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Pros and Cons of Ceiling Fans by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

In older homes, it is quite common to see ceiling fans. In some ways, this is a remnant of an era before widespread air conditioning made a lot of people turn away from ceiling fans. A lot of people consider ceiling fans to be useless, especially if they have air conditioning installed in their home. “Why do I need a ceiling fan if an air conditioner can do a better job of making my house cool?” This is a question that a lot of people ask when it comes to ceiling fans. However, we firmly believe that there are still some advantages to ceiling fans, even in the age of widespread air conditioner use. In this post, we are going to examine the pros and cons of ceiling fans; we will also explain why we think it is still worth it to get a ceiling fan installed.

Pros

They can save you money on your monthly bill

We all want to save money on our monthly bills. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to shave off a meaningful amount; especially if you run an air conditioner 24/7. One of the nice things about having a ceiling fan installed is that it can actually noticeably save you money on your monthly energy bill. There are a couple of reasons for this. First off, ceiling fans allow you to use your air conditioner far less. On some of the milder summer days, you will not need to use your air conditioner at all if you have a ceiling fan installed. Ceiling fans, especially modern ones, are extremely energy efficient. They provide effective cooling, all while using about the same amount of power as a high-wattage light bulb. This will result in significant savings on your monthly energy bill.

They can help keep a room cool

Ceiling fans are a great way of keeping a room at a consistently cool temperature. People underestimate the ability of ceiling fans to keep a room cool. They assume that air conditioners are the only way to keep a room cool and that air conditioners are the only way of getting through those scorching summer months. While it is true that ceiling fans are not as effective as air conditioners, they are still quite capable of keeping a room nice and cool, even during the hottest summer months. Ceiling fans are also very consistent when it comes to temperature. If you leave a ceiling fan running, it will keep the room at a consistently cool temperature.

They can help make air conditioners even more effective

Air conditioners can occasionally struggle to properly cool a room. This is true for even higher end air conditioners. Well, a ceiling fan can help make that air conditioner even more effective. See, the ceiling fan will help spread the cool air that the air conditioner produces around a room. So, if there is a large room of your house and you notice that your air conditioner struggles to properly cool the entire room, then you may want to invest in a ceiling fan. A ceiling fan may seem like an expensive investment, but when you see how much more effective it makes your air conditioner, you will not regret it.

They are easy to clean

If you have ever tried to clean an air conditioning, then you know how difficult and time consuming it can be. You need to unscrew a bunch of panels and get really deep inside the air conditioning to clean out all the dirt and debris that gets inside the air conditioners. On the other hand, ceiling fans are extremely easy to clean. Just grab a duster and a chair and wipe the dust off the blades every once in a while.

They can also heat a room

Finally, one last big advantage of ceiling fans is that they can both heat and cool a room. During the winter months, the weather can get a bit cold, and you may want to heat some rooms in your home. Now, you could invest in an air conditioner to do that, but those are extremely expensive. Pretty every ceiling fan is capable of heating a room. See, hot air rises, so the upper part of a room is always the warmest. Ceiling fans usually work by sending air downwards, which creates a breeze, which then helps cool people in the room. However, almost every ceiling fan can be reversed, so that instead of sending air downwards, they pull air up. The air that gets pulled up displaces the hot air, which is then pushed down into the room, which heats up the room.

Cons

They can be noisy

One of the big drawbacks to having a ceiling fan is that it can be very noisy, though air conditioners can also be noisy. Air conditioners are usually kept outside, where they cannot be heard by most people inside the home. Ceiling fans are very noisy and some people may not be able to tolerate the sound. Because of the noise, you also cannot put ceiling fans into bedrooms, unless the people sleeping there really do not mind the sound.

They replace light fixtures

Most ceiling fans are designed to replace the light fixtures that are already in a room. Now, this would not be a huge issue except for the fact that the light provided by ceiling fans tends to not be that great. If you like having a really well-lit room, then a ceiling fan may not be for you.

Why they are still worth getting

So, as you can see from this post, there are still a lot of advantages to ceiling fans. They are still worth getting because they can help cool rooms, they can be used to heat rooms, they can make air conditioners more efficient, and they are able to save you money. These are all great reasons to take the leap and get a ceiling fan installed today. If you are in the Sydney area, you can give us a call to get a fan installed.

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.

All about Tile by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Tile is one of the world’s oldest building materials yet still ready for modern use. How do choose a tile floor? Take a look at this overview to get started. *** Choosing a tile floor for your home can be intimidating. The combinations of color, size, style, and texture are impressive, but once you find tiles you like, how do you know they’re going to fit your home décor style? Finding tile floors that will match your personal style and complement your home décor takes some thinking about location, color, size, shape, layout, surface pattern, and spacing. Find out how these elements combine to create a flooring surface that best complements your living space.

Location

Tile is durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean, making this material a good choice for your kitchen, bathroom, and entryway. However, not all tile suits every room in your house. Your first choice for tile should be one that is safe and practical for your floors. Use a textured tile for your shower floor instead of a smooth surface that gets slippery when wet. In your entryway, textured tile can be tough to clean, while smooth tile eases mopping duties.

Torino Flexible Italian Porcelain Tile – Rustic Sequoia Collection Sierra Earth

For high-traffic areas in your home, use durable porcelain tiles that resist scratching and chipping. Keep ceramic tile flooring indoors only, as ceramic tiles are more porous than porcelain and won’t last as long against the weather. After you’ve chosen the best type of tile for your floor, think about the color you want to convey.

Color

Color influences the overall attitude of your room, which makes choosing the color of your tiles important. Dark tiles add warmth, but make sure you have an open area and light to keep the tile color from overwhelming the palette of your living area. Consider chocolate brown, navy, or burnt-colored floor tiles in a large kitchen space. To make a room look larger, choose lighter hues. Cream and pastel flooring tiles will make your narrow walkway or guest bathroom seem larger.

Classic lines and classic patterns in bathrooms (Kaska Wall Tile – Rockefeller Series Glossy White – Ceramic Wall Tile 12″x24″ from BuildDirect).

For areas with heavy traffic, consider variations of shades; a slight contrast on your floor tiles can help mask dirt. Mixed browns and tans, flecked tiles, or shades of gray and white are all options for busy areas of your home. If you’re looking for color inspiration, turn to the color wheel. Add energy to a room by selecting tile in a color on the opposite side of the color wheel as your existing décor. To keep a room feeling tranquil, use the color wheel to pick a shade adjacent to the color of your walls. However, your floor tiles don’t have to be one solid color. Selecting an attractive surface pattern is the next step toward your ideal tile floor.

Pattern

With today’s technology, flooring tiles are available in many affordable patterns to complement your home’s interior design. For a subtle look, use stone-patterned tiles, which can match many décor types. Be sure, however, that your stone pattern has a style that won’t clash with your home’s personality. Marbled stone surfaces add an austere look, so keep your home’s proportions in mind if you opt for this surface.

raw silk series of ceramic tile bathroom flooring

Tile has evolved! This is an example of uniquely textured tile that resembled the look of fabric. (Salerno Porcelain Tile – Raw Silk Series “White” from BuildDirect”)

Surface patterns are fun, but they can get too busy. Don’t use patterned tile flooring where you already have a strong pattern on your walls. This double patterning will make a room look busy, and neither design will stand out properly. Whether you choose a subtle or a bold pattern for your tile, also think about the size of your tiles in relation to your space.

Wood look tile is a low-maintenance, highly stylish surface for a variety of spaces beyond the kitchen and bathroom. (Salerno Ceramic Tile – American Wood Series “Copper oak” from BuildDirect.)

Size

The pattern on your floor tiles influences not only the look of a room, but also its size. With tile flooring, size matters. Large tiles make small areas seem more expansive, making them a safe bet for most rooms. Small tiles can make a room feel more intimate, but these tile sizes should be used with caution. Small tiles have more grout lines, which can add a complex look to your room’s design. Large tiles also take less time and effort to install than smaller tiles, a point worth considering if you intend to hire a professional to tile your floor or whether you choose to do the job yourself.

Layout

10096631-trenchcoat-champagne-matte-12x24-room_1000

Like surface patterns, tiling layouts can be simple or complex depending on the type of look you want for your room. Consider your existing décor and decide if you want your floor to be the feature that stands out in your room. To make a small room feel spacious and neat, use an uncomplicated tile layout such as diamond, brick, or a straight layout. These layouts work for a room that already has a complicated pattern, design, or color, since they won’t distract from your existing décor. Simple layouts are also the easiest to work with if you’re doing the work yourself. To draw attention to your floors, choose a bold layout like checkerboard, herringbone, or Versailles. While complicated layouts can add interest to small areas, they can become busy in large rooms. Finally, think about the space between the tiles, a consideration that is as important as the tiles themselves.

Spacing

Once you’ve chosen the type, color, pattern, size, and layout of your floor tiles, it’s time to install them. Think about how the spacing of your tiles can influence your floor’s appearance. The farther you space your tiles, the thicker the grout line will be between the tiles. To camouflage your grout lines, use a grout that matches your tiles to give your floor a clean, cohesive look. To draw attention to your floors using tiles, use a colored grout to make individual tiles stand out. Grout comes in a range of colors, allowing you to choose whether to dramatically contrast or peacefully complement your tiles. Unlike products from the past, today’s grout repels moisture, but it can still be difficult to clean. Use a stain-proof grout if you can and use a grout colorant to revitalize areas that fade over time.

Let your vision be your guide

Choosing the right tile flooring might seem complicated, with the combinations of texture, color, pattern, size, layout, and spacing to consider. By going through your choices step by step and thinking carefully about the look you want for your home, you can select the right tile for your floors. Functional and beautiful, there’s a place for tile flooring in your home that suits your personal style.

Renting Art by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

We get it—buying art can be intimidating. Who’s to say what you’ll love in a year or whether you’ll want to showcase a framed seaside landscape in the dead of winter. A simple solution? Renting! RentSugar is a first-of-its-kind service that lets customers rent art before committing. There is even a way to upload a photo of your wall from your phone or desktop to see how your art will look in real life. Here’s how it works: Customers use the convenient online format to scroll through curated prints until they settle on one they love. Then, you’re just a few clicks away from the art arriving at your doorstep. Once your art arrives, fully framed and ready to be displayed, you can keep it for up to 90 days. Try it out on different walls or incorporate it with your favorite pieces. When the trial period is up, you can choose to send it back with a provided prepaid return label or buy it to keep forever. The prices are set per size rather than print, so you don’t pay more for RentSugar’s best-selling prints. After you pay the initial rental fee, you can choose to buy the art at a discounted price. Here are the costs per size of artwork:

14 x 14-inch: $50 to rent, $110 to buy
14 x 16-inch: $50 to rent, $120 to buy
18 x 18-inch: $70 to rent, $260 to buy
26 x 26-inch: $130 to rent, $380 to buy
22 x 26-inch: $120 to rent, $340 to buy
26 x 36-inch: $160 to rent, $499 to buy

RentSugar, a byproduct of art retailer ArtSugar, is charitable, too. Enjoy your new gallery wall knowing that a portion of proceeds from your purchase is donated to charities such as St. Jude Research Foundation and Dress for Success. Here’s how it works: Customers use the convenient online format to scroll through curated prints until they settle on one they love. Then you’re just a few clicks away from the art arriving at your doorstep. Once your art arrives, fully framed and ready to be displayed, you can keep it for up to 90 days. Try it out on different walls or incorporate it with your favorite pieces. When the trial period is up, you can choose to send it back with a provided prepaid return label or buy it to keep forever. The prices are set per size rather than print, so you don’t pay more for RentSugar’s best-selling prints. After you pay the initial rental fee, you can choose to buy the art at a discounted price. Here are the costs per size of artwork:

14 x 14-inch: $50 to rent, $110 to buy
14 x 16-inch: $50 to rent, $120 to buy
18 x 18-inch: $70 to rent, $260 to buy
26 x 26-inch: $130 to rent, $380 to buy
22 x 26-inch: $120 to rent, $340 to buy
26 x 36-inch: $160 to rent, $499 to buy

RentSugar, a byproduct of art retailer ArtSugar, is charitable, too. Enjoy your new gallery wall knowing that a portion of proceeds from your purchase is donated to charities such as St. Jude Research Foundation and Dress for Success. 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.

Decks and Footings by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Decks and overhead structures require posts, and posts require footings. To properly install footings, you need to consider soil, climate, slope, drainage, and more. Learn about these factors and more with our handy guide. Decks and overheads require load-bearing posts to support the framing, and each post must be set in a footing. Typically a footing is a hole dug into the ground, extending below the frost line and filled with concrete. Different building codes, climates, and soil conditions may allow for alternative footings—for example, piers set in concrete or tamped earth. Ultimately the type and dimensions of the footing you’ll need will depend on the height of the deck, the types of materials you plan to use, how deep the ground freezes, and the load-bearing capacity of the soil. This section introduces you to different footing considerations you’ll need to make when building a deck, including soil type, climate, materials, and more.

Loading a Deck

Footings must support two kinds of loads inherent in any structure—dead loads and live loads. The dead load of a deck is the weight of all its permanent elements—posts, beams, framing, decking, planters, stairs, and railings—before transient items (snow, furniture, and people) are put on it. Most building codes will require the construction of a deck to support a dead load of 10 pounds per square foot and a live load of 40 pounds per square foot. This means that footings, along with the other support elements, must be constructed to support a total weight of 50 pounds per square foot. All of the elements work together—the ledger carries a portion of the weight, which it transfers to the foundation of the house; beams carry the intermediate loads; and footings support the loads that are transferred to the perimeter.

Soil Consistencies

Soil consistencies vary and thus their ability to support a load. Loose soils have minimum load-bearing capacity and may require more or larger footings than heavy clay or compacted soils. Local codes take local soil conditions into account, so it’s important to contact the building department before you start planning your deck. You may find that local codes specify different spacings or construction methods than the ones shown in standard span tables.

Climate Considerations

In cold climates, the freezing and thawing of the soil causes it to expand and contract—sometimes dramatically. If the posts are improperly set, any movement of the soil will be transferred to the posts and the deck structure above them, shifting or cracking portions of the deck and causing severe structural damage. Regions have a different maximum level (called the frost line) at which the ground freezes during the winter. Local codes specify the depth of this line and how far below it you must dig to set your footings. In warm climates you maybe able to get by with a minimum footing—a concrete pad about 6 to 12 inches deep and 1 to 2 feet square. Even in some winter climates, codes will allow you to set posts in a tamped-earth footing.

Slopes and Codes

Posts set in sloping terrain call for special attention. Not only do you have to meet specifications of local codes for depth and construction, but also most codes require at least 7 feet of soil from the bottom of the footing horizontally to the surface.

Drainage Tips

Most localities require 3 to 6 inches of gravel in the bottom of the footing hole to allow water to drain away from the bottom of the post. Even if it’s not required, it’s a good idea.

Footing Materials

Precast concrete piers are available at your home center and may be used with or without footings, depending on local codes. They may be used without hardware, as shown here, to simplify construction of ground-level decks. When using a precast pier to support a post, install a post anchor in the center or purchase piers with the hardware already mounted. Home centers and material retailers carry prefab tubes that form the concrete in a footing. The tubes are made from a composite material that is strong but allows easy cutting to the proper depth. You can fill about three footings with four 90-pound bags of premix concrete. For larger projects mix your own with a power mixer or call in the ready-mix truck. Carry the concrete to the holes in a wheelbarrow. Before you dig footing holes, see if your home center has plastic forms that attach to the tube. They add strength and stability to the footing but require a wider hole than you would normally dig. 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 Your Favorite Paint Color Says About Your Personality by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Have you ever walked into a vibrant room and immediately felt your mood change? Or maybe you associate shades of white with cleanliness. There’s a psychological reason for that, and most—if not all—interior decorators are trained to know how a paint color can speak to your personality. Designer Paris Forino says he often “plays therapist” to his clients when helping them decide on colors. “I find that with more restrained and conservative clients we work with more whites and neutrals—colors that are less daring,” says Paris. “For several of our fashionable clients, we often embrace colors of the moment that are more fashion-forward, such as blush pink.” So what does your home say about your personality? Our color guide will help you choose a wall color that best speaks to your traits.

Warm Colors

If you are surrounded by shades of red, pink, yellow, or orange, you might be participating in the hygge trend without even knowing it. The Scandinavian aesthetic is all about getting cozy and making sure others feel welcome to do the same. “Warm colors indicate that you are an inviting host,” says painting expert Victor Tirondola, owner of Manor Works Painting. “Your space evokes a friendly, cozy feel.” Incorporate warm paint colors in your home’s gathering spaces, like a living room or den, or use shades of yellow, orange, and red to ground a large room.

blue living room, blue paint, coffee table

Cool Colors

Blues, purples, and greens promote peacefulness and relaxation. Several 2019 colors of the year were shades of blue or green and both have been touted as approachable introductions to color. One study even named navy blue as the world’s most relaxing color. If you’re drawn to blues, greens, and purples, you likely value harmony in your home as well as time for meditation and reflection. However, jewel tones can indicate a more moody aesthetic. Consider using cool colors in your bedroom or another place you go to unwind after a long day.

Neutral Colors

Many paint experts agree that homeowners with neutral paint colors tend to play it safe. They are likely practical and make decisions they know they’ll be happy with for many years to come. This, of course, doesn’t mean they’re boring, however. “They can be open and cheery, but also quiet and reserved around new people,” says Kayla Hein, creative director at Modern Castle. “They like to play it safe with wall paint and instead choose smaller decor items to bring accents to the spaces.”

White

While white falls under the neutral category, those who specifically choose white paint for their walls tend to be extra tidy. They might take comfort in the clean white walls of a doctor’s office instead of feeling intimidated. “Your roommate or spouse might categorize you as a neat-freak, but, for you, organization is key to success,” says Caroline Harmon, Lowe’s senior trend and style analyst. Consider painting your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, or another utilitarian space white and adding color through accessories and furnishings.

living room furniture with pink front doors

Pops of Color

If you don’t stick to a single color, you just might be the life of the party. “If you like to incorporate brilliant and bold pops of color in your interior paint colors, you are adventurous, energetic, and fun!” says Tirondola. “You love bringing color into your space, creating points of interest and inspiration with bright bursts.” Surprise guests with a bright pink door or yellow kitchen cabinets for unexpected color.

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.

This Four-in-One Power Scrubber by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Along with flowers and sunshine, spring brings decluttering and deep cleaning. This year, give your arm a rest and let a power cleaner do the scrubbing. To help with spring cleaning, Dremel created the Versa power cleaner, a cordless scrub brush with multiple heads suited for a variety of surfaces. Power scrubbers work like the polishing tools you see at the dentist—when you turn one on, the scrubbing head spins fast for a high-powered clean that requires little work from you. This tool makes cleaning even easier thanks to its small scale (it fits in your hand like a softball) and a straightforward on-off button. Detachable cleaning accessories effortlessly secure to the tool with a hook-and-loop system, so you can quickly clean different surfaces as you work around a room.

Image courtesy of Amazon.

Four cleaning accessories come in the kit: The eraser pad will wipe away shoe scuffs and stovetop stains, while the non-scratch pad can buff your beloved copper pots. Use the heavy-duty pad for grill grates or outdoor furniture with rust, and there’s a bristle brush for high-power cleaning needs, like dirty grout or stuck-on grease. The Dremel Versa can be used with your choice of cleaning solution, not included in the kit. With all four attachments, you can clean your entire oven, including the racks, interior walls (avoiding the coils), oven door, and stovetop. We tried it out and can attest—the bristle brush attachment removed crayon marks without any solvent like magic. We also love the bonus splash guard, which, when used with a cleaning solution or on a wet surface, prevents soap and water from splashing back at you. It’s also cordless, can be used indoors and out, and is waterproof. The Dremel Versa is available at The Home Depot and on Amazon for $49.97. A micro-USB adapter is included in the kit and fully charges the tool in just two hours. We can’t wait to use this on all the places we neglect to clean the most! 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.

Thinking about a new color for your bedroom by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

The key to a relaxing, get-away-from-it-all bedroom might be more than a big cozy bed. According to a recent study, the secret to a calming room is actually navy blue—and there’s science to prove it. The University of Sussex and British papermaker G.F. Smith conducted research that concluded navy blue is the most relaxing color. The findings were part of a larger study called The World’s Favourite Colour Project in which several thousand people across the globe were asked to pick their favorite color. (The winning color was a saturated teal hue, later dubbed Marrs Green.) They were also asked to list how colors made them feel, and specify which emotion they associate with different hues. “The more saturated the color is, the more it is associated with excitement and stimulation,” said Anna Franklin in a post on the study’s blog. “A very large number of studies have found that red is also associated with excitement and stimulation (a lesser number find no association).” But when it comes to calmness or relaxation, blue and green immediately come to mind. After analyzing the associations, the researchers confirmed that “relax” was most commonly used to describe navy blue. “Nature-based colors, particularly those that are representative of water, have long been sought out as colors that tie to tranquility and relaxation,” says Stephanie Pierce, director of design and trends at MasterBrand Cabinets. “The history of navy in interiors has evolved from lapis to ultramarine and Prussian blue in bath or bedroom settings to create a soothing spa-like feel.” We can’t say we’re surprised. This last month, Better Homes & Gardens recently conducted a trends study of their own. Out of 32 home trends, including metallic wallpaper, acrylic tables, and faux plants, the color cobalt blue was voted the ultimate winner by our readers. Cobalt blue is slightly lighter than navy, but still evokes the tranquility you want in personal spaces like your bedroom, office, or family room. “A bedroom serves as the bookends of our days, so use a deep shade of blue like In The Navy SW 9178 on the walls, layering in nature-inspired blues and greens, to create a restful hideaway,” says Sue Wadden, Sherwin-Williams color expert. Navy blue also works well for gathering places like the kitchen or your go-to movie night spot. When painting your walls isn’t in the cards, consider small navy embellishments like fluffy throw pillows or luxe velvet curtains. Of course, you don’t have to redecorate according to science. If blue energizes you and orange makes you calm, for example, incorporate them into your color scheme accordingly. Ultimately, you should decorate with colors that best suit your personality.

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.

Spring Cleaning does Make You & Your Home Happier by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Deep cleaning might be trendy now—thanks, Marie Kondo!—but spring cleaning has been around for generations. In recent years, however, scientists have tried to pinpoint the effect of cleaning on our mood. And it turns out, even the most daunting cleaning tasks can make us happier in the long run.

cleaning tile floor with blue cleaning brush

Big cleaning companies like Mr. Clean and Clorox recently commissioned studies to learn more about the emotions connected with cleaning. A Mr. Clean study measured physiological responses like heart rate to cleaning. Researchers concluded that cleaning sparks a level of excitement and enthusiasm, almost like a mini adrenaline rush. All 62 participants agreed that cleaning gave them peace of mind, while 81 percent of participants agreed they felt accomplished and in control after a deep clean. Meanwhile, a Clorox study from last year found that a mere extra hour of cleaning per week can increase reported levels of happiness by 53 percent—a huge number. The study also found that maintaining a clean space is associated with all kinds of benefits: better sleep, increased productivity, and even better focus. It’s well reported that a cluttered home can inhibit productivity. A 2011 Princeton study, for example, found that visual clutter, like a messy home, can interfere with your ability to concentrate on productive tasks. Keeping an orderly house is even associated with healthy eating choices and generosity. Spring cleaning—whether it’s one big day of decluttering or a few extra minutes of cleaning time to your daily schedule—looks to be good not just for your house, but also for your mental well-being. 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.

Have unwanted guests in your yard? Yes its getting to be snake season in Scottsdale by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Many people move to Arizona for our near-constant sunshine, and mild winters. These also make for perfect conditions for reptiles, which to the dismay of many homeowners, live in great numbers throughout the state. Where our neighborhoods meet the desert, an encounter with a snake every so often is just part of life. The valley is home to 6 unique species of rattlesnake, all of which pack a harmful, venomous bite. A bite, which if logic prevails, is almost always optional. Rattlesnakes are on the menu for many desert predators. They’re nervous, shy, and like most animals, will try to prevent their own death when it is threatened. Rattlesnakes do not chase, jump at, or come after perceived predators, regardless of the numerous, fictional tales we as Arizonans are sure to hear. The fact is; rattlesnakes encounters are almost always harmless if in nature, and optional in our yards. So what is the home owner to do, when a venomous visitor suddenly drops by one morning, coiled on the porch and going nowhere? The first thing to consider: nobody is in danger. The snake has been seen, and the only way anyone will be within range of a bite is if they put themselves there. Statistically, this is what many shovel-wielding husbands will do, becoming the single largest bite statistic, by far. A bite to the hand of a home hero can cost well over $100,000, cause incredible pain, and result in disfigurement and occasional death. Contacting a professional to remove the animal costs around $100, and is absolutely safe and humane. Taking one step back – why is the snake there? Isn’t there some way to keep them from being there in the first place? Fortunately there is. Here are a few tips to keep your yard as rattlesnake-free as possible:

The desert is a hard place to live; make sure your yard isn’t an oasis. Rattlesnakes want food, water, and shelter. Deny those, and the yard is nothing interesting. Fix leaky hoses, keep the yard clean, and make sure all of the bushes are trimmed and free of dead plant material underneath.
If you have a view fence or wall surrounding the property, complete the barricade. Door sweeps and wire fencing can be installed to keep animals out. It’s a relatively inexpensive Saturday project for the handy, or contact a snake removal company to install it for you.
Forget the store-bought snake repellents and mothballs; they simply do not work. Many pest control companies will swear they do, but all research points to repellants being a smelly waste-of-money.

Dogs can be trained to avoid rattlesnakes by a number of businesses around the valley, and an inexpensive vaccine can be requested by most veterinarians. Keep dogs on a leash in desert areas, and have emergency information on-hand if you live near open, native desert. Despite the very high number of snakes that are found here, bites still make the front page when they occur. It is a relatively rare event with an extremely low fatality rate, which somehow still occupies a place in our culture as a major threat to be feared by every desert home owner. As citizens in this amazing Sonoran habitat, it is the responsibility of all of us to be peaceful, well-informed co-inhabitants with the desert wildlife. Rattlesnakes may be the thing of nightmares to many, but that is an optional fear that, like most fears, fades to nothing with a willingness to learn and a touch of understanding. In the valley, the most common places to run into a rattlesnake in your own yard are Cave Cree, Scottsdale, and other areas where there is a lot of development and contact with native areas.

Most Commonly Encountered Snakes in the Phoenix Area

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

VENOMOUS – Grey to tan in color, between 1’ and 4’ long. Easily identified by the distinct white and black banded tail, and rattle. Defensive in nature but easily avoided if encountered. Do not attempt to capture, kill, or otherwise interact with this snake.

Sonoran Gophersnake

BENEFICIAL – Also commonly misidentified as a “bullsnake”. Tan, yellow, or orange in color, with dark brown blotches, between 1.5’ and 5’in length. Defensive if attacked, but non-venomous and will not bite unless attacked. A gophersnake is great free pest control.

Desert Nightsnake

BENEFICIAL – Grey or dark brown with double rows of spots on the back, between 8” and 14” in length. Often confused with a baby rattlesnake due to elliptical eyes and triangular head. Absolutely harmless, this snake feeds on spiders and scorpions in the yard.

Speckled Rattlesnake

VENOMOUS – Highly variable, this snake takes the coloration of rock where it is found; orange, brown, white, or light grey. It is small, between 1’ and 3’ in length. If seen, do not approach this snake for any reason.

Longnosed Snake

BENEFICIAL – Often confused with the kingsnake, this snake is between 8” and 3’ long. It eats lizards and their eggs. They are absolutely harmless, and can reduce rattlesnake-attracting prey in a yard.

Kingsnake

BENEFICIAL – Black and white banding from head to tail, and between 1’ and 4’ in length. Kingsnakes consider rattlesnakes a primary food source, and are great to have on a property. They may bite if picked up, but are otherwise completely harmless.

Coachwhip

BENEFICIAL – Fast, slender, and between 1’ and 5’ in length. May be black, olive, or red in color. This snake eats rattlesnakes and other prey items and should be kept as-is if seen. They will bite if picked up, but move away quickly if seen and are difficult to capture.

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. Thank you Rattlesnake Solutions Phoenix: 480-237-9975 for this helpful information!

When to Start Planting what in Scottsdale by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

On average, the frost-free growing season starts Feb 1 and ends Dec 1, totalling 304 days for an amazing growing season for Scottsdale!

Cold crops like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage can be direct seeded into your garden around December 21, assuming the ground can be worked, but it’s better to start them indoors around November 23 and then transplant them into the garden around January 12. Do the same with lettuce and spinach.Plant onion starts and potatoes around December 3. Sow the seeds of peas (sugar snap and english) at the same time. If the ground is still frozen, then plant these as soon as the ground thaws. Do you want to grow tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants? Start these indoors around November 23. Then, around January 28 you should start watching the weather forecast and, as soon as no frost is forecast, go ahead and transplant those into the ground. Now, for all the summer vegetables like beans, cowpeas, corn, squashes, pumpkins, cucumbers, watermelons, gourds and sunflowers, you should plant those seeds directly into the ground around February 1, or if your soil is still very cold, once the soil is near 60° F in temperature.

Okay, now here are the cold, hard numbers, along with specific plants:

Crop	Sow seeds indoors	Transplant seedlings into the garden	Direct sow seeds
Asparagus	n/a	Dec 18 – Jan 2	n/a
Beans	n/a	n/a	Feb 1 – Feb 29
Beets	n/a	n/a	Dec 7 – Dec 21
Broccoli	Nov 23 – Dec 7	Jan 4 – Jan 18	n/a
Brussel Sprouts	Nov 23 – Dec 7	Jan 4 – Jan 18	n/a
Cabbage	Nov 23 – Dec 7	Jan 4 – Jan 18	n/a
Cantaloupe	n/a	n/a	Jan 18 – Feb 1
Carrots	n/a	n/a	Dec 21 – Jan 18
Cauliflower	Nov 23 – Dec 7	Jan 4 – Jan 18	n/a
Chard	n/a	n/a	Dec 21 – Jan 4
Collards	Nov 23 – Dec 7	Jan 4 – Jan 18	n/a
Corn	n/a	n/a	Feb 1 – Feb 15
Cucumbers	n/a	n/a	Feb 1 – Feb 15
Eggplants	Nov 23 – Dec 7	Feb 1 – Feb 15	n/a
Gourds, Squash and Pumpkins	n/a	n/a	Feb 1 – Feb 15
Kale	Nov 23 – Dec 7	Jan 4 – Jan 18	n/a
Kohlrabi	Nov 23 – Dec 7	Jan 4 – Jan 18	n/a
Lettuce	Nov 23 – Dec 7	Dec 21 – Jan 18	Dec 21 – Jan 18
Mustard	Nov 23 – Dec 7	Jan 4 – Jan 18	n/a
Okra	n/a	n/a	Feb 1 – Feb 15
Onions	Nov 16 – Nov 23	Dec 3 – Jan 2	n/a
Peas (English)	n/a	n/a	Dec 3 – Jan 2
Peas (Southern)	n/a	n/a	Feb 1 – Feb 29
Peas (Sugar Snap)	n/a	n/a	Dec 3 – Jan 2
Peppers	Nov 23 – Dec 7	Feb 1 – Feb 15	n/a
Potatoes	n/a	n/a	Dec 3 – Jan 2
Radishes	n/a	n/a	Dec 18 – Feb 15
Spinach	Nov 23 – Dec 7	Jan 4 – Jan 18	Dec 18 – Jan 18
Sweet Potatoes	n/a	Feb 1 – Feb 22	n/a
Tomatoes	Nov 23 – Dec 7	Feb 1 – Feb 15	n/a
Watermelon	n/a	n/a	Feb 1 – Feb 15

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.

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