Blog

Growing Gardenias In Arizona by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Would you like to grow gardenias in Arizona? A lot of people love the plant but seem to struggle in our uniquely hot and arid environment. This post will give you insight into how to do it.

Gardenia shrubs are hugely popular with gardeners because of their wonderfully fragrant flowers and glossy, bright, evergreen foliage which is attractive all year long. The gardenia is a heat loving shrub and will grow very well when planted and cared for properly. Growing gardenias in Arizona is one of the more successful landscaping shrubs you can choose. It takes preparation and choosing the right place in your landscape to put the gardenia and knowing how to care for it.

Choosing The Right Gardenia

The gardenia can play different roles in your garden and landscape. They grow to different widths and heights, so considering what role your want it to play will help you with choosing the right gardenia for your yard. All gardenias feature the wonderful fragrant flowers, however there can be differences between when they will bloom and how big their mature size will be. If you want the gardenia to be the crowning jewel of your flora you will need to plan plenty of room for a larger variant to stretch out and grow. Some varieties of gardenia only mature to be a low, tidy plant that is well used to edge a flower bed or walkway. The Everblooming Gardenia only matures to 4 feet high and can be a wonderful boarder or walkway plant. In contrast the Cape Jasimine Gardenia can grow to a massive 8 feet wide, and just as tall.

The Right Shrub In the Right Zone

Plants are divided into the geographical zones that they grow best in. This is usually printed on the plant label or container. If you are unsure of either the zone you live in, or what zone a particular plant grows in, as your nursery professional. Arizona is a large state that covers a few different zones based on geography and topography. Knowing your zone will help you choose the right types for your garden. Most gardenias grow well in zone 9, which covers a large portion of Southern Arizona. Northern Arizona includes zones 8, 7, 6, and in very small areas zone 5. Choose plants that are rated for your area and you will see greater success. Some professional landscapers or passionate gardeners choose a variety of gardenias that have different bloom times. This means that there are more days per year where the landscape will have that wonderful aroma. When done properly, you can have blooming gardenia all the way from May through August.

Choosing The Right Place To Plant

Even when you have chosen the right shrub for your zone, where your plant it in your landscape can affect how it will grow. There are three main considerations for choosing the right place to plant your gardenia. These are which zone you are in, the soil quality, controlling moisture content, and how much light the plant will receive.

Knowing The Soil

The pH balance of the soil is particularly important for the successful growing of the gardenia. You will want the pH to be between 5.0 and 6.5. This is considered a slight acidic soil which might not be compatible with other plants in your landscape, or be naturally present in your native soil. Soil testing kits should be used in preparation for the planting of gardenias to measure the pH of the soil and to know if or how much adjustment needs to be done. If your pH is too high you can add sulfur to your soil. There are different types of sulfur available at local nurseries. Soil pH should be done months in advance if possible. If the soil is excessively sandy or filled with clay deposits you will want to amend the soil with plenty of organic compost. Be sure to test the soil where you going to plant your gardenia, since the quality of soil varies throughout your yard, especially near the foundation of homes.

Knowing The Moisture

Well draining soil and consistent watering is absolutely necessary for the gardenia. These are not drought tolerant shrubs and will not happily wait for the next monsoon season for their water. Soaking the soil isn’t an option either; soggy roots can cause serious problems with gardenias. The compost you add to the soil will help retain the water needed while allowing the rest of the water to drain away. Setting up soaking hoses around the gardenias that are on timers will help take the guess work out of keeping track of watering the gardenia. This means one inch of water per week. Clearly Arizona doesn’t always get that from rain, so be prepared to make sure they get just what they need, and don’t overwater.

Knowing The Daily Light

While the gardenia thrives in heat and light in Arizona full sun all day isn’t a good idea. It is best to protect the gardenia from the intense heat and afternoon direct sunlight. This means choosing sites that are on the north or east facing exposures. That will help get the morning light while only allowing some midday sunlight and be protected for the afternoon.

When To Plant The Gardenia

The best time to plant the gardenia is when temperatures are moderate. This means in the fall or spring. When planting in higher elevations or Northern Arizona it is best to plant the gardenia in the spring so the root system will be developed before the fall and colder days. Gardenias like to be planted a little high compared to the surface of your soil. This means digging a hole as wide and deep as the root ball. However make sure you firmly pack in around 4 inches of soil at the bottom of the hole before you place the plant in the ground. Place the soil from the hole you dug back in around the root ball and cover the section that stands above the soil. Complete the planting by adding a layer of mulch compost. Make sure that it isn’t placed touching the stem of your gardenia. Apply the mulch every year to help prevent harsh temperatures or weeds from affecting your gardenia.

Gardenia Nurseries In The East Phoenix Valley

A&P Nursery has 4 locations that can help you with all of your gardening needs. From the large yard to small urban farming type set ups we have the plants, the tools, the knowledge to help get you going and keep your gardening thriving!

A & P Nursery 40370 N. Gantzel Rd. Queen Creek, AZ 85240 480-655-5789

A & P Nursery 2645 W. Baseline Rd. Mesa, Arizona 85202 480-839-5362

A & P Nursery 6129 E. Brown Rd. Mesa, Arizona 85205 480-396-8800

A & P Nursery & Lawnmower Shop 2601 E. Baseline Rd. Gilbert, Arizona 85234 480-892-7939 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.

Much about Mulch by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

The best mulch can make all the difference in your yard. With so many types of mulch available, it can be difficult to choose one. From shredded bark to compost, we cover the mulch basics to help you select which one will work best in your landscape. While mulching may seem like a basic part of gardening, there is so much to learn about the different types of garden mulch and what benefits each type provides. We’ll show you how to compare and contrast the different types of mulch and what situations to use them in.

There are a number of advantages to adding mulch in your garden. In the summer, mulch helps the soil hold moisture so you don’t have to water your garden as often. In the hot sun, soil also tends to dry out faster and harden. Mulch will help with this by protecting the soil from direct sunlight. Mulch also prevents weeds. Adding mulch to your planting bed will block light from openings in the soil, therefore inhibiting weed germination. By adding a thick layer of mulch, you’ll ensure that the weeds never see the light of day! Tip: While a concentrated layer of mulch is ideal, don’t overdo it. 2–4 inches is the ideal depth for a mulch layer. Over time, garden mulch types made from organic materials break down and increase your soil’s structure and fertility. This is especially true with compost used as a mulch, as the nutrients will promote soil organisms and aid in plant growth. Shredded bark is one of the most common and least expensive types of mulch. It comes from a variety of sources, including cedar trees. Shredded bark is one of the best mulch types to use on slopes and it breaks down relatively slowly. Some shredded-bark products are byproducts from other industries; they’re considered environmentally friendly. Check the mulch packaging for more information. Straw mulch has a beautiful golden color that looks great in the garden. It’s also a bit slower to break down than leaves or grass clippings. Some gardeners like smaller, more shredded straw pieces while others prefer larger straws. Straw is classically used in more utilitarian gardens, such as vegetable gardens, and under strawberry plants. Straw does a great job of keeping mud out of your edibles.

Compost looks like soil, except it’s darker, so it really sets off plants well. This mulch material breaks down quickly but adds to your soil structure the fastest. Plus, it’s inexpensive; you can create your own rich compost for free. Many municipalities give away compost as well. These bark nuggets are slower to break down than shredded bark, but they don’t stay in place as well. They’re not the best type of mulch for slopes or other areas where they may be washed away by heavy rain; the chips will tend to float and take off like boats. The nuggets are available in a variety of sizes; the bigger the nugget, the longer it lasts. 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.

What Upgrades are Worth the Investment by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

These expert tips explain which home features you can do without and which you may want to pay a little more to enjoy. Many cabinets come standard with built-in features, so select midrange cabinetry instead of top-of-the-line. Also opt for storage-savvy solutions instead of expensive finishes or hardware—those elements can always be updated later. If you’re building a new home or adding on, consider a 10-foot or higher ceiling. It opens up a room, which is especially important in small spaces. Make the vault even more wow-worthy by installing a rustic beam across the ceiling’s slope. Ceramic tile is cheap, widely available, and comes in a variety of colors, so you can easily get the look you want. It works especially well in bathrooms, kitchens, and around fireplaces. If you must have expensive tiles, use them only for accents—like for a border or backsplash—and use ceramic tile everywhere else.

No one likes the shock of a cold bathroom floor in the morning, so many homeowners are willing to spend the extra cash on heated bathroom floors. Radiant-heating systems warm a room via hot water or electrical wires installed beneath a finished floor. Ceramic tile, concrete, and wood floors are ideal surfaces for radiant heating.

Choose eye-catching fixtures to light one or two main areas, but opt for basic fixtures, such as canister or track lights, elsewhere. Or plan to DIY some of your fixtures. This pendant light, for example, was created with wooden dowels and spray paint. materials and installation can be costly. Instead, go with less-expensive wainscoting or chair rail. If you just can’t live without crown molding, consider installing it yourself to save money. 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.

Before Buying a Condo by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

If you’re wondering, “Should I buy a condo?” but don’t know where to begin, we’ve got you covered. We talked with real estate experts to find out the biggest considerations for purchasing a condo. Read on as we cover the pros and cons of buying a condo, plus the top questions to ask before closing.

What Is a Condo?

A condo is a unit within a larger residential building, much like an apartment. The key difference? Ownership. All units in an apartment complex are owned by a single landlord or property management company and are rented out to tenants who must follow the same rules. Condos, on the other hand, are individually-owned units, and often provide more freedom for residents looking to update and personalize their space. Common areas and amenities in condos have shared ownership. The condo owners govern their ownership through their homeowners association. In essence, you can think of the homeowners association as the owner of the land. Homeowners associations, or HOAs, cover the maintenance of the grounds, which is a major draw for condo buyers. HOAs are also responsible for setting specific rules for what residents can and cannot do. These guidelines vary and are put in place to maintain a certain standard of living and lifestyle agreed upon by its residents. Zillow research finds that older generations are most likely to buy a condo, 7 percent of which are Boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, and 13 percent are from the Silent Generation, those born between 1925 and 1945. According to Pendleton, this indicates a lifestyle split between those who want fewer home-related responsibilities and those who still want a yard. But having your lawn mowed for you isn’t the only upside of condo living. There’s a handful of other perks that attract buyers of all ages—millennials included.

Pros of Buying a Condo

Before you hand over your down payment, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of buying a condo. Below are just a few benefits: Accessibility: Many urban condos feature single-floor living. This is a huge plus for some, including retirees and those with young kids just learning to walk. Amenities: Pools, tennis courts, and manicured gardens are just a few of the amenities that attract condo buyers. And because you don’t own the land (unlike townhouse owners), you don’t have to deal with the upkeep, which is handled by the HOA. Walkability: What really sells the condo lifestyle for all generations of buyers is walk score. This includes close proximity to eateries, coffee shops, and other amenities like a pool, fully-equipped gym, shared outdoor spaces such as parks and greenbelt areas, job paths, and assigned private parking spaces. Naturally, this walk score is higher for condos, as they tend to cluster in more urban or vacation areas. Community: Having access to shared amenities, activities, and events make condos a popular pick for those looking to socialize. Investment: Is buying a condo a good investment? Owning a condo has many of the same benefits of owning a single-family home. “You can build equity and benefit from the tax incentive that comes with homeownership as well as the stability that homeownership provides,” she says.

Cons of Buying a Condo

Although condos offer bonus amenities, they can also come with added fees and rules. Here are some of the downsides to purchasing a condo: Cost: Research shows that median condo values nationwide have increased 26.9 percent in the past five years, with the average condo value sitting at $235,300 as of March 2019. That’s higher than an average single-family home, which was valued at $226,700. This can make the choice between buying a condo versus house even trickier. HOA fees: Condos have HOA fees that can be much higher than expected depending on the area, the condo value, and amenities. Buyers must weigh convenience versus cost and should consider how much wiggle room they have for potential costs outside the monthly fees. Unexpected assessments such as emergency repairs or higher-than-normal gardening costs can add up quickly. HOA rules: HOA rules vary widely from condo to condo. While some offer many of the same freedoms that come with owning a single-family home, others can be quite strict. So if things like pets or patio decorations are important to you, you may want to consider other housing options. Noise: With shared walls, you can’t always count on your neighbors to keep quiet. Plus, if you purchase a condo in an urban setting, the convenience can come at a cost. It’s only natural to hear the sounds of traffic and busy streets if you’re in the heart of things.

Buying a Condo Versus Renting

Buyers looking to rent their condos for an extended period of time, whether it be for vacation or as a way to earn additional income, should ask the condo’s HOA about feasibility and restrictions. If buying for a rental, there is a rental cap. Most of the information can be obtained through the resale certificate, so it’s very important to read it closely and have your questions answered within the contracted timeframe allowed.

How to Buy a Condo

To find condos listed in your area, call Joe Szabo directly to help guide your search and help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Just like single-family homes, you’ll need to apply for a mortgage. Your lender can help you review building operations and board documents. In addition to an application and list of references, some condos request an interview with the HOA board. When meeting, you’ll want to ask the right questions upfront, so there won’t be any surprises later on.

Questions to Ask When Buying a Condo

When considering a condo, you’ll want to know the answers to several key questions. Ask the following queries before buying a condo:

What are the HOA fees?
What are the HOA rules?
What does my HOA pay for and what is there funding for?
Can I look at the past year’s HOA meeting minutes?
Are there any major repairs coming up?
Are there pet restrictions?
Can I rent out my unit?
What kind of community events are held?
Do owners socialize or tend to keep up themselves?
What kind of noise level can I expect?

Note that condo residents are required to obtain insurance for their individual units, while the building tends to have a shared master policy that is paid through condo association fees.

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.

Garage Makeovers by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

With space to hold two cars, two workbenches, a rolling table, and a slew of baskets, drawers, and cabinets, this garage renovation is seriously hardworking.

The garage is often merely a big repository for tools, yard implements, and off-season items with nowhere else to go. But Miesje and Dana Corbo of Scottsdale, Arizona, knew it could be more. Working with interior designer Caroline DeCesare, they filled their three-car garage with work areas, storage, and art. “You spend more time in the garage than in some rooms of the house, especially if you’re like me and a little bit handy,” Dana reasons. The end result is a stylish space to sort and store everything a busy family with four preteens might need—and then some. In the hardworking zone, open wire shelving organizes often-used tools (drills, flashlights, tape measures) in easy reach of work surfaces. Framed signs lend a playful mood.

From the outside, you’d have no clue what lies behind these rustic garage doors. One bay of Miesje and Dana Corbo’s three-car garage is dedicated to two workbenches and a table on casters. The other two garage bays are for cars.

Like items are grouped together inside a corner cabinet. Cleaning products are rounded up in baskets, pesticides are out of reach in another labeled bin, and golf club covers are stored next to golf balls. If you have kids or pets in your family, be sure to store dangerous chemicals out of reach from curious little hands.

Have a lot of tools? Store one type in each bin to avoid a jumble. Here, containers suit the size and shape of various supplies. Shallow metal drawers below one workbench stow hand tools; under them, big wire mesh baskets hold bulky extension cords, rope, and cases for Dana’s drills.

A cabinet outfitted with screen doors for a rustic look is built into the wall so it doesn’t take up any extra floor space. The Corbos measured the shelves to make room for Dana’s golf bags. Hooks get ladders and a broom off the floor. Want flexible storage fast? Dana Corbo recommends installing a wall-mounted rail system. “That’s the first thing I would do if I were starting with a new garage,” he says. “You can hang the rack as high or as low on the wall as you want.” The rails (which include hooks for specific tools) can be installed with a drill, screws, and anchors.

An antique table got a new set of casters so it can be moved wherever it’s needed. “It’s also a convenient place to dump things when you get out of the car,” Dana says. Light is gained from windows, ceiling cans, and pendants. Don’t forget about the storage potential near the ceiling. The Corbos added a shelf high on the wall for a dozen black plastic totes that store off-season clothing, camping gear, memorabilia, holiday decorations, and “anything we get down once a year,” Dana says. For maximum benefit, they added extra framing support to make sure the shelf would support heavy items.

Deep drawers tucked into alcoves under windows are big enough for all the sports equipment the Corbo kids can throw in them. Individual baskets in the drawers keep items sorted and organized by sport. There’s no excuse for a cluttered backyard with these organizational tools in use.

A multipurpose cabinet stacks items from the stained concrete floor nearly to the ceiling. Metal bins (some vintage scores, some new purchases) store items such as lightbulbs, paint cans, rags, wood stain, gardening gloves, and seed packets. The two largest shelf items are stored on the bottom to avoid heavy lifting.

Two sets of drawers fit snugly under the windows along the back of the garage, leaving plenty of room for cars. A spacious surface on top of the drawers is a useful space to work on projects or store supplies. Industrial-style stools offer a resting place next to the table.

An industrial rotating bin the Corbos found at the Round Top Antiques Fair in Texas holds nails and other small items that can easily get lost. It sits atop a cabinet with numbered drawers, where Dana stashes such things as batteries, hook-and-loop tape, and glue. A framed print makes this work space feel less like a garage and more like home.

The work space boasts a utility sink and faucets (formerly a weathered zinc bucket and outdoor spigots). “Paint and all that stuff is very messy,” Dana says, “and we just deal with it in the garage rather than in the house.” The workbench features tilt-out bins sized just right for a table saw, clamps, and other bulky tools. Repurposed vintage finds serve as clever containers for tools and supplies. 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.

Spare Room becomes a Crafting Retreat by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Are you looking for a creative way to carve out some space for the perfect crafting retreat in your home? The “crafty” solution might be a lot easier than you think! It could just be a matter of exploring the spare spaces available throughout your home.

Closet Creative

If you can spare a closet or consolidate two closets into one to free up space, you can create the perfect crafting retreat by adding shelving, a countertop, and a pegboard on the back wall for craft storage. As a bonus, you can shut the closet door to hide away any unfinished crafting projects! Image via: Beneath my Heart

Make the Most of Your Guest Room

If you have a guest room that only sees visitors a few times a year, consider taking over a wall in the room to create your dedicated crafting area. Floor-to-ceiling shelving provides additional storage, and a small desk can give you a nice crafting work surface. A guest room closet can house your crafting supplies, sewing machine, and other products you’ll want to have on hand.

Creative Cabinets or Shelving

If you can’t repurpose a closet or part of an office for your craft space, consider taking over a cabinet or a shelving unit in another area of your home, such as a family room, basement, or bedroom. Large glass cookie jars and other canisters are a great (and pretty!) way to store craft supplies on open shelving. Clear plastic storage bins are perfect for storing craft supplies in closed cabinets. Image via: The Creativity Exchange

Combined Office and Craft Space

Full shot of craft room with violet and lime striped chairs and checkerboard flooring

Converting an existing office space in your home into a dual-purpose craft area is easy to do by adding pegboard storage to a wall to hold craft supplies. If you can, divide available cabinet and file storage spaces to house both office and craft supplies.

Armoire or Wardrobe

Another option for creating a dedicated crafting retreat is to convert a large armoire or wardrobe with cork board or magnetic board. Many types of armoires and wardrobes have built-in electrical outlets that can be utilized for a sewing machine, glue gun, and other craft tools that require a plug-in. Inside shelving can be customized to fit your crafting needs. 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.

What Making Your Bed Says about you by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

There are major differences between those who make their beds every morning and those who don’t. To make or not to make? That is the question—and the answer actually reveals a lot about your personality. A survey commissioned by the sleep site Sleepopolis surveyed 2,000 Americans about whether they made their bed in the morning, and we were a little surprised by the findings. According to the results, there are quite a few contrasts between the type of people who make their bed every morning and those who don’t. The individuals who make their beds every morning tend to be morning people who wake up without an alarm, and those who don’t make their beds are night owls who snooze their alarms. The former group reportedly rise 16 minutes earlier, and the latter actually report a lower quality of sleep. However, the average amount of sleep recorded, which was six and a half hours, was actually the same for both groups—and less than the seven or more hours recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society. The results also reveal that those who make their bed usually work in health and technology fields, and are described as adventurous, confident, sociable, and high maintenance. Those who don’t work in business or finance, and are deemed shy, moody, curious, and sarcastic. The bed makers listen to jazz music, and prefer to watch House Hunters and romantic movies. The non-bed-makers enjoy rock music, and tend to tune into Seinfeld and comedies. Related: Secrets to Make Your Bed Feel Like a 5-Star Hotel There’s also a difference in regards to what actually goes on between the sheets. The average nap for a bed maker lasts for 43 minutes, and siesta for those who don’t make the bed is 50 minutes. The first group has sex three times a week, and the second has sex two times per week. Nearly half of those who make the bed—42%—revealed it would be a turn off if a potential partner left the sheets untucked.

It gets even better for those who prefer a tidy sleeping space. The National Sleep Foundation published a bedroom poll that found 19% of people who make their bed were more likely to get a good night’s sleep. “It’s not clear why this is, but perhaps there is a connection between feeling good about where you sleep and your tendency to sleep through the night,” the site notes. No matter which side you’re on—as long as it’s not the wrong side of the bed—either one is fine as long as it works for you. 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.

The Well Designed Door by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

A well-designed door is a simple way to add style to your home. We’ll walk you through all of the options for both interior and exterior doors. At their core, doors serve one vital functional—but that doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish. After all, the right door can make or break a space. We’ve broken down styles and types of doors into two categories: interior and exterior. Our tips will help you pick the perfect door for every threshold in your home; whether it’s a hidden door to the basement or your home’s main entrance. The hinged single door is the most common interior door type. The room design must allow space for hinged doors to swing. Interior doors typically are lightweight and have two hinges; exterior doors are heavy and often use three hinges. Interior doors are usually 1-3/8 inches thick, and exterior doors are commonly 1-3/4 inches thick. A panel door is a classic style. It usually has three or four horizontal rails and three vertical stiles. The spaces between them are filled with thinner panels. Decorative molding (or some representation of it) called “sticking” surrounds each panel. The result is a richly textured look that is at home in both traditional and modern settings.

A flush door is a simple flat slab. It is usually the least expensive choice. If the surface is a hardwood veneer (usually birch or oak), a flush door can be stained, but other materials usually look best painted. Flush doors blend well with contemporary settings, but may look out of place in a traditional home. Interior flush doors are often hollow core, while exterior flush doors have a solid core and may have a metal or fiberglass face rather than wood veneer. A pair of French doors adds a charming touch as well as an extra-wide doorway opening. These doors are almost always traditional in design. Often they have glass panels. They are most commonly used as exterior patio doors, but interior French doors can make a stunning passageway between rooms. Many older homes have interior pocket doors, which slide into the wall when fully opened. They allow you to completely open the doorway without taking up any floor space. Pocket doors are making a comeback; many styles are available, single and double. A pocket door requires wall space that cannot have electrical or plumbing lines running through it.

For a closet that is 6 feet wide or wider, a pair of bifold doors is the most popular choice. Each door takes up about half the swinging space of a hinged door. Bifolds can be flush, paneled, or louvered. Somewhat less common are bypass doors. These operate much like sliding patio doors but are far lighter in weight. They are generally flush doors. 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.

Cleaning Ceilings and Mouldings by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Ceilings rarely need to be scrubbed unless your home suffers smoke, soot, or water damage. So your cleaning routine means occasionally wiping the ceiling with a broom covered with a soft, lint-free cloth or T-shirt. Or try vacuuming the ceiling with a soft brush attachment.

If your ceiling does need to be washed (kitchen spatters, for example), use an all-purpose cleaner and scrub one small section at a time. You can also use a homemade cleaning solution made by diluting 2 tablespoons of white vinegar or ammonia in a quart of water. After you’ve washed the ceiling, rinse with clear water and a clean sponge or rag. If the stains remain, apply a stain-resistant sealer — such as Kilz — and repaint. The grooves and raised surfaces in a ceiling’s decorative molding work far too well for trapping dust, grease, and soot. When needed, clean dusty trim with a vacuum brush attachment, a feather duster, or a soft paintbrush.

Clean dirty molding with an all-purpose cleaner, but test first in an inconspicuous spot. Mix a solution of 1 cup ammonia, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1-gallon warm water. Pour part of the solution into a spray bottle to spray and wipe small sections of the molding at a time. Rinse with plain water and wipe the molding dry with a soft, clean cloth. For picture molding that has spaces for picture hooks (located below the crown molding), use a new soft paintbrush or cotton swabs to remove the dust. If the space is grimy, clean with a cotton swab dipped in the cleaning solution used for the molding. Follow with a swab dipped in plain water and finish with dry swabs. Vacuum ceiling tiles regularly with the brush attachment to remove dust. Because of texture and color variations, spots and dirt aren’t normally major problems. Streaks and spots from water damage do show and are difficult to remove. Replace the tile if possible. Or seal it with a stain-resistant sealer — such as Kilz — and paint the tile.

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.

Tips on Maintaining your Concrete Driveway by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Clean and reapply sealer as needed. Cleaning your concrete driveway on occasion and keeping it sealed are the best measures you can take to keep it looking its best. How often you clean and reseal will depend on the weather conditions the concrete is exposed to and the amount of vehicle traffic it receives. Generally, you should reseal a concrete driveway every two years or so, or when the finish begins to show wear. Good commercial sealers are available from concrete material suppliers and hardware stores. Or ask your contractor for recommendations. Always apply the sealer according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. For more information, read our guide to cleaning and sealing exterior decorative concrete. Remove stains immediately. While a sealer will help to protect concrete from stain absorption, it’s still a good idea to remove oil, gasoline, grease and other spills as soon as possible. If the concrete does discolor, pressure washing and certain cleaning chemicals will remove most stains Avoid using chemicals. Using chemicals on your concrete driveway in the winter can cause surface damage—primarily scaling and spalling—by forcing the thawing and refreezing of moisture. Products containing ammonium nitrates and ammonium sulfates are especially harmful because they will actually attack the concrete chemically. Rock salt (sodium chloride) or calcium chloride will do less damage, but they can harm vegetation and corrode metal. Avoid the use of any deicers the first winter after driveway placement, since new concrete is more susceptible to the harmful effects of salt. As an alternative, use sand for traction. Treat it with care. Although concrete is one of the most durable paving materials for driveway construction, the typical residential driveway isn’t engineered to support heavy vehicles (like a huge moving van) and large construction equipment. Also, use care when plowing or shoveling your driveway. Avoid the use of metal blades that might scrape or scratch the surface.

« Previous Page