed, lest you end up with used PPE falling out and potentially spreading your germs to others.

While PPE itself can’t be recycled, there’s plenty else that can and should be. “Hand sanitizer, liquid disinfectants, disinfectant wipes, and other cleaning or sanitizing products often come in packaging that is great for recycling,” says Walters. “Rigid plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs are excellent candidates. Just be sure your plastic containers are empty, clean, and dry before tossing them in your recycling bin.”

In general, clean plastic, glass, metal, and paper goods can be recycled, but you should check with your city or town to learn about its specific protocols for recycling, as rules do vary by location. “Right now, there is a critical need for raw materials in the manufacturing supply chain, especially paper and cardboard,” Environmental Protection Agency administrator Andrew Wheeler said in a statement. “Business closures and limited operations means less recycled material for American manufactures, and we all must do our part to recycle more and recycle right to fill this immediate need.”

Set Up a Backyard Movie Theater In Under an Hour by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

August 13, 2020 Joe Szabo

There’s nothing quite like watching a movie outside in your own backyard. Whether you miss going to the movie theater or you’re feeling nostalgic for retro drive-ins, you’ll love taking family movie night outside as the weather gets warmer. And DIY backyard movie theaters are actually pretty easy to set up yourself. You can do the entire thing in about 30 minutes if you have the right equipment (though keep in mind that a permanent installation will require a bit more work). “All you need is a portable projector to turn your own backyard into an outdoor cinema—any backdrop works in the dark… a kid’s tent, hanging a sheet, the wall, or even the ceiling of an overhang, says style and parenting influencer Alicia Lund. Ahead, learn how to ready your yard for movie night in just a few simple steps and watch Lund transform her own backyard into a magical outdoor theater to see how it’s done.

What You’ll Need

Sheet or portable screen

A screen will inherently have less wrinkles in it than a sheet, which is optimal for clear movie-watching. But if you do use a sheet, make sure you pull it super taut when you secure it to either a stand or a vertical flat surface.

Projector

Cinemood 360

amazon.com

$499.95

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You can buy projectors and screens as a pair for what is supposedly optimal pixel quality, but you only really need to do that for a permanent installation or more serious viewing. Otherwise, you just need a good, reliable projector that you can also use indoors. The one Lund used in this set-up is the Cinemood 360, which is great for families since it has built-in access to interactive and educational content for kids (along with all the go-to streaming services, too.)

Sound System

Whether you already have an outdoor speaker system set up or you just want to wing it with a portable bluetooth audio, make sure the speakers are loud enough to compete with the outdoor elements like wind.

Furniture, Table, Tree, Grass, Yard, House, Home, Room, Backyard, Garden,

How to Set It Up

Pick a Location

You could set up a portable screen or sheet in the front or backyard with a stand (many come with them) or against the exterior wall of the home. If you don’t have any yard space, try it in the driveway against your garage door, or strung up between two trees. You could also watch from the pool or hot tub if you have one.

Prep the Sound System

If you don’t already have an outdoor space equipped with speakers, invest in a set of portable speakers that fill the entire area with sound. Harman Kardon has some excellent options.

Get Ready to Stream

You’ll also want to prop your projector up on a little side table or stool if it doesn’t come with a stand. In order to actually watch a movie, you could connect your projector to your Apple TV or hook it up to a Fire Stick, an Amazon Alexa-equipped remote and media streamer.

Be a Good Neighbor

If you live in a super populated area, make sure you aren’t blasting Silence of the Lambs into the wee hours of the morning. And of course, practice crowd control.

Give It a Stylish Spin

Style your outdoor theater with Pendleton blankets and piles of outdoor cushions to give it a retro camp look and feel. Bring out the wine chillers and snacks and hurricane candles for a romantic ambiance. Hanging string lights from a pagoda or trees is also a good call. Just bring any non-waterproof decor inside at the end of the movie, in case it rains.

Easy Ways to Reduce Waste in Your Kitchen by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

August 11, 2020 Joe Szabo

Did you know that the United States is the global leader in food waste? According to the RTS (Recycle Track Systems, an organization aimed at reducing waste) Food Waste In America 2020 Statistics and Facts report, the average American family of four throws out about $1,600 worth of produce per year. That’s equivalent to 219 lbs per person. And that’s just food waste—according to EPA, in 2017, plastic waste was 35.4 million tons in the United States, which results in an estimated 234lb of plastic waste per person per year.

So how do we tackle this? Households aren’t the only contributors to the problem, of course—restaurants and commercial businesses are also major contributors—but making a change at home is an easy way to start. Changing a few household habits will not only help the environment but also can save you money in the end. Start with reducing waste in your kitchen with these easy steps.

Regrow your vegetables

The next time you think about disposing of your vegetable scraps, think again: Most fruit and vegetables can be regrown. It’s easier than you think and will save you money on your grocery bill. Get the family involved and turn it into a learning experience or fun experiment. All you need are scraps and varying sized, bowls, jars, and pots (take inspiration from these indoor herb gardens). While not all scraps can be regrown—if they can’t, compost them!—here are a few staple vegetables to consider growing in your home.

Scallions

Scallions are one of the easiest vegetables to regrow. Cut an inch away from the root and place them upright in a glass of water. Be sure to leave it in a place with adequate sunlight. Change the water once a week until green shoots emerge. Transfer to soil when shoots are four inches long. Now you have an endless supply of scallions, perfect for use as a garnish or in soups. The same method can be used for leeks.

Celery

Celery is another easy vegetable to regrow. Simply cut two inches off the root end of a bunch of celery and place it in a shallow glass bowl with enough water to submerge an inch of the root. Next, watch it grow, after two or three days small leaves will appear, followed by stalks. Transfer to the soil once it starts to brown.

Onions

To regrow an onion, place the bottom of the onion in soil and let the roots grow. Once roots have grown, remove the old onion bottom and watch a new onion grow.

Do away with plastic containers

Most plastic containers are recyclable, but an alternative to storing food is with food-grade silicone containers. Unlike rigid plastic, silicone doesn’t crack, dry out, or rot over time—meaning you won’t have to replace it as often. Plus, it’s lightweight, saves space, and is made from an abundant natural resource. ZipTop makes freezer, dishwasher, and microwave safe silicone containers. Their containers are made from 100% Platinum Silicone, the purest Food Grade Silicone available. No need to rummage for lids, the containers stand up, stay open, and zip shut, making it a sustainable alternative to plastic. It’s also lightweight, ideal for taking lunch, snacks, and more on the go.

The Best Way to Fold Towels by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

August 6, 2020 Joe Szabo

As with many household tasks, there are many, many ways to fold towels. Bed Bath & Beyond even has its own signature method—which one former employee shared on TikTok recently. But, as a self-admitted neat freak, I’m here to tell you that this is the best way. Why? This tri-fold method is basically a foundation to any type of towel fold. Fold your towels like this and you can roll them, hang them on a towel bar, or fold them in rectangles. Plus, this method ensures that, if you have monogrammed towels (like my Weezie ones shown here!), your monogram won’t get hidden in the fold. Read on to learn the foolproof method. (Oh, and if you’re confused about whether you’re working with bath sheets, bath towels, or hand towels, check our our explanation here—but this method works for every size!).

Step one: Lay flat

You’ll want to lay your towel on a flat, clean surface, with the backside facing up (so any monogram or detailing should not be visible. Smooth out the towel.

Step two: Fold in thirds

Now, bring one long edge of the towel in towards the center so the edge is a little beyond the center of the towel (you can adjust this based on your towel’s monogram or design; fold more or less to make the design visible and centered). Now fold the other side in, too, overlapping about an inch (plus or minus two inches depending on design) at the center.

Step three: Fold in half

Step four: Fold in half again

Now, fold that in half again, with the monogram on top. And voilà! You’ve got a perfectly folded towel. Do the same for your hand towel and washcloth, sans the last half fold.

Step five: Arrange

With your towel folded like this, there are several ways you can store or display it.

Towel bar: Hang your towel from the last fold, so the monogram is visible in the front. Hang hand towels on top of bath towels or sheets.
Guest room: Lay towels out for your guests by placing one bath towel folded like above, topped with one hand towel, folded to step 3, on the guest bed. Top with a soap for an extra touch.
Towel roll: Rolling towels is a great way to store many towels and to ensure they stay crease free. With your towel folded to step two above, grab the end without the monogram or design and roll towards the other end, then store or display with the design on top.
Flat fold: If you want to store your towels in a stack, you can store them folded like above, or, after step two, fold the towel into thirds for a wider, flatter fold (depending on the size of your storage space).

What To Know about Vacuums for Pet Hair by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

August 4, 2020 Joe Szabo

9 Best Vacuums for Pet Hair of 2020, According to Cleaning Appliance Pros

You love everything about your pet, but one thing that isn’t so great: Finding his fur all over your house. One of the the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab’s most frequently asked questions is, “What’s the best vacuum to get rid of pet hair?” That’s because removing pet hair is one of the toughest challenges vacuum cleaners face. This is especially true when static electricity makes dog hair and cat hair cling so tightly to fabrics, like carpeting and upholstery, that no amount of brushing or suction power seem to pick it up. In the GH Cleaning Lab, we test all kinds of vacuums to find the best ones, including handheld vacuums, stick vacuums, canister vacuums, HEPA vacuums, and much more. We put our vacuums through rigorous testing that follows ASTM industry standard test methods: We set out a standardized gamut of messes on a range of flooring from hardwood to deep pile carpet to vinyl. In the Lab, each vacuum model is tested exactly the same way, but we also get consumer feedback on each vacuum’s ease of use, including maneuverability, changing the bag (or removing the dust cup), and controls. Perhaps most importantly, every vacuum we evaluate gets tested on “pet hair” — a.k.a. fine rayon fibers that we apply to test carpeting in a uniform way. Here are the best vacuums for picking up pet hair:

Best Bagged Upright Vacuum for Pet Hair: Miele Dynamic U1 Maverick Vacuum
Best Value Upright Vacuum for Pet Hair: Eureka FloorRover Upright Vacuum
Best Robot Vacuum for Pet Hair: Amarey A900 Robot Vacuum
Best Upright Vacuum for Pet Hair Allergies: Kenmore Pet Friendly Upright Vacuum
Best Bagless Upright Vacuum for Pet Hair: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Upright Vacuum
Best Canister Vacuum for Pet Hair: Miele Classic C1 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum
Best Stick Vacuum for Pet Hair: Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute Lightweight Vacuum
Best Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Corded Handheld Vacuum
Best Vacuum Attachment for Pet Hair: Dyson Groom Tool

How to find the best vacuum for pet hair

To help any vacuum do a better job at removing pet hair, our cleaning pros recommend giving fur-covered carpets and couches a spritz of an anti-static spray, like Static Guard, before vacuuming to help strands come up easier. Then, there are a few features to look for in a vacuum specifically for pet hair:

Rubber trim and raised “fingers” on floor nozzles and attachments that help zap static and break the bonds so fur comes up more easily.
Tangle-free brush rolls put an end to clipping long strands of hair (from pets or humans!) that get twisted around the brush.
Easy-to-empty dust cups for inevitable and frequent dumping as you vacuum. Keep in mind that filters on newer vacuums trap more odors to eliminate smells in the vacuum and the room.

Below are the top-performing vacuuums that performed best on pet hair in Labs tests, plus ones with features perfectly-suited to tackle stubborn fur:

BEST BAGGED UPRIGHT VACUUM FOR PET HAIR

Dynamic U1 Maverick Vacuum

MIELE

MIELEamazon.com

$599.00

SHOP NOW

This Good Housekeeping Seal star is ideal for pet owners that also suffer from allergies or asthma since its self-sealing bag keeps debris out of the air. It also has a HEPA filter, which traps even the tiniest particles, including pet dander. It received top-scores in our pet hair pick-up test and basically every other test we put it through. Plus, it comes with all the accessories you need to get the whole house spotless, like an upholstery tool, a crevice nozzle, and a dusting brush.

BEST VALUE UPRIGHT VACUUM FOR PET HAIR

Eureka FloorRover Dash Lightweight Upright Vacuum, NEU526

EUREKA

EUREKAwalmart.com

$159.00

SHOP NOW

This affordable champ is an updated version of a previously tested model that had a near-perfect score in our pet hair pick-up tests and it comes with a a Pet Turbo Brush, specifically designed to get rid of pet hair from bedding, floors, stairs, and upholstery — not an attachment you often find at this price point. Our consumer testers loved how easily it was to maneuver in tough-to-reach places.

BEST ROBOT VACUUM FOR PET HAIR

A900 Robot Vacuum

AMAREY

AMAREYamazon.com

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Robot vacuums often struggle with pet hair, but this budget-friendly Amarey A900 was the top scorer for pet hair pickup among our best performers. What especially impressed us was that any hair that got did get stuck in the brush was easy to remove. Its slim 2.75” design lets it glide under beds and low furniture to clean the hard-to-reach places pet hair seems to settle. And with four different modes, including spot and edge cleaning, you can send the Amarey out to tackle just the problem areas before guests arrive. The auto mode adjusts suction for different floor types, increasing suction when it detects carpet. In our tests, the Amarey was quiet and cleaned for up to two hours before returning to its charging dock.

BEST UPRIGHT VACUUM FOR PET HAIR ALLERGIES

Kenmore Pet Friendly Upright Vacuum

KENMORE

KENMOREamazon.com

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Pet hair is an annoyance for most pet owners, but if you or someone in your family happens to be allergic to pet hair, it can also be a serious health issue. This upright Kenmore has all the extras to keep pet hair where it belongs — inside the vacuum. Certified by The Asthma and Allergy Foundation (AAFA), this Kenmore passed AAFA tests for low emissions both while vacuuming and when changing the bag and while we haven’t tested this specific model, Kenmore vacuums do well in our performance tests, we know and trust the rigid standards of the AAFA, and are impressed with their certification criteria. This vacuum maintains its performance even as the bag fills and clogs with dirt and it’s loaded with features like a powerful motor, a five-position adjustable height nozzle for easier pushing across all carpet styles and an air-powered hand tool with a rotating brush to more easily remove stubborn pet hair from upholstery, bedding, and stairs.

BEST BAGLESS UPRIGHT VACUUM FOR PET HAIR

Pet Hair Eraser Upright Vacuum

BISSELL

BISSELLwalmart.com

$299.00

SHOP NOW

This Good Housekeeping Seal star is our Lab go-to because it comes fully stocked with features that’ll suck up every last bit of pet hair. A tangle-free brush roll, a light to find hidden messes, and a detachable canister are all included. To minimize the mess when emptying the canister, Bissell has a technology that “spools” the hair inside the canister, so it comes out as one easy-to-remove mass instead of individual strands. We also like that it works great on both carpets and bare floors.

BEST CANISTER VACUUM FOR PET HAIR

Classic C1 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum Cleaner

MIELE

MIELEamazon.com

$689.00

SHOP NOW

Miele vacuums always top our Lab tests for performance and this model is designed for cleaning up after cats and dogs. It’s especially great if you’re worried about pesky smells, since the powerful Good Housekeeping Seal star features an Active AirClean Filter to help neutralize any lingering pet odors. It also comes with a super-useful Flexible Handheld Mini Turbo Brush attachment for cleaning upholstery, stairs, and other tight spaces.

BEST STICK VACUUM FOR PET HAIR

Cyclone V10 Absolute Lightweight Vacuum

DYSON

DYSONamazon.com

$600.00

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Dyson’s super-lightweight model received perfect scores in our pet hair pick-up tests. And since it’s cordless, you’ll never have to worry about you (or your pets!) tripping over a power cord! The cordless stick vacuum was great at picking up pet hair on carpets and floors and it converts into a hand vac allowing you to easily tackle furniture, too.

BEST HANDHELD VACUUM FOR PET HAIR

Pet Hair Eraser Corded Handheld Vacuum

BISSELL

BISSELLamazon.com

$36.99

$30.99 (16% off)

SHOP NOW

Don’t want to buy a whole new vacuum? This small-but-mighty Bissell (less than four pounds!) is perfect for quick pet-hair fixes. We like that it’s designed with a rubber nozzle to help lift stuck-on hair and that it’s easy to maneuver around chair arms and stair treads to get every last piece.

BEST VACUUM ATTACHMENT FOR PET HAIR

Groom Tool

DYSON

DYSONhomedepot.com

$69.00

SHOP NOW

If you’re already a Dyson owner, consider adding this unique grooming tool to your cleaning arsenal to create a next-level hair vacuum. It brushes your pup and removes loose hair, sucking strands right into the vacuum itself. 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.

Creating Privacy in your Yard by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

July 30, 2020 Joe Szabo

As the summer of 2020 carries on, families and friends alike are spending more time in their own backyards. From intimate family time to responsible social gatherings, comfortable outdoor spaces with adequate privacy have never been more prevalent. Whether you are looking to block out the neighbors, hide an unappealing view, or chisel out a dedicated space in your backyard, creating privacy can be a challenge. The good news is there are many solutions depending on the space and your needs. From pergolas and freestanding canopies to hedges and privacy fences, discover all the ways to create a secluded hangout space. Here are a few ideas for creating some private spaces in your backyard, rooftop, or balcony.

1. Fence It!

When it comes to outdoor privacy, wood fences are a practical necessity. There are a variety of species to choose from, ranging from light to dark, and just as many style choices. Wooden fencing not only enhances backyard privacy – it also enhances the overall design. Compared to other materials, wooden fencing can be cost-effective and long-lasting with routine maintenance. For additional privacy in their backyard, the homeowners also installed a versatile freestanding canopy.

2. Use a Hedge

A tall hedge provides as much privacy as fences. In fact, it’s known as a living fence. While trees usually create a sense of traditional look to an exterior, hedges are often synonymous with a modern flair. A hedge often reaches higher than a fence for even more screening. This privacy landscaping idea provides year-round screening for homeowners. Where space may be tight, fast-growing evergreens or a sheared private hedge can provide a simple solution for separating joined yards or blocking sight lines out of the kitchen window.

3. Privacy Panels

A short wire fence encloses this backyard and a wooden lattice screen is erected at the back of the pergola, adding architectural interest and creating privacy. Privacy screens are normally made from lattice, shutter-like louvered wood panels or sections of ornamental iron. They have anchoring posts that can be set into the ground, enclosing a cozy corner while preserving desirable views. Wooden screens may not provide complete privacy, however, they add that visual interest to a landscape and allow natural light and breezes in.

4. Draw the Curtains

Just like curtains in your bedroom conceal what’s inside, outdoor curtains will also work like a charm in your backyard. The curtains on this pergola help block the neighbors’ view as well as add to the exterior design of the space. Provided by ShadeFX, these outdoor curtains are available in different styles and colors, which means you can pick ones that blend seamlessly into your outdoor décor, or pick a color with pop as a focal feature.

5. Grow a Garden

Going natural with a mix of ornamental trees and grass is a great alternative to create a bit of privacy while adding a pop of color. If you are lucky enough to have space in your backyard like this residential project, you’re really only limited by your budget. It’s a good idea to check with a nursery or landscape professional to see what combination of trees, grass, and tall-growing flowers might be best to fit your needs. If you have a small balcony, you can use potted trees or plants to easily block off your space.

6. Add Retractable Shade

It may seem farfetched, but retractable canopies provide plenty of privacy from second-story windows, particularly those of neighboring houses. Of course, you also gain protection from sun and rain, as well as an attractive addition to your pergola, trellis or outdoor structure. This backyard has a ShadeFX custom structure and a retractable shade attached to the house. Sunshine and warm temperatures continually invite you and your loved ones to spend entire days outdoors. It is important that you be able to enjoy endless hours in your backyard without worrying about too much exposure to the sun or curious onlookers. 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.

7 Great Pool Shade Ideas by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

July 28, 2020 Joe Szabo

When you think of a pool, it’s natural to think of sunshine. Pools are a hallmark of the summer months, keeping families and homeowners outdoors and entertained during hot and sunny weather. For more and more pool lovers, grabbing a bit of shade is becoming a priority. Whether it’s from concern over UV exposure, a need to find some respite from the hot midday sun, or simply to avoid a sunburn, many pool owners are turning to shade solutions for their pools. Installing a shade structure over pool can deliver a range of benefits beyond UV protection and relief from the rays. Today’s shade structures can be great aesthetic additions to a pool, giving you a bit of ambiance and style. And with well-structured, large-scale permanent structures, you’ll also be adding value to your home. Let’s take a look at the seven best pool shade ideas:

1. Shade Sails

Shade sails are increasingly popular options that give a truly modern look to a pool. These interestingly shaped sails can be placed in an array of unique angles, giving a pool a very edgy and modern look. The downside of shade sails is that they can give inconsistent shade (requiring several shades to cover an entire section of a pool) and because they have to resist high winds, can be surprisingly expensive.

2. Pergolas

A pergola can provide ambient shade with just the right amount of filtered light over a pool. Placing a pergola over one end of a pool can also create a great, visual centerpiece. Today’s pergolas are made from quality woods and add value to your home, provided you know what to specify. Read our guide on pergola building materials for more information.

3. Retractable Shade Canopies

Pool Shade Ideas Retractable Canopies — ShadeFX by Wizard Industries

Retractable shade canopies are probably the most comprehensive shade solution for a pool, capable of delivering reliable sun protection to an entire section of a pool with ease. These large canopies run across the pool along beams spanned between support posts on each side of the pool, giving homeowners an easy and very stylish way to shade a pool. The retractable option is a necessity. Otherwise, you might as well have an indoor pool. 4. Umbrellas

Sometimes the traditional answers are the best. Freestanding umbrellas, such as the ones that have provided shade by pools for decades now, are a great option for those who want flexible and moveable shade. An umbrella placed on the side of the pool can provide a modicum of shade for those in the water and out and homeowners can place them wherever they like, adjusting them with the movement of the sun throughout the day. The downside is they look unseemly when closed.

5. Cantilevers

Pool Shade Ideas Cantilevered — WeatherSafe

Cantilevers are shade structures similar to canopies that use just a single support structure on one side. Support posts are driven into the cement around the pool; horizontal, with a canopy, extend over the pool from these vertical support posts, providing shade for poolside guests and those in the water.

6. Retractable Enclosures

A large-scale solution that offers a good deal of flexibility and that might have appeal for many homeowners is a retractable enclosure. These enclosures are skeletal structures constructed from a series of arched trusses that nest into each other when retracted. Retractable shades run between each section of the enclosure, providing as much or as little shade as homeowners want any moment of the day.

7. Poolside Freestanding Structures

For those who don’t want to shade the pool itself but still want a refuge from the sun, a shade pergola can be a good option. You can place one of these freestanding structures right next to a pool, placing lounge chairs and other outdoor accessories in it to create a relaxing enclave. Enjoy as much sun as you like on the water, then retreat to this comfortable and shady spot to enjoy conversation, relaxation, and even drinks with family and friends. Whether you are looking for a lightweight answer such as a shade sail or a more permanent option such as a pergola, you have a wide array of options available to you today. Look for shade options that use the latest technology in terms of material, so that you get the greatest value and a shade solution that protects you from harmful UV rays well into the future. 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.

Don’t Lose Your Cool with High AC Bill by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

July 23, 2020 Joe Szabo

This time of year all many of us can think about is keeping cool. But escaping the searing heat that blankets entire swathes of the country comes at a cost. But where does a person turn for help making decisions about cooling off when it seems like everyone has something to sell? Roofs, windows, air conditioning systems, insulation — companies making and selling these products all have their claims about cooling and energy savings. And how do you separate fact from myth when it comes to adages about keeping a home cool and keeping a lid on the utility bill?

Fortunately a couple of experts weighed in for NBC BETTER with some tips for how you can keep cool and carry on this summer. Lauren Urbanek is a senior program advocate, Center for Energy Efficiency Standards, Climate & Clean Energy Program at the Natural Resources Defense Council. And Robert Daguillard is a spokesperson for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. They helped us break down some cooling essentials.

Start with your windows

It sounds basic, Urbanek said, but “if sun comes in through your windows it’s going to make your house warm. Using things like window coverings to their full advantage in the middle of the day [can] keep your house cooler by keeping that sunlight from coming in, particularly if you are gone during day, and in rooms that face west or south.”

Anybody else’s grandma do that back before air conditioning was ubiquitous? She knew what was what.

So what’s best for window covering? Looking for a product like a thermal curtain that’s designed for that purpose is generally a pretty safe bet, Urbanek said. “The idea is to keep the light and heat from coming through.” That could even mean having a thicker curtain vs. something sheer. Of course, there are also thermal shades (we use those on south and west-facing windows and they make a dramatic difference), actual blackout curtains, even interior shutters.

Yeah, you might be giving up light and a view, but isn’t it nice to be cool?

Hot air is likely coming in from everywhere

If you were to add up all the little cracks and places in your house where warm air gets in, the average house would have a hole the size of a basketball, Urbanek said. “If you had a basketball-sized hole in your wall you’d take care of it right away.” What people often don’t know, she said, is how many places you can have hot air coming in: think around windows, door frames, and crawl spaces, even around recessed lights.

If you were to add up all the little cracks and places in your house where warm air gets in, the average house would have a hole the size of a basketball.

A great resource for finding all those little culprits, she said, is your local utility company. Many can provide a home energy audit and some even offer rebates if you take their advice. “You get a professional to do some diagnostic testing and they will give you a list, generally with information about what makes the most sense to invest in,” she said. (Don’t wait; I called mine weeks ago and the soonest they could come is mid-August.)

Insulation is key year-round

All those beautiful photos you can find on Pinterest of glorious exposed rafters notwithstanding, insulation is a must, Urbankek said. She lives in a century-old house herself, and although “it’s not something fun to spend money on — even as somebody who knew this was the right thing,” adding insulation to the walls and attic was one of her first priorities. “It’s not as fun as new countertop but it will save you money and make you more comfortable in your house.”

How exactly does insulation work? “The way thermodynamics work is heat flows from a hotter place to a cooler place,” Urbanek explained. “Not having insulation means heat is seeping into your house and your air conditioner is having to work a lot harder.”

Or, to use the words of the insulation contractor who came to our house to take thermal images, “heat is screaming in through your ceiling.”

When and how to run your air conditioner

It’s an age-old debate: is it better to leave your air running all day so the house stays cool and it doesn’t have to work so hard to get back down to a comfy temperature? Or should you set your thermostat a few degrees higher when you’re not home?

It’s all about equilibrium, Urbanek said. “Heat is going to flow from a hotter environment to a cooler one. So in this case the heat will want to come from outside into your nice cool house. If you set your thermostat higher so it’s warmer in day there’s going to be less airflow. If it’s 85 out and you set it to 65, the air conditioner has to work harder. Now if you set it to 78 during the day and set it back [lower] when you get home it may have to work a little harder and run longer … but at the same time it’s not going to be running all day.”

This also speaks to importance of a programmable thermostat, she said. “That allows you to set your temperatures and forget about it.” This is another area to check with your utility company to see if they have thermostat rebates, she said. Of course what’s really nice is a wifi thermostat you can control with your phone so you can cool your house before you get back home.

A better way to beat the heat

One of the simplest solutions of all, Urbanek said, is to focus more on what the air feels like than the actual temperature. “If you have ceiling fans make sure you’re using them — and the right way, making sure the direction is set correctly. As you’re standing under it looking up, it should be running counterclockwise … it pulls cooler air from ground and blows it back on you.” Just the air from the fan “on your skin can make a room feel ten degrees cooler,” she said. And no need to run it if the room is empty, she added. “It does nothing but use energy.”

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What You’ll Need

Sheet or portable screen

Projector

Sound System

How to Set It Up

Pick a Location

Prep the Sound System

Get Ready to Stream

Be a Good Neighbor

Give It a Stylish Spin

Regrow your vegetables

Do away with plastic containers

Step one: Lay flat

Step two: Fold in thirds

Step three: Fold in half

Step four: Fold in half again

Step five: Arrange

9 Best Vacuums for Pet Hair of 2020, According to Cleaning Appliance Pros

How to find the best vacuum for pet hair

1. Fence It!

2. Use a Hedge

3. Privacy Panels

4. Draw the Curtains

5. Grow a Garden

6. Add Retractable Shade

1. Shade Sails

2. Pergolas

3. Retractable Shade Canopies

5. Cantilevers

6. Retractable Enclosures

7. Poolside Freestanding Structures

Start with your windows

Hot air is likely coming in from everywhere

Insulation is key year-round

When and how to run your air conditioner

A better way to beat the heat

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