We at Scottdale Real Estate Team off your best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a new year filled with peace, prosperity and happiness. Happy holidays and a very happy 2018!
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December 11, 2017 Joe Szabo
March 22, 2016 Joe Szabo
By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
Other sellers in your area are dressing up the lawn with little flowerbeds and a good trim, but why settle? Follow these five tips to set your home apart from the competition.
Many sellers know that a clean-cut edge can turn even the most mundane lawn into a manicured carpet of green. Set yourself apart and bring a bit of architectural structure to your landscape by installing a brick mowing strip. Not only will this make your lawn look 100 percent nicer, the hard and level boundary between your lawn and landscaping makes subsequent mowings and trimmings a breeze.
A less durable, but easier and more cost-effective method, is to create your edge with landscaping timbers that have been staked in place. Plastic edges are the cheapest solution of all, but be warned: They also look cheap, and can even lead buyers to dismiss your home as tacky.
Replacing your mailbox is a classic approach to achieving curb appeal, but why stop there? You’ll already be deep in the trenches with a shovel in hand, so you might as well plant a welcoming mailbox garden to capture potential buyers from their very first glance.
When designing your mailbox garden, choose plants that will not become overgrown or require too much upkeep. Dwarf, compact shrubs are good choices because they stay smaller and require less pruning.
Groundcovers such as Liriope, daylilies and Agapanthus are useful because they don’t get too tall, and quickly fill in, eventually eliminating the need for mulch. Place taller plants along the back of the bed, and leave a space towards the front where you can plant a fewseasonally appropriate annuals. Just don’t overdo it, since annuals might fizzle out before the house has been sold.
Placing a container garden at your doorstep is a quick and affordable way to liven things up, but since the front door is where the agent pauses to fumble around for a key and discuss the home with her clients, set the tone for that conversation with something bold: Two big stately glazed ceramic pots to each side of the door, each filled with spectacular foliage plants.
While flowers seem to scream “Look at me!” in desperation, foliage plants exude grace and confidence. Plant them with something low-maintenance so that they thrive during the stressful move. Choose pots and plants that complement the colors and style of the house: A minimalist planting of snake plant or horsetail in sleek red pots may be appropriate for a mid-century modern home with a red door, but would be out of place on a Victorian porch.
Notice that I said to prune not just the shrubs, but the entire landscape. It’s common knowledge that you should give your landscape plantings a trim before selling a home, but in the case of so-called ‘trash trees’ and overgrown foundation plantings, those hedge trimmers just aren’t enough. Anything this big should be removed by a professional so that you can focus on the important stuff.
Now is also the time to evaluate the effectiveness of your landscape as a whole — not just to you, but everyone else. That vegetable patch or above-ground pool taking up your lawn might be paradise on earth to you and your family, but most prospective buyers will only see weeds and maintenance.
However, some features, such as paved paths or patios, can actually bring value to the property because they make life easier without costing much time or effort.
Cookies in the oven are supposed to make buyers associate your home with their fondest memories, but well-chosen plants turn a house into someone’s home. Fragrant roses, jasmines and herbs will perfume the entry with nostalgia and make your house memorable to buyers. However, avoid placing strong-smelling plants too close to the entry, as this can be off-putting to some.
Another trick is to incorporate plants that create a connection to the best features of your property. If it’s a waterfront property in the deep South, use palm trees to frame the view and create a sense of paradise. If the property offers a nice view of a prairie, plant a groundcover of ornamental grasses to connect the yard to the beauty beyond. Don’t skimp on the price either, because the bigger and nicer the plants, the bigger the impact.
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.
March 1, 2016 Joe Szabo
By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
With home values rising, homeowners who have equity, a much-valued resource, might be tempted to tap some of that wealth and use it for other purposes. But depending on your personal situation and how you’d like to use the equity, it may not necessarily be the right thing to do.
Here’s when a home equity loan, which allows you to use the equity of your home as collateral, makes sense — and when it doesn’t.
Remember a decade ago when homeowners yanked cash out of their homes as if they were bottomless piggy banks to fund affluent lifestyles they couldn’t really afford? These reckless borrowers, with their boats, fancy cars, lavish vacations, and other luxury items, paid the price when the housing bubble burst. Property values plunged, and they lost their homes.
Lesson learned: Don’t squander your equity! A home equity loan should be looked at as an “investment,” and not as “extra cash” when making spending decisions.
The safest use of home equity funds is for home improvements that will add to the home’s value. If you have a one-time project (for example, you need a new roof), then a home equity loan might make sense.
Need access to money over a period of time to fund ongoing home improvement projects? Then a home equity line of credit (HELOC) would make more sense. HELOCs let you pay as you go, and usually have a variable rate that’s tied to the prime rate, plus or minus some percentage.
This is a no-brainer, but it’s always worth reiterating: basic expenses like groceries, clothing, utilities, and phone bills should be a part of your household budget.
If your budget doesn’t cover these and you’re thinking of borrowing money to afford them, it’s time to rework your budget and cut some of the excess.
Consolidating multiple balances, including your high-interest credit card debts, will make perfect sense when you run the numbers — who doesn’t want to save potentially thousands of dollars in interest?
Debt consolidation will simplify your life, too, but beware: It only works if you have discipline. If you don’t, you’ll likely run all your balances back up again, and end up in even worse shape.
This may seem like an attractive use of home equity for those with college-age children. However, the potential consequences down the road could be significant. And risky.
Remember, tapping into your home equity may mean it takes you longer to pay off the loan. It also may delay your retirement, or put you even deeper in debt. Furthermore, as you get older, it will likely be more difficult to earn the money to pay back the loan. Don’t jeopardize your financial security.
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.
August 12, 2014 Joe Szabo
By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Tim Lincecum turned 30 this summer, and he’s putting his bachelor-friendly mansion on the market for nearly $4 million.
The long-haired hero of the 2010 World Series bought the estate for $3.4 million in 2012 — and it is a sports fanatic’s dream home.
The contemporary at 4793 E Charles Dr in Paradise Valley, AZ has an indoor basketball court with a retractable batting cage and courtside, restaurant-style booths. That’s all next door to the theater room with a bar and reclining seats.
Outdoors, there’s a pool with two waterfalls, a whirlpool spa and sundeck, plus a built-in grilling station.
It’s not all fun and games. The house also has a chef’s kitchen with granite and glass countertops, a huge master suite, limestone flooring and sweeping mountain views. In all, there are more than 11,000 square feet, 4 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms.
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 30, 2014 Joe Szabo
By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
From Bing Crosby to Beyoncé, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley have been popular stomping grounds for Hollywood headliners since the 1940s.
Its proximity to Los Angeles – and reputation as a desert South Beach – have drawn hundreds of stars through the years to hideaways such as Hotel Valley Ho, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain and the Hermosa Inn.
According to the Scottsdale Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, stars are attracted to Scottsdale “for rest and relaxation, far from the prying lenses of the paparazzi and congested streets of Los Angeles and New York City.”
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.
December 23, 2013 Joe Szabo
Merry Christmas from all of us at Scottsdale Real Estate.
We hope your holidays are unforgettable!
November 27, 2013 Joe Szabo
November 13, 2013 Joe Szabo
Happy November! It looks like the real estate market has cooled off just like the weather. The good news is that the median home price in Paradise Valley Arizona has increased from $990,000 to $1,150,000 since September 2013; this is up a whopping 24.3% since October 2012. New listings are up from September with 76 listings as opposed to 69 from the previous month. New contracts and closed sales are down 11.4% and 21.6%, respectively. The market is starting to balance out making it a great time to buy or sell in Paradise Valley.
Considering a purchasing or selling a property in Paradise Valley? Take advantage of the great market conditions and get your home listed for sale.
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.
November 11, 2013 Joe Szabo
Happy November! There is a lot to be happy about in Scottsdale Arizona. The weather is perfect and the real estate market isn’t too shabby either. The median home price in Scottsdale Arizona has increased from $371,000 to $385,000 since September 2013; up 18.5% since October 2012. New listings are up from September with 1,143 listings as opposed to 900 from the previous month. New contracts are up 14.3% while closed sales dropped slightly by 5.8%. The hot seller’s market is starting to cool off and balance out the market. Would be a great time for buyers on the fence to make a move!
Considering a purchasing or selling a property in Scottsdale? Take advantage of the great market conditions and get your home listed for sale before the snow birds and students return in the fall.
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.
November 9, 2013 Joe Szabo
By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
Renovating their Falls Church home — a former broom factory built in the 1890s — led Keith and Greta Brendley to add the ultimate luxury: a specially dug basement for a wine cellar.
“It allows my collection to grow and allows me to buy deeper, younger reds that need significant time to age,” says Keith Brendley, 55, president of a defense systems analysis company. Lining the walls of the underground room are mahogany racks and shelves, many filled with California wines.
Temperature-controlled, dedicated wine storage is becoming more common as the beverage gains popularity among consumers. A recent Gallup poll shows that about as many Americans prefer wine as they do beer, which has dropped over the past two decades as the alcoholic drink of choice. As a result, homeowners are investing in coolers, closets and rooms for their chardonnay, cabernet and other varietals.
“A wine refrigerator is something that a lot of our clients add when they renovate their kitchens,” says Jim Wrenn of Bethesda-based Case Design/Remodeling, the firm responsible for the Brendleys’ renovation. Most under-counter fridges hold about 50 bottles, leading serious oenophiles to step up to larger spaces where the temperature and humidity are kept steady to protect their investments.
“Many of my clients build wine cellars because they are collecting and buying wine at a rate they can’t keep up with and growing out of their wine refrigerators,” says Lisa Weiss of the Wine Cellar Co. in McLean.
Steve Goldstein of Classic Cellar Design in Vienna says the demand for wine cellars is on the rise, particularly in newer spec homes. He notes that the increase has resulted, in part, from “the loosening of the interstate shipping laws over the last few years, providing access to many hard-to-find wines and the ability to ship home wines from vacation experiences in wine country.”
With the typical wine cellar costing about $40,000 to $60,000 — the Brendleys spent about $80,000 on their 10-foot-by-13-foot basement room — some homeowners are opting for smaller, less expensive storage spaces, Weiss says. “Closet cellars are hot right now and run about $15,000 to $20,000,” Weiss says. Another trend she sees is to craft the bottle racks out of reclaimed wood from wine barrels and tanks.
Most important to a wine cellar, experts say, is the proper infrastructure for storage. “It’s absolutely critical that you prepare the room for refrigeration with the right placement of insulation and vapor barriers,” Weiss says. “If you miss a step, you may end up with condensation or mold.”
Insulation must cover the floor and ceiling in addition to the walls for controlling environmental conditions. Doors should be exterior-grade to ensure a tight seal and lighting kept low to reduce heat. The goal is to keep the temperature at 55 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity at 55 to 70 percent so that bottles are kept cool and corks don’t loosen or dry out to spoil the contents.
“You are building a walk-in refrigerator for your wine,” Goldstein says. “A wine cellar can be located anywhere as long as all of its surfaces are considered. Most people put them in the basement because that’s the coolest place in the home and where people have extra room.”
But don’t plan on hosting guests inside the cellar. Says Greta Brendley, 52, a school psychologist: “It’s way too cold for dining or hanging out. We were thinking more about storage than a place to entertain.”
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.
Mobile: 480-688-2020
Office: 480-889-8702
Fax: 480-355-9444
joe@azluxuryhomes.com
21000 N. Pima Rd
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Scottsdale AZ, 85255
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