By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Christmas is in the air – can you feel it?  Thanksgiving is only a week away then we’ll be swept up into that hectic yet joyous holiday season.  Why not plan now to make sure you take a weekend away for a magical, special, wonderful family weekend that your family will remember for years to come?  The North Pole Experience, which recently relocated Santa’s workshop from Greer to Flagstaff, is a one-of-a-kind experience that can be found no where else in the United States!  As this is a full experience package, you stay at the Little America Hotel, which is decorated to the hilt with festive Christmas lights, music, and more.   Then – without giving too much away – you take a special trolley ride which transports you to Santa’s workshop, filled with elves and a museum for the toys that have been built throughout the years.  Then, you can check out Santa’s state of the art sleigh, and enjoy snowman soup and cookies inside Santa’s bakery.   Naturally, it just wouldn’t be a proper experience without the big man himself – and your family gets one-on-one personal time and photos with him, instead of being rushed through a line.  It gives your children the chance to ‘warm up’ to Santa and not feel embarrassed or self-conscious in front of a lot of other children and parents.    After visiting Santa, you  are whisked back to your hotel via trolley and end the evening with Mrs. Claus, cookies, and milk.   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 The Parnian Furniture at Scottsdale Fashion Square is two stores. The 9,000-plus-square-foot space occupies the former Pottery Barn space. The first of the two adjacent stores is Parnian Furniture, featuring the family’s world-famous custom case goods and more than 60 leading European and other furniture and accessory lines in ultra-modern, soft-contemporary and transitional styles.  The second store is the Parnian family’s new Phoenix Contemporary Furniture, with quality modern and contemporary furniture and accessories at prices more affordable for most buyers. Both stores continue the Parnian tradition of excellence, which began in 1977 when Abdolhay and Parvaneh, two recently married architects, opened the company’s first Valley store, a 1,000-square-foot cabinet shop in a Tempe industrial facility. The custom Parnian pieces — including “The World’s Most Expensive Bed” and “the World’s Most Expensive Desk” — are handmade in a 28,000-square-foot north Phoenix studio and sold in the flagship 15,000-square-foot Parnian Furniture showroom on Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard in the Scottsdale Airpark. Designed by Abdolhay, these high-end furniture creations will now also be available at Scottsdale Fashion Square. “We are one of the few companies actually manufacturing luxury goods in the USA and exporting them to other countries,” says Ali Parnian, the founders’ son who joined the company in 1999. His sister, Leila, became a member of the business in 2007. “The clients we have in the USA are typically people who have very high standards for quality and design and want uniquely designed furniture that reflects their personal need or styles,” he adds. “They will typically meet with my dad and describe their needs, and he will come up with a design that will exceed their expectations.” One of these designs, the “Sunset Bed,” was a multiple award winner in 2011 in the Custom Woodworking Business Design Portfolio Awards for Furniture Design; its 78 meticulously inlaid wood segments are the focal point of the “World’s Most Expensive Bed.” “In the custom Parnian Collection, we are very strong in custom executive desks and boardroom and dining tables for office and home,” Ali says. “We do a great custom table business and we have begun to do some amazing custom kitchens.” The Parnians also carry Savoir Beds, a 100-year-old brand of mattress/bed imported from London which has been purchased by Oprah Winfrey, Elton John, Madonna, the Rothschild family and other elite clients, from $8,000 to $70,000. In addition, the company also sells a $50,000 sectional sofa from DeSede, the world’s top leather company. And, Parnian also offers interior design services in which the furnishings can price out at more than $1 million. The new store, however, will service a wider market than the Parnian family recognized in the past 34 years. “We noticed after the housing market crash, a lot of people who stopped in our store were looking for quality furniture and accessories but not necessarily at the prices of our custom lines,” Ali says. Many of these people were investors and Canadian visitors who wanted to furnish and accessorize their second and third homes here but didn’t want to spend more than $8–$10,000 to furnish a two-bed, two-bath condo. At any price, the Parnian name means the best to buyers throughout the world: “The products we make are produced for the long term, as art, to be handed down to future generations,” Ali says. “We pay attention to every detail and use only the finest materials and best techniques and employ the finest craftsmen to ensure the furniture will last for many years. “More than half of our business is special-order merchandise or custom-designed orders. Our customers want what they want and are not willing to settle on quality or design. We have been fulfilling this level of expectation for more than three decades.” 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 In an era when going away on vacation is not in the budget, many homeowners are finding it makes fiscal sense to turn the master bath into a spa environment with high-end amenities such as soaking tubs, saunas, whirlpools, granite countertops, double sinks, marble and tile flooring, and his and her dressing areas. According to the American Lighting Association (ALA), the finishing touch to a redecorated bathroom is complementary lighting that is highly functional and attractive. In response to the increased demand for luxurious bath amenities, lighting manufacturers now offer more high-end fixtures than ever, making this the perfect time to create a splashy bath. “Everything in the bath has been upgraded except the lighting,” says George Chandler of Vermont-based lighting manufacturer Hubbardton Forge. “The right lighting will make the room. Without it, everything you purchased won’t look half as good.” Kellee Hollenback of Savoy House, a lighting manufacturer based in Georgia, agrees. “People are making an investment and creating a retreat reminiscent of a hotel room at their favorite vacation spot,” Hollenback says. “Redoing the bathroom is an economical way to do a home makeover. Even simply installing a UL-listed shower light or a chandelier or spotlight over the tub can enhance both comfort and ambiance.” (UL listed products have been tested and evaluated for safety by Underwriters Laboratories.) There are two must-haves for proper bath lighting: an ambient light source and task lighting. There has never been a better time to buy a decorative ambient fixture than right now. Lighting manufacturers have designed some truly elegant and highly functional fixtures that will set a luxurious atmosphere for the room and make your guests envious. “When selecting a decorative fixture, make sure you’re getting good light from it,” says Todd Phillips of South Carolina-based lighting manufacturer Quoizel. “Overall, soft contemporary styles are leading the pack. We’re seeing the importance of a bronze finish on clean designs. There’s been great growth in vanity sinks, which often have matching hardware. This has led to a desire for lighting fixtures in a complementary bronze finish,” say Phillips. “We’re also noticing a trend in faucets with an antique or brushed nickel finish.” Chrome is also a popular finish choice that will always be in vogue. “Today’s homeowners are looking for something unique and not the same thing they can find everywhere else,” adds Ron Henderson of Nevada-based lighting manufacturer Varaluz. “They are carbon footprint-sensitive, and we use a lot of reclaimed and recycled materials in our bath fixtures.” The most critical area for proper lighting is at the mirror, where the majority of grooming tasks – from make-up application to shaving – takes place. Although many builders and interior decorators install one recessed light over the sink, lighting experts say this is not ideal for putting your best face forward. “The best scenario at the bathroom mirror is a lighting fixture at the top and two smaller wall-mounted fixtures located on either side of the mirror,”explains architect Joe Rey-Barreau, education consultant for the ALA, and an associate professor at the University of Kentucky’s School of Interior Design. “It is possible to add a recessed light over the sink as a supplementary light source, but it should never be the primary light because it will create shadows on the face. Decorative sconces that either match or complement the over-the-sink light will evenly illuminate both sides of the face. Rey-Barreau recommends a minimum of 150 watts of incandescent lighting per sink, or 40 watts of fluorescent. “An alternative to a compact fluorescent is the halogen IRC by Osram, which is low-voltage and provides 28 lumens per watt. It gives a lot of light and gives good color so that skin doesn’t look washed out,” says Paul Eusterbrock of Holtkoetter International, a lighting manufacturer based in Minnesota. “People need energy-efficient light that helps them look good,” he says. And don’t forget a dimmer. Dimmers are essential for creating a soothing and comfortable environment. Installing a dimmer in your master bath is one of the easiest, least expensive and mood enhancing techniques you can do. 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 Driveway gates offer security, privacy, and elegance. They’ll prevent your child’s basketball from rolling out into the street, and unwanted salespeople from knocking on your door. With the majority of burglaries being moment-of-passion crimes, driveway security gates are also the best deterrent for home burglars—whether they hint at or actually include further security. Style, Space, and Comfort Driveway gates can be as simple as a hand-moved wooden gate attached to stone pillars. This is a simple, rustic option that many people use in the country to either hold back livestock or look as if that might have once been the purpose. For the urban and suburban areas, a more modern approach is typically used. Driveway gates come in many styles. Some are meant merely as a way to stop unwanted cars from entering your property, others are attached to privacy fences or security fences that run around the whole property. Like a fence, driveway gates are made from any material, with the most common being iron, steel, or wood. They come rustic or grand, painted or gold-plated. But whatever you choose, simple or extravagant, you will find that it adds elegance either way. The choice is more in deciding what style matches your own home’s style. Security Like a garage door, most driveway security gates open with a touchpad or remote control. With this, naturally comes an intercom system, to allow visitors to reach you the same way one might reach another in a city condominium. Beyond those two simple, more obvious inclusions come the security additions. Intercoms come with touchpads so that you can give out an entry code to friends and family (be careful with this code, of course, and change it with regularity), they also come with video relays for you to see your guest or for you both to see each other. Security cameras allow you to see (and record for added security) all cars that come up to your gate. Motion sensors can send a signal to warn you of people at your gate, or they can be set to turn on a light at the gate door. There are many options, though the most important one is always the presence of the driveway security gate itself. Curb Appeal Driveway gates set your home apart from the rest, bringing an extra level of grace to the look and feel of your property. They are not just for security, they are for your exterior design. Pillars offer a perfect backdrop for either intimate or intricate landscape design. This presentation welcomes friends into your home while also deterring unwanted guests. There will be more added benefit that seems counterintuitive. Driveway gates have the effect of adding usable space. The corners of your yard suddenly become places you do not shy away from when you add any sort of fencing. You will notice that your driveway becomes a fine place to play rather than a hazard. In all, these gates can add both function and beauty to your home. 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 What should you look for when inspecting your roof? The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends you do a roof inspection at least two times a year — spring and fall. The best place to begin is inside your house — grab a flashlight and make a trip to the attic. Here are four things to look for on the inside: 1) Places where the roof deck is sagging 2) Signs of water damage or leaking 3) Dark spots and trails 4) Outside light showing through the roof. Exterior check When you take a look at the exterior of the roof, pay attention to such things as damaged flashing, missing shingles, curling, blistering, buckling, rotting and algae growth (which occurs most often in humid climates and appears as dark or greenish stains). What to check on the outside: 5) Visually inspect your roof for cracked, torn, bald or missing shingles. 6) Scan the roof for loose material or wear around chimneys, vents, pipes or other penetrations. 7) Watch out for an excessive amount of shingle granules (they look like large grains of sand) in the gutters — this is a sign of advanced wear. 8) Check for signs of moisture, rot or mold. Note that wet spots may not be directly under your faulty shingle; water can travel down to its lowest spot before it drips. Mold, fungi and bacteria can grow quickly — within 24 to 48 hours of a water-related problem. 9) Examine the drainage, and make sure gutters and downspouts are securely attached. Also ensure all drains are open and allow water to exit, and all gutters and downspouts are free of debris. 10) Check that all bath, kitchen and dryer vents go entirely outside of your home, not just into the attic space. What’s the roof made of? Dean Bennett, president of Dean Bennett Design and Construction, Inc. in Castle Rock, Colorado, says determining when you need a new roof also depends on roofing material as well as the part of the country in which you live. With that in mind, he offers tips on the following roofing materials:

• Cedar: A cedar roof in need of repair or replacement will split and fall apart in dry climates. In moist climates, it will get mossy. The lifespan of a cedar roof is about 20 years.
• Tile: “Look for broken or cracked tiles,” Bennett says, “but don’t walk on the roof to do so or the tiles will break. Tile roofs can last up to 100 years, but individual tiles can break. They can be replaced, but only by a specialist.”
• Concrete: should never need replacing

If you have a roof with wooden shakes, you should also watch out for damage from termites, carpenter ants and/or other wood-boring pests. Check the simplest solutions first If your roof has water damage, don’t jump the gun and assume you need to start all over with a brand new roof. The California Contractors State License Board says that if your roof was properly installed and is less than than 15 to 20 years old, it can often be repaired rather than replaced. Contact a licensed roofing contractor — or three — to find out what they think needs to be done and to get an estimate. Starting over If you do decide to go ahead and replace the whole roof, keep weather and other issues specific to your locality in mind when choosing materials. For example, wood and asphalt shingles aren’t especially fire resistant — and this could be a problem if you live near a lot of dry brush and trees. Slate, tile and metal are more expensive materials, but they are a worthwhile investment because of the extra protection they offer against fire. If, on the other hand, snow loads are an issue where you live, you might want to consider a durable and lightweight standing-seam metal roof. These can typically cast off the snow before it becomes a problem. But before setting your heart on slate or tile — and we know they look really gorgeous — realize that these are very heavy materials. Some house framing just isn’t strong enough to support the extra weight of this sort of roofing. Start now — before you have no choice Don’t wait until water is unexpectedly pouring into your home by way of a leaky roof. Start protecting your home by using some simple observation skills. If you find problems, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to replace your roof. Many repairs can be made before a major rebuild is necessary. If you do need a new roof, be aware that this isn’t an average “do it yourself” type of project. It’s tough work — especially if you’re taking off the old roof — and can be dangerous, too. (Roofs slope and are up high… need we say more?) It’s all looking up Most people list “Having a roof over my head” as one of life’s essentials — and there’s a reason for that. It’s not just a matter of practicality or aesthetics (though both of those play a part). Your roof is what keeps you and your family safe from the sun and snow, lightning and rain. 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 Many Scottsdale homeowners shudder at the thought of interior painting. It is considering a chore: tedious, boring and not much fun. However, by utilizing the following tips, you can decrease painting time and get to the activities that you prefer. Of course you can save the most time by calling a Scottsdale interior painting contractor, but if you are determined to D.Y.I., then use the following to minimize time spent holding a brush. 1. Don’t try to do it all in one day. Set aside some time a day or two ahead of painting day to prep the area that you will be painting. Some of these preparations include moving furniture, laying down protective sheeting, taping trim and electrical outlets and gathering all painting supplies into one place. 2. Don’t try to paint over damaged walls. Continuing on the first step, check your walls before you get ready to paint. Look for holes, cracks or other damaged areas. You may need to use a drywall repair kit and do some sanding before you are ready to paint. 3. Use the right materials! Certain paint brushes are made for certain kinds of paint and help ensure an even application. Oil-based paints need natural bristles; water-based or latex paints work best with synthetic bristles. For large areas, try using a foam roller. Your Scottsdale paint store should have a wide selection of brushes to go with your paint. 4. If you want a professional look, call your Scottsdale painting contractor. But for a nicer application of the paint, consider using a primer on your walls. This helps keep older color from “bleeding” through, especially if the new paint is lighter than the old. Many paints have a primer built in already, eliminating the need for this step. 5. When prepping the room for painting, it may be helpful to use painter’s tape to keep paint off of molding, electrical outlets, door handles and window frames. This is easily recognizable by it’s blue color and once the paint dries, you can simply peel it off for sharp lines. 6. Remember, paint is messy no matter how well you prepare for it. Just for backup, keep a roll of paper towels or old rags handy. It is easier to wipe up spilled paint than trying to deal with it after it has dried! 7. Don’t just toss any left over paint. Keep it tightly sealed in a cool dark place to use for touch ups. Even if you just keep a small container of it, you will be happy later on when you see normal wear and tear happen. 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 In these present times, the moving trend in improving people’s lives includes updating their place. This mainly a few parts of the house, as they are the most frequented parts of various houses. Most people improve themselves and their own standards in a variety of ways. If they reside in the area east of Phoenix they can make their wishes with a neighborhood Scottsdale home improvement service. Of all the remodeling jobs done each and every year, a lot involve the kitchens; since they are the center of attention. This is due to that they can add a huge additional value in a house. Hence, searching for a Scottsdale kitchen remodeling professional is important to them. But, don’t forget about on getting a handyman that can also do Scottsdale bathroom remodeling also; that is, if you are also including that with the renovations. A variety companies will give you a good deal if you combine both projects. Though, when it comes down to you trying to look for some help with Scottsdale home improvement, there are a couple of points for you to never forget. One thing to point out is who do you get to work on your place and which people should you never hire to remodel your residence? Reading your city’s paper could be a fine option. A variety them show off their services to the public by displaying their work in addition to offering a negotiable price. Though, that could not be enough for your home. Some services can only do one like Scottsdale bathroom remodeling. If have done your work and found the best service to do the repairs for you, you need to know an important thing, the price. Some quotes are negotiable while other places have a set cost for their services. Thus, before you agree with their price for any Scottsdale kitchen remodeling, you should contemplate on your options. When it is all done, you can sit back and let them do the work for you. No need to be concerned over any Scottsdale bathroom remodeling details or any troubling things in upgrading the kitchen. Let the right people take care of the work. 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 You might be surprised at how easy it is to approach backyard birds, especially if they are accustomed to seeing people in the yard while they feed or bathe. Practice easing into position close to your feeders and remain still until the birds return. Bird photography is both fun and challenging, but it requires a modicum of patience. Learn to judge light and use it to your advantage. Morning and evening light is soft and pleasing to the eye as opposed to harsh mid-day sunlight. In open shade, use an electronic flash. If possible, turn it down just a bit from full power and use it to fill in shadow areas and provide a “catchlight” in the bird’s eye. Be conscious of getting distracting background clutter in your photographs. Often, just one step to the left or right may yield a smooth, colorful background. Compose the bird; leaving room for him to look, fly or walk into the picture without being cramped in the frame. A songbird is a small target, so practice working in as closely as possible to your subject. Do not become discouraged if at first you do not produce many good images. The more experience you have the better your images will turn out. Professional bird photographers use a variety of techniques and tricks, and you can apply some of them in your own backyard. Strategically place your feeders and birdbath close to bushes and trees, behind which you can hide. Place carefully selected natural landing perches, such as a potted shrub with red berries near them, and catch the birds as they light on the perches before they head to the food or water. Use a blind or natural lean-to to break up your silhouette. Avoid fast, jerky movement, and if you must move, take short, slow steps. Watch your nesting birds and note when they begin bringing food back to the nest site. Without disturbing the birds or in any way disrupting their activity, hide somewhere along the return path. You will be rewarded with images of parents with prey and, in some cases, parents feeding fledglings near the nest. Never remove vegetation to photograph birds at a nest, as such action may allow too much sunlight or predators to reach the nest – either can be fatal to young birds. Backyard bird photography is a rewarding personal experience, and it indirectly serves to benefit nature. Providing habitat, housing, food and water to the birds in your yard is more than a benevolent gesture. It fosters a sense of sharing, encouragement to improve our natural environment, and compassion for animals. And besides, it is just plain fun! 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 Do you ever worry about how you are going to entertain the huge group of friends and family you have coming over for the big game? Is entertaining something you do on a regular basis? Do you enjoy the game of golf? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should consider having Scottsdale putting greens installed in your yard. Your house will quickly become the place to watch the game or where to have the next family get together because everyone will have fun in the backyard. Scottsdale putting greens can provide you and your guest’s hours of fun while practicing or just having a friendly putting competition. Why not make your house the place to be when there is a big game or event going on? Everyone will want to come over and you get the added bonus of getting to stay home if you prefer to not go out. Not everyone enjoys going out and with a custom designed putting green in your backyard, you won’t have a reason to have to go somewhere else to have a party. If you have been considering making a change to your yard, Scottsdale putting greens are a great choice. You can be involved in every step of the design process if you want. Many companies feel it is important to get as much help and input from the customer as possible so you can feel like it is truly your design. You can even choose the pin placement when the time comes. Why not have hours of built in entertainment in the comfort and privacy of your own backyard. Just think how great it would be to be able to practice whenever the mood strikes you. If weather is not great or if you just want to go out for a few minutes you can, and you don’t have to pay any kind of greens fees to do it. Entertaining will be more enjoyable for you and your guests. Another great benefit to having Scottsdale putting greens in your yard is that they are easy to clean and virtually maintenance free. So if you have a party and things get spilled or messes happen, you can just hose it off and it is taken care of.   Overall, the choice to have Scottsdale putting greens installed in your yard is a great one. They are easy to take care of, look amazing and will keep you and your guest’s entertained for hours. It is also a great choice because a great putting green will last 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 SMoCA brings art, architecture and design to Arizona to challenge expectations. We are not a museum filled with random selections of art from the past; rather we engage the thoughts and concerns of the present. The ideas that interest, trouble and perplex you are the same that artists investigate in exhibitions at the museum.  In the 2012 season, SMoCA presents artists obscure and fascinating, famous and acclaimed, humble and boisterous. Their ideas will challenge you to see the world anew. Wonder why some people are considered artists and others are not? Ever question why video art is not the same as television? Attend Peter Sarkisian: Video Works,1996-2008 in the summer to further understand the true aesthetic power and beauty of video. This year, we present SMoCA Lounge—a casual, mixed-use education space that allows us to provide the community with a wider selection of programs and events such as international art movies, music, and art making   Designed by award-winning architect Will Bruder, SMoCA’s minimalist building (an ingenious renovation of a former movie theater) has five galleries for showcasing changing exhibitions and works from the Museum’s growing permanent collection. Global in its focus, SMoCA is a gathering place for experiencing contemporary art and culture. We connect visitors to dynamic art and ideas of our time and explore the possibilities of innovation, creativity and expression. As a unique and vital cultural resource for the southwest, SMoCA offers a variety of exhibition-related programs and special events with activities for lifelong learners, from preschool to adulthood. The tailored programs (lectures, docent-led tours, workshops and classes) are designed to serve as a forum for interpreting culture through contemporary visual art. 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.