Scottsdale Homes for Sale Archives - Page 25 of 42 - Scottsdale Real Estate Team / Arizona Luxury Homes

How to Mix Patterns in a Space By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

August 15, 2014 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Creating a successful mix of patterns results in a balanced and beautiful room, but it takes a nimble hand. Too many patterns and the room is overdone; too little and the room is bland. It is more than just mixing and matching colors. The trick is to find just the right combination of scale and design to create the perfect effect. Patterns are an integral part of the overall look of the room. Patterns on fabrics are the most obvious usage, but there are also inherent patterns in furniture shapes, wall coverings and statement area rugs, too.

Style

Patterns come in many different styles. Naturalistic patterns are realistic renderings of natural forms, such as flowers — and as of late, birds. Stylized patterns simplify natural designs to capture their essence; the fleur-de-lis, for example, is a stylized iris. Geometric designs include stripes, checks and plaids. More modern versions celebrate trellis-like patterns in large formats. Abstract patterns are loose artistic interpretations of realistic or geometric designs and gate-like designs.

Scale

The scale of a pattern is determined by the size of its motifs or designs. Small-scale patterns can read as a texture rather than as a pattern and can be a place for the eye to rest when used in rooms that include larger patterns. Medium-scale patterns are versatile and seldom overpower other elements. With large-scale patterns, which work well in generously-proportioned rooms, make sure you have a large enough area to display several pattern repeats so the design does not look truncated.

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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, [email protected] 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.

Before & After: Cluttered Office Goes Chic By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

August 7, 2014 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team It’s hard to get any work done sitting in a space that is dark and cluttered. Such was the problem for Megan Duesterhaus of “The Homes I Have Made.” A few years ago, she admittedly made what she called a “major furniture blunder,” when she bought an oversized desk with matching hutch and chair. The entire unit was clunky, dark and hard to keep organized. Additionally, the large piece of furniture blocked the one window in the room, making the small space appear even smaller.

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.

Understanding the Role of the Real Estate Agent By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

August 4, 2014 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team The road to homeownership can be bumpy, and it’s often filled with unexpected turns and detours. That’s why it makes sense to have a real estate pro help guide the way. According to the National Association of Realtors 2013 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 88 percent of buyers purchase their homes through real estate agents or brokers. That reliance on real estate professionals has steadily increased from 69 percent in 2001. While real estate websites and mobile apps can help you identify houses you may be interested in, an experienced agent does much more. Real estate agents: 1. Guide. Before you tour your first home, your agent will take time to learn more about your wants, needs, preferences, budget and motivation. A good real estate agent will help you narrow your search and identify your priorities. 2. Educate. You should expect your agent to provide data on the local home market and comparable sales. The home-buying process can be complicated. A good agent will explain the steps involved – in a manner that makes them understandable – and provide counsel along the way. 3. Network. An agent who is familiar with your target neighborhoods will often know about homes that are for sale – even before they’re officially listed. Experienced agents tend to know other agents in the area and have good working relationships with them; this can lead to smooth transactions. Your agent may also be able to refer you to trusted professionals including lenders, home inspectors and contractors. 4. Advocate. When you work with a buyer’s agent, their fiduciary responsibility is to you. That means you have an expert who is looking out for your best financial interests, an expert who’s contractually bound to do everything in their power to protect you. If you find yourself in a situation where the same agent represents both the buyer and seller, things can get trickier, advises Scottsdale, Arizona-based real estate agent Dru Bloomfield. “A lot of people think they’ll get a lower price by going straight to the listing agent, but that’s always not true,” she says. “If I was representing both the buyer and seller, I’d be hard-pressed to take a low-ball offer to the seller. But, as a buyer’s agent I’d do it, because I have no emotional ties or fiduciary responsibility to the seller. Buyers should work with an agent who can fully represent them.” 5. Negotiate. Your agent will handle the details of the negotiation process, including the preparation of all necessary offer and counteroffer forms. Once your inspection is done, the agent can also help you negotiate for repairs. Even the most reasonable consumers can become distraught when battling over repair requests; an agent can do “the ask” without becoming overly emotional. 6. Manage minutia. The paperwork that goes along with a real estate transaction can be exhaustive. If you forget to initial a clause or check a box, all those documents will need to be resubmitted. A good real estate agent understands the associated deadlines and details and can help you navigate these complex documents. 7. Look out. Any number of pitfalls can kill a deal as it inches toward closing; perhaps the title of the house isn’t clear, the lender hasn’t met the financing deadline or the seller has failed to disclose a plumbing problem. An experienced real estate agent knows to watch for trouble before it’s too late, and can skillfully deal with challenges as they arise. Professional real estate agents do so much more than drive clients around to look at homes. Find an agent you trust and with whom you feel comfortable working; you’re sure to benefit from their experience, knowledge of the local market and negotiation skills. 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, [email protected] 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.

What Is ‘Luxury’ in Today’s Real Estate Market? By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

August 1, 2014 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team In the world of luxury real estate, great curb appeal is just one of many buyer requirements. Builders of today’s luxury homes are tasked with making works of art that also cater to future homeowners’ lifestyles. “We want you to take comfort in knowing the extraordinary level of care we give to every detail — no matter how small or tedious — to make sure your home is flawless upon completion,” said Al Ross, founder and president of Al Ross Luxury Homes. “We are not just selling a luxury home; we are creating an unprecedented level of service and homeowner experience.” Born and raised in Iran, Ross came to America at age 13 in search of a better life. He now builds custom spec homes in Houston’s high-end River Oaks neighborhood with one-year concierge services and other signature appointments. His latest listing is a $4.899 million Spanish Revival home (pictured above) at 2240 Inwood Dr. In addition to its curb appeal, the home exhibits a few key qualities of high-end real estate.

Luxury is lifestyle

There’s more to a luxury home than good looks and fancy finishes; these homes are also built with future homeowners’ comfort in mind. “The breathtaking master closet and dressing area is custom designed for couples,” a brochure for Al Ross’ Houston listing states. “Abundant shelving, magnificent oval packing island with Silestone surface, storage, electrical and USB outlets and subtle LED under-lighting mark the spacious luxury of a perfect wardrobe.” Strategies taken by luxury real estate professionals, like creating customized spaces with a bit of fantasy in mind, reveal how homeowners are looking for a story to share with every visitor who walks in the door. Nick Segal, president and founding partner of Los Angeles brokerage Partners Trust, is developing a Best View score to help tell the story of his high-end listings. Each home will be given a “grade” based on six criteria: explosiveness, texture, exclusivity, proximity, iconography and privacy. The goal is be able to put weight behind the phrase: “Best view in Los Angeles.” “Luxury is lifestyle,” Segal said. “What do my friends feel like when they come into my home? Do I have art walls? A comfortable environment?” Segal calls the spaces “micro-environments” — picture-perfect settings throughout today’s luxury homes. “An oversized couch with an accompanying chair and adorned side tables — it’s a perfect little picture. Unless you’re having a party, no one is actually sitting there, but it’s visual eye candy,” he said. “It’s a pause at each turn. Fresh-cut flowers, bringing light in — every vantage point seduces.”

Luxury is ‘smaller’

Stemming from building codes and smaller lot sizes, Segal says we’re seeing a move toward “de-mansionization” in the luxury market. While homes may cover less ground, however, they aren’t necessarily smaller. “Vertical is the answer when you don’t have suitable lots to sprawl,” Segal said. “People are building out more to the edge of the envelope.” Instead of less house, today’s high-end homes have more floors and less yard. One way builders like Ross are saving space is by creating an open-concept living, dining and family room. A large center island in the Spanish Revival home above anchors the space and allows for more casual, year-round entertaining than separate, formal rooms.

Luxury is local

But what sells in one market isn’t necessarily considered luxury in another. “In Los Angeles, it’s all about the indoor-outdoor flow,” Segal said. “In the Northeast, I imagine they want covered, enclosed spaces that bring the outdoors in but shield you from the humidity or bugs that will eat you alive. There are different mindsets related to climate.” The spec house in Houston has a media room and elevator, two features that are still a big deal in Houston. But in L.A., they don’t have as much appeal. “The practical application of those elevators is so slow,” Segal said. “I’d rather take the stairs.” Power generators serve an important purpose in hurricane and earthquake country, but in other markets, they can be seen as superfluous. Moreover, garages for multiple cars are still in high demand in vehicle-dependent cities like Houston, but this isn’t the case everywhere.

4 Ways to Gain the Competitive Edge When Home Shopping By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

July 29, 2014 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team If you’ve been out there house hunting, you’re likely aware of the many challenges and obstacles that come with the territory. A major factor driving this fiercely competitive market is the lack of for-sale inventory, especially in the lower end. Want to have the upper hand? Here are some ways to gain that competitive advantage.

Find properties before everyone else does

Time is key in a competitive market with very little for-sale inventory. To expand your search and get the edge on the competition find properties before they hit the market. Try using Zillow’s new Coming Soon feature, which allows you to search for properties that will be listed for sale within 30 days but are not yet on the market. This is especially useful in competitive markets where inventory moves quickly and bidding wars are all too common.

Make an all-cash offer

While the cash-buyer trend is happening nationwide, it’s most predominant at the lower end of the market and specifically in markets such as Tampa, Detroit and Miami. In those metros, more than 80 percent of all sales in the lowest price bracket during the first quarter were cash deals, according to a recent analysis by Zillow. Have the money in hand? Not waiting for a loan approval or to collect that down payment from relatives? From the sellers’ perspective, an all-cash offer is going to be hassle-free, and at the end of the day, that’s what they want, regardless of whether they’re in a rush to close.

Be well-qualified

If you’re a serious buyer, you’ll only be taken seriously if you’re well-qualified one — i.e., you’re gainfully employed, able to make a substantial down payment (20 percent or more) and, of course, have good credit (think: mid-700s). This is really important in general, but particularly if you’re up against the aforementioned cash buyer. It’s your best defense.

Write a personal letter

Are you perhaps interested in buying the home you once grew up in? Does it evoke fond memories of happier times? Have you found your perfect abode? Why is it so perfect for you and your family? Let the seller know, particularly if there are multiple offers on the property. A personal, handwritten letter expressing your love for the home and the beautiful surroundings could be just the thing you need to tip the scale in your favor. 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, [email protected] 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.

June 2014 Scottsdale Arizona real estate market update

July 14, 2014 Joe Szabo

Happy July all! Let’s take a glance at the Scottsdale real estate market in June. New listings are down from May with a total of 777 new listings in June. This is a 22.5% drop! This statistic along with the median sold price on the rise (at $399,500) and a higher number of closed sales (686 total) makes for a good market to sell! It is important to note, however, that new contracts are down from May by 12.4%, which means fewer closed transactions in the coming months. During these up and down activity months it is more important than ever to consult a real estate professional that knows the Scottsdale market.

June 2014 Scottsdale Arizona real estate market update

Considering a purchasing or selling a property in Scottsdale? Call Joe and Linda Szabo – The Scottsdale Real Estate Experts! 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 [email protected]. 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.

30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Down Slightly By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

July 7, 2014 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Mortgage rates for 30-year fixed mortgages dipped slightly this week, with the current rate borrowers were quoted on Zillow Mortgage Marketplace at 3.98 percent, down 5 basis points from this time last week. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate hovered around 4 percent for the majority of the week, before dropping slightly to the current rate on Tuesday morning. “Last week, rates hit 4-week lows after a weaker-than-expected gross domestic product report suggested some softness in the U.S. economy,” said Erin Lantz, vice president of mortgages at Zillow. “This week, we expect mortgage rates to remain fairly flat unless the jobs report, out Thursday rather than Friday this week, reveals an unexpectedly strong gain in the labor market.” Additionally, the 15-year fixed mortgage rate this morning was 2.98 percent, and for 5/1 ARMs, the rate was 2.77 percent. What are the interest rates right now? Check Zillow Mortgage Marketplace for mortgage rate trends and up-to-the-minute mortgage rates for your state.

*The weekly mortgage rate chart illustrates the average 30-year fixed interest rate in six-hour intervals.

Top 10 Real Estate Investor Mistakes By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

June 19, 2014 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Many people have learned that Investing in real estate is not as easy as it seems. At least that is true for investors trying to get a fair deal. For those of us who have been investing for years, and learned many hard and expensive lessons, here are issues you should think through, understand, and consider before jumping into the real estate investing arena. These are in no particular order, since an individual would be smart to read and think through each and every “lesson learned” in the list.

1. Not penciling out your real estate deal

This describes about 80 percent or more of real estate investors. They don’t take the time to put pencil to paper and make sure that the rental revenue from the property will be more than all the property expenses – and leave some monies left over to return to one’s bank account. A negative cash flow property will virtually guarantee a measly – at best – investment return on your money.

2. Not penciling out your deal with conservative numbers

For those few fortunate ones who do know how to pencil out a deal, many use unrealistic numbers. They overestimate rental income, underestimate the vacancy, then underestimate the expenses associated with operating a property. That turns into low or negative investment returns for the property owner.

3. Getting renovation costs wrong

Most buyers have little idea how much it costs to renovate a property. They listen to the home inspector, their real estate agent, and just throw out a number like $25,000 for everything. Then they start getting bids for the work and quickly see it will actually cost $80,000 for everything. Word to the wise: Always do a lot of homework and be very conservative in your renovation budget estimates.

4. Underestimating renovation time

Additionally, inexperienced investors believe a good renovation can be done in 30 days, or 60 days. Many times it takes much longer to finish these projects than originally estimated. As a real estate buyer, you should talk to others who are experienced to get a realistic expectation of the time involved in a property rehabilitation.

5. Thinking something can only cost ‘that much’

It never does, it always costs more; many times much much more. So whatever the expense, renovation, service, contract, capital item, etc; chances are it will cost more than you think.

6. Thinking that stocks, bonds and real estate are all comparable investments

People often say they want to buy real estate to get better returns than their stock, bond or bank account can provide. Real estate is a unique asset that comes with clogged toilets, challenging tenants, nebbish neighbors, etc. It’s not an asset where you can invest and just look at an account statement every few months like you could with a stock, mutual fund or bond. Owning rental properties is a business, it can be time consuming and stressful. Make sure that makes sense for you before you buy.

7. Thinking it’s a “turn-key” real estate deal

Earning money with almost no work on the investor’s part? Never! Not going to happen!

8. Believing that flipping properties is investing

Flipping is “speculating” for most real estate buyers. Unfortunately, most lose money. Sure, it looks easy on TV and those shows are fascinating! I personally enjoy watching them; but they are not realistic. Not everything you see on TV or the Internet is true you know…..

9. Thinking that real estate is low risk

There are all kinds of risk issues that come along with owning real estate. Many an investor can mitigate and/or remove some of those with prudent behavior and the proper due diligence. Most investors do not do any of that, leaving them exposed to a myriad of items and issues that can and sometimes do become financially painful.

10. Believing what others say about their “profitable” real estate investing acumen

There is also no way to verify what someone else is telling you about how they did on their real estate investments – unless they show you their tax returns and credit report. But since people love to boast, we often only hear about the winners, not the losers. Many times the statements from those supposed “winners” are embellished with questionable claims. Be careful, do your own homework, but verify your own conclusions. Those are many mistakes that investors can make. Some are very challenging to mitigate. Experience will teach you a multitude of lessons over your real estate investing career. Just try to avoid the big expensive ones that could clobber you; and end your investing career before it even gets off the ground. 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, [email protected] 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

June 16, 2014 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Americans are not bashful when it comes to expressing their love of lawns — it has been estimated that there are more than 40 million acres of lawn in the United States. But if you really want to show your lawn some love, you’ll have to do more than mow it. If you’re starting from scratch, you’ll need to learn about your soil and climate, and then decide between sod, seed and a lawn alternative. If you are working with an existing lawn, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the proper way to water, fertilize and eliminate (or better yet, prevent) unwanted weeds. If you count yourself among the lucky homeowners with land to spare for a verdant landscape, these guidelines should help you cultivate a beautiful lawn that will reward you year after year.

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, [email protected] 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

June 12, 2014 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Commonly used as the family dumping ground, the garage is undergoing a revival as a functional workplace. Installing a garage storage system that frees up some of this space can have the same effect as adding a room, and it’s a good way to increase your home’s value. Here are three tips to make the most of your garage:

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, [email protected] 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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