Before & After: Cluttered Office Goes Chic By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
Before
After
Go smaller in a small space
The large hutch dominated the small room. Removing the top of the hutch from the desk was a great way to open the space. Drawers provide spots for clutter and a file holder on the desk is essential for organizing paperwork. The desk is now wider, and provides more surface area to work. This is a reminder that not all sets will work in a space — sometimes it’s best to take a part away and use it in another space. A smaller shelf provides the display space the top of the hutch provided.Add little details
A little pizzazz — in this case, turquoise and gold — are the stars of the room. Swapping out the basic knobs of the desk for gold and crystal ones gives the desk a bit of elegance. Another inexpensive touch is to add patterned paper — in this case wrapping paper — to a Plexiglas desk top. Other small gold and aqua accessories tie the room together.Read more here
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.Love Your Lawn? Follow These Guidelines By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
Seed
Before you decide on a Kentucky bluegrass, Bermuda or rye, find out which grass is best for your climate by consulting the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plant hardiness zone map. Perform a soil test to see if you need to make any amendments before planting seed, and then follow these guidelines:- Till the soil and remove weeds, rocks and plants. Consider adding fresh topsoil mixed with an organic material to improve water retention, and a fertilizer to stimulate germination.
- For small areas you can sow the seed by hand; for larger areas use a seed spreader. Cover the seeded soil with straw to protect the seeds and help them retain moisture. Section off the area to avoid foot traffic.
- Water daily and do not mow the grass until it is at least 3-inches high. Water less frequently as the grass matures.
Sod
Laying sod is a great way to have a lawn without the wait, but it’s a big job. It’s best to lay sod during cooler weather so the grass can take root and avoid the risk of burnout. (Fall or spring are typically the best times of year in the North; spring is ideal in the South.) Familiarize yourself with how to lay sod before deciding if it’s right for your lawn.Lawn alternatives
Lawn alternatives provide as much greenery and coverage as a regular turf but can be lower maintenance, hardier and even scent-filled. There are many varieties to consider — from micro clover to Corsican mint — so be sure to check to see which is best for your lawn, climate and upkeep.Watering
Most lawns require about 1 inch of water per week. It’s better to give your grass a good soak every three days than to water a little bit every day. Your lawn will tell you when it needs watering, provided you know the signs. As you walk over the grass, your footsteps should readily disappear; if they don’t, you need to water. A bluish-green color and curling glass blades are also indicators of dehydration.- Watering less frequently encourages roots to grow downward (in search of water), which makes your lawn more stable.
- In most climates, a deep, thorough watering twice a week should be enough to keep your lawn happy.
- Water your lawn in the early morning, so there will be less evaporation. Grass will also have a chance to dry out before the sun starts beating down.
Fertilizing
Grass requires small amounts of many nutrients (calcium, magnesium and sulfur, to name a few). Macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are needed in larger quantities. A soil test performed by your local extension office will reveal what your lawn needs to succeed. The results of the test will include a range of information, such as your soil’s pH.- Cool-season grasses (including Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue) benefit most from fertilizer in the fall, at which time the added nutrients go a long way toward bolstering root growth.
- For warm-season grasses (including zoysia and Bermuda), springtime fertilization is appropriate once the lawn is actively growing, about six weeks after the last frost date.
- Using slow-release fertilizer prevents nutrient overload and lowers the risk that your application will contribute to shoot, not root, growth.
Mowing
When choosing a lawn mower, take into consideration the size of your lawn, the presence of inclines and obstructions, comfort (if you decide to go with a riding mower), safety and maintenance. You want a mower that will suit your unique landscape and be user-friendly. When you mow,- Never cut more than one-third of the blade; any more will shock the plant.
- Cut your lawn higher than the recommended rate during hot summer months.
- Switch mowing directions to prevent turf wear and soil compaction.
Weed control
Familiarize yourself with common lawn-care problems, from dandelions and ants to brown patches. Learn to mitigate — or better yet, prevent — these pesky predicaments to keep your lawn healthy and lush all year long. 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.3 Easy Ways to Maximize Storage in Your Garage By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
Organize items for storage
First, group the bins and bulky items you need to store by their use. Measure them so you know how much space you need for each group.Maximize space and function
Tall cabinets with double doors are great, but be sure they come with enough adjustable shelves to optimize the space inside. Include at least one lockable cabinet to keep dangerous chemicals out of reach of children and pets. Add some low cabinets on casters, creating a work surface on top. With some pegboard or a vinyl slat wall system for tools, you’ve got the beginning of a home workshop. For easier cleaning and less clutter, keep things off the floor: store sports gear and yard tools on heavy-duty, wall-mounted hooks and racks. If you’ve got a lot of ceiling height in your garage, use it. Try an overhead storage rack for seasonal items or as a bike lift.Choose practical storage options
There are lots of garage storage options, but organization hinges on consistency: choose cabinets and racks of the same color and type. Look for systems made of metal, plastic or wood specifically treated for garage use. And remember that bigger is not always better. You need a garage storage system that will allow you to find your stuff and still leave room for the car. 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.Whole-House Storage Solutions: Easy Ideas for Every Room By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
Clean Out the Closet
The first frontier in the crusade against clutter is the closet. If you can tidy up these crowded catchalls of the house, you can tackle anything. For starters, make use of often-overlooked space up high, and use transparent or decorative bins to store items neatly and provide easy access. In short, look for ways to end closet “stuffication.”Livable Laundry Rooms
Given the fact that laundry rooms are often small, look for ways to maximize their potential with inventive storage solutions—including some tried-and-true DIY hacks. In addition to improving the look of the room, getting a handle on storage will enhance your ability to sort, wash, dry, and fold in the space you have.Garage Storage
Ah yes, the garage! There is a floor underneath all those magazines and boxes, tools, sports equipment, and gardening and lawn paraphernalia. After you clear out what you no longer need, look for shelves, cabinets, and containers that can control the clutter. And don’t overlook storage opportunities overhead and on the walls.Tips for a Great Basement
Basement storage accessories should be tailored to provide easy access, ventilation, and moisture resistance. Because basements can be damp, metal shelving and cabinetry protect possessions better than wooden alternatives; similarly, plastic bins protect better than cardboard boxes. If moisture is an issue, take steps to waterproof your basement.Make the Most of the Attic
The attic can be your storage salvation provided it is properly ventilated and insulated. Ventilation and insulation work hand in hand to reduce humidity and prevent drastic temperature swings in summer and winter. Consider building shelves into the beams to maximize the space and keep the floor clear so items can be easily retrieved. Read more here 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.Millennials vs. Baby Boomers: What Do They Want? By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
Location
Millennials aren’t the only ones flocking to popular cities such as New York, Boston, Miami and San Francisco. Some boomers are, too. After all, they want the theater, arts, culture and fine dining! The difference is that millennials, if they’re not still living with mom and dad, are moving into expensive rental units. An analysis that Zillow recently conducted for The New York Times showed that in 90 cities, the median rent is more than 30 percent of the median gross income. Meanwhile, some well-heeled boomers — eager for a lifestyle change — are buying smaller, yet more expensive homes than the ones where they raised their families in the suburbs. How’s that for downsizing?Style
A nice, yet casual-looking social hub is what millennials look for. Practicality is what it’s all about. Boomers, on the other hand, really want more of a private retreat — think vacation-like. After all, they’ve worked hard for it so why not enjoy the fruits of their labor? Boomers want their next, and final, home to be the best ever — the picture of success.Amenities
Millennials and boomers alike both want clean, shiny and new move-in ready homes. And they both seem to value amenities over square footage. Accessibility and walkability are also important. But while millennials put speedy, reliable Internet performance (built-in docking stations and charging panels are a given) at the top of their must-have lists, boomers are more keen on luxury and flaunting niceties — from state-of-the-art kitchens to fancy bathrooms, large walk-in closets and more. 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 Nation’s Most Affordable Homes Also the Most Likely to Be Underwater By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
“The unfortunate reality is that housing markets look to be swimming with underwater borrowers for years to come,” said Zillow Chief Economist Dr. Stan Humphries. “It’s hard to overstate just how much of a drag on the housing market negative equity really is, especially at the lower end of the market, which represents those homes typically most affordable for first-time buyers. Negative equity constrains inventory, which helps drive home values higher, which in turn makes those homes that are available that much less affordable.”
Negative equity has fallen for eight consecutive quarters, but fell at its lowest pace in almost two years in the first quarter as home value growth slowed. Negative equity fell from 25.4 percent in the first quarter of 2013 and 19.4 percent in the fourth quarter, while the pace of annual home value growth slowed to 5.7 percent in the first quarter, from 6.6 percent at the end of the fourth quarter. Looking ahead, the national negative equity rate is expected to fall to 17 percent of all homeowners with a mortgage by the first quarter of 2015, according to the Zillow Negative Equity Forecast. More underwater homeowners are freed from negative equity as home values rise, eventually surpassing the amount still owed on a mortgage. If home values rise more slowly, negative equity will recede more slowly. Homeowners are also freed from negative equity if their homes are foreclosed on, as homeowners’ debt is wiped from lenders’ books following foreclosure.