By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team While the long summer nights may be coming to a close, your outdoor entertaining opportunities are just getting started. Extend your home beyond your sliding glass door by using an outdoor fireplace to keep the party going. Here are four settings perfect for warming up and chilling out.

Home away from home

If you and your family and friends spend most of your evenings outdoors, consider bringing the inside, outside. Add homey details like a mantle, shelving, and outdoor furniture around the fireplace unit for a cozy space to curl up on a cool night. This type of area, with its rustic vibe and comfortable ambiance, is ideal for treating the kids to s’mores or sharing a glass of wine with friends at the end of the evening.

Totally transparent

For a luxe look, consider installing a double-sided outdoor fireplace. Not only does this style open up your entire backyard area, but it also allows for better ventilation throughout the space. Add a uniquely fashioned grate to one side to protect plants and guests from sparks or ash.

Chimney charm

Every outdoor landscape needs a great focal point, and in the case of a fireplace, it’s a beautifully crafted chimney. While you have the option to choose a minimalist fire pit or simple bowl feature, why not highlight your outdoor fireplace by utilizing unique texture, an interesting shape, or robust color? This chimney is a standout feature in this hidden backyard area. The cool gray stone plays well with the bold brick walls and overall dark color palette. By using two textures and two colors, the chimney adds dimension and interest to this carved out cove.

Modern minimalism

Outdoor fireplaces don’t always have to be made of brick or stone. Try a minimalist approach to the outdoor fireside by mixing up its color and shape. In this outdoor area, the hearth is long and lean, boasting an open flame that flickers safely because of the smaller flames emitted. With this type of look, keep a safe distance between the fireplace and flammable furniture and textiles, and situate it near brick or stone to reduce the risk of overheating and burning anything in close proximity. Add outdoor furniture that matches your contemporary fireplace to complement the look. 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.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Nothing’s worse than finding unwanted visitors in your home. A surprise appearance by a spider is enough to make you want to move out altogether. However, some house guests are even worse — you can’t crush them or spray them to get rid of them. Two chief culprits: mold and termites. Silent intruders such as these can be costly to fix — not to mention a major headache to deal with. Even though standard home insurance policies cover a wide variety of perils, you may not have adequate protection for damage from certain pests. While you should review your specific policy, here’s a quick breakdown of how mold, termites and other pests typically are covered (or not covered) by standard home insurance policies.

When mold moves in

It goes without saying that mold is not something you want in your home. Even in the most well-kept home, there’s often a little bit of mold somewhere. The problem is when mold is allowed to grow and spread unnoticed. Severe indoor mold infestations can lead to serious health problems, and should be addressed immediately. Because it costs so much to get rid of mold and repair the damage it causes, some homeowners may hope to rely on their home insurance policy for help. This is where things get tricky. First, it’s important to know what causes mold. Mold thrives on moisture, which means humid and damp areas are vulnerable. Mold spores can enter your home through doors and windows or can grow after a leak occurs. If the mold in your home is caused by a covered peril such as a burst pipe or leaky roof, repairing the damage it creates could be covered through your home insurance policy. There’s a ‘but’ coming, of course: Most policies include certain mold exclusions. Many standard policies won’t offer coverage for mold that arises from poor maintenance, chronic or repeated water leaks, or failure to properly ventilate rooms. There’s another circumstance in which damage from mold is not covered: when it’s caused by flooding from rising waters such as lakes, rivers or oceans. Flooding isn’t covered by standard home insurance, and neither is mold caused by flooding. For that, you’ll need a separate flood policy. Learn more at FloodSmart.gov, the website for the National Flood Insurance Program. Curious about your level of mold coverage? Call your home insurance company and find out what your policy says. Many carriers offer add-on coverage for extra protection.

The truth about termites

Every homeowner, at one point or another, has wondered if termites are quietly eating away at the unseen parts of his or her home. It’s a very real fear. Termites can destroy the structural integrity of your home, if they go unnoticed. Unfortunately, termite infestation is something that isn’t often covered by standard home insurance policies. Each year, termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage, according to the National Pest Management Association. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to prevent a termite takeover from happening to you. Termite barriers, bait and monitoring systems, and soil treatment are all effective methods of preventing termites on your property. If you’re serious about prevention, you may even want to consider hiring a professional to check your property annually — many mortgage lenders will require this, in fact. In addition to mold and termites, other unwanted visitors can wreak havoc on your home, including bed bugs and rodents. Most of the time, damage caused by or removal of these pests is not covered by standard home and renters insurance policies. The best way to avoid a costly run-in with a pest is by maintaining your home and conducting regular home maintenance checks. If you see a problem, deal with it before it gets out of control. Termite damage typically isn’t covered, while mold can be, but only under specific circumstances. Home insurance, in general, is no substitute for proper home maintenance. All homeowners should familiarize themselves with their insurance policy. If you have questions about your coverage or policy limits, a licensed agent is the best resource. 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.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team It seems that as soon as the first leaf falls, the store shelves are filled with plaid. Something about the cozy wool and colors of traditional plaid patterns screams fall. You can bring a little warmth into your home with this stately pattern that will last you from fall through winter. Whether you’re looking for a major statement like a plaid chair or a small accessory that will bring in the pattern, you have endless affordable and stylish options. The best thing about this versatile pattern is how it allows you to mix and match. Pair a large-scale tartan plaid chair with a smaller checked plaid pillow with a tighter pattern, for example. Classic plaid patterns have stood the test of time. Bringing some plaid into your home is an investment that you’ll enjoy for years to come.   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.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Occasionally, a home that’s under contract will be damaged by fire, natural disaster, or some other issue. Significant damage can derail a real estate purchase and add a remarkable amount of stress for both buyer and seller. Though it happens rarely, all parties need to react quickly and understand how to move forward.

Check the contract

Most contracts provide a process to deal with damage when and if it happens. Typically if there is damage, and it is less than five percent of the total value of the contract, both parties agree to move forward with the transaction. But the seller will need to remedy the damage prior to closing. If your contract doesn’t include a provision that covers this, you need to consider having one added before you sign. Such a clause typically provides coverage for things like appliances, boilers or central air conditioning systems that might break. For damage over five percent, most buyers will have the opportunity to cancel the agreement and move on, without losing any of their deposit money.

Get the bank involved

If the buyer has arranged to take out a mortgage, most lenders will approve a credit up to three percent without incident. Anything more than that and the bank will want to know about the damage, have a new appraisal, and may even cancel the loan. What’s most common is for the lender to want to re-do the loan, adjust the purchase price and put it back through underwriting. Going back to the beginning takes time and may require another appraisal. Both parties will have to extend the contract’s time frames. It’s smart practice to keep your lender in the loop — and remember, it’s fraudulent to hide credits or serious damage.

Get the property inspected

It’s so important to have a property inspection before closing. It would be very easy for a seller to argue that the damage was pre-existing, and if the buyer did not inspect, there is no way of proving otherwise. After the inspection, if there are any problems, either negotiate a credit or require that the seller repair prior to closing. No matter how much pressure you feel or how long you’ve been in the market, waiving a property inspection to be competitive can get you into deep trouble.

Leverage the walk-through

As a buyer, you will have the opportunity to walk through the home prior to the closing. Do this. If something is not working or there is damage, you should delay the closing. A buyer has leverage because the seller wants to close, get their money and move on. It’s in their best interest to cooperate and remedy any issues. Be sure to schedule the walk-through the day before or the day of the closing. A lot can happen, even in just a few hours. Most real estate transactions go smoothly. Buyers and sellers make a deal, sign a contract, inspect, get a loan and close. While every purchase or sale can cause stress and anxiety, encountering damage during escrow will really up the ante. 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.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Fall doesn’t always inspire the same kind of excitement from gardeners as spring, and even the name ‘fall’ lacks that other season’s peppy cheer. Maybe it’s the fact that it’s a time for boring chores like raking leaves and digging things up, but there are also lots of fun things to do in fall. It’s the best time to plant trees and shrubs, it’s cool enough to do all of the digging and other strenuous labor you’ve been putting off all summer, and you can still plant cold-tolerant veggies and flowers. By the time you’re done with this list, maybe fall will become your other favorite time to garden.

Bring in tender plants

Instead of thinking of this as a chore, look at it this way: You’ll soon get to enjoy plants indoors all winter. The moment nights start to get chilly, it’s time to bring in any houseplants, tropicals and succulents. Remove any dead leaves or branches, as well as any insects. While you’re at it, now is also a good time to repot them with fresh potting mix. Plants that will be grown as houseplants should be placed in bright light and kept lightly moist throughout winter, while other tropical plants should be kept in a cool, dark place and remain barely moist so that they enter dormancy. Fig trees and bananas are prime candidates for this method.

Dig up summer bulbs

Tropical summer bulbs like dahlias, cannas and colocasias should be dug up before the first frost, unless you live in zones 8-11. After lifting them from the soil, lightly brush the bulbs to remove any dirt and inspect for any hitchhiking pests. Store bulbs in paper bags filled with sawdust or shredded newspaper, and put them in a dark, dry and cool place until spring.

Plant spring bulbs

Spring bulbs such as tulips and daffodils require a cold winter to bloom their hearts out, so plant them now so they get all the cold they need. Plant tulips eight inches deep, daffodils and narcissus nine inches deep, crocus four inches deep and hyacinths five inches deep. Plant them in clumps and drifts as they would appear in nature, rather than in straight and unnatural rows.

Plant cold-tolerant annuals

Just because cold weather is on the way doesn’t mean that flowers are not an option. Many — like violas, petunias, violets and alyssum — continue to bloom through frosts. Plant purple flowers to contrast with the warm colors of fall foliage, or choose white and yellow ones to brighten up the darkening days. Be sure to plant some in a container combination as well so that you can enjoy them at your doorstep.

Plant cold-tolerant veggies

That’s right: Fall is a great time to plant cold-tolerant vegetables, and some can even be harvested before a deep freeze. Plant garlic, onions and shallots now for a spring harvest, or if you’re too hungry to wait that long, plant fast-growing radishes and peas, or leafy greens that can be picked at any size, such as lettuce, kale, spinach and collards.

Add plants with winter interest

A well-planned winter garden can feel like a bit of warm weather on a cold day. Evergreens such as cedars, hollies and Euonymus are useful for bringing much-needed greenery and privacy to the landscape, but a plant doesn’t necessarily need evergreen leaves to look interesting. Trees and shrubs with attractive trunks, limbs and bark can look quite striking against the backdrop of snow or straw-colored grass.

Remove damaged branches

That said, shearing shrubs in fall is a bad idea. Some, such as azaleas and rhododendrons, bloom in early spring and can’t be pruned without damaging buds and ruining spring’s flowering display. However, it’s always a good time to remove limbs that are diseased, damaged or otherwise detrimental to the plant’s form or structure.

Make decorations from the garden

Some of the best seasonal decorations can be grown right in your own backyard. Pumpkins, gourds and squashes are obvious choices for fall decorating, but don’t forget to consider other plants. Woody okra pods and cotton bolls can be used to great effect for a Southern look. If the first frost is in the forecast, make good use of any remaining blooms or foliage by turning them into an impromptu flower arrangement. Then when you have friends over, they’ll think you just throw these things together on a regular basis.

Plant trees and shrubs

Fall really is the best time to plant trees and shrubs. The best part is that instead of keeping them watered through the warm, dry days of spring, you can soon forget about them when they start going dormant for winter. When spring arrives, your plant will have a head start and established roots.

Dig new beds

Another thing to get out of the way now is digging and preparing new garden beds. The weather is pleasant enough to knock it all out in a day, and you can even plant winter vegetables there as benchwarmers until spring. By the time spring finally does roll around, just mix in some more compost or aged manure. Your garden bed will be good to go. 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.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team If you plan to buy a home with financing, you may feel overwhelmed by everything you need to learn about the process. Here are five key points to get you started.

Understand the full cost of owning a home

There are four main categories of a homeowner’s monthly housing payment — principal, interest, taxes and insurance (P.I.T.I.). Principal and interest comprise your monthly mortgage payment. The principal pays down your loan balance monthly, and the interest pays your fee for borrowing the money. Use an amortization calculator to see the principal-versus-interest breakdown over time. Taxes refer to property taxes assessed by the county you live in, and average 1.2 percent of your home’s value each year. Homeowners insurance is required when you have a mortgage, and you pay it to an insurance company of your choosing. Insurance typically costs $700 to $1,200 per year for a single family home. In addition to P.I.T.I., if you live in a planned unit development (PUD) or condo, you’ll have homeowners association dues, which cover common area amenities, ongoing upkeep, and reserves for future maintenance. These monthly dues range from $100 to over $1,000. If you don’t live in a PUD or condo, you should construct your own savings plan for future maintenance.

Examine your credit history now

A strong credit report is critical for getting the best mortgages with the lowest rates. Lenders want reliable on-time payment history, as well as credit depth. Your report will be more appealing to lenders if you have a significant amount of credit. If you need to obtain more credit, note that your credit score can drop 5-15 points when you first open a new account, then will rise again when you’ve established good payment history, so it’s best to open new accounts a few months before applying for a mortgage. Federal law entitles you to a free credit report every year, but these reports only show account history, and don’t include scores. Get your credit score, and take steps to improve it, if necessary.

Match mortgage products to your budget and timeline

You can calculate how much you can afford to spend on a home with inputs you already know: income, monthly non-housing debt, and savings for down payment. Next, you need to think about how long you’re going to be in a particular home so you can target the right loan product. If your income isn’t going to grow over time, you will probably be in the home longer term, so you’ll want a loan with a payment that won’t change, like a 30-year fixed. Or maybe you expect your income to increase sharply within five years and you’re going to upgrade homes within that time, so you’ll want a five-year ARM, which has a much lower rate. If you don’t have a 20-percent down payment, you can buy with as little as 3 percent down using FHA, VA, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac low-down programs, but you’ll have mortgage insurance on top of your monthly P.I.T.I. Estimate your mortgage insurance with a mortgage calculator.

Get pre-approved in advance

If you do all your home financing research without getting pre-approved, you could be disappointed when it comes time to find a home. Home shopping is competitive, and most sellers require your offer to be submitted with a lender pre-approval letter to prove you’re all ready with your financing.

Know what lenders will require

When you’re ready to get pre-approved, remember that lenders will closely examine all aspects of your life. They’ll ask for full name, address, date of birth, social security number, and ages of children. They’ll also review your credit report, employment history, pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, divorce and any other legal settlements, and full financials for any businesses you own. A lender will give you a checklist outlining exactly what documents they need. Follow this checklist exactly. If they only ask for your last two pay stubs, don’t send three. If they only ask for federal tax returns, don’t send state. Also, be prepared to write short letters to explain past inquiries on your credit report, past addresses, and name changes. Now that you’ve got an overview, you can dive deeper into home financing topics, then find a lender in your area to partner with you through the process. 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.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Just in time for back-to-school, Zillow Digs announced the top three closet organization trends for fall 2015 — and the three biggest fads to ditch. The results were published today in the Zillow Digs Home Trend Forecast, a one-of-a-kind report based on a survey of leading interior designers and an analysis of the most popular photos on Zillow Digs. Looking to get organized this fall? Check out the season’s biggest closet trends below.

Top closet trends for 2015

1. Transparent storage materials. Transparent storage materials such as frosted doors and see-through drawers will gain popularity among homeowners and in big-box stores this year. “Closets, especially bedroom closets, are becoming more like clothing exhibitions to display purchases more as collections, making transparent materials key,” says Nina Magon, Zillow Digs designer and principal of Contour Interior Design.

2. Split or his-and-hers finishes. Split closets with contrasting finishes and color palates will become all the rage, especially in bedrooms. Expect to see a rise in warm white paint tones and metallic accents contrasted with dark wood or leather finishes for a clean, but personalized, look.

3. Spotlight lighting. Predicted to become the go-to closet lighting solution this year, directed lighting or spotlights are both functional and stylish. Spotlights also help create the boutique-like ambiance that so many homeowners are gravitating to in their closet spaces.

Three fads to replace

1. Behind-door storage. Hiding everything behind a small closed door is a thing of the past. Expect to see homeowners experimenting with large sliding doors and curtains, or even expanding closets into a larger space to better showcase and find their favorite items.

2. Basic setups. Homeowners will want to go beyond the “closet in a box” arrangement and add their own custom touches or creative flair to organization spaces. Designers anticipate wire racking mixed with woven baskets or custom wood finishes to grow in popularity this year.

3. Dark closets. Closets with minimal lighting or heavy doors that keep natural light out are quickly headed out of style. With the rise of transparent materials, homeowners will want an accessible closet where they can easily find belongings and enjoy how they’re displayed.

Need help getting organized this season? You’re in luck! Zillow Digs and The Container Store are teaming up to give one lucky winner a $5,000 shopping spree at The Container Store, as well as a consultation with a closet organizer. 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.