By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team The Mediterranean coast has always inspired travel envy, and it inspires decor envy, too. The natural combination of sea shores and exotic landscapes has a way of captivating the senses. Whether or not you’ve traveled to Spain, Greece, Italy or Morocco, you can bring that Mediterranean flair to your home with these 10 accessories and design motifs.

Natural wood accents

Any natural wood elements, particularly exposed beams and wood floors, are key components of Mediterranean homes. Smaller rustic natural pieces such as driftwood add to the feeling of being just off the water, where the salt breeze texturizes the wood. For a more portable addition, look for wood mirrors, sculptures, hooks and decorative boxes.

Terra-cotta pots and plants

Outdoor living is a key part of the Mediterranean lifestyle, and one you can easily emulate with plenty of plants, both indoors and outdoors. Hang them and place them on the floor in large terra-cotta pots. Citrus trees add a particularly lovely component from the region — and will provide you with fresh lemons, limes and oranges to add to a pitcher of sangria, too.

Wrought iron

Wrought iron accessories — especially lamps, screens and wall hangings — will bring a slightly Moroccan flair. These are also reminiscent of the very common balconies and doors in the area’s open-concept homes.

Bright tile and mosaics

A key element of Mediterranean style is brightly colored tile and mosaics. Wall hangings, backsplashes, mirrors, frames and pottery made of brightly colored tile or a mosaic are a sure sign of the coast. A row of mosaic frames mingled with wood frames on a bookshelf is a perfect addition.

Romantic touches

A few romantic touches, such as sheer curtains to let in a nice ocean breeze and soft blankets nearby to fend off the chill, will make your Mediterranean-style home really come alive. Keep the blankets in a big woven basket near the couch, and add a bunch of lavender to the basket for a calming scent and touch of France.

Candles and mirrors

Similarly, candles and mirrors add romantic touches that evoke the spirit of a warm Mediterranean night. Mirrors reflect the warm candlelight and make your abode glow with the aura of a sunset over the sea. Try a large mirrored plate with white pillars on the center of the coffee table, or embellished votives lining a mantle.

Texture, texture, texture

Textured walls and building materials are a trademark of the building style in most Mediterranean countries. If you’re up for texturizing your walls, a sand or sky tone of tan or blue will suit the style nicely. If not, add texture with pillows, rugs, and even ornate room dividers. Rugs in particular are a great way to add texture: mix and match woven seagrass with Oriental rugs to capture the essence of the entire region.

Add cushions

The bold furniture of the style can vary by country, but heavy, low pieces are always appropriate when topped with cushions, which are an easy update for existing furniture. For a more Greek style, sleek solid-color cushions are ideal. For more Italian flair, try neutral striped cushions and more bare wood furniture. Of course, floor cushions are a great addition, too.

Ropes, columns, statues, Greek key and scrolls

Details inspired by the history of these nations — such as ropes, columns, the classic Greek key design, and scrolls on rugs, plaster, wall hangings, decorative vases and more — will bring the sense of a unique antique find. Try braided drink coasters or columns as plant stands. 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 After months, maybe even years, of looking at homes online, going to open houses and stalking listing data, the time has come. You’ve fallen for a home, and you’re ready to make your first offer. It can be scary, but it’s exciting at the same time. Here are some pointers to keep in mind as you throw your home-buying hat in the ring for the first time.

Have confidence in your search experience

Keep in mind that when it comes to making an offer, there is no single right answer and no “exact” price or terms for a home you covet. As a savvy buyer, you’ve got the market knowledge and experience it takes to analyze the deal. Believe in yourself. Take what you’ve learned, partner with a great agent, and trust your judgment. Think about the homes you’ve toured and open houses you’ve attended, and you will naturally start to see where your home of choice fits in the context of the market.

Learn all you can before deciding on your offer

If you are ready to pull the trigger, first find out what the story is with the listing. In order to come up with the best offer, you’ll need to know how long the home has been on the market, if there are other offers on the table currently, and if there’s a specific day the sellers will review the offers. You can uncover a lot by learning about the seller. Find out why they’re selling and what their motivations are. Pull all that information together and then mesh it with comparable homes’ sales data.

Reviewing comps is crucial

Your agent should send you the last six months of recent sales data to review and compare. These “comps” tell about the most recent market and what current buyers/sellers have agreed on for a sale price. Look at the pending sales first and see if your agent can uncover some information about those transactions. You want to ask about the number of offers they received or a ballpark selling price. The pending sales represent the most up-to-date market statistics. Ask your agent what his opinion of the home’s value is and start to mull over this information.

Give your lender a heads up

Your lender should be on speed dial at this point. Let her know you plan to make an offer on the home. Not only will you need apre-approval letter with your offer, but you will want an update on mortgage rates and products, since these change daily. From the time you applied for pre-approval until now, there could have been a massive shift in rates or a new product that could benefit you. For all you know, you can afford more, or that bonus you received last month could mean a higher down payment and qualifying for a better product.

Discuss terms

In addition to price, you will need to decide on terms. How long will you take for your inspections? Do you want to close quickly or take a longer time? Will you need an appraisal and loan contingency? How long should that be? The terms of your offer can make or break your deal. If the seller wants a quick close, and you can do it, give it to them. If you are competing with a cash offer, make your loan terms foolproof. Marry all of the data from above and take your best shot.

Remember, there will be other houses

Rarely does a buyer score the first house they offer on. And it’s not the end of the world if you don’t. There will be other homes for sale. People change jobs, get divorced, move closer to family, have children or pass away. All of these things can result in a home sale or purchase. Have faith that another home will come along in the future. There’s no rush, and you should never buy real estate overnight. Have fun, and learn from each offer you make. 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.

from Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Much like neighborly quarrels, adversarial property laws have been around for ages. Accordingly, ancient lawmakers devised notions — such as deeds, boundary lines, and parcel numbers — to ensure owners and neighbors alike were apprised of property limits. However, conflict between neighbors remains common, often prompting contentious lawsuits, unrelenting litigation, and serious tension at annual block parties.

Preventing property disputes with neighbors

Avoiding disputes altogether is one of the easiest ways to avoid a nasty legal battle. A common scenario in disputes between neighbors involves one of nature’s most majestic beauties: trees. It may sound too simple to be true, but many lawsuits have ensued when a tree — which may have started out as a wee sapling — evolves into a problematic and potentially dangerous behemoth straddling the boundary line. In this scenario, neighbors are encouraged to negotiate ownership in writing at the first sign the tree might become a problem. One of the quickest ways to escalate a conflict is to try and trim a tree back to the property line, which can cause unnecessary damage. If the boundary line — and resulting tree ownership — is unclear, ordering a new survey of the property might be the best way to avoid problems before they start.

Water under the bridge

Another natural disaster waiting to happen involves ownership (i.e., the maintenance and upkeep) of water sources that straddle or create property lines. In these cases, working with a riparian rights attorney might be the best bet for reaching a solution, as water disputes can be extremely impactful, particularly if the water source is used for livestock or consumption. For most people, however, disputes over fences and boundary lines are most common. These conflicts can easily be prevented with a little communication or help from a local surveyor. Assuming there are no interceding issues with the local homeowners’ association, a property owner can erect a fence on his property as he sees fit. However, a property owner is generally advised against making an educated guess about legal boundary lines, as a slight misjudgment may end up requiring the fence to be relocated at his expense. Hire a surveyor to conclusively determine the exact boundary line, and always leave a reasonable buffer zone between the fence and that line.

Managing a dispute

Not every legal dispute is contentious in nature, and some disputes may be necessary to effect the proper legal transfer of property. Imagine, for example, a parcel of land that has been passed down from one generation to the next for hundreds of years. Families often use quitclaim deeds to quickly pass on land and, as a result, may not bother with a survey or metes and bounds description for decades on end. When it comes time to transfer this property to an outside buyer, he or she will likely insist on a survey, which may reveal that certain tracts actually belong to one side or the other, creating an instant dispute. In this situation, hiring an experienced property lawyer might be prudent, as it may be possible to negotiate a new boundary line without court intervention. If a legal dispute with a neighbor is unavoidable, be sure to rely on knowledgeable experts familiar with state and local property laws. Although it may seem pricey and unnecessary at the outset, working with a consultant familiar with tree law (yes, these exist!) or a riparian rights expert could help save valuable property rights in the future.

Property disputes gone wild

Think your neighborhood is too dignified for unseemly lawsuits and tree consultants? Think again. Historically, boundary line, nuisance, and property disputes have comprised a sizable portion of local courts’ equity dockets. Some of these disputes have reached epic proportions:

• In Port Angeles, WA, a neighbor who was disgruntled over the height of an adjacent fence decided to level it with a bulldozer. After apparently failing to review the owner’s manual, however, the neighbor ended up damaging four homes and cutting power to 1,000 local residents, resulting in a Class B felony.
• In Orange County, CA, a long-standing rivalry between neighbors resulted in a heated encounter over fireworks, which one neighbor deemed the last straw. When he tromped over to complain, the other neighbor fatally shot him through the screen door, a crime which landed him in jail for life.
• In another dispute-related fatality, a North Carolina man cemented over a drainage ditch, resulting in significant overflow into the neighbor’s property. The neighbor, enraged, confronted the man and ultimately shot him over the dispute.

As you can see, even seemingly benign disputes with adjacent landowners can lead to disastrous conclusions. Take heed, and prepare to prevent conflict before it starts. 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 it comes to moving, deciding what to take with you — and what to leave behind — can be stressful. Spending a little time clearing out dead weight before the move will make settling into your new place much more freeing. Check these 10 areas of your home for items that aren’t worth the square footage in the moving van — or your new home.

1. Dine in

This may seem obvious, but food takes up a lot of space and often gets a bit lost in the moving shuffle. In the weeks before your move, eat anything that isn’t shelf-stable, brand-new or a specialty item. Don’t forget about the perishable foods in the fridge and freezer (steak for dinner, anyone?). Take a break and throw a pantry dinner party with friends who are helping you move.

2. Pass on low-quality furniture

Low-quality furniture, typically made of particle board, is very susceptible to being ripped and chipped in a move. Ask family and friends if they can use any of these pieces or bring them to your local donation center. Upgrade or replace when you get to your new home.

3. Clean closets

Anything old, stained or that no longer fits should go straight into the donation bin. Moving cross-country? Transitioning from a cold climate to Florida will allow you to shed even more weight as you let go of snowsuits and boots that won’t be of use in the Everglades. Donate to a local thrift store or have a garage sale to make extra cash.

4. Tame the bathroom cabinet

There is no sense moving 20 crusty nail polishes and every curling mousse you’ve ever tried and abandoned. Anything expired or unused lately should be tossed. Cull these and only keep your essentials, as anything else may spill in transit and many are flammable.

5. Make a pitcher of margaritas

While you’re throwing your pantry party, be sure to bring out the open bottles of alcohol. Chances are they’re in glass, making them a no-no for most moves, so you might as well enjoy them now.

6. Burn those candles

This may sound odd, but many moving companies won’t take candles. They’ll most likely melt and get misshapen anyway, so give these to friends or use them as décor at your clean-out party.

7. Donate excess kids’ toys

Toys take up a massive amount of space, even if they are lightweight. Anything that has been outgrown or unused should be donated or passed along to friends or family. Bigger items such as outdoor pools, sports equipment and bicycles should also be assessed.

8. Toss old linens

Sheets and towels are bulky to move, so anything that’s seen better days should be put in the donate pile. Choosing fresh sheets and towels after you’ve moved is a fun part of feeling settled in your new home.

9. Clear out garage clutter

This includes outdoor furniture, hoses, planters and trash cans. With garden items, it’s best to start new instead of moving a potentially invasive weed or insect species to a new area. Outdoor furniture often has glass, which is easily shattered, and flimsy outdoor fabric, which is easily torn in a move. Try selling these pieces and using the cash for a new set.

10. Hobby supplies

Excessive amounts of craft or hobby supplies are often not worth the space. Use this as a time to freshen things up and pare down your supply stash. Bonus? An excuse to buy new supplies in the future. Once you’ve tamed these 10 areas, you should be able to breathe a little easier and pack a little lighter. You’ll be left with high-quality furniture, sentimental pieces and daily-use items, all things that help make a house a home. 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 staging a house for sale, it’s crucial to consider every space with the buyer’s perspective in mind. Once you’ve accomplished the five basic staging steps, make sure every room in your house has one clear purpose. Defining how to use a room is incredibly important for buyers because it helps them connect to a home. Here are the top 5 reasons every room needs a clear purpose:

1. Buyers subconsciously feel lost if they don’t know what to do with a room

They will wander in and out of a room very quickly if they cannot easily tell what the room should be used for. The house will not feel comfortable, which will make it hard for them to imagine it as home.

2. Buyers don’t know how to place furniture in a room they can’t define a use for

When buyers walk into a room they feel comfortable in, they’ll start to picture their belongings where yours are now. A big comfy bed signals “This is a bedroom,” so buyers will be able to imagine their own bed in the space. This is exactly what you want them to do.

But if buyers can’t tell the room’s purpose, they won’t know if they need new furniture to fill it, or if they have something perfect for it already.

3. Buyers assume they don’t need a room they can’t see the purpose of

If a buyer can’t see what a room’s purpose is, they go one of two ways. They either assume they don’t need the space, or they decide your home doesn’t have a room that will serve a purpose they do need. Either way could cause them to pass on your house and go on to the next.

4. Buyers don’t have time or energy to figure it out for themselves

There is so much competition for buyer dollars – even in a seller’s market. Buyers have no time, energy or need to “figure out” a house. They can simply go visit the next one or go visit the new home builder they’ve seen advertised. You can bet the builder will show them exactly what every space is for and tell them why they need it.

5. Buyers can’t emotionally connect to rooms they can’t see themselves using

You want buyers to picture their sofa in your living room so they can start seeing themselves living in your house. This is when they truly connect with a house and decide they have to have it as their own home. This connection brings you the best offer possible.

Many homes today feature a “great room” that contains many spaces to be used as individual rooms. This is what the term “open concept living” refers to, and it is highly desired by modern buyers. Mixed purpose rooms can confuse buyers. They may think that if one room has to be used for multiple purposes, the home must be too small. If your house fits this description, be sure to clearly define spaces within the great room to serve only one purpose. For instance, define a family room space and a dining space separately so that buyers know how they can use these areas. Staging your house for sale is a lot of work. But as difficult as it can be, don’t skip it. The way you present your home makes a big difference in finding a buyer. 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 If you’re like many people, you look online to find the best rate quotes when you first start shopping for a mortgage. Sometimes this can lead to selecting a lender who isn’t local to your area. This is fine, as long as your lender is familiar with mortgage processes specific to your area. Keep the following local factors in mind to ensure a positive mortgage experience once you choose a lender.

Local rate quotes

Often a friend or real estate agent refers you to a local lender. To get rate quotes for your profile before talking to that local lender, you can check mortgage rates in seconds by entering your purchase price, down payment and credit score range. You can also enter your ZIP code to tailor quotes to your area. Online lenders compete heavily on rates to win your business, so this search will usually represent the best rates available for your profile. You can use these rate findings to make sure a local lender is offering the best rates. This is a fast, safe way to screen rates without having too many lenders run your credit. Of course you always want to shop, but you don’t want shopping for a mortgage to prevent you from getting one.

Communication with local real estate agents

Local lenders will be known by local real estate agents. This can help when you’re writing offers to buy homes. Because real estate is so localized, sellers’ agents sometimes advise their clients to be cautious when they see an offer financed by an out-of-area lender. Likewise with your own real estate agent: Because agents specialize down to the city, neighborhood and street level, they often encourage their buyers to work with lenders who have the same local expertise and reputation. Local lenders also know title and escrow officers, insurance agents, inspectors and other specialists associated with your local property transaction. And because local lenders live in the same community they can offer useful advice about neighborhoods, schools or even good restaurants — just like your real estate agent. Non-local lenders can quickly win the trust of real estate agents and all other vendors, and you should ask them how they go about doing this. Make sure they’re using a proactive approach to working with all of the parties in your transaction, instead of waiting to be contacted by agents or other vendors.

Local settlement procedures and fees

All local markets have specific settlement procedures and associated vendors. For example, in California a financed real estate transaction is settled by a single escrow company, whereas in New York, it’s settled by separate attorneys representing buyer and seller. Additionally, each city and state has specific rates for various property-related taxes and local customs for how these taxes are paid by buyer and seller. The same goes for title, escrow and attorney fees. If you’re working with a non-local lender, make sure they know these local processes and fees. Failing to correctly quote or associate (to buyer vs. seller) these third-party fees on your loan documents can cause your transaction to be delayed or fall apart entirely.

Local property knowledge

Loans are made based on borrowers and properties. Any lender can do a pre-approval, but in the pre-approval phase, lenders are just pre-approving you as a borrower. The loan won’t be finalized until a lender also conducts a thorough review of the property’s title report, contractors and pest inspections (if called for by the purchase contract), and the property condition and value using an appraisal report ordered by the lender. A local lender will have the appropriate appraisal network in your area, and you need to make sure any non-local lender you use also has this network. Some neighborhoods, for example, have off-market sales that a non-local appraiser may miss. This could cause your appraisal report to come in lower than expected. 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.