By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Did you know that to an insurance company, you’re not just a homeowner with a bunch of stuff… that you are a set of risks put down on paper on which the insurer bases its premium? These risk factors according to the insurance companies include what you do for a living, who you are, what you own and how you live.   One of the things that can help you in choosing and insurer and getting the proper coverage is knowing your home’s value.  Before you choose a policy, you should know how much it costs to replace your home and a local builder or a real estate agent is the one to provide the best estimate. Just like anything else you buy, what seems to be the same product can actually cost different in different companies and it pays to comparison shop like you would do with anything else. But just don’t look at the price, because if an insurer takes a long time to service your claim or doesn’t pay at all – it’s no savings.  You can research the insurer’s record for claims service as well as its financial stability. It is also wise to ask for discounts.  Insurers provide discounts to reward behavior that reduces risk.  People pay over for their coverage many times because they forget to ask about them.  When you make a claim, remember that your insurer is not your best friend. What you think you should be compensated for may not match that of your insurer.  The insurer’s job is to restore you financially whereas your job is to prove your losses so you get what you need.  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 Take stock of how much light is entering your house. When your house is dark, it feels like a cave and it won’t matter even if you have the most incredible interior. Open all curtains and windows while it’s bright outside. Now observe each room. Does it feel dark and cold? It may be fine if you’re used to living this way but buyers may be quick to cross your house off their list for lack of appeal. Natural Light:

• Remove ornaments or anything hanging on your windows. The glass panes must be clear and unobstructed.
• Cut back tree limbs that block natural light reaching your windows. Similarly, remove indoor shelves and plants blocking your windows.
• Window treatments: replace dark or heavy looking drapes.
• Consider shutters, sheer white panels, or cut-to-measure blinds at a home center. They are relatively inexpensive and you can revitalize your rooms in one weekend
• Mount your valance higher to let in more light while making the window appear larger.
• Yet another possibility is to leave windows bare for a fresh, on-trend look.
• Remove doors and let adjacent rooms share their light. This works well with dining and living rooms.
• Reflect light with strategically placed mirrors. Do this sparingly or risk being labeled as the house of mirrors.
• Replace the solid door of your study room with a French door so light can permeate to the rest of the house. To upgrade inexpensively, buy a French glass insert and install it yourself.
• Clean your windows and skylights. Layers of grime can filter out an amazing amount of light.
• Consider a new decorative glass insert for your main door. Glass inserts are economical and easy to install. You’re guaranteed to buy lots of light for your foyer.

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.  

A local or online mortgage broker may find you a lender in another part of the country. An online bank might not have a local office where employees can help you one-on-one. Some out of town lenders don’t understand the types of heating systems used in specific areas, they aren’t familiar with private septic systems, and they don’t immediately understand common classifications and terms used by local appraisers. Those are just a few examples of problems I’ve seen that caused significant slow-downs in loans made by an out of town lender working with a mortgage broker. Using a local bank can sometimes be a plus. Their staff generally understands the specifics of local properties, but a distant lender who doesn’t will delay closing until questions are answered. Mortgage brokers can often find a lender who will make loans that a bank refuses–problem credit is one example. Loans for unique or commercial properties might be easier to secure through a mortgage broker. Make your choice of a lender based on the best loan terms you can find. Ask questions about expected time-frame. Ask your real estate agent friends who have recently bought a home for lender and broker referrals. 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 Steel and Metal Roofs are coming back into vogue. In the late 1700s, zinc, copper, and lead were the most popular materials used for roofing – such famous historic buildings as the Washington Monument and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello have metal roofs.  Standing-seam steel roofing is the most popular residential metal roofing today. (The term standing-seam describes the upturned edge of one metal panel that connects it to adjacent sections, creating distinctive vertical lines and a trendy historical look.) But metal roofs can also be made to resemble wood shakes, clay tiles, shingles, and Victorian metal tiles. Aluminum or coated steel is formed into individual shingles or tiles, or into modular panels four feet long that mimic a row of shingles or tiles.  Metal roofs are durable, fire retardant and almost maintenance-free. They are also energy efficient; metal reflects heat and blocks its transfer into the attic. Research by the Florida Solar Energy Center in 1985 showed that metal absorbed 34 percent less heat than asphalt shingles, and homeowners switching to metal roofing reported saving up to 20 percent on their energy bills.  Steel roofs offer other environmental benefits as well. They are made from between 60 percent to 65 percent recyclable material. Because they weigh very little, metal roofing can be installed over existing roofs, eliminating the need to dispose of excess material in a landfill.   Installing some metal roofing can be an intricate process best done by a professional, and the initial cost of a premium metal roof is higher than most other roofing materials. You need to compute the lifecycle cost to see if paying more to begin with for a metal roof will prove to be a better investment than some other form of roofing.  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 Shingles, simulated wood shakes, lighter-weight tiles and concrete panels are being manufactured from a variety of fiber-reinforced cement products. Some are coated with plastics, enamels, or thin metals, and some contain recycled material. Although the products themselves are not yet recyclable, they are a good choice for durability and resource efficiency. The advantages of concrete roofing vary from product to product, but generally they all have a long lifespan, require low maintenance, offer good fire protection and are resistant to rot and insects. Many tiles mimic the appearance of wood shakes, while improving on the durability and fire protection that real wood affords. It can approximate the look of clay tile or slate while mitigating the structural problems caused by the weight of the real material.  Concrete is more expensive than some roofing materials, and early types of concrete roofing had problems with the material curling, breaking and changing color. Technology has improved, however, and these problems have mostly been overcome. Style and color choices are expanding, and by mixing the cement with additives, manufacturers and making lighter and lighter products.  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 No matter how old your children, be sure to talk about the upcoming move at all stages of the process. Kids need time to warm up to new ideas and get adjusted to major changes in their lives. Talk to children about the changes to expect, answer questions, and make sure that children understand you’re willing to discuss their concerns at any time. Some tips to help you prepare your children for the move include: Once you know you will be moving, try to bring your child along when you look at houses so they understand and come to accept that the family will be moving. If you’re moving to another part of the state or to a different state, pull out a map and show your child where you’ll be moving. Explain any differences in weather or any nearby attractions that may interest the child, such as moving closer to the ocean, the mountains, even close to an amusement park. Look at web sites with information about your new community. Take your child to visit his or her new school. If possible, try to arrange for your child to meet the teacher ahead of time. Gather information on the sports or other extra-curricular activities that interest your child so you know how and when to sign up. For older children involved in high school sports, look at area newspapers to read up on the teams’ activities. Before you move, hold a going-away party for your child. Encourage your child to keep contact with his or her old friends while encouraging new friendships. Help your child put together a scrapbook, photo album or journal of your old house and special memories the family shared — whether it’s spent sipping hot chocolate in front of the fireplace or the hidden-away closet that became your child’s favorite place for hide-and-seek. When you move into your new home, begin a new keepsake and encourage your child to write about his or her hopes and expectations at the new home. Encourage your child to take part in the moving process as much as possible. Younger children can help back some of their favorite items to help them realize that although the family will be in a new home, their belongings will stay with them. Once you’ve selected your new house, show your child where his or her room will be. Draw a sketch of the room layout and let your child take part in determining where he or she will place the furniture. If your budget allows, perhaps help your child choose a new décor for the new bedroom. If nothing else, new paint in a bright color is an inexpensive way to brighten up the room and give your child a sense of personalizing his or her new room. For toddler-aged children, speak with pediatricians regarding such issues as the introduction of a new diet or the start of toilet training. Above all else, communicate with your child throughout the process. Children are creatures of habit and any disruption in their daily routine will naturally prompt reactions, whether it’s a rebellious attitude among teens or tantrums among toddlers. Let them know it’s normal to feel sad and anxious, but help them through the transition and emphasize all the wonderful new experiences that lie ahead. 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 What part of the room would you like the eye to go to first?  Is there a space in the room that looks hollow and empty?  A corner near an armchair or over by the sofa?  Is it a space that would welcome a tall, treelike plant or is there a wide open area for something full and in a basket? Perhaps you would like a small grouping of plants in various heights.  Will the foliage of the plant obstruct other objects in the room?  These are all things to consider. Just because the space works for you, doesn’t mean it will work for the plant.  You want to avoid a location near a heater, fireplace, or cold draft.  A spot receiving absolutely no light won’t work, either. The structure of our home makes a difference too, since most of the more current built homes have tinted windows affecting the amount of light entering the room.  Plants need light for the photosynthesis process that releases oxygen into the air. You can consult with an expert at a nursery on the right plant for both you and your home. Important practical things to consider when decorating with live plants are ease of care, lighting and the moisture environment in the room.  If children and/or pets live in or frequently visit your home, plant toxicity should especially be considered. Many plants are toxic to children and pets, so be sure to check the toxicity of the plants you are considering.  Some plants in this category are: – Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) – Euphorbia milii (Crown-of-thorns) – Philodendron 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 For several years now, kitchens and bathrooms have been, by far, the most popular home remodeling projects. While these rooms can have a tremendous impact on the resale value of your home, it’s also important to look at recent trends to understand where home improvement is headed. Homeowners and home improvements contractors alike are just now beginning to understand the importance of a good laundry room. For an average size household, someone can spend quite a bit of time doing your laundry every week, but the real kicker is the dread you feel knowing how tedious the chore can be. A well-designed laundry room can make doing laundry a significantly easier task and if you are paying for help, streamlining tasks means your money goes further. The Room Itself Part of remodeling or adding a laundry room to your home is simply the comfort of any finished room. Most people aren’t dressed very warmly when they’re doing laundry. If your laundry room is carpeted you can do laundry barefoot without dealing with a cold, basement floor. Laundry rooms also tend to be uncomfortably steamy. A ventilation system will take care of that problem. You’ll also be surprised how much difference a window with an outside view can make. During the spring and fall, you can also throw that window open and let in the refreshing outside air. Laundry Tasks Laundry rooms also make all the tasks involved with washing clothes easier: Sorting: Put bins in your laundry room and you’ll be able to easily sort your different loads of laundry. Consider adding extra bins for clothes that need mending, clothes that need dry cleaning and clothes you’re ready to donate. Folding: Try to find room for a folding table. A flat, accessible space right next to your dryer will make folding your clothes a jiff. Hanging: Today, an increasing number of clothes must drip-dry. Make sure you have a drain for the water to run into. Hanging clothes on plastic hangers is typically preferred as they don’t rust or get tangled as easily. Ironing: Also with today’s specialized fabrics, an ironing board is becoming more and more of a necessity. A fold-up unit takes up almost no additional space so there’s really no excuse not to have one. 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 When choosing your dining room furniture, you should start with the dining room table. The first thing you’ll need to consider is shape. Choosing the right shape for your dining room table is going to set you on the right path toward maximizing the room’s space and creating the best atmosphere for your home.   Specific considerations for these different shapes are discussed below, but also remember to consider what, if any, auxiliary uses you might have for dining room. Some homeowners use the dining room as their home office as well. Others may use it as a sitting room, either for reading or entertaining. Is it more important that your dining room provides a daily dining area for your family? Or do you need a more formal area for guests and parties? Round Dining Room Tables A round dining room table is the most space-efficient shape possible. It is also the least formal. You should consider choosing a round table if you have a smaller dining room. Realize, also, that a round dining room table doesn’t create a “head of the table.” This can be a plus for casual and family dining and for diffusing power relationships in stressful family or business settings. If you like to play cards or board games, a round table will allow everybody to reach the middle of the table. Square Dining Room Tables Similar to a round table, a square dining room table creates a bit more formal atmosphere but sacrifices the use of extra space in the room. A moderately-sized, square dining room best accommodates this shape. Not entirely casual, but not entirely formal either, couples who like to entertain their coupled friends may find this table ideal. Each couple can have their own side of the table and nobody has a privileged place. A square dining room table is another good table for games. 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.