By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team If the kitchen is the heart of the home, its major appliances are what keep it pumping. So it’s no surprise that 46 percent of American homeowners cite the cook space as the area where they’d most likely splurge on a remodel — and 56 percent of those planning work have set their sights on new appliances, according to a recent national survey by LG Electronics. If your last kitchen remodel was years ago, a lot has probably changed since the last time you bought a fridge, dishwasher, range, or cooktop-oven combo. You’ll need to factor in the latest high-tech features, as well as your kitchen’s size and layout, your family’s cooking and eating habits, your aesthetic taste, and, of course, your budget. To save money, it’s smart to comparison shop online, hunt for coupons, and negotiate with retailers for a better deal or perks like free delivery and installation. And think ahead: Buying a model that has earned an Energy Star label can mean lower electric bills over the lifetime of your new appliance. Above all, before you make any big purchase, measure not just your space but also your doorways to make sure your sparkly new appliance will actually fit in your home.

Finding a fridge

A family of four is usually fine with fridge capacity of 19 to 22 cubic feet, though there are now models on the market boasting 30 cubic feet and more. Beyond size, your primary consideration is door style.

• Traditional top-freezer models offer ample storage for small kitchens.
• Bottom-drawer freezers store popular fare at eye-level, as folks tend to reach for fresh foods more often than frozen ones.
• Side-by-sides (fridge on the right, freezer on the left) are well suited to narrow spaces.
• French door models, with a freezer on the bottom, tend to be taller and wider. Some high-capacity four-door units even include one versatile compartment that can function as a fridge or freezer.
• Finally, a pricey built-in fridge with your choice of door configuration can lie flush with, and possibly even match, your cabinets for a sleek look.

In terms of key features, look for temperature-controlled meat and produce bins, humidity monitoring for freshness, and easy-to-arrange shelves. If you can splurge, other cool conveniences include door-in-door storage and through-the-door ice/water dispensers — a handy option that, alas, tends to be the first thing to break in a fridge.

Deciding on a dishwasher

Today’s dishwashers work harder (no prerinsing required) and more quietly than their predecessors. A conventional dishwasher is often all the average family needs, though premium versions have bells and whistles like flexible loading, extra flatware slots, and a stain-resistant stainless steel tub. First, settle on style. Your available space will dictate whether you choose a fold-down door unit or spring for a more compact drawer model. Of those, single-drawer units are ideal for small kitchens (and small families), while dual-drawer machines let you run each compartment independently — for instance, a short delicate cycle for stemware and a simultaneous power wash for pots. Next, factor in features. If you entertain a lot, you’ll want flexible loading. Look for adjustable racks, three racks instead of the usual two, and foldable tines that accommodate odd-shaped or oversized cookware. Controls may be traditional buttons or sleek touch screens, or they may be hidden altogether. It’s best, however, to select a model that has a visible cycle-time display so you’ll know if the machine is still running.

Selecting a range/oven

What’s cooking? Good question, as it may dictate your choice in range, oven, or cooktop. If you’ve got a small kitchen and are generally an “everyday” cook, a range — an all-in-one oven and stovetop unit available in standard cabinet size — typically makes the most sense. But if you’ve got more room, often whip up elaborate meals, or share the kitchen with another home cook, the flexibility of an in-counter cooktop and wall oven (single or double) might be the better choice. Still wishy-washy on what you want? Consider also:

• Budget. Though you can certainly drop a bundle on a professional style, ranges are usually the more affordable option, not to mention easier to install.
• Aesthetics. A hefty-looking range can function as a focal point for the room (especially if your kitchen lacks an island), yet some people prefer the streamlined look of built-ins.
• Ergonomics. A wall oven at eye and arm level suits folks with back or knee issues, eliminating the need to bend down to lift heavy pans.

The next big question is fuel source. Gas burners are known for even heating, while electric burners heat faster. An induction cooktop — an electric cooktop that relies on magnetic coils — is a pricier option that promises both quick and precise heating. Also worth considering is a convection oven, in which fans circulate hot air, resulting in more even heat distribution (a bonus for bakers). Finally, assess what additional features suit you. Do you need a variable broil setting? Touchpad or screen controls? Some designs even include the flexibility of a baking or warming drawer that lets you prepare items at different temperatures simultaneously. 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.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Many sellers think they’re ready to sell, but scratch the surface and you may find fear, anxiety, or undue pressure to make a move. Since typical real estate transaction contracts don’t provide an exit for the seller — only the buyer — it’s best to hold off listing if you’re not sure you’re ready to sell. Having your home sit on the market for an extended time will make buyers wonder what’s wrong with it. If you’re about to list your home for sale but any of the following warning signs apply to you, you should give some serious thought to waiting.

You haven’t emotionally detached from the home

Selling a home isn’t like selling your car — there are major emotional considerations involved. Have you been in your home for 10 years or more? Did you grow up or make incredible memories there? Is your home sale the result of a major life event, like a death or divorce? If so, the thought of packing up your home, moving out and allowing complete strangers to traipse through it could spark a panic attack. It’s better to hold off, mourn the loss of your home or life event, and list the property when you’re fully prepared to move on. Otherwise you face an uphill battle.

Your desired price is more than 10 percent off what agents are telling you

The first few weeks a home is listed is when it gets the most action from the serious buyer pool. If you’ve priced your home too high, it could still be languishing on the market six months down the line. At that point, you’ll drop the price — but the buyers will punish you for those greedy first few months, and your ultimate sale price will end up being a lot less than what your agent suggested. If more than one agent recommends pricing your home at more than 10 percent below what you want for it, that’s a sign you should hold off and not test the market.

You don’t have a sound exit strategy if you get a deal

No plan to relocate, rent or buy a new home? You might not be the best candidate for listing. Without a plan, you have zero motivation to clean, organize, stage, paint or make the home market-ready. And if it doesn’t show well, you leave money on the table. Sellers with a well-developed game plan spend time and money in advance of listing. They also keep their home in great condition for the duration of the sale. It’s not easy, but hard work pays off. If you’re not ready to make the commitment, don’t put your 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.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Many consumers have misconceptions about what it takes to qualify for a mortgage. Most believe the requirements are tougher than they actually are, according to a recent Fannie Mae survey. When asked about key mortgage qualification criteria (such as down payment percentage, credit score, and debt-to-income ratio), roughly half of consumers selected “don’t know” or provided an invalid answer. “This research suggests there are too many eligible home buyers sitting on the sidelines due to misperceptions or anxiety about being turned down for a loan,” says Steve Deggendorf, director, business strategy for Fannie Mae’s Economic & Strategic Research (ESR) Group. To be sure you’re ready to buy a home, and ease any anxiety you have about the process, Fannie Mae offers the following five suggestions.

1. Learn all you can about mortgages

Mortgages have changed a lot in recent years as lenders and investors make adjustments reflective of American households. For example, several adults in the household may be working and contributing to the household budget. Fannie Mae’s HomeReady mortgage lets lenders consider income from other household members when qualifying the borrower. Additionally, some buyers may qualify for zero-down options, including VA loans (guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) for veterans, service members, and surviving spouses, and U.S. Department of Agriculture loans for low- to middle-income borrowers in qualifying rural areas. Use of both loan types is on the rise, according to the Census Bureau’s American Housing Survey, especially among first-time buyers.

2. Talk to a professional

Don’t know how to save or what your credit score is? No problem. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sponsors counseling agencies nationwide that provide free or low-cost pre-purchase counseling to help you understand the terminology you’ll hear from lenders and assess your own financial situation. “Our job as home credit counselors is to demystify this crucial transaction by educating the people who come to us, so that when it comes time to buy a house, they know what questions to ask and what issues to look out for,” says Rick Harper, a senior vice president at San Francisco’s Consumer Credit Counseling Services.

3. Explore down payment assistance

Seventy percent of U.S. adults are unaware about down payment programs available for middle-income home buyers in their community, according to NeighborWorks America, a national nonprofit community development corporation based in Washington, D.C. “I would argue that percentage is even higher,” says Rob Chrane, president of Down Payment Resource. There are dozens of down payment assistance programs and homeowner education options in most areas, he notes. His organization maintains a database of programs you can search for free.

4. Compare mortgage quotes

Only one-third of home buyers shop around for a mortgage, according to ESR research — and that’s often at a later stage of the home-buying process, which means they could be missing out on saving money. “As large and infrequent as the mortgage transaction is in most people’s financial lives, borrowers may be leaving money on the table by not shopping around and negotiating for the best terms they can get,” comments ESR’s Sarah Shahdad. “Getting a better deal can help borrowers sustain their mortgage even in the case of unexpected increases in expenses, or decreases in income.”

5. Consider long-term costs

As any home buyer knows, there are costs you can anticipate: your monthly mortgage or homeowners association fees, for example. There are also unexpected costs like paying for a new roof. Angie Hicks (of Angie’s Lists) advises that homeowners set aside three to five percent of the value of their home every year to use for repairs and improvements. “You’ll want to tuck that money away so you don’t get stressed when something goes wrong — because things can, and will, go wrong,” she says. 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.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Modern design and rustic elements may seem to be polar opposites in home design, but when properly paired, they’re completely complementary and on-trend. Rough-hewn details pair perfectly with ultra-modern architecture to create the perfect balance between contemporary and reclaimed. Emphasizing 21st-century charm, the following tips will help you pair these two styles to create a blend of cozy and contemporary design.

Rely on rustic statement pieces

To begin the look, start with a rustic statement piece, like a dining table made from distressed wood, or a reclaimed console or bench for your entryway. If you can’t find a table or bench you like, consider a lighting fixture with a rugged ambiance or a side table made from hide or cork. Statement pieces also include elements like hide rugs, teak chairs, and wooden table lamps. These pieces are easy to modernize with the right accessories, making them the perfect anchor for this look.

Balance with modern design

Once you’ve selected a rustic statement piece, it’s time to complement the look with a modern staple. If you’ve chosen a distressed dining table, opt for chairs with sleek lines and retro curves. Keep the color palette earthy and clean with shades of brown, gray, and white. Next, outfit the other rustic elements in your home with contemporary dressings like a mid-century inspired sofa, a plush ottoman, or streamlined pendant lights. Get the best of both with blended styles To streamline creating a modern-rustic styled room, search for pieces that represent both designs. Transitional accent pieces are key to bringing the two styles together and creating a cozy cohesiveness. A polished mounted deer head and a contemporary chair design covered in a luxe pelt are two great examples of transitional style incorporating modern motifs and rustic charm. Mixed finishes like glass and wood are also great solutions for bringing this look full circle. Adding a few succulents and other green elements also brings lightness to the space, perfectly blending the modern and rustic designs. 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.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team The crimp that high rents are putting in people’s budgets has a direct impact on how able they are to save for a down payment. Rising home prices compound the problem, requiring an even larger heap of cash to reach the 20 percent mark, the amount typically required to avoid mortgage insurance. People used to get there with second jobs, but lenders don’t see this as much since the recession. “Instead, what you see is somebody graduates from college, they move back home to pay off debt and save money, and they work 50, 60 hours a week at the job that they found,” said Staci Titsworth, a regional manager for PNC Mortgage in Pittsburgh. There are also more double-income households, and more first-time buyers waiting to buy homes where they can stay more than 5 years and possibly raise families, she said. People are also coming in below 20 percent, which typically requires paying mortgage insurance. Even with mortgage insurance tacked on, people tend to have lower monthly payments for mortgages than for rent. Indeed, homeowners in general can expect to spend about 15 percent of their monthly income on mortgage payments (without mortgage insurance) for a median-valued home, while renters can expect to spend 30 percent on rent. Borrowers in pricey markets have taken the lower down payment route for years. That’s how Sara Clarke, an editor at U.S. News & World Report, and her husband landed their first home: a townhouse in Alexandria, VA, that cost $299,500. They put down 5 percent, money saved from a childhood paper route and fast-food jobs, plus a little help from a relative. By the time they sold it about 10 years later, they had accrued the 20 percent down payment they needed for a single-family home in Fairfax County. They even had money left over to replenish a savings account depleted by upgrades on their first kitchen, bathrooms, roof and “redoing everything we could redo.” Assistance from parents remains a common way to get a foot in the door of your own home. Loans and gifts from family and friends rose from 8 percent to 21 percent during the recession, and was down to 13 percent last year. JPMorgan Chase has also seen first-time buyers becoming more disciplined about spending and tapping into 401(k)s, said Sean Grzebin, the bank’s head of retail mortgage lending. Check out Zillow Research for more on down payments, rents and the housing market in general. 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.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Buyers’ biggest real estate fears sometimes hold them back from buying — not just around Halloween, but throughout the year. The scary thing is, these fears are sometimes well-founded. Here are some of the issues that commonly keep home buyers awake at night, and what you can do about them.

“The house has a cracked foundation, dry rot, or a leaky roof”

Renovating, fixing and repairing are on few buyers’ wish lists. When faced with the home of their dreams, they fear the inspection. What if there is dry rot, or a roof or foundation issue? Most homes will need routine maintenance, and a good inspector will point this out. But it’s important not to let your fears get the best of you. Much of what the inspector comes up with during the inspection is for informational purposes only. Every problem does not need to be repaired right away. The inspector’s job is to point out every issue he sees in the house. Ask him to explain how bad the issue is, and how long it can go before needing replacement or repair. If an issue arises that needs immediate attention, go back to the seller and see if they will repair or credit you back to repair after you close.

“I’ll lose my deposit”

Buyers typically put in an earnest money deposit with a signed contract. Typically, this is 3 percent of the purchase price. The seller does not cash the check. Instead, the money sits in an escrow account and can’t be released without both parties’ signatures. It’s nearly impossible for a buyer to lose their deposit. If you have an inspection, disclosure review or loan contingencies, work closely with your real estate agent to mark those timeframes. If you need to remove these contingencies in writing, plan to firm things up a day in advance. If you are in negotiations around a contingency date, be sure to extend the contingency date to keep yourself under contract.

“I’ll lose the house”

If you find the home of your dreams, you may have to move fast. Particularly in competitive markets, many homes sell before the first open house to quick acting and super-motivated buyers. If you see a new listing hit the market, be sure to let your agent know right away. Try to make an appointment to see the home as soon as possible. Also, find out immediately how the seller’s agent plans to handle any offers received. Sometimes they will take the first offer, especially if it’s a good one. More often than not, the seller and the agent will have an offer date to review offers or ask for best and final offers by a certain day. If you are travelling or busy with work, be sure not to miss out on your dream home. Be in constant contact with your agent, and flag potential homes that look like a great fit.

“My agent doesn’t have my best interest in mind”

Great agents are always on the prowl for new properties, checking out the market and protecting your best interest at all times. Some buyers fear that their agent might have different motivations, or that they aren’t on the same page. If you have doubts, change agents. Never settle or take any random agent that comes along as your buyer’s agent. You and your agent should be committed to each other. Sit down before you begin the process and speak to your agent, much like a job interview. And if you have any doubts about your agent’s abilities or motivations, find another agent.

“We’ll never find a house in time for…”

A real estate purchase should never be rushed. If you have a firm deadline creeping up, make a plan B. For example, many buyers face an expiring lease or a school application deadline. If you are three months out from a deadline and you haven’t found a house, take the pressure off by putting an alternate plan in place. Home buying is an expensive and complicated transaction. You don’t want to rush into a purchase and make a mistake. It’s much easier and safer to get another rental or find a temporary address or try some out-of-the-box idea. It may be a little inconvenient, but you can handle it. If something scares you about a home, the buying process, or a third-party involved in the sale, voice your concerns. Listen to your voice of reason, and stick with your gut. Many home buyers’ initial fears will fall by the wayside as the buyer gets into the market. Take it slow, and don’t be afraid to take a step back to allow time and space to think things through. It’s better to take your time than to let buying your dream home become a nightmare. 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.