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5 Ways to Stage Your House Like a Pro By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team “Nobody cleans their bathroom like that, even on a good day.” You may have a thought like this while receiving advice from a professional stager — someone who whips homes into tip-top selling shape. But potential buyers will look upon those expanses of blank, clean counter space and picture themselves — along with their soap and lotion and comb — inhabiting it. Hopefully, they will muse, “I can see myself brushing my teeth here.”

Anything that interrupts their reverie, as they move from the foyer to the kitchen to the bathroom, is an obstacle to a potential sale. “You want [your home] to be as austere as possible,” said Meridith Baer, who stages for the stars and a host of other clients in California, Manhattan, the Hamptons, New Jersey and Florida. “The main thing is, you don’t want to distract the buyer,” Baer explained. “You want them to come in and fall in love — just kind of wander through the house and say, ‘Yeah, yeah, I can do this.’”

Her advice extends beyond sellers’ austerity, of course. Southern California is packed with Baer’s moving vans, delivering staging furniture and accessories to homes that are about to go on the market. The staging maven offers the following simple rules for all sellers, including those who do not want or need the full treatment.

No big projects

“The first mistake a lot of people make when they get ready to sell is, they decide to redo the kitchen or do some elaborate remodel,” Baer said. “When I bought my home [in 2000], the people I bought it from had just redone the kitchen, and the first thing I did was rip it out. I hear that story all the time.” Tastes vary so widely, you can’t anticipate what a buyer might want in terms of color, appliances, or even where the kitchen should be. “My recommendation is to not spend that money if you’re sure you’re going to sell” soon, Baer said. Some buyers might want a price reduction to cover the cost of a remodel — but they might not, and in any case, you will save yourself a lot of time and hassle.

Paint it neutral (or apricot)

“The best spending anyone can do is paint,” Baer noted. “It’s something I would do if I were going to sell my house.” Fresh paint makes a good impression in general, and neutral colors are best — whites, creams and palest apricot, which is “pale, but gives a bit of a glow.” While gray has made a comeback in home decor, it won’t match everyone’s furniture, Baer said.

The power of the throw

Another low-cost staging trick involves throws and throw pillows. “Even if it’s older furniture, as long as you simplify it and make it look seamless, it works well,” she said. Tie the furniture together with throws and throw pillows in matching colors and patterns, and you could save yourself the price of a new sofa. “I don’t think there’s any point in buying a new sofa unless you know where you’re heading and what kind of sofa you’re going to want,” said Baer.

Downplay your personality

Unless your personality is beige, remove it from the premises. Buyers are distracted by family pictures and unusual artwork that are clearly not their own. They also can lose their ability to dream about living in your home if the closets are bulging with clothes or your dirty laundry is visible. While you’re at it, put away jewelry and medication, too. They have been known to disappear during showings.

Pack early

Between clearing out junk and removing aesthetically distinct pieces, you probably will end up packing early for your move. Baer recommends boxing up everything and leaving it in the garage — or, better yet, in temporary storage. Some companies will deliver a container to your door and store it for safekeeping until you’ve moved. While you’re thinking about safety, consider putting a pad under rugs that slip. These days, it’s a better investment than baking cookies just before a showing. The cookie trick has been overdone to the point of seeming forced, Baer said. You could also install the slip pads, then celebrate your home’s future sale by baking cookies and eating them yourself. 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.

Why May Is the Magic Month for Home Sellers By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team When it comes time to sell a home, every seller wants the same outcome: to sell quickly, for as much money as possible. According to a new Zillow analysis, listing a home toward the end of spring significantly increases a seller’s chances of making this happen. In all but five of the country’s 25 biggest metro markets, the best month to put a home on the market is April or May. Homes listed in the first half of May sold nine days faster and for almost 1 percent more money than average listings. (You may have even better luck if you’re in one of the best U.S. markets for home sellers.) The low supply of homes on the market has pushed the ideal window later in the spring. Many shoppers who start searching for a home in early spring may need to look at several homes and make multiple offers, and may still be shopping a few months later. By May, some buyers will be anxious to avoid more disappointment or eager to get settled into a new home before the next school year — and will be more willing to pay a premium to close the deal. The May sales boost was particularly notable in Seattle and Portland where sellers who listed in the first half of the month stand to gain the biggest price boost — 2.5 percent in Seattle, 2 percent in Portland — over the area’s average. On the other end, typically warm weather regions like Miami, Tampa and Phoenix tend show very little variation in sales price or time on market based on listing months. Sellers in these markets will find themselves with more flexibility in choosing when to sell their home. To apply this analysis to their own home, sellers can use Zillow’s Best Time to List tool to estimate how much listing timing will influence the final sale price in their neighborhood. Registered Zillow users access the tool by clicking the “Sell Your Home” tab on the home details page of their home, and obtain valuable information to pair with the expertise of a local real estate agent when determining the best time to put their home on the market. 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.

5 Questions to Ask Potential Mortgage Lenders By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Buying a home is the largest purchase many consumers will ever make, and many will turn to a lender for financing. But finding a lender you click with can be a challenge, especially if you wait until the last minute. Li-Ning Huang, a research manager on Fannie Mae’s economic and strategic research team, says buyers should start talking to lenders early in the process — before you fall in love with a home — and compare several quotes. “Otherwise, you could end up choosing a lender based on convenience,” she says.

Avoid buyer’s remorse

Twenty-one percent of home buyers reported buyer’s remorse over their lender, according to a recent J.D. Power study. Among first-time home buyers, that rose to 27 percent. Dissatisfied respondents cited a lack of communication, unmet promises, and feeling pressured to select a specific mortgage product. “If you’re not getting a call back, or don’t understand what’s going on, look elsewhere,” advises Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List. Last year, about 9 percent of the real estate pros received C, D, or F grades from Angie’s List members. “People happy with their mortgage pros cited quick, friendly, clear responses and fair pricing,” says Hicks. “There are plenty of qualified, trustworthy lenders out there.”

Find the right lender

It’s important to find a lender or broker who communicates well with you, and in a manner you’re comfortable with. This applies whether you’re meeting face-to-face with a lender, or working online and over the phone. Does the lender explain things well? Are they willing to spend the time? Or do they seem rushed and irritated? To test the waters, Hicks suggests asking these five open-ended questions:

Is this the right time for me to buy? The lender’s answer will depend on your circumstances — such as your debt-to-income ratio, how much you plan to put down, and other factors. What’s important is that they explain your situation in a way you understand.
What personal debts — like credit cards — should I pay down before closing? And how soon do I need to do that to qualify for a good rate? Lenders should explain what they’re looking for in your credit history and how you might improve your credit score. According to credit reporting agency Experian, on a scale ranging from 300-850, a credit score of 700 or above is generally considered good. A score of 800 or above is considered excellent. If you aren’t sure what to expect, you can order your free credit report online.
Should I pay points to lower my interest rate? Your interest rate may be paired with mortgage discount points. One discount point typically amounts to 1 percent of the loan amount. So one point on a $250,000 mortgage would equal $2,500. A lender should explain the options. “The longer you plan on living in your home, the more sense it may make to pay points,” advises the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
How much will I need to pay at closing? Do I pay by check, wire transfer, or bank check? Make sure you really understand how the money will be transferred when the deal closes. There’s been an uptick in scammers swiping the buyer’s closing funds during electronic transfers, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
Who will service my loan? A servicer is the company that collects your mortgage payments and deals with late or missed payments. Some lenders service their own mortgages or outsource servicing. Others might sell the mortgage. While you have no say on who services your loan, this question gives lenders the opportunity to talk about the scope of their business and commitment to you.

Buying a home is an exciting time — finding a lender shouldn’t ruin the experience for you. Take it slow, ask the right questions, and you’re sure to find a great fit. 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.

Easy and Inexpensive Ways to Fix Up Your Home Like a Flipper By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team If you’re anything like me, you may find that it’s all too easy to get caught up in the rush of flipping houses. I’ll admit — buying an old house, fixing it up, and flipping it for a profit is pretty exciting. But if you get too distracted by flipping houses, it’s easy to let your own home fall by the wayside. While profitable remodeling projects can be more tempting to work on, you can still benefit from tackling projects in your own home. Remodeling your home will not only up its value, but also improve the way you feel about it. After all, who wouldn’t love to cook in a newly remodeled kitchen? Here are five easy, inexpensive projects that will really make a difference in how you feel about your home.

Add a new coat of paint

Whether you decide to paint your kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom (or all three!), a coat of paint can instantly transform the look and feel of a room. The best part about painting your own home is that you don’t have to stick to neutrals, because you aren’t trying to attract any buyers. If you’ve been dying to paint your kitchen red or your bathroom blue, then do it! This is your chance to paint your home the colors that make you happy.

Refresh your kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in a home, so it should be one of the first rooms you remodel. And unless you moved into a brand-new home where you were able to design your kitchen from scratch, chances are there are a few things you’ve been eager to change. If you’re lucky enough to have nice wood cabinets, don’t worry about replacing them. A splash of paint and some new hardware can work wonders and make your kitchen look brand new, without having to spend hundreds on new cabinets. The same goes for laminate or wood countertops. There are plenty of DIY kits you can buy to transform your countertops for a fraction of the cost. A new backsplash is also an inexpensive way to add some life to your kitchen — plus it’s a cinch to install.

Install new doorknobs, faucets, and light fixtures

While they are probably the easiest feature to overlook, new doorknobs and fixtures can make a huge difference in a room. Depending on the type of doorknobs you purchase, and considering that most homes have quite a few knobs, the price can add up pretty quickly. If you don’t have the time or money to replace all your doorknobs at once, work on replacing just a couple every month, starting with the most obvious ones. Faucets can get pretty expensive as well, especially if you want to replace them in both your kitchen and bathroom(s). If you want to save some money, I recommend searching online or heading to the clearance section of your local home improvement store. If you’re lucky, you can find great deals on some beautiful faucets. Replacing all your faucets at once might not be feasible, so don’t be afraid to take your time with this project. Before you know it, you’ll be able to enjoy the luxury of attractive faucets in all your rooms. As for light fixtures, you may already have fixtures that you like, but they just need a color update. Instead of buying new fixtures, grab a can of spray paint and go to town. It’s amazing what a difference a $3 can of spray paint can make!

Revive your bathroom

A coat of paint, wainscoting, and a fresh shower curtain and linens are all super easy ways to instantly transform your old and tired bathroom. If you’re feeling a bit more ambitious, you could even replace the flooring or change up the vanity. Getting ready in the mornings will be that much more enjoyable if you can do so in a beautiful bathroom.

Boost your curb appeal

While it’s always satisfying to remodel the interior of your home, you don’t want to forget about the exterior. Fortunately, there are a couple of simple changes you can make to really boost your home’s curb appeal. If you can’t afford to replace the front door, try painting it instead. A new porch light fixture, house numbers, and a mailbox can also make a huge difference for your home’s exterior. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to stop coming up with excuses. Go fix up those kitchen cabinets that you’ve hated since you moved in! 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.

Top Winter Insurance Claims (and How to Give Them the Cold Shoulder) By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Winter brings many pleasures unique to the season, including holiday get-togethers, warm flannel bedsheets, and football viewing parties. Unfortunately, winter also has its share of perils. Ask anyone who’s ever suffered through the flu or gotten their tongue stuck to a frozen metal pole. Many homeowners face a particular set of perils in wintertime — potential mishaps that could lead to property damage, insurance claims, and even lawsuits. Take a look at some of the most notorious winter home-insurance claims, then learn how to reduce your risk.

The most common (and costly) claims

As you might expect, weather plays a key role in many winter insurance claims. Frozen precipitation and frigid temperatures can attack a home inside and out. A 2014 analysis of claims data identified the five most prevalent weather-related claims:

Water leaks
Wind damage
Hail damage
Frozen pipes
Roof damage from ice and snow

The analysis also ranked the three most expensive winter weather claims based on average cost:

Frozen pipes: $18,000
Hail damage: $10,000
Tree collapse: $6,000

Across America, the total cost of this frozen fracas typically adds up to billions of dollars in insured losses — $3.5 billion in 2015 and $2.6 billion in 2014.

Prevent common perils

When it comes to things like wind damage and hail damage, homeowners often find themselves at the mercy of nature. But with due diligence and a little forethought, homeowners can improve their chances of avoiding some seasonal misfortunes.

Keep your roof in good repair. Clean your gutters regularly and replace worn shingles for increased protection against roof damage, which can lead to another common source of home insurance claims: water leaks. Without proper drainage, snow and melted ice have a tendency to seep down into ceilings and walls.
Take a load off. In cases of heavy accumulation on your roof, waiting for ice or snow to melt may not seem like the safest way to go. If you need to clear your roof quickly, use a long-handled snow rake or hire a professional snow removal service.
Protect your pipes. Frozen pipes can lead to expensive repair bills. To help keep the water flowing, set your thermostat at 68 degrees or above, and let faucets trickle overnight when temperatures dip below freezing. Water pipes on the outside of your home, including the garage, should be insulated.
Tend to your trees. High winds, ice, and sleet can send branches — or worse, entire trees — crashing down. Always trim limbs that overhang or touch your house. Regular checkups by an arborist can help identify trees that may need serious pruning or even removal.

Avoid slip-and-fall liability claims

Although they don’t make the list of most common winter home insurance hazards, slip-and-fall lawsuits can — and do — happen. In the winter, such incidents typically involve a guest losing their footing on a walkway slick with ice or snow. Homeowners have two factors working in their favor. First, liability coverage included in a standard homeowners policy may help protect you if someone suffers an injury on your property and files suit. Also, some legal experts say slip-and-fall lawsuits involving snow and ice are hard to win, especially in cold-weather states where juries may look at snow and ice as known hazards. On the other hand, why not be proactive? Keep the walkways to your home, along with the surrounding sidewalk, shoveled and salted. After all, the injury you prevent may be your own.

Stay prepared for what winter may bring

According to Punxsutawney Phil, we’re in for six more weeks of winter. For homeowners, additional cold and snowy weather may require additional vigilance to keep winter home insurance claims at bay. Take the time to look for potential hazards around your home and try to address them, because responsibility never goes out of season. 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.

Live Happily Ever After: Creating a Fairy Tale Interior By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Pretty accessories, elegant touches, and finishes fit for a king all combine to create a fairy tale interior. From delicate pastel palettes to chic chandeliers, this sweet and sophisticated style is dreamy, decadent and perfect for any home.

Twinkle twinkle

Pretty statement pendant lights and elegant tableside fixtures create the perfect amount of illumination for a fairy tale interior. Create this look with layered lighting: choose a sophisticated statement pendant and complement it with dimmed floor lamps or bedside lighting. Glass, nickel, and high-gloss finishes are all princely illumination options, and work perfectly in the master bedroom, dining and living areas.

Powdery pastels

Create a space straight out of a storybook with soft and lustrous pastel colors throughout the room. Choose a satin-finish paint for the walls in a soft white or powdery gray, and add plush upholstered pieces in muted neutrals for additional elegance. Top off the look with airy drapery and linens, and soft, tufted textures throughout.

Enchanted embellishment

One of the most beloved characteristics of fairy tale interiors is their decadence and grandeur. From crown molding to ornate coving and ceiling medallions, fairy tale style is nothing short of sophisticated. For your own enchanted space, consider adding molding. Moldings add shape and dimension to a room, lending an opulent feel to the design. Accessorize the room with ultra-feminine furniture and velvety fabrics topped with masculine elements like fur and metal fixtures.

Plenty of sophisticated touches can be added for your own personal pampering. Ornate fireplaces, cozy curtains, textured tapestries and delicate details all add their own fairy tale flair. Four-poster beds covered in sensual fabrics, vintage throws, and tufted pillows create decadence, while calming colors create a restful haven.Combine your favorite fairy tale elements to create an ambiance perfect for a beloved storybook character. Bring the look into modern-day design with transitional elements, or keep it classic by playing up its old-fashioned appeal. 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.

January 2017 Scottsdale Arizona real estate market update

Can you believe it’s already February? Let’s take a look at how the Scottsdale real estate market faired in January. New listings are up 63.9% from December with a total of 1,111 new listings vs. 678. The new listings in January were driven by homeowners waiting until after the holidays to list their home. New contracts were up in January by 51.0%. The median sale is up from $399,000 in December to $410,000 in January. January closed with some motivating numbers – Sellers on the fence are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the low inventory and high demand! During these up and down activity months it is more important than ever to consult a real estate professional that knows the Paradise Valley market.

If you’re considering to purchase or sell a property in Scottsdale we invite you to reach out to Joe and Linda Szabo with The Szabo Group – The Scottsdale Real Estate Experts! They and their team are more than happy to assist you with any of your real estate needs. We hope that you enjoy reading and analyzing the Scottsdale Luxury Home Report and should you have any questions or comments, please feel free to Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020 or email him directly at Joe@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com. You can also visit https://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. 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.

January 2017 Paradise Valley Arizona real estate market update

Can you believe it’s already February? Let’s take a look at how the Paradise Valley real estate market faired in January. New listings are up by 65.4% from December with a total of 86 new listings vs. 52 in December. The new listings in January were driven by homeowners waiting until after the holidays to list their home. New contracts were up in January by 38.9% with 50 new listings and closed sales went up with January numbers at 36 closed sales vs. 33 in December. The median sale is down from $1,104,000 in December to $983,750 in January. January closed with some motivating numbers – Sellers on the fence are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the low inventory and high demand! . During these up and down activity months it is more important than ever to consult a real estate professional that knows the Paradise Valley market. If you’re considering to purchase or sell a property in Scottsdale we invite you to reach out to Joe and Linda Szabo with The Szabo Group – The Scottsdale Real Estate Experts! They and their team are more than happy to assist you with any of your real estate needs. We hope that you enjoy reading and analyzing the Paradise Valley Luxury Home Report and should you have any questions or comments, please feel free to Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020 or email him directly at Joe@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or Joe@AZLuxuryHomes.com. You can also visit https://www.AZLuxuryHomes.com or https://scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Paradise Valley Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Paradise Valley and to search the Paradise Valley MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings. Please note that this Paradise Valley Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Paradise Valley Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale and Paradise Valley 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 Paradise Valley, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results.

Treat Someone Special to a Romantic Indoor Picnic By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Creating a fantasy escape at home is an excellent way to surprise your significant other or a treasured friend. An inexpensive solution to date night, this at-home indoor picnic is a recipe for romance and a chance to just relax. It’s all about comfort, ordering in from your favorite restaurant (Thai is a great choice), and setting up a movie night or romantic playlist. Leave those work-week vibes at the door, and spread out with popcorn, a spiked Thai iced tea, and some mood-setting accents. The floor pillows, layered blankets, and picnic side crates all transport you to another place. This great setup delivers much needed hang-time, with no commute and no stress.

Re-plating takeout means one less trip to the grocery store, and no mad dash to make a reservation in time. Pair your meal with a lovely cocktail or special libation. If you’ll be ordering sushi, grab a bottle of sake, and if Southern comfort food is on the menu, just grab some seasonal brews. Cheers to a lovely night in. Hope you made it a special one!

Spiked Thai iced tea

For each serving, pour 1-½ cup brewed and chilled Thai tea, such as Pantai Thai Tea Mix. Stir in one teaspoon of honey simple syrup (one part honey, one part water, heated until the honey dissolves, and then cooled). Add one ounce of whiskey, then top with a splash of coconut milk (not to be confused with coconut water). 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.

Declutter Your Way to a More Organized, Intentional Home By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Although I have always been organized, there were two significant moments in my life that taught me how to manage clutter. The first was when I returned from a backpacking trip around the world. Having visited homes in many developing nations, I no longer wanted to have such excess in my own home. My possessions were organized, but I had too many of them for my taste. After I unpacked from my journey, I began a thorough review of my stuff. I started upstairs, removing unnecessary items floor by floor. By the time I reached the basement, I had enough stuff to set up a second apartment. My second decluttering lesson was right after my divorce. Just months after the split, I found myself facing bankruptcy. I began my climb out of sudden and severe financial debt while simultaneously making a name for myself in the organizing industry. I hired a top-tier PR agent, but I knew I had to come up with some big bucks to cover his fee and all the expenses that go along with creating a brand. I decided to sell my home and everything I owned to make it happen. As I sorted my belongings for a second time, I created a ranking system to help me decide what to keep and what to toss. It worked beautifully for me, and I think it can work for you, too.

The Clutter Scale

5 — Important items whose place in your home is non-negotiable. For me, this included my green-stained Depression glass, photos, business files, office equipment, and my car. 4 — Items that are difficult to replace and items you use every day. This pile included most of my clothes, CDs, some furniture, a favorite sheet set, towels, and jewelry. 3 — Items you use occasionally but haven’t used within the last six months. 2 — Items you rarely use but feel hesitant to toss. 1 — Items you never use, like seasonal items, specialized tools, or kitchen gadgets. I got rid of stationery, extra wrapping paper, old boxes, and my printer. You know what I found as I used the clutter scale? There were rarely items that rated a 2 or 3. And once I established some criteria, I was able to sort and purge the 2s and 3s like never before. As you sort your less important items, ask yourself the following questions:

Do I love it?
What’s the special story behind it?
Do I have the space for it?
Can I replace it?
Can I easily borrow it or rent it if I need it again?
Does it support my goals and values?
Does it compare to the items I ranked as a 5?

The clutter scale is a great way to get back in touch with your priorities. My priority at the time was starting my business, so I kept the bigger goal in sight — and let go of anything that didn’t support that goal. What I didn’t know then was that I was already practicing what I was going to preach in my business. I learned to organize my life and stuff based on my values. I chose to collect experiences, not things. As you declutter and rank your possessions, don’t forget to take a few minutes to think about your goals and values. You’ll find your home to be much more intentional and peaceful if you 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.

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