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December 11, 2017 Joe Szabo
November 13, 2013 Joe Szabo
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 Joe@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or Joe@AZLuxuryHomes.com. 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.
November 11, 2013 Joe Szabo
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!
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 Joe@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com. 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.
November 9, 2013 Joe Szabo
By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
Renovating their Falls Church home — a former broom factory built in the 1890s — led Keith and Greta Brendley to add the ultimate luxury: a specially dug basement for a wine cellar.
“It allows my collection to grow and allows me to buy deeper, younger reds that need significant time to age,” says Keith Brendley, 55, president of a defense systems analysis company. Lining the walls of the underground room are mahogany racks and shelves, many filled with California wines.
Temperature-controlled, dedicated wine storage is becoming more common as the beverage gains popularity among consumers. A recent Gallup poll shows that about as many Americans prefer wine as they do beer, which has dropped over the past two decades as the alcoholic drink of choice. As a result, homeowners are investing in coolers, closets and rooms for their chardonnay, cabernet and other varietals.
“A wine refrigerator is something that a lot of our clients add when they renovate their kitchens,” says Jim Wrenn of Bethesda-based Case Design/Remodeling, the firm responsible for the Brendleys’ renovation. Most under-counter fridges hold about 50 bottles, leading serious oenophiles to step up to larger spaces where the temperature and humidity are kept steady to protect their investments.
“Many of my clients build wine cellars because they are collecting and buying wine at a rate they can’t keep up with and growing out of their wine refrigerators,” says Lisa Weiss of the Wine Cellar Co. in McLean.
Steve Goldstein of Classic Cellar Design in Vienna says the demand for wine cellars is on the rise, particularly in newer spec homes. He notes that the increase has resulted, in part, from “the loosening of the interstate shipping laws over the last few years, providing access to many hard-to-find wines and the ability to ship home wines from vacation experiences in wine country.”
With the typical wine cellar costing about $40,000 to $60,000 — the Brendleys spent about $80,000 on their 10-foot-by-13-foot basement room — some homeowners are opting for smaller, less expensive storage spaces, Weiss says. “Closet cellars are hot right now and run about $15,000 to $20,000,” Weiss says. Another trend she sees is to craft the bottle racks out of reclaimed wood from wine barrels and tanks.
Most important to a wine cellar, experts say, is the proper infrastructure for storage. “It’s absolutely critical that you prepare the room for refrigeration with the right placement of insulation and vapor barriers,” Weiss says. “If you miss a step, you may end up with condensation or mold.”
Insulation must cover the floor and ceiling in addition to the walls for controlling environmental conditions. Doors should be exterior-grade to ensure a tight seal and lighting kept low to reduce heat. The goal is to keep the temperature at 55 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity at 55 to 70 percent so that bottles are kept cool and corks don’t loosen or dry out to spoil the contents.
“You are building a walk-in refrigerator for your wine,” Goldstein says. “A wine cellar can be located anywhere as long as all of its surfaces are considered. Most people put them in the basement because that’s the coolest place in the home and where people have extra room.”
But don’t plan on hosting guests inside the cellar. Says Greta Brendley, 52, a school psychologist: “It’s way too cold for dining or hanging out. We were thinking more about storage than a place to entertain.”
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.
October 17, 2011 szabogroup
By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
The Mission style, although not considered an official style by many historians, can be seen in manyMediterraneanand Spanish-style homes of today. Built mainly inCaliforniaand developed in the 1800’s, this style focuses on harmony, simplicity, and the tradition of the area in which it is built.
Often just one story, theMissionstyle home is very natural and un-ornamental. It has whitewashed, stucco walls that are smoothed over, and a curvilinear roof gable that is red tiled, and has projecting eaves. The broad front double doors can be seen through an arched opening that is rounded and bold. Between the archway and the front door, there is an entry courtyard. This courtyard is completely enclosed, and has three archways: one in the middle that serves as the entry way, and two on the sides that are gated across, all of the same size.
There is an adobe chimney, one or more square bell towers, and round or clover-shaped windows. There are canals for rain water and a one-story-high porch, with large square pillars. There will often be a small balcony that looks over the front yard. Exposed roof rafters can also be seen. This style works well with drier, hotter environments, and blends well with its natural style look.
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 forSale and Estates forSale inScottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.
October 13, 2011 szabogroup
By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
The Mediterranean style, designed mainly after homes inItalyandSpain, tend to follow a more open, yet detailed look. These homes are found most often in the sun-belt states, although they can be found throughout the country.
Usually found in two stories, Mediterranean homes tend to have high ceilings, but lower, wider tile roofs; often with a smaller, wide gable and a short, square chimney. Stucco is the common exterior, and is intended to add texture, unlike smoothed stucco; also, there are large outdoor spaces for entertaining. Mediterranean homes look lovely with assorted palms showcasing their unique design.
Centered front doors and large, wide windows are common. There will usually be fewer windows in these homes, but these windows are tall and wide, sometimes with outer shutters. This style home, although not perfectly symmetrical, has more of a symmetrical façade.
The Mediterranean style home is very common among suburbs and fits into most surroundings, despite its intricate detail and design. These homes are very open and provide a lot of room.
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 forSale and Estates forSale inScottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.
October 10, 2011 szabogroup
By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
InScottsdale, our evenings are some of the best in the country for outdoor entertaining. When planning an outdoor patio, it is important to keep in mind weather you would prefer a formal or informal style patio. A formal style follows a more balanced look, typically being symmetrical, following straight lines, and with a constantly trimmed hedges and up-kept yard. Informal styles follow a more asymmetrical look, with curved lines, and an atmosphere that does not necessarily have to be trimmed and proper. However, whether you prefer a formal or informal look, most patios follow the same abstract concepts: unity, variety, proportion, and balance. Here are some tips to remember when using these concepts for your patio.
Unity means that everything flows together, and nothing looks out of place, or as if it does not belong. The patio and the house should have unity, along with the patio and the yard. For instance, if a patio leads into a formal style living room, then the patio should reflect it. Likewise, if the patio leads onto a backyard flourishing with brightly colored flowers, then the patio should blend, also, with this.
Variety offers an element of surprise, and keeps a design from looking monotonous. For instance, a path that leads around a corner, or different types and heights of trees that offer different levels of lighting throughout the day. Privacy screens and a patio that has steps will help offer different looks to more vertical patios.
Proportion keeps a patio from being too small or too big for its house. Most patios are designed at the same scale as a standard living room, however, this does not mean that you should be afraid to go any bigger; patio furniture is usually more bulky and takes up more space than living room furniture. A patio too big, though, will cause furniture to look small and create big, empty spaces.
Balance is achieved when both sides of a patio appear to have equal “weight” to them. There should be a center focal point, and on both side and objects should equal each other out; for instance, if there is a large tree on one side, then wide shrubs could be planted on the other. Remember, also, that balance does not necessarily mean objects are arranged symmetrically.
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 forSale and Estates forSale inScottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.
September 28, 2010 szabogroup
By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
How you hold title, the ownership of your real estate, is important. If you are married you often get joint tenancy with rights of survivorship and if you are single you hold property in your own name. There are other ways of holding title that may help you in certain situations.
As an individual you may choose to take title in your own name or you can put your property in a trust. With a trust, in the event of your death, your property will not go into probate. Joint tenancy with rights of survivorship is the most common way married couples hold title but two nonrelated individuals can also own property as joint tenants. As joint tenants both tenants own the property as a whole. With rights of survivorship, in the event of the death of one of the tenants that tenants share is immediately transferred to the surviving partner.
Tenancy in common allows each person to own his or her piece of the property separately. Tenancy by the Entirety is similar to joint tenancy but does not allow creditors of one spouse to force the sale of home to pay the debt of that spouse. These are not options available in all states.
You should consult your real estate professional before making this important decision.
The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in Scottsdale, Arizona, contact Scottsdale Real Estate Agent Joe Szabo. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers for Scottsdale, Arizona, The Szabo Group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020 480.688.2020 or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com for more information.
September 23, 2010 szabogroup
By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
Applying for a loan is different from getting prequalified for a loan. Getting prequalified involves going to a lender and having the lender analyze your financial situation and come up with an approximate amount you can borrow. You have to apply for a loan to get preapproved. The lender will want to see documentation and proof that you actually have the assets and debts you say you do.
You should have some key pieces of information to speed up the process. These include copies of bank statements for the last three months, copies of all account statements including stock accounts, copies of your most recent pay stubs, and your W2 forms for the past two years. If you are self-employed you will need the past two years of tax returns and a profit and loss statement for the year to date. If the money you are using to buy the house is a gift from a friend or family member have a gift letter as well.
You will need to make some other important decisions at the time of your application. These include what type of mortgage you should choose, if you should float the rate or lock it in, and how many points (if any) do you want to pay.
Keep all of this in mind and go in to a lender prepared, it not only speeds up the process but shows the lender you are a serious buyer.
The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in Scottsdale, Arizona, contact Scottsdale Real Estate Agent Joe Szabo. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers for Scottsdale, Arizona, The Szabo Group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020 480.688.2020 or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com for more information.
September 21, 2010 szabogroup
By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
When you close your escrow is a negotiation point between you and the seller. Timing is everything. You should set the closing date according to when your current lease ends. If you close at the beginning of the month and your lease doesn’t end until the end of the month you will be paying double rent for nothing. This only works if you have work to do on your new home and need somewhere to stay in the meantime. In addition if you close at the beginning of the month the lender will require you to prepay the interest from the day of closing until the end of the month. If you close closer to the end of the month, the less money you will pay out of pocket.
Remember that you get to take deductions for your house in the year that it closes, even if it closes on the last day of the year. But make sure your deductible costs will be greater than the standard deduction allowed by the IRS. You may want to contact your accountant to find out how this may affect your situation.
The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in Scottsdale, Arizona, contact Scottsdale Real Estate Agent Joe Szabo. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers for Scottsdale, Arizona, The Szabo Group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020 480.688.2020 or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com for more information.
Mobile: 480-688-2020
Office: 480-889-8702
Fax: 480-355-9444
joe@azluxuryhomes.com
21000 N. Pima Rd
Suite 100
Scottsdale AZ, 85255
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