Properties Archives - Page 4 of 15 - Scottsdale Real Estate Team / Arizona Luxury Homes

Could High-End Amenities Make Your Home Harder to Sell? By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

February 17, 2015 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team When it comes to luxurious living, location is the crown jewel of home ownership. But which high-end amenities offer a return on investment — and should therefore be considered — and which don’t?

Strong curb appeal

Everyone wants a nicely manicured lawn and attractive landscaping, but going overboard with extras such as complex water features, animal-shaped hedges or a jungle-themed entryway is not universally appealing, and could be detrimental to your home’s value.

Master bedroom with a walk-in closet

Most people spend a lot of time in their bedrooms, so these spaces need to be extra special. A serene retreat — complete with large, fully functioning boutique-style walk-in closets — represents the ideal for many homeowners.

Spa-like bathroom

Spacious bathrooms that offer serenity and solitude — with soaking tubs, steam showers and heated floors — are highly desirable. But installing a hot tub that comfortably seats six is going overboard.

High-end audio-video systems

Deluxe home theater and stereo equipment doesn’t have lasting value, because this technology becomes outdated so quickly. Unless you’re installing a home theater for your own long-term enjoyment, think in simplistic terms. Typically, if the residence is wired for custom audio-video, then you’re all set.

In-ground swimming pool

While an in-ground swimming pool is expected in some parts of the country, like Arizona and Florida, a pool in more seasonal climates often doesn’t add much value to your home and could even decrease its value. Why? Pools are a high-maintenance, costly feature that many consider dangerous, especially families with young children. And adding water slides, waterfalls, virtual amusement parks and other backyard elaborations is a financial no-no. 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 Must-Know Tips When Shopping for Fixtures & Appliances From Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

February 10, 2015 Joe Szabo

From Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Shopping for fixtures (lighting, plumbing, etc.) and appliances can be exhausting and confusing, especially if you have a spouse or significant other to take into consideration when choosing. Often times my husband doesn’t get much say in the overall design choices in our home, but when it comes to certain things like plumbing, fixtures and appliances, he wants his voice heard —loud and clear! Here are my three biggest tips for homeowners about to embark on a fixture or appliance shopping excursion:

1. Find a common ground

If you and your significant other disagree on style, start by collecting photo examples of what each of you like. I’ve learned when my clients approach style disagreements this way, they often find considerable crossover in their design aesthetics that makes selecting fixtures and appliances as a team much smoother. When there isn’t crossover, I suggest selecting the style that is least objectionable to you both. To get started, try browsing for inspiration online. Zillow Digs is a great resource for design ideas as you can find and save your favorite photos all in one place, and you can easily revisit your favorites when you’re on the go.

2. Experiment with something unusual

I always suggest my clients try at least one design element that is uncommon or out of their comfort zone. I try to do this in my own home as well. One of the best ways to experiment is with fixture and appliance finish colors. Right now I’m very into burnished bronze or copper finishes for both lighting and faucets. I also have a thing for exposed plumbing. It feels very Victorian and “proper” to me, which is always a fun element to add a home.

3. Visit boutique showrooms vs. big-box stores

It can be very challenging and overwhelming starting your search at large warehouse home stores. That’s why I’m a huge fan of the smaller specialized showroom, like Ferguson. I feel that most people are intimidated by boutique showrooms as they think their products will be too expensive or there won’t be enough selection. I often recommend trying these stores first, as boutique showrooms have expert salespeople who can answer your questions, educate you about your options and help you remember your selections for next time. They can help you make the hard decisions with no mistakes. This personal touch coupled with a variety of price points to choose from make this the best and only choice for me as a homeowner and as a designer. Want to see how I shop for fixtures and appliances with my husband? Check out my latest episode of “Glamour Goes South” for an inside look! For inspiration on your next design remodel or fixture and appliance shopping trip, check out Zillow Digs. 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.

Fall in Love with Victorian Style By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

February 5, 2015 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team The rich wine hue of Pantone’s 2015 Color of the Year, Marsala, has set the stage for incorporating jewel tones and Victorian furnishings into living spaces this year. To bring Victorian elegance and romantic flair into your own home, look to decadent furnishings and accessories like these.

Mix-and-match furniture

One of the simplest ways to incorporate a Victorian feel into your home is to mix and match furniture. When the Victorian era arrived, most of the elements were decorative, so furniture was re-purposed from previous eras. Today, a living room with a scroll-back sofa, a few hardwood chairs and an upholstered chair in rich brocade or lush velvet will suit the style wonderfully. These pieces will merely serve as the backdrop for a room filled with decoration.

Gallery walls of framed paintings and mirrors

An abundance of paintings and mirrors adds a sense of spectacle and wealth, as well as bringing extra beauty into your home. It’s easy to build on the current trend of unframed canvasses by adding gold, silver, dark wood or black frames to instantly add a Victorian feel. Hang with cord and tassels for extra detail.

Luxurious fabrics

Fabrics were an important part of Victorian interiors. Lush materials such as velvet and silk add opulence, particularly when used for floor-to-ceiling curtains or to cover existing furniture. Botanical print fabrics were also in style at the time. These rich fabrics are easy to incorporate into the soft furnishings in your home with pillows and throws.

Wallpaper

Perhaps one of the more daring Victorian trends to try in your home is intricately patterned wallpaper. Famed Victorian designer William Morris’ botanical-themed wallpaper prints still exist in many iterations today, including smaller goods such as journals and decorative trays that can incorporate this touch without committing to wallpaper.

Gold and silver accessories

Gilded accessories are sure to bring luxury and elegance to a room. Look for gold candle holders, decorative trays, ornate vases, small decorative statues and curtain rods. Mercury glass accessories are also typical of the era. In the Victorian look, there is no such thing as “too much,” so feel free to decorate with gold and silver liberally.

Touches of lace

One of the best ways to reflect the Victorian fondness for romance is with lace. Family heirlooms such as lace table coverings will add your own sense of nostalgia and history to your home. Look for lace-trimmed sheets and shams to carry this dreamy look into the bedroom.

Jewel tones and texture

Marble, wood-grained, parquet — all sorts of textures were popular during the Victorian era. Marbleized accessories are a good way to blend the Color of the Year into your furnishings. Marsala looks particularly great marbled with rich jewel tones, the color palette of the Victorian era. Think rich emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red and amethyst purple.

Heavy dark carved wood

Black is another color central to the Victorian color palette. The idea was that black, particularly in dark hallways, made the entrance into an opulent and grand room even more stunning. Black frames, furniture, walls and other details can add drama.

Oriental rugs

Oriental rugs — particularly layered and overlapped — bring a cultured, well-traveled appeal to Victorian-inspired interiors. You probably have a few of these in your house, so try putting them all in one room. Don’t worry about matching or exact sizes for the room, as they will just be part of the overall appearance and lavishness.

Lighting: wall sconces, candles and lamps

Lighting is one of the best ways to have fun with Victorian design elements. Faux-crystal chandeliers, wall sconces and candles all add to creating the mysterious quality of the era’s dramatic low lighting. Towards the end of the era, lamps came into vogue, and the most renowned designer was Louis Comfort Tiffany. Incorporating Tiffany-style stained glass lamps will shed more jewel-toned light into the room. Victorian-inspired interiors can offer a nice change of pace from today’s stark, modern lines. The ability to mix and match current items with an abundance of embellished items makes this design trend accessible for any budget. Add some romantic, rich drama to your home today. 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.

Home Buyers: 3 Signs It’s Time to Enlist a Real Estate Pro By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

January 30, 2015 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team The growth of online real estate listings means consumers are equipped with information very early in the home buying process. A generation ago, to get listing information and access to historical data, home buyers needed to connect with a real estate agent much sooner — sometimes even prematurely. But today’s home buyers can do a lot of the legwork themselves, conducting research online and using home search and research applications independently, in addition to attending open houses. But this access to information doesn’t mean home shoppers can entirely go it alone. Buying a home is a major transaction, and all the data in the world can’t replace a knowledgeable and experienced local real estate agent. Here are some signs that you are ready to engage with a buyer’s agent:

You think you’ve found the home of your dreams, and you don’t know what to do next.

If you’ve been looking at homes for some time, you likely have a good feel for what you get for the money. You’ve gone to some open houses and have a few homes or searches saved online. Home shopping has become a hobby. But once you find the home of your dreams, it becomes a part-time job. Independent shoppers get comfortable with the market until their dream home hits them like a ton of bricks. The house is the motivator to take things up a notch. Reaching out to an agent will take you out of the dreaming phase and move you in the direction of actually buying a home.

You’ve found a home that appears too good to be true, but you can’t figure out what the problem is.

Suppose you stumble upon a house that seems like a great deal. It’s priced accurately for the neighborhood, but has been sitting on the market for weeks, if not months. You may have reached out to the listing agent to see the home in person or asked some questions of the agent at the open house. But that agent represents the seller, so you are not sure what the story is. In this case, you don’t know what you don’t know. That uncertainty, coupled with your curiosity about the home, is the best reason to pair up with a good local agent. They may know the house, its market history or, via their network, have access to information about the home. The house may have some major structural issues. Or the agent might point out that it is on a less desirable road or in a tough school district. These are the types of things that new, uneducated buyer wouldn’t know on their own.

You’ve been hit by a major life or financial event and need hard information to make a decision.

Sometimes you get news that changes your life’s course. Your landlord is selling your building, and you have 60 days to vacate. You’ve received the job opportunity of a lifetime or a huge increase in pay. Or you’ve done some tax planning and realize you are paying so much in taxes that you need to take advantage of the benefit realized by homeownership. When you need information fast, rather than taking the time to study the market independently, it’s easier to go right to the source. In a 30-minute phone call or in-person meeting, a local agent can get you up to speed on the market, pricing, timing and what to expect. You can quickly marry this information with your personal financial situation and start to devise a plan. A generation ago, potential home buyers, curious about getting into the market, had access to little information about homes for sale. They might have checked the open house section of the Sunday paper to get started. Or they simply called a local agent and engaged them. They may not have been quite ready to pull the trigger at that point, but they needed an agent to get them in the game, many times well before they were ready to purchase. While that agent is still an integral part of the process, today’s buyers can hold off a bit longer — as long as they know when the time is right to enlist help. 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.

Increase Your Home’s Value in 5 Easy Steps By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

January 27, 2015 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Thinking about taking on some small home improvement projects to boost the value of your home? Here are some smart upgrades and fixes that won’t cost a lot, but could help you clinch a deal if you’re trying to sell.

Consider curb appeal

First impressions are everything, and potential buyers often decide whether they’re interested in a home within seconds. As they’re walking toward your house, they’re asking themselves, “Could I live here?” Keep the walkway swept and tidy, and spruce up your entryway landscaping with well-placed shrubs, new plants and trimmed hedges. And don’t underestimate the power of a new front door, fence or mailbox.

Buff up the bath

Sure, bathroom improvements can get pricey, but small cosmetic changes can reap big rewards. Consider replacing dated frosted glass with clear glass, updating fixtures or putting up new wallpaper. Other projects that are worth the effort include re-grouting the tile, replacing an old vanity with a new one and buying a new toilet seat.

Make your kitchen cook

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where the family congregates, guests gather and the kids do their homework. To appeal to potential buyers, this space has to look clean, inviting and warm. Beyond making sure your appliances work well and look shiny, consider updating cabinet doors and drawers, light fixtures and faucets. And a basic coat of neutral paint can go a long way toward impressing buyers.

Let there be light

Is there an old chandelier that needs to come down? Dated lamps that age the room? Take care of that! Also, increase the wattage in dark rooms that lack natural lighting. Rooms will seem larger and more open. Visual space — or how large a home feels — is crucial.

Reconfigure the layout

Assuming you’ve already covered the basics, such as removing clutter and personal belongings to make rooms look larger, why not take it one step further and think about reconfiguring the layout? Substituting one room’s use for another is a cheap way to transform a two-bedroom home with a den into a three-bedroom home, for example. 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.

Home Organization: Embracing Order in the New Year By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

January 22, 2015 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team For many people, the new year represents a clean slate, and brings a renewed sense of possibility and enthusiasm. It’s a wonderful time to get your home organized in anticipation of the busy months ahead. Effective storage solutions and organization systems will enable you to enjoy your home to its fullest. Here are some tips to put you on track for an orderly and productive 2015.

Learn to let things go

The first step in any organization plan is purging. This can be the hardest part, but it is also the most rewarding. Do not keep what isn’t functional or doesn’t bring you joy. Also remember that something you let go of might bring someone else a great deal of pleasure. If you’re not sure you can part with an item, store it in a box and see if you miss it or need it. This is a great litmus test for what’s truly necessary.

Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good

Any organization effort is better than no organization effort. It’s best to approach a behemoth task like organizing your entire home in stages. The house provides us with natural barriers. Think of each room as its own project and it will begin to feel more manageable. And remember that it gets worse before it gets better, so don’t feel discouraged early on. Organizing is not something that happens in one day – it is a journey and a state of mind.

Think outside the box store

A trip to the Container Store can be fun, but unorthodox storage solutions make for a more interesting space. Beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces can be highly practical and help make your home more functional. Make use of available and affordable materials when possible to stretch your home organization budget. This bookcase was made out of old wine boxes and then stained a dark walnut color.

The three Bs: bins, buckets and baskets

Oh, and jars. (But that doesn’t start with a B.) Once you’ve whittled down your belongings to favorites and must haves, you’re going to need somewhere to store them. Baskets and buckets have a wonderful visual impact in a room — filling nooks, resting against chairs, and adding texture and color. They are also highly functional for storing everything from toys and blankets to magazines and shoes. Keep an eye out for unexpected vessels, like this gigantic industrial mixing bowl that is now a great solution for avoiding entryway clutter. Using jars in the kitchen to store dry goods can make open shelving a lot more appealing. Bonus: With healthy grains and goodies in plain sight, you’ll end up using them more often.

Use your vertical space

If your home doesn’t have a huge footprint, vertical solutions are essential for staying organized. These can be implemented in a more practical manner, like stacking bins and boxes under your bed or in your closet, as well as through design decisions. Capitalizing on vertical space draws the eye to different parts of the room and creates a sense of balance, in addition to saving important real estate on the floor. This curio cabinet makes excellent use of a corner that might otherwise be neglected. A hanging light above has a nice visual impact and doesn’t take up any additional space. The best reason to get and stay organized? You’ll save yourself valuable time — which means you can focus on doing things that really matter to 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.

Setting Up a Home Office That Works for You By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

January 19, 2015 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team In recent years, the line between working and living in our homes has become blurred. More people want a home office, whether it’s a simple space for taking care of household matters, a spot for the inevitable papers and projects that make their way home from work, or a dedicated area for a full-time business. For a few minutes a day or 40 hours a week, working at home is always more fun in an area with loads of function — and some personalization, too. Here’s how to create a snazzy home office space that will make you look forward to clocking in.

The essentials

Some experts have said there are only two essentials for a functional home office: a comfortable chair and a door that closes. Most people, however, probably have a few more requirements. Basic elements of designing a room include smart space planning, adequate lighting and sufficient storage. When setting up your home office, also consider functionality and comfort.

Get horizontal

Start with your work surface. Stock desk units come in a variety of materials, but may be difficult to fit in with your room. Modular office furniture is more flexible and comes in many styles. Or look to repurposed furniture. With some judicious changes, you can turn flea market finds and antiques into acceptable home office elements. Don’t hesitate to make a piece your own with a simple coat of paint in your favorite color.

Take a seat

Chairs need to be functional, but an office chair isn’t your only choice. If you’ll be spending a lot of time working in the office, consider including a lounge chair or chaise. It will make a comfortable spot for reading or coffee breaks. For your desk, choose a chair with an adjustable seat and armrests to protect your spine and help reduce aches and injuries. To personalize it, add a throw pillow to coordinate with window coverings or other decorative elements in the room.

Essential details

Make a list of everything you need, from pencils and paper clips to research materials and file folders. Pick a color scheme and purchase the necessities in your favorite palette. Measure all the electronic equipment you’ll require to determine where it will fit best. And make sure you add some favorite framed photos or artwork to inspire you. To create softness and texture underfoot, layer on an area rug to anchor your space.

Light it up

Natural light is great, but you’ll need ambient and task lighting as well. Here is another opportunity to add a bit of personal style to your space via lamp shades, crystals and fixture finishes. Watch out for the possibility of glare, especially when finding a place for your computer screen. If your office space doesn’t have a door, you can establish a sense of privacy by the way you orient your work surface or by using a screen or file cabinets to mark off the area. 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.

Buying a Home in 2015: 3 Resolutions to Make It Happen By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

January 12, 2015 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Many home buyers enter and leave the real estate market several times before making a purchase. Priorities shift and — unlike a seller who signs an agreement and has a tangible product to sell — buyers aren’t necessarily tied to any timeframe, unless it’s self-imposed. With the start of a new year, many on-and-off home shoppers resolve to intensify their search and finally purchase a home. Whether it’s because of a better-understood tax benefit, the realization of a big bonus or simply a frustrating rental situation, many buyers re-enter the market and get serious. Here are some resolutions for buyers who want to make 2015 the year of their new home.

Enlist an ally

Many buyers spend time in the dreaming phase of home shopping — looking at listings online, researching the mortgage process, running numbers and following the local market. But serious and active buyers hook up with a strong local agent to make it happen. Agents can serve as a guiding light thanks to the wealth of market knowledge they bring to the table. A good local agent has completed dozens of transactions and understands the process and the market — not to mention the home buying process — like the back of their hand. If things go sideways, they will steer you in the right direction. Leverage their experience.

Balance feelings and data

There is so much (sometimes conflicting) real estate information available that it is easy to get overwhelmed. A home purchase is not the same as picking out a new tablet, smartphone or even a used car. Aside from the huge financial commitment of a home purchase, there are emotional and practical implications that may be less obvious. You may walk through a designer kitchen and imagine your family having dinner there, or see a particular block and suddenly feel that you belong there. No spreadsheet or equation will account for those feelings, wishes or desires. Trying to reconcile these feelings while analyzing potentially conflicting statistics, online data, blogs or forums will be a challenge. If you have a reliable local agent and have been looking for some time, you can feel confident in your market knowledge, while also trusting your instincts.

Abandon the notion of getting a deal

Everyone likes to get a great bargain. But in real estate, deals aren’t always easy to come by. Dozens of fragmented sellers — unaffected by inventory levels and with different motivations for selling — drive each market. If you are continuously on the hunt for a “deal,” this could be a red flag that you are not ready to buy. If you need to purchase a car, you likely research car prices online before heading to the dealership. You understand that the values range, and attempt to get your car as close to the lower end of the range as possible. If not, you won’t be buying a car. Will you wait another year to see where prices are? Probably not. Instead, you make a car purchase based on the best deal you can negotiate at that time. The same goes with home buying. Buyers who spend considerable time learning the market will have experiential knowledge of what they can get for their money and where. They have a realistic view of the market. Making a low-ball offer may be understandable when you first enter the market. You could be uninformed or nervous, and putting in a low offer is a way to test the waters. But if you’re continually making unrealistic offers, you need to ask yourself if you are ready to be a home buyer. Your low-ball offers may be your way of sabotaging your home buying prospects. Every buyer is different, and real estate purchases are one part financial, one part emotional and one part practical. The road to buying a home is not a straight and narrow path, like buying a car. If you truly want to buy a home in 2015, dedicate yourself to the effort, and set yourself up for success. 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.

Mortgage Rate Update By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

January 5, 2015 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Mortgage rates for 30-year fixed mortgages fell this week, with the current rate borrowers were quoted on Zillow Mortgages at 3.72 percent, down from 3.73 percent at this same time last week. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate hovered between 4.01 percent and 3.75 percent for most of the week before settling at the current rate.

“Rates were volatile last week, primarily driven by low participation during the holiday-shortened week,” said Erin Lantz, vice president of mortgages at Zillow. “Aside from Monday’s sharp decline in rates due to bad news out of Greece, we expect continued volatility this week due to limited activity as lenders and consumers focus on the New Year’s holiday.” Additionally, the 15-year fixed mortgage rate this morning was 2.98 percent, and for 5/1 ARMs, the rate was 2.83 percent. Purchase mortgage application activity Zillow predicts tomorrow’s seasonally adjusted Mortgage Bankers Association Weekly Application Index will show purchase loan activity decreased by 4 percent from the week prior. To learn more about this Zillow analysis, click here. What are the interest rates right now? Check Zillow Mortgages for mortgage rate trends and up-to-the-minute mortgage rates for your state. 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.

Financial Housekeeping Tips to Close Out the Year By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

January 1, 2015 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team As the year comes to a close, it’s a good time to do a little financial housekeeping. Here are a few smart moves to consider:

Tackle your outstanding credit card debt

Seven percent of Americans are still carrying debt from last year’s holiday season, according to Consumer Reports. Come up with a pay-off strategy — whether that’s paying off the cards with the highest rates first or paying off the card with the lowest balance — and put it to work. You’ll save a bundle on interest.

Reduce your tax liability

If you own stocks and mutual funds outside your retirement accounts, 2014 has been a prosperous year. But on April 15, you’re going to have to share some of your good fortune with the Internal Revenue Service, so it’s wise to start looking for ways to minimize the bite now. Do you have any poor-performing investments? You can sell them at a loss to offset capital gains from other investments sold throughout the year. Some other tax moves:

Clean out your closets and make charitable donations
Give the gift of cash — you can give up to $14,000 to as many individuals as you’d like without filing a gift-tax return, but you must do this before Dec. 31
Gift securities
Contribute to your 401(k)
Defer income if 2014 was a high-income year.

Reassess your housing situation

Reconsidering your housing is important now because mortgage rates are below 4 percent and projected to rise to 5 percent by the end of 2015, according to Zillow. With rents projected to rise faster than home values in 2015, it’s a good time to put the wheels in motion if you have any intention of buying a home. After all, a 1 percent rise in mortgage rates reduces affordability by whopping 11 percent. 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.

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