We at Scottdale Real Estate Team off your best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a new year filled with peace, prosperity and happiness. Happy holidays and a very happy 2018!
October 2016 Scottsdale Arizona Real Estate Market Market Update
Winter is here and the holidays are upon us! Whether you’re going to buy or sell a property, it is always good to have an understanding of seasonal trends in the local market. Taking a look at how the real estate market faired in October 2016 please see the graph below. It shows that new listings are up 11.4% from September with a total of 1,113 new listings vs. 999 in September. New contracts are up by 3.5% and closed sales are down by 4.2%. However, the median sale price is up from $394,000 in September to $396,000 in October, though that is .3% drop from what we saw last year. During these up and down activity months it is more important than ever to consult a real estate professional that knows the Scottsdale market. It is essential to get the right advice on how to protect your investment.
If you’re considering to purchase or sell a property in Scottsdale we invite you to reach out to Joe and Linda Szabo with The Szabo Group – The Scottsdale Real Estate Experts! They and their team are more than happy to assist you with any of your real estate needs.
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.
21 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas from Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
From Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
Whether your valentine craves a candlelit dinner, longs for luxury goods or flips for flowers, our handy guide will help you find a swoon-worthy gift that’s as special as your sweetheart.
For the chef
Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron Heart Casserole
Make your sweetie’s heart skip a beat with some whimsical cookware. Just like your relationship, this dish is engineered to resist staining and dulling. $200
Imperia Pasta Machine
Create a “Lady and the Tramp” moment with fresh homemade pasta. It’s easy to prepare when you’re using the same kind of machine found in kitchens throughout Italy. $80
Bees Knees Spicy Honey
Add spice to your love’s life. They’ll think of you each time they top bagels, salad, chicken and more with this delicious, handmade honey. $14
For the tech enthusiast
Master and Dynamic MH40 Headphones
Luxe and long lasting, this “modern thinking cap” offers your technophile the ability to focus and transport their mind. Wrapped in memory foam, the lambskin ear pads provide your valentine with constant comfort at their desk, studio or home. $400
Ring Video Doorbell
For the one who wants to track everything, how about caller ID for the front door? Ring, which comes with an HD camera, allows a user to answer their door from anywhere using a smartphone. It also has night vision that provides a clear view of the front door, day and night. $200
Dropcam Pro
Does your love ever worry about what their pet does when they’re away? With Dropcam they can always stay connected with home. The device also offers security, baby monitoring and business features. $200
For the entertainer
Hammered Aluminum Tray
Cater to your love’s inner party planner. Fashionable bar carts are all the rage, and a hand-hammered tray offers a stylish presentation for canapés and drinks. $59
Never Have I Ever
It’s the gift that gives your loved one the most important thing — time — during a party so they can manage other things. The “Card Game of Poor Life Decisions” keeps party guests occupied and laughing about awkward and embarrassing moments. $25
Strawberry, Balsamic Vinegar and Black Pepper Shrub
Skip the chocolate-covered strawberries. Some shrubs, or drinking vinegars, will last a lot longer. Your special someone can whip up strawberry cocktails or elevated drinks by adding the shrub to club soda, fresh fruit and sugar. $15
For the bookworm
Tiny House Living: Ideas for Building and Living Well in Less Than 400 Square Feet
Does your loved one dream of living in 84 square feet? Get practical tips for living in a smaller space or paring down possessions. $27
Our homes can tell us a great deal — even overshare, some may say — about the most intimate parts of our lives. For that special someone who enjoys wacky or taboo topics, this new book tackles questions like whether buying a house will improve your sex life. $28
Decorate: 1,000 Design Ideas for Every Room in Your Home
Home is where the heart is. But knowing how to update a home can be difficult with an overwhelming number of choices. Top designers, including Jonathan Adler, Amy Butler and Kelly Wearstler, provide decor solutions for every budget. $40
For the romantic
Park Wine-Champagne Bucket
Nothing kicks off a romantic evening like the distinctive pop of a champagne cork. While you and your loved one sip, nestle your bottle in this graceful Crate and Barrel bucket to keep your bubbly perfectly chilled. $30
Jo Malone White Jasmine & Mint Home Candle
Heady with the scents of jasmine, lily, orange flower and rose, this candle will fill your home with the aroma of fresh flowers. Snuggle up with your sweetheart, close your eyes and imagine the two of you strolling through the English countryside. $65
Casanova Caramel Collection by Theo Chocolate
Indulge your valentine’s sweet tooth with handcrafted caramels in seductive flavors like honey saffron and ginger rose. $20
For the spa junkie
Garment-Washed Turkish Terry Robe
Your valentine will rule the master bath swathed in Restoration Hardware’s sumptuous Turkish cotton robe. Add a monogram for the ultimate tycoon touch. $49-$79
Malin and Goetz Rose Hand and Body Wash
Keep romance alive long after Valentine’s Day with this rich, foaming rose-scented cleanser. Natural glycerin and protein amino acids keep skin soft and smooth. $22
Splash Tunes Pro Bluetooth Waterproof Shower Speaker
Pair this easy-to-use Bluetooth speaker with a peppy playlist to keep your sweetie singing in the shower or relaxing to tunes while unwinding in the tub. $70
For the hobbyist
3-D Home Kit: Play Architect
Put your dreamboat’s dream house within reach – at least in miniature form. This kit contains all the parts and instructions to build a detailed, ¼-inch scale 3-D model Victorian home. $36
Bosch Digital Laser Distance Measurer
If your darling digs precision, this handy tool will delight with its instant-read measurements in inches, feet and metric units. $89
Xerographica Kit
Nurture a green thumb with an easy-maintenance tillandsia, aka air plant. A beautiful brass mister adds elegance to plant care chores. $89
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 Must-Know Tips When Shopping for Fixtures & Appliances From Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
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, [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.
Warning! Fall Sticker Shock Ahead By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
Brace yourself for sticker shock this fall! Here are five common expenses that are on the rise, and tips for minimizing the monetary bite.
Grocery staples
You’ve likely seen the headlines: expect hikes this this fall on everything from oranges, bacon and milk to cheese, butter, chocolate and more.
What to do: Start by clipping coupons — studies show that the average family can save up to $1,000 per year. Also give generic brands and private labels a try. A family that spends $100 per week on groceries could save up to $1,500 annually with this strategy, according to Consumer Reports. Finally, buy alternatives such as turkey bacon instead of bacon, and margarine instead of butter.
Airfares
Did you know that the average cost of a domestic round-trip ticket reached about $510 in the first half of 2014? And that doesn’t include extra fees such as checked luggage, fast-track security lines, early boarding, additional legroom and other perks that can add from $9 to $299 to the cost of a flight.
What to do: While some “gotcha” charges are unavoidable, airline-affiliated credit cards that offer benefits such as discounts on in-flight entertainment, meals and more can translate into big savings. You should also buy your ticket about six weeks in advance for the biggest savings.
Clothing
As the economy recovers, apparel demand is rising, yet supplies are tight. Plus, we’ve been up against some of the worst weather patterns since the 1930s, and cotton crops have been totally destroyed. Given that nearly three-quarters of all garments sold in the United States contain cotton, prices have risen — up about 5-8 percent this year — and are expected to continue increasing.
What to do: Shop consignment, and dig deep into your own closets — and even your friends’ closets. Clothing swaps are big right now. They’re a great way to declutter your closet and update your wardrobe, all while hanging out with your favorite people.
Homes
Not only are prices on the rise, but so are mortgage rates. Zillow’s chief economist, Stan Humphries, predicts rates will rise from their current level of just below 4 percent to 5 percent by the end of 2015.
What to do: If you’re on the fence about buying a home, think about entering the market sooner rather than later. After all, waiting can be costly. Even a small, 1-percent increase in rates reduces your purchasing power by a whopping 11 percent.
To put this into further perspective: if you could afford a loan of $400,000 at a rate of 4 percent, an increase to 5 percent would mean you could afford a loan of just $356,000.
Electricity rates
While electricity rates vary widely from one state to the next, the reality is that due to more stringent regulation and other factors, they’ve been rising just about everywhere over the past decade, jumping by the double digits in many states, even after accounting for inflation.
And there’s no end in sight. In fact, National Grid recently warned its customers that they should expect their electricity bills to be as much as 37 percent higher than last year – starting in November.
What to do: Your home’s biggest electricity guzzler is air conditioning and heating, accounting for as much as half of your energy bill. Make sure your systems are running at their highest efficiency by having annual professional cleanings and checkups. Schedule a service call now.
In the meantime, become as energy efficient as possible. Steps such as installing programmable thermostats, lowering the temperature when you go to bed, or using a high-efficiency furnace or boiler can reduce your bill by 10-30 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, [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.
Halloween cocktails at metro Phoenix restaurants By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
It’s fun to get in the mood for Halloween with decorations, costume shopping, and, for adults, themed cocktails.
Some of these are classic drinks with scary-sounding names. Others are creative libations dreamed up by Valley bartenders. Whatever the case, get in the spirit and enjoy one of these creepy cocktails:
Zombie
This tropical cocktail was named for the way it’s said to make the imbiber feel. Invented in the 1930s by Donn Beach of the Don the Beachcomber restaurant in Hollywood, the drink features rums, liqueurs and fruit juices. At Crudo, Micah Olson created his version ($10) with four kinds of rum, absinthe, sweet falernum syrup, Don’s Mix (a grapefruit and cinnamon syrup made for tiki drinks), Angostura bitters, grenadine and lime.
Details: Crudo, 3603 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. 602-358-8666, crudoaz.com.
Vampiro
This New Age cocktail is similar to a Bloody Mary, but with a twist. The bartenders at Clever Koi made their version ($10) from tomato, orange and lime juices; tequila; hibiscus and ginger syrup; and Bittermens Hellfire bitters. The drink is $10.
Details: Clever Koi, 4236 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-222-3474, thecleverkoi.com.
Bacon Bloody Mary
There are many theories for how this popular drink got its name. The most well-known is that it was named after Queen Mary I of England. The icy queen was nicknamed “Bloody Mary” because of her order to execute Protestants. No matter the name, the drink is delicious with brunch. Fox Restaurant Concepts’ Bacon Blood Mary cocktail is made with spiced tomato mix, bacon vodka, cracked pepper and Worcestershire sauce. The cocktail is $9 at Culinary Dropout and $7 at Zinburger.
Details: Locations Valley-wide. foxrc.com.
Corpse Reviver No. Blue
Although it sounds like it’s named for a zombie apocalypse, the Corpse Reviver family of cocktails is actually intended as “hair of the dog” hangover cures. Each version has different ingredients. The most popular is the No. 2, made with gin, lemon juice, triple sec, lillet and a dash of absinthe. Ross Simon of Bitter & Twisted created this No. Blue version ($10), a mix of gin, blue curacao, lillet blanc, lemon juice and a touch of absinthe.
Details: Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour, 1 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix. 602-340-1924, bitterandtwistedaz.com.
El Diablo
The bartending staff at Blue Hound created several Halloween cocktails, including El Diablo. The drink ($10) features hibiscus-infused tequila, creme de cassis and lime juice, shaken over ice, then topped with ginger beer and garnished with a lime wheel.
Details: Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails, 2 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. 602-258-1231, bluehoundkitchen.com.
Vampire Bite and Vesper the Mansion Ghost
Mixologist Charlie Zeiler is scaring up guests with his spooky concoctions. The Vampire Bite features Old Tom Gin, Campari, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, an egg white and Peychaud’s bitters, shaken over ice and strained into a coupe glass. Vesper the Mansion Ghost is a mix of gin, vodka and lillet blanc, mixed with ice and strained into a coupe.
Details: Mix It Up Bar and T. Cook’s, Royal Palms Resort and Spa, 5200 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-840-3610, royalpalmshotel.com.
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.
Merry Christmas! from Joe Szabo and the Scottsdale Real Estate Team
Merry Christmas from all of us at Scottsdale Real Estate.
We hope your holidays are unforgettable!
Happy Thanksgiving! from Joe Szabo and the Scottsdale Real Estate Team
October 2013 Paradise Valley Arizona real estate market update by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate
Happy November! It looks like the real estate market has cooled off just like the weather. The good news is that the median home price in Paradise Valley Arizona has increased from $990,000 to $1,150,000 since September 2013; this is up a whopping 24.3% since October 2012. New listings are up from September with 76 listings as opposed to 69 from the previous month. New contracts and closed sales are down 11.4% and 21.6%, respectively. The market is starting to balance out making it a great time to buy or sell in Paradise Valley.
Considering a purchasing or selling a property in Paradise Valley? Take advantage of the great market conditions and get your home listed for sale.
We hope that you enjoy reading and analyzing the Paradise Valley 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] or [email protected]. You can also visit https://www.AZLuxuryHomes.com or https://scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Paradise Valley Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Paradise Valley and to search the Paradise Valley MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.
Please note that this Paradise Valley Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Paradise Valley Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale and Paradise Valley 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 Paradise Valley, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results.
October 2013 Scottsdale Arizona real estate market update by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate
Happy November! There is a lot to be happy about in Scottsdale Arizona. The weather is perfect and the real estate market isn’t too shabby either. The median home price in Scottsdale Arizona has increased from $371,000 to $385,000 since September 2013; up 18.5% since October 2012. New listings are up from September with 1,143 listings as opposed to 900 from the previous month. New contracts are up 14.3% while closed sales dropped slightly by 5.8%. The hot seller’s market is starting to cool off and balance out the market. Would be a great time for buyers on the fence to make a move!
- October 2013 Scottsdale Arizona real estate market update
Considering a purchasing or selling a property in Scottsdale? Take advantage of the great market conditions and get your home listed for sale before the snow birds and students return in the fall.
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.
