Although it’s a necessary evil, doing the laundry is often ranked as one of everyone’s least favorite chores. There are so many different brands, styles, and features available, too. Should you go with a front-load or top-load washing machine? High-efficiency (HE) or regular washer? Gas or electric dryer? And which brand of washer and dryer should you choose? We’ll advise you on how to buy a washer and dryer, including features to favor and which model is best for your needs. The type of washer and dryer you get will depend largely on the space in your home. For example, laundry might be allocated to a narrow closet in your home, making your only option a stackable washer and dryer set. These units tend to be smaller, meaning you might not be able to fit your large comforters in your machine, though they are convenient for limited spaces. Compact dryers are also ideal for smaller spaces and those who need specific features. Dryers are available as gas or electric, so which you purchase will be a result of what your house supports. Standard washers are often (but not always) 27 or 27.5 inches wide, with a capacity from 3.1 to 6.2 cubic feet. How much laundry they hold will depend on the style: A front-load washer will handle more clothes and bulky items, such as comforters, than top-loaders with agitators. Though, on average, you’ll usually fit between 5 and 10 pounds of clothes at one time. Compact machines are typically 24 inches wide and have up to 3.0 cubic feet of capacity, though they’re often closer to 2.2 or 2.4 cubic feet. You can generally fit between 4 and 8 pounds of clothes in their drums. Washer and dryers are big appliances. You might be wondering if you’ll be able to get them into your home easily. Doorways and hallways in most homes can handle items that can fit through a space 30 to 31 inches wide. Regardless of the type of machines you end up purchasing, be sure to account for an extra 4 to 6 inches behind the washer and dryer for the hook-ups, plus an inch or so around the sides and top for airflow and making them easier to remove. There aren’t standard measurements for height or depth, either, so you’ll want to make note of those. Don’t forget that your top-loader will need around 20 inches to lift, while a front-loader’s door needs 20 to 25 inches of clearance. Double-check that your choice of front-loaders are stackable, as not all of them are. Capacity is important when choosing an accompanying dryer as well. The first thing you’ll notice is that dryers hold more than washers. That’s because your clothes fluff up and take up more space as they dry. What you don’t want is a dryer that holds less laundry than your washer — otherwise, you’ll be drying in shifts. To avoid this, just look for a dryer with about double the capacity of your washer. That might not be strictly possible with compact models: Bosch’s compact washers have 2.2 cubic feet of space, while their dryers have 4 cubic feet. As long as you’re pretty close to double the size, you shouldn’t have to overload your dryer. The washing bins on top-loaders are so deep that it may be hard for shorter people to reach the bottom to retrieve clothes unless you choose a shallow dryer. When perusing them in the store, open the top and see if you can touch the bottom comfortably. If you have to lean in too much and you find yourself on your tippy-toes, a top-loader probably isn’t for you. Do you really want to stand on your toes to do laundry for the next 10 years? Many top-load models today have foregone the inner agitator (the big spinning rod inside the machine) for a hollow bin. Some even have a stainless steel tub. The benefit of these is that they can handle higher spin speeds. Ultimately, this means it will take less time for your clothes to dry. Front-loaders still have greater maximum spin speeds, so they’ll make drying even more efficient. Front-loading machines tend to be more expensive and have a ton of features, even on the most basic models. It can be hard to find one for under $500. Front-loaders require regular maintenance on the sensors — wiping down once in a while to keep them in good working order. Some models could potentially attract mold. This is an easy fix: Either occasionally wipe the front area where water can accumulate or leave the door open after use. Yes, the light may stay on for a minute or two if the door is left open, but it may shut off, or you can turn the washer off. The other issue to consider is bending down to open the doors. Of course, the manufacturers took this into consideration and offer pedestals that the washer and dryer can be placed upon, making them taller and much easier to use. Though, if you struggle to bend down, you’ll want to address this before purchasing one. Some also have drawers underneath for storing detergent and fabric softener. Unfortunately, these aren’t included in the price and generally cost a few hundred bucks extra. Occasionally, some deals offer a discount on the pedestals when buying the washer and dryer, but don’t count on it. 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.

Replace Old Hardware House numbers, the entry door lockset, a wall-mounted mailbox, and an overhead light fixture are all elements that can add style and interest to your home’s exterior curb appeal. If they’re out of date or dingy, your home may not be conveying the aesthetic you think it is. These elements add the most appeal when they function collectively, rather than as mix-and-match pieces. Oiled-bronze finishes suit traditional homes, while brushed nickel suits more contemporary ones. Dress Up the Front Door Your home’s front entry is the focal point of its curb appeal. Make a statement by giving your front door a coat of color with paint or by installing a custom wood door. Clean off any dirty spots around the knob, and use metal polish on the door fixtures. Your entry should also reflect the home’s interior, so choose a swag, flag, or wreath that reflects your personal style. Install Outdoor Lighting Low-voltage landscape lighting makes a huge impact on your home’s curb appeal while also providing safety and security. Fixtures can add accent lighting to trees or the house or can illuminate a walking path. For the best landscape lighting, plan to incorporate a variety of fixtures and lighting types. If you aren’t able to use lights that require wiring, install solar fixtures (but understand that their light levels are not as bright or as reliable). Add an Instant Garden Container gardens add a welcoming feel and colorful curb appeal to any home exterior quickly and affordably. You can buy ready-made containers from garden centers or create your own with your favorite plants. Pots come in a variety of materials, such as terra-cotta, ceramic, wood, and plastic. For most landscapes, a staggered, asymmetrical arrangement works best to create a dynamic setting. 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.

Make Your Entrance Inviting A cheery front-door color and a touch of landscaping can do wonders for your home’s curb appeal and make a lasting impression on guests. Dress the door with new hardware, and add potted plants near the entrance. Consider installing outdoor lighting to enhance your home’s architecture and illuminate the walkway. Replace your worn-out welcome mat with a bold statement mat to create a warm and welcoming persona for your home.   Install a New Faucet Inject elegance into your daily life with a faucet that ups the ante in looks and quality. Just make sure the configuration matches your existing sink, or you might end up replacing that, too. If you’re planning on buying a new sink, it’s easiest to install a faucet and other hardware on a new sink before the sink is put in place. Buying a new sink allows you to customize the number of holes to fit your preferred faucet.   Add a New Light Fixture Dress up an eating area with a fresh light fixture. Replacing an existing fixture is your easiest option: Just turn off the power at the breaker box and connect the wires. Hanging a new light fixture is a simple way to change the look of your room, and it’s a project you can do yourself. Consider the design, as well as function, when choosing the right light fixtures for your kitchen.   Add Storage to Your Entryway If a traditional entry closet or a built-in shelving system isn’t an option in your home, refashioned furniture can achieve a look that’s equally stylish and storage-savvy. This small-scale table is a perfect size for beside the front door. Though compact, the table’s lower shelf makes the piece super functional for drop-zone items. Hang a wall-mount shelf above the table to keep keys, hats, and sunglasses within easy reach.   Paper or Paint a Wall Select the perfect self-adhesive wallpaper to create an accent that’s easy to apply, remove, and reuse. Like a giant sticker, peel the decorative paper off the backing and adhere it to a primed and painted wall. To create a curvy top edge, use your mirror to inspire the outline of your design. Cut the shape from kraft paper and test the look. Tape the pattern on the decorative paper applied to the wall; use a crafts knife to cut around the template and peel away the paper above the cut. 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.

If you’re in the market for a new fridge, then you’re in luck: The next generation of refrigeration has some of the coolest trends yet. “Kenmore has been working on developing cutting-edge, connected feature sets for years, and we’re on the cusp of really bringing a lot of different cool new innovations to the market very, very soon,” says Tim Adkisson, director of product engineering at Sears Home Services. 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 importance of a happy kitchen can’t be stressed enough. When it comes to home remodeling and updates, the kitchen tends to be the most popular spot for these plans. It’s not uncommon for people to upgrade their kitchens before they look to upgrade any other part of the home. The kitchen is an important source of food, comfort, family, and togetherness. Often, families enjoy spending time preparing a meal together or simply sitting at the dining table and going over the tasks of the day. Therefore, it’s more important than ever to take a look at what the kitchen means to you. The newest trends allow for more connection with technology, as well as an alternative to some traditional cooking methods which may inspire you towards a healthier and more productive lifestyle. So, if you’re into technology, there are a lot of new Bluetooth features to be on the lookout for as well. Refrigerators are getting a huge upgrade in 2020. This is probably one of the biggest all-around style and utility changes in the entire kitchen. Refrigerators are about to become versatile and doubly functional. First, let’s talk about color. Black matte finishes are the thing to expect in 2020. Next, there will be a combination of food zones that compartmentalize the different types of food you wish to store. Some food zones will be flexible, while others are specific to a certain ingredient. This 2020 trend affects appliances across the board. The ability to sync with a wireless Bluetooth device is a powerful new way to get things started in the kitchen. No longer will you need to rely on old oven timers or long preheat wait times. Another up and coming fashion statement in the world of 2020 kitchen appliance trends is the larger introduction of finger touch and swipe controls. These high-tech controls replace knobs and give you a glimpse of what it’s like to live in the world of the Jetsons. It all works through electromagnetic heat, rather than field heat. What it does is it allows you to turn on your range and control the temperature of your flames with a touch and a swipe. Little indicators will appear on the site, letting you turn up or down the intensity of the flame. It’s a great way to control your fire and keep things clean and smooth all throughout the day! You can use state-of-the-art ranges to sync with your microwave and other connected appliances, according to GE’s newest invention. Your oven can tell your microwave when to sync timers. It will also automatically turn on the lights when it’s in use and perform other similarly useful functions. You can also expect that refrigerators will make handles a thing of the past. Incorporation with smart technology will give refrigerators an auto assist feature to streamline your kitchen processes. Starting off this list is something that is truly up and coming. Our experts have noticed that one of the fastest-growing trends in the kitchen appliance world is the rise of steam ovens, something that will really be showing its face more often from now on. Steam is a versatile fork of heat, helping you to both power and sanitize your world. Steam ovens are used as a healthy method of cooking that can grant you squeaky-clean results. And if you’re looking for something that doesn’t sacrifice heat for health, try a convection steam oven. In 2020, the latest appliance trends will give you a glimpse of what the future can truly hold. From new ways to keep your home smart, to devices that simplify everyday tasks, just look and see what is in store for your kitchen this new year. Let us know what your favorite trends are! 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.

Gray Kitchen Flooring – In Every Type!

Five years ago, you could have called the gray trend new or up-and-coming. But now? Is it even a trend anymore? Well, if by “trend” you mean popular and relevant, then heck, yes! But it is definitely not a fad. Gray flooring, particularly gray wood, has grown exponentially over the last decade. Although gray tiles, particularly in stone looks, are also very popular in the kitchen. Gray has quickly become the most popular trend, not just for flooring, but for kitchens and homes in general. Gray cabinets, gray doors, you name it. And every shade of gray is still hot and trendy in the kitchen. For your floors and decor. In addition to looking chic and trendy, gray floors set the tone of a cool, contemporary kitchen. They give you a neutral backdrop for decorating in virtually any color. Aquas, greens, bright bold colors or even black and white – they will all go with your sleek gray flooring. I like to use the neutral backdrop to accessorize with my favorite kitchen appliances. I have a bright, sparkly cherry red KitchenAid stand mixer and I love it so much, I made it the centerpiece of my kitchen. Purchasing bright red appliances, decor and even dining room chairs. Gray floors are the perfect backdrop for this kind of bold statement.

Will the gray kitchen flooring trend last in 2020 and beyond?

Gray will be hot and trendy for decades to come. I wouldn’t give it a second thought!

High Color Variation Kitchen Flooring

High color variation is trending in wood (and wood looks) as well as tile. Wood looks typically feature color variation between planks, whereas high variation in tile typically refers to the amount of color variation in each individual plank. Homeowners love the natural, rustic look that higher color variation provides. In nature, stone and wood aren’t so uniform; there are all kinds of inconsistencies. Now, with modern technology, you can achieve these more random, natural looks with laminate, vinyl, engineered wood, ceramic tile, you name it! This makes your kitchen floor more of a statement piece and tends to pair best with a simple but contemporary decor.

Will the high color variation kitchen flooring trend last in 2020 and beyond?

The challenge with something bold like high color variation is it’s a very specific aesthetic. Wood looks will likely be trendy for the next decade or so. Although, I predict high variation kitchen tiles will stay trendy significantly longer. This one is my favorite! Handscraped looks instantly make your kitchen look timeless and expensive. These are perfect for a rustic kitchen with plenty of character. They’re also a great backdrop for industrial kitchens, as well. Because hand-scraped floors look truly finished, they are trendy not just with younger homeowners but with more established homeowners, as well. In fact, hand-scraped floors are almost guaranteed to amp up your home value. You’ll see trendy hand-scraped wood looks in traditional wood, engineered wood, laminate, vinyl and tile. And, honestly, they’re all in! Each floor just has different advantages so it’s really up to you what you’re looking for.

Will the hand-scraped kitchen flooring trend last in 2020 and beyond?

This unique, individual, handcrafted look will absolutely stand the test of time. It looks expensive, and people love expensive.     Homeowners are loving weathered wire-brushed looks. This trendy look adds character to your floor without looking unfinished. Another bonus of wire-brushed floors? They hide dirt really well so you don’t have to clean your floors as often! And, if you’re anything like me, that is a huge selling point. Especially in the kitchen. In 2019, wire-brushed floors were the leading trend in textured flooring. However, moving forward, I anticipate that hand-scraped and distressed looks will knock them out of the running pretty quickly. While the wire-brushed floors are cool, if the trend towards imperfections and character continues, distressed and hand-scraped wood will likely have more to offer in both variety and character.

 

Will the wire-brushed kitchen trend last in 2020 and beyond?

While I don’t think it will last forever in the entire home, I do think wire-brushed looks will always have a place in the kitchen. Especially with their ability to hide dirt. However, if you want a seamless floor throughout your home, I would recommend going hand-scraped instead. I am a sucker for floors with character and it’s no secret that distressed floors have a whole lot of it! Wirebrushed floors are like a traditional pair of jeans. While they likely have something that sets them apart and makes them different, they’re pretty average, not screaming individuality. But then you have distressed floors, which are like your one extra special pair of jeans with OMG-so-much personality! The ones you don’t want to admit to anyone how much you paid for them. The ones that always make you stand out in a crowd. So you can understand why I am such a fan. Setting the tone with a floor that looks almost historic instantly gives you an envy-inducing kitchen. Distressed floors make a great pairing with brick backsplash, slate-look countertops, stacked stone, farmhouse sinks, basically every other hot kitchen trend going at the moment.

Will the distressed kitchen flooring trend last in 2020 and beyond?

This is a look that will divide people. Like the debate over which 90’s boy band is the best: NSync or The Backstreet Boys (obviously the latter…). I do believe distressed looks will continue to be popular, particularly with younger generations. However, I don’t anticipate it will spread quite in the same way as hand-scraped and wire-brushed looks. If you’re looking at longterm resale value, I would choose hand-scraped looks.   Don’t worry; smooth floors aren’t disappearing forever. Smooth floors are chic, elegant and classic. I don’t think a time will come when smooth floors are ever totally out of style. However, I also wouldn’t say they’re trending right now. They are holding strong, still incredibly popular. However, it’s the textured finishes that are starting to steal the spotlight. For the moment. 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.

Summer visitors and houseguest season is upon us. Rest easy with our editors’ favorite no-fuss tips to help overnight visitors feel at home. Whether you’re welcoming guests for a quick visit or a week of holiday fun, it’s important visitors feel cozy in your quarters. Fresh linens and baked goods go a long way, but what about travelers with children? Furry friends? Go the extra mile with our editor-backed tips for creating a home away from home for overnight guests. When having people staying with you, set up a little coffee station like a Keurig in the kitchen. Nothing fancy, just a few favorites coffees, sugar, creamer, spoons, and mugs. That way if guests are up before, they can help themselves to a cup of coffee. Keep ready-to-go containers of pre-sliced fruits, veggies, and cheeses in the fridge so you can easily replenish snacks mid-party without having to dirty your kitchen. Prior to their arrival, ask specifics about their arrival and departure times so you know what the expectations are for the trip. Let them know where to park as street parking may be limited to one side of the street in your neighborhood. Provide with our door code so they can get in and out at their convenience. For overnight guests,  change out the sheets a few days in advance and leave fresh towels on the guest bed, magazines on the nightstand, and a piece of paper with your WiFi login and password. 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.

Every year, Better Homes and Gardens reviews outdoor landscape lighting and we at Scottsdale Real Estate Team bring them directly to you. The right outdoor lighting can boost home security, increase safety when walking around at night, and allow you to enjoy your outdoor spaces long after the sun sets. For the best landscape lighting, plan to incorporate a variety of fixtures and lighting types. Different exterior features, such as trees or shrubs, pathways, and architectural details, are best suited for certain outdoor light fixtures. Consider using a combination of spotlights, underground well lights, wide-angled floodlights, and pathway lighting to illuminate your home and landscaping at night. When choosing outdoor light fixtures, consider the power source and bulb type that best fits your lighting needs. For long-lasting, energy-efficient landscape lights, first look for fixtures that use LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs, which are both long-lasting and consume less energy than CFL bulbs. Another option is solar landscape lights that use the sun’s rays and a rechargeable battery for power, which makes for easy setup and eco-friendly energy use. However, note that these fixtures require direct sunlight during the day to recharge and don’t offer as much illumination as wired landscape lighting. For increased brightness (or areas where the sun doesn’t shine directly), low-voltage landscape lighting provides another energy-efficient option with DIY installation. This type of outdoor lighting connects to a transformer through wires, which can be buried underground or sit on top of the soil. Because of the low voltage (12 volts compared to your home’s usual 120-volt system), these lights have a low risk of electrical shock and require less energy to run. Create the ultimate outdoor lighting system with these picks for the best landscape lights, including solar-powered and low-voltage options. These sleek, energy-efficient fixtures will keep your home illuminated from dusk to dawn.   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.