Spare Room becomes a Crafting Retreat by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
Closet Creative
Make the Most of Your Guest Room
Creative Cabinets or Shelving
Combined Office and Craft Space
Armoire or Wardrobe
What Making Your Bed Says about you by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
There are major differences between those who make their beds every morning and those who don’t.
To make or not to make? That is the question—and the answer actually reveals a lot about your personality. A survey commissioned by the sleep site Sleepopolis surveyed 2,000 Americans about whether they made their bed in the morning, and we were a little surprised by the findings.
According to the results, there are quite a few contrasts between the type of people who make their bed every morning and those who don’t. The individuals who make their beds every morning tend to be morning people who wake up without an alarm, and those who don’t make their beds are night owls who snooze their alarms. The former group reportedly rise 16 minutes earlier, and the latter actually report a lower quality of sleep. However, the average amount of sleep recorded, which was six and a half hours, was actually the same for both groups—and less than the seven or more hours recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society.
The results also reveal that those who make their bed usually work in health and technology fields, and are described as adventurous, confident, sociable, and high maintenance. Those who don’t work in business or finance, and are deemed shy, moody, curious, and sarcastic. The bed makers listen to jazz music, and prefer to watch House Hunters and romantic movies. The non-bed-makers enjoy rock music, and tend to tune into Seinfeld and comedies.
Related: Secrets to Make Your Bed Feel Like a 5-Star Hotel
There’s also a difference in regards to what actually goes on between the sheets. The average nap for a bed maker lasts for 43 minutes, and siesta for those who don’t make the bed is 50 minutes. The first group has sex three times a week, and the second has sex two times per week. Nearly half of those who make the bed—42%—revealed it would be a turn off if a potential partner left the sheets untucked.
It gets even better for those who prefer a tidy sleeping space. The National Sleep Foundation published a bedroom poll that found 19% of people who make their bed were more likely to get a good night’s sleep. “It’s not clear why this is, but perhaps there is a connection between feeling good about where you sleep and your tendency to sleep through the night,” the site notes.
No matter which side you’re on—as long as it’s not the wrong side of the bed—either one is fine as long as it works for you.
Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.
The Well Designed Door by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
A well-designed door is a simple way to add style to your home. We’ll walk you through all of the options for both interior and exterior doors.
At their core, doors serve one vital functional—but that doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish. After all, the right door can make or break a space. We’ve broken down styles and types of doors into two categories: interior and exterior. Our tips will help you pick the perfect door for every threshold in your home; whether it’s a hidden door to the basement or your home’s main entrance.
The hinged single door is the most common interior door type. The room design must allow space for hinged doors to swing. Interior doors typically are lightweight and have two hinges; exterior doors are heavy and often use three hinges. Interior doors are usually 1-3/8 inches thick, and exterior doors are commonly 1-3/4 inches thick.
A panel door is a classic style. It usually has three or four horizontal rails and three vertical stiles. The spaces between them are filled with thinner panels. Decorative molding (or some representation of it) called “sticking” surrounds each panel. The result is a richly textured look that is at home in both traditional and modern settings.
A flush door is a simple flat slab. It is usually the least expensive choice. If the surface is a hardwood veneer (usually birch or oak), a flush door can be stained, but other materials usually look best painted. Flush doors blend well with contemporary settings, but may look out of place in a traditional home. Interior flush doors are often hollow core, while exterior flush doors have a solid core and may have a metal or fiberglass face rather than wood veneer.
A pair of French doors adds a charming touch as well as an extra-wide doorway opening. These doors are almost always traditional in design. Often they have glass panels. They are most commonly used as exterior patio doors, but interior French doors can make a stunning passageway between rooms.
Many older homes have interior pocket doors, which slide into the wall when fully opened. They allow you to completely open the doorway without taking up any floor space. Pocket doors are making a comeback; many styles are available, single and double. A pocket door requires wall space that cannot have electrical or plumbing lines running through it.
For a closet that is 6 feet wide or wider, a pair of bifold doors is the most popular choice. Each door takes up about half the swinging space of a hinged door. Bifolds can be flush, paneled, or louvered.
Somewhat less common are bypass doors. These operate much like sliding patio doors but are far lighter in weight. They are generally flush doors.
Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.Cleaning Ceilings and Mouldings by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
If your ceiling does need to be washed (kitchen spatters, for example), use an all-purpose cleaner and scrub one small section at a time. You can also use a homemade cleaning solution made by diluting 2 tablespoons of white vinegar or ammonia in a quart of water. After you’ve washed the ceiling, rinse with clear water and a clean sponge or rag. If the stains remain, apply a stain-resistant sealer — such as Kilz — and repaint.
The grooves and raised surfaces in a ceiling’s decorative molding work far too well for trapping dust, grease, and soot. When needed, clean dusty trim with a vacuum brush attachment, a feather duster, or a soft paintbrush.
Clean dirty molding with an all-purpose cleaner, but test first in an inconspicuous spot. Mix a solution of 1 cup ammonia, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1-gallon warm water. Pour part of the solution into a spray bottle to spray and wipe small sections of the molding at a time. Rinse with plain water and wipe the molding dry with a soft, clean cloth.
For picture molding that has spaces for picture hooks (located below the crown molding), use a new soft paintbrush or cotton swabs to remove the dust. If the space is grimy, clean with a cotton swab dipped in the cleaning solution used for the molding. Follow with a swab dipped in plain water and finish with dry swabs.
Vacuum ceiling tiles regularly with the brush attachment to remove dust. Because of texture and color variations, spots and dirt aren’t normally major problems. Streaks and spots from water damage do show and are difficult to remove. Replace the tile if possible. Or seal it with a stain-resistant sealer — such as Kilz — and paint the tile.
Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.
Tips on Maintaining your Concrete Driveway by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
One of the best attributes of a decorative concrete driveway is how little maintenance and routine care it will need over its lifetime. But no driveway paving material—including concrete—is truly maintenance-free. Here are some tips for preserving the life and appearance of your investment.
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 Decorating Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Cluttered by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
Decorating a home is a great way to make it cozy, comfortable, and inviting, but it’s easy to go overboard and end up with a messy, cluttered looking space. Here are five decorating mistakes that make your home look messy and how to avoid them!
1. Using Too Many Colors
Decorating with too many colors is guaranteed to make a home look cluttered and messy. Use one or two hues combined with neutral colors to give your home a cohesive, relaxed look. This living room has been decorated with various shades of blue to create a gorgeous, cohesive space. The neutral-color walls, rug, window coverings, and furnishings allow the room to breathe as well as make the room look more spacious and open.2. Adding Too Many Accent Pillows
Placing too many accent pillows on a sofa or bed will instantly create a haphazard and untidy look. This living room looks pulled together and well-decorated because the sofa isn’t laden with numerous decorative pillows. Two accent pillows on each end of the sofa are the perfect amount to decorate this room with beautiful color and pattern.3. Pushing Furniture Against Walls
Arranging all of your furniture up against the walls will make the space look cluttered and messy. Solution? Pull the furniture away from the walls and toward the center of the room as in this living room seating arrangement. This grouping of four chairs around a coffee table creates the perfect conversation area. Ground the furniture with an area rug.
4. Placing Too Much Decor On Tables
Placing too many decorative accents on the entire surface of a table will make a room look cluttered. Instead, edit the number of decor accessories and then decorate the table in a vignette style (one grouping) or create two groupings as in this photo. First, edit what you already have on the table top. Only display what you love and what is functional (for example a small dish for storing car keys and sunglasses) and remove the rest. Group many small objects in a jar or bowl. Elevate small objects on a stack of two or three books to give it a purposeful look.
5. Hanging Pictures Randomly
Pictures and wall art hung in haphazard fashion across a wall will make a room look chaotic. Group pictures in a gallery wall arrangement; the space will instantly look organized and balanced. The art hung above the headboard in this bedroom, demonstrates how several pieces can be hung to create a visually pleasing and curated look. 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.Increasing Your Closet Space by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
1. Purge what you don’t need.
2. Devise a plan.
3. Consider open shelving.
4. Showcase your wardrobe.
5. Install a lower hanging rod.
6. Stock up on skinny hangers.
7. Get your drawers in order.
8. Make sure you have a mirror.
9. Use a slat of wood as a hat rack.
10. Give your jewelry a home.
11. Or, display gems with a wall-mounted organizer.
12. Add personality with a little wallpaper.
14. Get creative.
15. Install additional shelving at the bottom of your closet.
16. Consider adding a dresser.
Perfect Pet Homes by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

The pet population currently stands at around 54 million, and of this, 27 percent of households have dogs and 17 percent have cats, but have you created a harmonious living space that your pet will love and equally feel at home in?
If the answer is ‘not quite’ then take note of these top tips from Stacey Sibley, creative director of interior designers Alexander James Interior Design, and also the proud owner of two Westies, Alfie, and Piglet. Here, Stacey shares her expertise and eye for design to help you to transform your home into a ‘purrfect’ sanctuary for your four-legged friend:
Think carefully about the fabrics you choose to upholster and how likely they are to gather fur.
Avoid: Fabrics that are a magnet for pet hair e.g. velvet, mohair, corduroy, velour or chenille. Steer clear of any delicate materials that could be damaged by your adorable little friend e.g. silk.
Opt for: Smooth tapestries, leathers, and synthetic fibers. Invest in quality textiles that will withstand the test of those claws!
Beware of any exposed wood on your furniture – an excitable puppy may see it as their new favorite teething toy!
Avoid: Furniture with exposed wicker, rattan and sisal furniture.
Opt for: Metal and chrome will leave your would-be teether searching for another toy.
In light of the inevitable rainy, muddy days and those early months when your puppy/kitten is still learning to toilet-train, we highly recommend flooring that is easy to clean.
Avoid: Hardwood floors that dent/scratch easily and require rapid cleaning should a puddle appear (hardwood floors stain very quickly)! If you are absolutely set for those beautiful wooden floors, then opt for harder woods e.g. mahogany or oak.
Opt for: Laminate flooring, stone or ceramic tiles. These also have the additional benefit of keeping your pets cooler during hotter weather.
An all-important part of a pet’s day is the need for space in the home to play.
Avoid: Letting your energetic little friend run riot around the whole house. They need to chase balls, roll excitedly around and play tug of war, but there are some areas of the house in which this is less desirable.
Opt for: Creating a designated ‘play space’ which your pet knows is suitable for play and where they can enjoy some quality ‘me’ time. Keep their toys stored neatly away and out of view but easily accessible.
Pet-friendly interiors are all about keeping your space as tidy as possible, allowing that stunning new kitchen to glisten without unsightly doggy/kitty bowls smudging that perfect vision.
Avoid: Leaving food bowls out in plain sight.
Opt for: Sliding them underneath the toe kick of your kitchen cabinetry, bringing them out for food time, and slotting that water dish around a corner so your furry friends always have fresh water available.
Don’t overlook walls – they could become a headache to clean if you don’t consider their texture.
Avoid: A highly-textured wall will attract pet fur, even if the little rascal isn’t rubbing against it.
Opt for: Satin or semi-gloss paint, helping to repel fur and to keep those walls glistening clean.
An essential part of pet-friendly interior design must surely be the addition of their very own comfy pet bed.
Avoid: Mismatching with the rest of the room’s decor i.e. don’t place a traditional tartan pet bed into a swanky, sleek apartment, rather select a simpler, more contemporary design that will enhance the rest of your interiors.
Opt for: A pet bed made of high-quality materials, creating a sumptuous space for them to relax, unwind and recharge after their busy day of play.
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.Readying your Home for Sale by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
Are you wondering about the things you need to do before your home goes up for sale?
When you are drowning in things to do before your home goes up for sale – just take a breath and prioritize. You don’t need to do everything ( nor will you have the time or spare money to do everything) you just need to do the right things.
So what are the right things – well we have 5 top tips for you right here.
Selling your home is no simple endeavor, but there is a lot that needs to be done before you can even put your house on the market. When you have viewings, you are going to want to present it in the best light possible, to increase your chances of making a sale. What’s more, you’re going to want to make as much money from your home as possible, so preparation is key. If you don’t know where to start, here are five things that you need to do before your home goes up for sale.

































