By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Like most aspects of owning or purchasing a house, measuring the square footage of a home is complicated. There’s no established standard for measuring a residential property, and everyone seems to measure square footage differently. But if you get it wrong, it can affect your home’s value. There’s no need to be nervous about calculating your home’s square footage, however. Let’s look at how easy it actually is to measure a home’s square footage accurately.

Gross living area

For most people, the gross floor area or gross living area (GLA) of a home is what they’re thinking when they hear “square footage.” Here’s how to calculate your GLA:

1. Draw a floor plan of the interior of the home, drawing each floor separately — a simple sketch will do.
2. Break the home into measurable rectangles (such as bedrooms and hallways).
3. Don’t include unfinished areas, including patios, porches, and exterior staircases.
4. Calculate the area of each rectangle by multiplying its length by its width.
5. The sum of all these rectangles is the square footage of the home.

What to leave in (and take out of) the square footage

But, of course, it’s not that simple. Many standards do not count basements (even if they’re finished) in overall square footage. Either way, make sure to measure the basement’s square footage for your records — you can still include it in any future property listings. Conversely, finished attic space that’s fit for habitation and boasts at least seven feet of clearance should be included in your GLA. The same is true for any additional stories in the house. For example, suppose you’re describing a two-story home with a 1,500-square-foot first floor, 1,000-square-foot second floor, and 800-square-foot finished attic. You could list it as 3,300 square feet with 1,000 square feet of unfinished basement and a 600-foot garage. But to describe it as a 4,900-square-foot house would mislead potential buyers about the size, and unfairly boost the property’s value.

Discrepancies in measurement

Because square footage is so vital in appraising a home, it’s important to pay close attention to what is being measured. Some sellers may include an unfinished basement in their square footage, giving you an inaccurate picture of the livable portion of the home. And architects and appraisers often calculate square footage by using exterior walls, which may conflict with a property’s GLA figure. Regardless of how you measure your square footage, be transparent when selling, and diligent when buying. If you claim that your home is 2,000 square feet based on your builder’s floor plans, and a buyer’s appraiser brings back a figure of 1,600, you could lose the sale or need to lower your price. Similarly, as a buyer, make sure to do your research and get an independent square footage to ensure you’re getting what you pay for. 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 2016 was a great year for interior design. So many trends were influenced by new innovations and technology; beautiful colors took new form; unique silhouettes filled every room of the home; and textures and fabrics breathed life into otherwise traditional furnishings. But it’s a new year, and time for new looks. Here’s a peek at three current trends that will have the interior design world buzzing in 2017.

Va-va velvet

For years, the design industry has been buzzing about texture, and how plush or sinuous fabrics flip a design on its head for a totally unique effect. In 2017, the texture trend continues with the rise of velvet. Velvet is a classic fabric that periodically enjoys a new surge of popularity. This year, we see velvet used on every furniture piece imaginable, from ottomans to dining room chairs to the smallest fringed detail. This trend is all about adding just the right amount of ‘ooh la la’ to any space, without diving too deep into luxury. Get the look:

• Jewel-toned velvet fabrics add a luxe look to any piece of furniture. Cover an ottoman or desk chair with this sophisticated upholstery for an elegant boost.
• Create a masculine setting by pairing navy velvet dining chairs with a rich wood table and metallic place settings.
• Add glamour to a master suite with velvet drapes. Hues like rich emerald green or soft blush add just the right touch of sophistication, without overwhelming the space.

Darling denim

Everyone loves a great pair of jeans, so it’s no mystery why the design world is falling for denim fabrics, motifs, and patterns for home interiors. Channeling indigo hues and a perfectly worn-in feel, the denim trend of 2017 offers approachability to furnishings, finishes, and fabrics alike. Taking cues from the velvet trend, denim-like fabric can be found on ottomans, window coverings, bed linens, and area rugs, offering a simple yet sophisticated take on everyone’s favorite fabric. Get the look:

• Dip your toe into the denim look with a duvet cover or area rug. These larger linens make a huge impact on your space without being too permanent.
• Denim hues go well with metallic finishes. Adding this hue to a bathroom space via hand towels or a beautiful rug will make your polished nickel hardware “pop,” or give your favorite brass faucet a modern feel.

Stripe story

Designers use stripes as a “neutral” element to anchor a space with clean lines and bold colors. In 2017, stripes will be used as a statement-maker all on their own. With a bold brushstroke down the middle of a wingback chair, or as a reimagined wallpaper pattern, the single stripe is the new must-know print. Stripes, whether a simple pinstripe or graphic configuration, can be worked into any space, from uber-modern to tailored and traditional. Get the look:

• Get graphic with a single bold stripe down the back of a wingback chair for added flair without the commitment to a full stripe pattern.
• A beautiful pinstripe-patterned wall covering adds impact without crowding a room’s design. Add this easy look to a powder bathroom for an instant style boost.

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 a child, a bedroom is more than just a place to sleep. It’s a room to do schoolwork, listen to music, play games, sprawl on the floor, rough-house, read, build models, daydream, visit with friends, and keep innumerable possessions. You’ll need to plan carefully to create a space that serves all those functions, yet is comfortable and inviting — and has enough staying power to require only minimal redecorating and repainting every few years.

Consult the experts

The ultimate experts on what kids like best are kids themselves. Involve your children in the design process by letting them help with color selections for their rooms. Include their interests, and ask for their opinions as you create a decorating scheme, especially when it comes to paint, furniture, and fabrics. What you want is a room that both meets your needs and pleases your child. But don’t go overboard: Kids’ interests change often, so use color schemes that can be easily modified when their passions go another direction. A few safe bets for color palettes include:

• Black and white with a favorite color all over
• Pastels
• Neutral backdrop with bright accent colors, like green and blue
• Bright colors in small doses

For the little ones

For babies and toddlers, softer, muted colors are key. Little ones need to be surrounded by soothing shades in order to fall asleep quickly and peacefully. Offset a pastel color palette with darker furniture pieces, like a chocolate-stained crib and upholstered glider. For young children, colors that help them create and explore are best. These can be soft shades for the blossoming bookworm, or deep blue and green for the scientist-in-training. Patterns also begin to come into play as kids reveal their personalities. Stripes, polka dots, zig-zags, and abstract motifs play well with children’s furniture and are easy to swap out for something a little more sophisticated as they grow into young adults.

For tweens and teens

Pre-teens and teenagers often prefer muted color palettes that feature one or two accent colors. Incorporate a favorite color into the room somewhere. Fortunately, color, especially on the walls, is easy to change. Some of the most popular color combinations include gray, lavender, and deep purple for a stylish look; navy and white for a preppy personality; or muted or neutral tones like black, white, and gray to let your kids explore their favorite looks without dedicating their space to one single palette. To personalize a space, consider adding a mural or chalkboard wall. If you or your child is inclined, draw wall art freehand; if you’re not artistic, look for stencils or stick-on wall decor. You can also use letters to embellish a wall with words or sayings that are special to your child.

Don’t overlook durability and safety

The younger the child, the more durable and easy furniture and surfaces should be to clean (think performance fabrics and scrubbable paint finishes). For any child, a safe environment is critical. Review the literature on all surfaces and products, and get up-to-date on product recalls before you make major purchases. Creating a kid-approved space is a fun journey, especially as your child grows and develops their unique personality. Be flexible and willing to try new styles and designs as your little ones grow into their space and claim it as their own. 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 we wake up and rub our eyes in the morning, the first thing we do is head for the mirror to start our day. The last thing we do before bed is wash away the day in front of the mirror. Like lighting, mirrors are one of the most important elements in a bathroom scene. Because they are so integral to the bathroom’s ambiance and play an important role in our everyday life, why settle for something standard? Here are a few ways to go big — perhaps literally — with your bathroom mirror.

Fun with frames

One way to add a touch of class to a bathroom is with a framed mirror. Depending on the style of the space, a framed mirror can make a dramatic statement or simply pull the room together. Carved wood frames are uncommonly found in bathrooms, and lend an antique style to an otherwise sterile space. As long as the room has proper ventilation, you don’t need to worry about moisture damaging the wood. But the frame doesn’t have to be wood — consider metals, too. Polished brass offers a bright, yet warm, finish to a bathroom for an on-trend modern look. Antique brass is timeless, and could play well to one of 2017’s predicted trends: mixed metals in the bathroom.

Shape shifting

Instead of the standard rectangular shape, opt for a circle or teardrop silhouette to add softness and sophistication to your bathroom. A cheerful and shiny sunburst adds fun and function to a small powder room, while two large teardrops placed side by side add the perfect amount of shimmer to a double vanity. Other shapes like ovals and hexagons add just the right amount of visual interest without crowding coveted wall space. Speaking of wall space, if you’re adding an oversized mirror to the mix, hang two small pendants or a mid-size chandelier in the middle of the bathroom instead of installing wall sconces. The hanging light fixture will make the bathroom appear larger without overcrowding the wall.

Talk about texture

Because bathrooms are so often sleek and shiny on their own, adding texture can create a warmer environment — perfect for either a guest bathroom or relaxing master suite. Hang your mirrors with blistered rope for a nautical vibe, or use an antique frame with obvious color variation for a more worn-in look. Nailhead trim around mirrors also offers a little more texture without sacrificing style. Opt for large nailheads to make a small statement, or several smaller ones for a more uniform style. 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 Getting started now on organizing for 2017 will help you to ease the holiday crunch and paint an attainable path into the new year. Here are five steps you can take to get started.

Donate now

The holidays are upon us, and the accumulation of new decorations and gifts are sure to put a squeeze on our living space. Now is the time to donate older items that you haven’t used in a while.

Give yourself some breathing room and make space for the influx of new presents coming in (which will need to be stored somewhere beginning in January). You will thank yourself when the holidays are over.

Get a holiday breakdown crew

Out of the garage, attic, and closets come the decorations! You will surely be spending hours giving your home (inside and out) that “just right” holiday feel. Unfortunately, it will take hours to pack it all away again, so take a few steps now toward making the putting away easier on yourself.

• First, gather or hire a holiday crew to help you take down, pack, and store all your decorations.
• Second, set a firm time and date for the event.
• Third, tell your holiday helpers to plan on spending the day with you to organize that closet, shelf in the garage, or attic space designated for seasonal decorations.

Putting away items in the new year will no longer be an event you put off — and you won’t have to do it alone.

Set gift budgets for the new year

There is one area in your budget that you can begin to manage now to help ease your outgoing cash flow in 2017. We often overlook the money we spend on gifts throughout the year. Reviewing the past year and setting a maximum spending limit for gifts now allows you to put a budget in place for next year. So, take a good look at your calendar and estimate how much you have already spent on birthdays and other special occasion gifts, then set a gift-buying budget — and do your best to adhere to it.

Prepare to live healthier in 2017

Do you typically make a New Year’s resolution to lose weight or eat healthier? This is a common goal for many of us, especially after packing on a few extra holiday pounds. But you don’t have to wait for the New Year. You can do something about it now rather than having to face the shame and remorse of overdoing it with family dinners and holiday parties. Consider making one small decision now to set yourself up for a win in the new year. Try adding salads to your lunches and dinners. The salads don’t have to be boring, either. Mix it up by adding fruit, or try a mix of veggies to add to the lettuce or kale base of your choosing. Also, try adding more fermented foods to your diet, such as sauerkraut and kimchi. Fermented foods help to reduce the craving for sweets, both at the end of the meal and in general. Losing weight and eating healthier are worthy goals that will improve your quality of life. It’s just a matter of doing it. So, compromise now and add those salads into your diet for a kinder entry into the new year.

Set a vacation goal

Is there a special place you’ve been dreaming of visiting or returning to? Give yourself the gift of deciding on one “dream” vacation for next year.

I’m not suggesting you hop online and book a trip this instant — just write down the idea on a card, wrap it, and give the dream idea to yourself as a holiday gift this year. Giving yourself the gift of a vacation idea this year is a concrete step in making the dream become a reality for next year. Of course, if you really want the dream vacation, you will want to work it into your budget and start saving for it now. This may mean buying fewer “filler” gifts for others so you can fulfill a more meaningful gift for yourself and your family. That dream vacation only becomes a reality when you set an attainable goal and take the necessary steps to arrive at the destination. Don’t be afraid to start now. Managing the new tasks and challenges that will likely arise throughout the upcoming year will be simpler with these plans in place. What a way to welcome in the new year! 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 In the world of apparel fashion, trends go in and out in a matter of months. For interior design, trends may change year to year. But home construction changes much more slowly — on the scale of decades. Home fashions take a while to build momentum, but they are happening. Here’s a look at five trends in the world of home construction and beyond.

Solar roofing

If you haven’t been paying attention, it might feel as if the current solar renaissance came out of nowhere. Recent improvements in solar tech have moved solar panelsfrom an expensive niche technology to a reality for many homeowners. “What’s really made solar accessible — beyond improved efficiency — is the support it’s received from power companies, state and local governments, and eco-conscious investors,” says Brooke Nally, content strategist with Solar Power Authority. This support translates into leasing options, subsidies, and tax breaks for solar customers. As a major home renovation, solar panels are already making waves in the home roofing space. “We see a lot of interest in solar from people who are redoing their roofs — it’s the perfect time to consider adding panels,” Nally explains. From traditional panels to Tesla’s solar shingles, roof design is already seeing major shifts to accommodate solar.

Smart homes

It’s no secret that home automation has become a growing trend in the home building arena. Every year, new companies roll out novel technologies to help people better manage and control their homes. Even search engine giant Google got in on the smart home game, acquiring smart thermostat company Nest for $3.2 billion. “What we’re seeing more and more is companies trying to address needs that people never thought they had,” says David DeMille, online manager for ASecureLife.com. “New devices enter the marketplace all the time, extending past basic sensors to include Wi-Fi enabled doorbells, portable cameras, and two-way speakers.” DeMille is already seeing homes being retrofitted with these devices, and expects they will become standard in new home construction moving forward. But this trend may take some more baking before it’s ready to really rise. Home automation can lower power bills and make your home safer, but with constantly updating technologies, they haven’t historically offered a solid return on investment.

Energy-efficient windows

Not even windows are immune to the growing popularity of home automation. For example, data shows that windows are about 25 percent more energy efficient when locked, according to Sal Abbate, senior vice president at Andersen Windows. Imagine getting a reminder to close or lock your windows to save on your energy bills. “That kind of information sent back to a homeowner – we think could be a really interesting trend,” he explains. Energy efficiency will continue to be a driving trend in windows moving forward, as glass films and coatings make windows better at insulating from heat and cold. Glazing (coating windows so they can become frosty or opaque at the flick of a switch) may be the next science fiction-cum-reality development in windows, as more manufacturers experiment with how to bring the technology out of the luxury market and into everyday homes.

Barn doors

Though this one is partly an interior design trend, installing barn doors requires enough construction to qualify as a building trend. Most interior barn doors slide on a bar mounted above the frame, which presents a smaller profile for interior thresholds.

Electric car charging stations

The continued growth of the electric car industry is having a lasting impact on at least one aspect of home building: the garage. As more homeowners make the switch to fully electric cars, charging stations are becoming a more common fixture in garages. “Demand has grown a lot recently,” real estate agent Anna Sherrill reports. Sherrill handles sales for a boutique Miami property, Louver House, which recently installed four charging stations in its 24-car parking garage. The most expensive stations are still around $3,000, while self-installed units can be as cheap as $300. Expect to see more electric car charging stations in the garages of tomorrow. Home construction has changed drastically in the past decade with the emergence of home automation and a stronger focus on green homes. However, changes in technology and lifestyles will continue to drive home construction changes with a renewed focus on flexibility, automation, and energy efficiency. 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 There are those who flee to warmer weather in the winter months, and then there are those who bundle up and head right to the slopes. If you fall into the latter category and a dream home is on your wish list, these 10 postcard-perfect winter wonderlands will be just the thing to get you in the holiday spirit. With gorgeous snowy views and easy access to skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding, these homes offer the ultimate apres ski retreats, with cozy features like fireplaces, outdoor hot tubs, and even a hot chocolate bar. Breckenridge, CO For sale: $10.475 million   Dreaming of your own private ski lodge? Look no further than this Breckenridge, CO luxury property. The 7-bedroom, 8-bathroom, European-style ski-in/ski-out lodge is conveniently located right near the Snowflake lift.

Olympic Valley, CA

For sale: $2.45 million Home to the 1960 winter games, the aptly named Olympic Valley near Lake Tahoe is a ski-lover’s dream. Nestled in the mountains, you can soak in the outdoor hot tub of this 4,100-square-foot home before drying off by the cozy fireplace.

Vail, CO

For sale: $16.5 million For a luxury winter retreat with a rustic vibe, check out this 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom home in the popular winter resort town of Vail. Walk to Gondola One and the shops and restaurants of Vail Village, then retreat back to your own private lodge.

Tamarack, ID

For sale: $349,900 If you’re looking for a move-in ready winter home with no hassle, this 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom cottage in the heart of Tamarack Resort is about as hassle-free as it gets. Offered fully furnished — including hot tub — the home is perfectly situated for easy access to ski lifts, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, and hiking.  

Park City, UT

For sale: $8.9 million Why get a room in a ski resort when you can buy your own? This 6-bedroom, 8-bathroom, 9,918-square foot Park City home has all the high-end amenities one could ever want after a day on the slopes: quartz fireplace, Wi-Fi controlled hot tub, outdoor fire pit, temperature-controlled wine cellar, and an oversized ski room with boot glove warmers and a coffee/hot chocolate bar.  

Steamboat Springs, CO

For sale: $4.9 million This 8,690-square-foot furnished home is kind of like a log cabin on steroids. Rustic wood and stone aesthetics meet modern amenities like a chef’s kitchen, and fireplace and jetted tub in the master suite. Downstairs find a Western-style “saloon” that was made for entertaining.  

Truckee, CA

For sale: $2.495 million Imagine a charming two-story brick, stone, and wood cabin located right on the Northstar ski slope. This Truckee, CA ski-in/ski-out home is like your personal winter wonderland, with dual outdoor living areas and hot tub. Should you choose to leave, all the activities, restaurants, and shopping of Northstar are a stone’s throw away.  

Mountain Village, CO

For sale: $7 million The words “luxury” and “log cabin” don’t seem like they would go together, but this 5-bedroom, 7,516-square-foot home proves that the two don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Located on the slopes of Mountain Village, CO, it’s perfectly situated to enjoy beautiful views while warming up by the wood-burning fireplace.

The North Pole

Santa’s House The North Pole Nowhere says winter wonderland like the North Pole. For the ultimate holiday daydream, imagine decking the halls at Santa’s house. The toy-lover’s paradise is nestled on 25 idyllic acres. Chock full of holiday magic, the home features a floor-to-ceiling river rock fireplace and a baker’s oven with 12 cookie settings. The property also boasts a state-of-the-art toy making facility, sleigh-ready garage, and reindeer stalls. 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.