By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Technology advances have reinvented mobile phones, music, TV, and many other industries in the past decade. And now technology is finally beginning to overhaul the mortgage process. But is it really possible to have a 100-percent digital mortgage? Let’s take a look.

Clarifying the digital mortgage process

The two biggest misconceptions of digital mortgages are that you can get a mortgage with the push of a button, and that you won’t have to provide as much documentation. When you make a video call or stream a song or movie, you’re literally pushing a button or two. But a mortgage is still a major financial transaction requiring documentation and analysis of your full financial life, so you’ll need to put in some effort — even when it’s sped up by a digital process. Likewise, digital mortgages speed you up, but typically don’t reduce the documentation required. Reduced documentation mortgages played a major role in setting off the financial crisis in 2008 as lenders required less and less income, asset, and employment verification to approve mortgages. Then the reverse happened for years after the crisis: lenders would provide seemingly never-ending checklists of required documentation to approve and close your mortgage. Today, you’re still providing the same amount of documentation, but the efficiencies of technology make the process much easier. For example, today you’re answering questions about credit, residence, and employment history in an online form, whereas just two years ago you would have had to write, sign, and send letters to answer acceptably. And today you can authorize your lender to obtain pay stubs, bank statements, and tax returns from the sources rather than assembling and sending all of this documentation yourself.

What you can do digitally vs. what you can’t

The federal laws created after the crisis require lenders to prove (with your full documentation) that they’ve verified your ability to repay your mortgage before you take it out. To do this, lenders must follow eight federally required loan approval factors. So if a digital process doesn’t satisfy these parameters for any reason whatsoever, you can be sure your lender will send you follow-up checklists requesting more documentation. If you applied online originally, follow-up checklists and documentation may be requested and provided online, or the old-fashioned email way. Each lender’s process is different, and your lender will instruct you. Processes are also different depending on loan size and type. For example, if you’re applying for a conforming mortgage up to $417,000; you’ve been a straight salary employee (that is, receiving no bonus or commission) at a large company for more than two years; you file your taxes using an online service; and you have online accounts with all of the financial institutions that have your money, then the digital mortgage process will likely be very easy. You apply online; authorize your lender to directly obtain pay stubs, bank statements, and tax returns on your behalf; and run a credit report. Then the digital process will analyze this documentation, and run an automated loan approval. For a profile like this, you could be approved in 10 to 30 minutes. Conversely, if you’re applying for a jumbo mortgage above $417,000; you’re self employed with multiple sources of income; you have a tax adviser manually prepare your taxes; and you don’t have online accounts with all of the financial institutions that have your money, then the digital mortgage process will require more human intervention by you and your lender. You apply online and provide the same authorizations as above, but you’ll need to assemble and submit a lot of documentation yourself, and you’ll likely see follow-up checklists as your lender manually reviews and approves your file — because loans above $417,000 are often ineligible for automated approval. The process could take hours or days.

How many lenders offer digital mortgages?

Today, the digital revolution is still working its way through the mortgage industry. You might get amazing technology or outstanding service and advice, but not all lenders have married both so far. As more lenders adopt the digital processes described above, your decision as a mortgage shopper will come down to whether you want to run the whole process yourself online, or you want an adviser to help you in person along the way. Because home buying is a large — and often intimidating — financial decision, good advice is likely to remain at the forefront of the mortgage offering. So if you want great advice plus the efficiencies of a digital process, it’s best to start by finding a great local lender, then interviewing them about their digital offerings. 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.

1. By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

It’s funny how after the holidays, living in a Winter Wonderland becomes a whole lot less wonderful. Whether you’re enduring thunderstorms, snow, or gusts of wind, snuggling up at home near a crackling fire or in your personal reading nook is the ideal way to wait out the weather. No matter your interior style, there’s always room to add a few cozy touches. Here are some favorite ways to warm up your home design to face the wintry days ahead.

Fireplaces: Light up the night (or day)

There might be nothing in the world as comforting as a beautifully decorated fireplace. While it’s typical to have these fixtures in the living room or even the dining room, consider the charm of having one in your own bedroom. The soothing crackling of a fire is the perfect way to wind down at the end of the day, and with so many styles to choose from, you’re sure to find one that fits your interior style.

Reading nooks: Bookworms’ paradise

Creating a little getaway within your own four walls is a fantastic way to warm up on a particularly cold day. A reading nook can inspire calm and creativity with a few simple furnishings and accessories. Pair a fun patterned chair with an ottoman, and a unique side table to set your reading material on. Make sure you have sufficient lighting and a cozy throw blanket nearby for those days when you just want to curl up with a good book.

Window seats: Room with a view

On your day off, there’s nothing quite like sipping a cup of coffee while enjoying a beautiful view. What better way to soak up your surroundings than with comfy window seating? Traditionally found in older homes with Victorian style, window seating is versatile and complements most styles of design. If your home is modern, consider a bright white seating display with patterned pillows. If your look is more traditional, opt for textured seating in a timeless print. Whatever your choice, you won’t regret spending time in this cozy spot.

Area rugs: Keeping toes toasty

Hardwood floors are a luxury, but they can be painfully cold in the winter months. Help insulate your home with plush area rugs throughout the space for visual warmth and added coziness. Rugs with texture like shag or a high pile offer extra comfort while walking around the house. Put one in each high-traffic area, as well as under your bed to ensure you wake up with warm feet. 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 many ways to bring the ambiance of the tropics into your home to get you through winter, but nothing conjures up visions of swaying coconut palms better than adding — what else? — potted palm trees as houseplants. Light a coconut-scented candle, crank up the heat and some hula tunes, close your eyes and brush your face against a palm frond: You’re not in the living room anymore, my friend, and your spouse isn’t looking up the psychiatrist’s cell phone number on your behalf. You’re in the tropics! It might take a bit of imagination, but you’d be surprised at what one or two potted palm trees can accomplish with the right placement. Here’s how to transform your home with little more than a couple of potted palms.

Pick your spot

Place a single large palm in a rattan/wicker cachepot, basket or trashcan, set it beside an armchair, and it magically anchors the room with visual weight and tropical flair. Complete the look with a tropical cocktail of your choosing, or take it overboard by buying the parrot you’ve always wanted. Want to make a fancy-schmancy vignette with a nothing more than a hall table and whatever you happen to have lying around? Hang an ornately framed mirror on the wall above the hall table and place two small parlor palms in ornate pots (especially urns) on the table — one to each side of the mirror. Beneath the mirror and between the palms, stack a few large coffeetable books and fill a big bowl with pinecones, balls of yarn, or anything else you have lying around in quantity.

Choose the right palm

Easy palms that can tolerate neglect and low light are easy to find and include:

• Lady palm (Rhapis excelsa)
• Howea palm (Howea belmoreana)
• Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
• Pygmy date palm (Phoenix roebelinii)
• Kentia palm (Howea forsteriana)
• Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) — the easiest and most affordable palm of all.

Still, there are palms to avoid if you’re just starting out. The majesty palm (Ravenea rivularis), cat palm (Chaemadorea cataractum), fishtail palm (Caryota mitis) and Chinese fan palm (Livistona chinensis), for example, need more light and humidity than most homes can provide — especially in the winter months.

Caring for palms

If you’re growing one of the palms that I’ve included in the ‘easy list’, you don’t have to do very much to keep them happy. First, make sure the pot has drainage holes so that water won’t collect and rot the roots. If you really want to use that pot without drainage holes, keep the plant in its plastic container and use the pretty one as a decorative cachepot, removing any water that accumulates in the base. Place your palm in a spot with bright, indirect light — bright enough to read comfortably, but not so bright that you have to squint. Palms in the ‘easy’ list will tolerate lower light, but will be more susceptible to problems like pests over time. Their petioles (leaf stems) will also become longer as they reach for more light, giving you a different-looking palm than the one you purchased. Water your palm when the top one or two inches of the potting mix becomes dry. The potting mix shouldn’t be dripping wet, nor should it be bone dry. Palms can take a lot of abuse, but they won’t necessarily look good. Fertilizing your palm isn’t necessary, but using an organic palm fertilizer according to the label instructions will help it cope with any pests that arise. It will also provide any missing nutrients that palms need to stay healthy.

Palm problems

The most common pests on indoor palms are mealybugs, which are cottony fluffs that hide under leaves and inside leaf axils; scale insects, which appear as hard barnacle-like growths; and spider mites that are too tiny to see but can be identified by dried out leaves and specks of dusty black fecal matter. Pests also spread viruses to indoor palms, resulting in distorted, streaked foliage and eventual death. There is no cure for viruses on palms, and any affected plants must be destroyed to prevent the viruses’ spread. Luckily, viruses are rarely found in healthy indoor palms. 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 The final walk-through in real estate was designed so that the buyer can confirm the home is in the same condition as when they made their offer and had the home inspected. Its also an opportunity to make sure the seller has actually vacated. From time to time, a buyer and seller will have negotiated any number of fixes during escrow. The walk-through gives the buyer a chance to make sure all the agreed-upon work has been done to specifications, and that everything is in working order. Sometimes, buyers are so excited to close that they quickly whisk through the walk-through without taking time to inspect the property. This can lead to small issues once the buyers take ownership. On the other hand, the final walk-through can raise both positive and negative emotions during this final part of the sale process. It’s smart to take the walk-through seriously. Don’t see it as simply checking a box.  You should run all the faucets and check for leaks. Flush the toilet bowls, open every window and close it and make sure the appliances work. Here are some tips for buyers to help complete a smooth and effective walk-through.

Don’t do the walk-through the day of closing

A walk-through can uncover repairs that need to be made, but that you didn’t know about before. If you do the walk-through the same day as the closing, there may not be time to get problems remedied. It’s not uncommon for two walk-throughs to happen. The first identifies some issues for the buyer, and the second makes sure those issues were addressed. The alternative is to push the closing back to address the issues.  The problem here is that your lender may not have approved a delayed closing. It’s better to hammer out any issues in advance.

Use your mobile phone to check the outlets

Plug a phone into all of the outlets to make sure the electricity works. You want to avoid moving in all your stuff, only to realize some outlets don’t work, and you lack light in a bedroom. Bring your phone and charger to the walk-through and test all the outlets. It’s quick and easy.

Be on the lookout for the sellers’ leftover belongings

Sellers are notorious for leaving junk behind, so take the time to check the garage and attic, and under the deck. The sellers may just assume you want their old paint cans or a propane tank for a future grill. In fact, they should leave the place completely empty. Some left-behind items, such as the paint, can be toxic or require special provisions for disposal. For example, one seller left behind all kinds of used oil that needed to go to a certain, state-approved car repair shop to be disposed of properly. These unwanted items become yours after you close.

Be emotionally prepared for a surprise

Buyers often fall in love with a home that’s full of furniture, art and belongings. They see it as a home, and remember a warm feeling. Fast-forward to the close of escrow and you’re faced with an empty home, which can feel cold, sterile or hollow. Buyers are often surprised by how they feel entering an empty home. Not only is it absent any furniture and “stuff,” but sometimes an empty home shows its imperfections, too. The sun may have slightly bleached floors, showing the outline of a rug. There may be carpet stains or holes in the wall from a flat-screen TV or paintings. An empty home tends to show poorly, so prepare yourself before the walk-through. The journey toward homeownership is often a long one, filled with lots of excitement and ups and downs. The final walk-through is one of the very last steps of what could be a multiple-year process. Consider the walk-through in advance and prepare for it mentally, emotionally and physically. Know what you want to look for, have a checklist, and keep your emotions and feelings in check. Doing so will make for a smooth ride to the close of escrow. 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 your home and space organized at the beginning of the year will help you move through the coming months with less stress, spend some time on your own well-being, focus on relationships, and achieve your other goals. Follow these tips to organize your whole home quickly and easily.

Set up a no-fail garage system

I suggest starting out in the garage, because it can be one of the most overcrowded places in the house. Picture yourself driving into your garage and seeing at least one new system set up for easy use in the coming year. Here’s an approach that’s simple, inexpensive, and quick to accomplish.

1. Hang some peg board
2. Put some tool hooks in the holes on the board
3. Using a thick marker, draw an outline around each tool to reserve its location.

Your new tool organizing system will keep you organized, and alert you when tools are missing. This garage system also helps other family members put things away because it’s easy to see where to place each item.

Make a grand entrance

Whether you enter through the garage or via a front or back door, it feels so good to be home. This is usually the last stop of a long string of errands or a full day’s work. Our tendency is to enter the home and drop our mail, dry cleaning, backpacks, and more. But this passageway is also the send-off point each morning before we leave. Being organized when exiting the house can make or break your day. Hanging a pocketed hanger on the door knob or over the back of the door provides a spot to hold items you will need for running errands, or for your work or school day. This gives you easy access to items such as outgoing mail, lunch money, keys, and receipts for purchases you need to return. Each morning, those important items are ready and waiting for you.

Cut laundry time in half

How can one of the smallest rooms in the house seem so chaotic? And why does doing laundry seem to take up so much time? Here’s a laundry system that will save you time and restore your sanity. First, provide everyone with their own laundry basket. Put family members’ names on the sides of the baskets so there are no lost items or mix-ups. Now here’s the sweet secret. When the wash is done, rather than placing the clean laundry on the dining room table or the stairs (and watching everyone walk by without picking up their clothes), have everyone come to the laundry room to pick up their personalized basket of clean clothing.

Work some kitchen magic

The kitchen is the activity hub of most homes. It’s a busy area because family members or roommates use the kitchen at least three to five times a day. We open our mail here, study for school, use our laptops and tablets here — not to mention, it’s where the food is. Because we have so many varied activities happening in the kitchen, it’s wise to create separate stations for those activities. One way to accomplish this is to invest in a rolling cart — whatever style and size works best in your kitchen. Use this cart to establish a dedicated space for one of your most common activities. For example, create a lunch-making station stocked with a cutting board and knife, salt and pepper, paper towels, wraps, and baggies. Create the space for your family to assist in making your life easier while also keeping one station of like-items together.

Put it in writing

Whether you’re a one-person household or a family of five, one tool can save your life or home: a household manual. The beauty of this handy tool is it doesn’t have to be compiled all at one time, and it costs you nothing to create. Grab a three-ring binder and a three-hole punch, and keep your essential information in the binder. To get started, collect your emergency contact info and other vital information such as the name of your vet, school rosters, alarm codes, medication doses for your kids, the name of your father’s caregiver, and where your home’s gas shut-off valve is located. As you continue to organize your home and find more essential documents, you can add to the binder. For those who prefer a high-tech approach, store your manual on a highly secure cloud service such as Digital LifeCloud.

Get a charge

Many people are frustrated by cell phones, iPad chargers, memory sticks and tangled cords sprinkled throughout the house. Relaxation and recreation activities often seem to need the power of a charging station that’s easily accessible — and it doesn’t hurt if it’s attractive, too. One simple solution is to consider a charging station that conceals the cords, keeps all the electronic items together, and looks good while doing it.

Tell a tidier toy story

Whether it’s grandparents or new moms and dads, one of the biggest complaints of people who share their home with children is about picking up toys. The “putting away” task is a skill that can and should be taught to children, as it’s important for establishing personal responsibility in kids as they grow into teens and then adulthood. Besides, putting away toys can be fun. Here’s one idea that will shift your playroom atmosphere from frustration to elation. Use colorful bins to hold toys, designating each bin to hold one type of toy, such as musical instruments, cars, dolls, games, or Legos. To make it even easier, find pictures of the toys in magazines or online, and use them to label the bins. If you have dolls or stuffed animals in one bin, attach the matching picture to the front of the bin. Keep the number of bins small, but make sure the bins are large and easy to access.

Declutter the grownups’ bedroom closet

Bulging closets and growing piles of clean and dirty laundry may nix the possibility of either rest or romance. Decluttering in the bedroom creates a sanctuary for both. Starting with the closet is good move. Once the space is clear, it all boils down to finding what you need when you need it. Here’s a quick process for getting your closet in order:

1. Clear the floor so you can move around easily.
2. Make sure you have proper lighting.
3. Pull everything out.
4. Only put back in what fits you right now, is stain-free, and requires no repairs.

Set kids’ closets straight

For organizing kids’ clothes, there’s no better tool than a hanging shelving unit. Designate one pocket for each day of the week, and label it. Each weekend, pick out clothes for the following week, and put them in the pockets for the day your child will wear them. Whether your kids have class pictures or an outdoor field trip, the proper outfit for the day is all set. Imagine a calm morning without clothing conflict.

Bundle toiletries and grooming tools

Some bathrooms are small, and everyone seems to have their own favorite shampoo, hairbrush, and brand of toothpaste. Drawer, cabinet, and counter space tends to run out quickly. If this is your situation, try assigning everyone in the house a bathroom caddy, loaded up with all their cosmetics, toiletries and grooming tools, and labled with their name. Store the caddies on a shelf in the bathroom or carry them to and from the bedroom. The bathroom stays organized, and there’s an automatic clean-up built in after every visit. 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 It’s cold out there, and whether you’re snowed in or just looking to unwind, it’s the perfect time for game night. Fun for the whole family or as a night in with friends, it’s all about some friendly competition. Decor should be simple, drinks should be hot, and the mood should be mellow. We’ve got you covered for tunes with this Game Night playlist. A few standards, some Motown favorites, and a little jazz will give your gathering some casual class.

Card Coasters Materials

• Vintage playing cards — find them at a flea market or yard sale
• Panel of cork — pick one up at any craft or hardware store
• Glue

Mulled Wine Recipe

• 6 cups of cider
• 3 cups of orange juice
• 1-1/2 bottles of red wine — a dry red is best
• Honey (to taste)

Mix ingredients and simmer until hot. Garnish with blood orange wheel, anise pod and a stick of cinnamon. Should serve 10-12 people. 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 Aging in place is the hottest housing trend for modern seniors. You may remain in your current home or you may choose to downsize, but aging in place means staying independent and living on your own terms, regardless of your age or abilities. Your home itself is the key to successful aging in place. Getting older comes with a new set of challenges, but with the right safety upgrades and tech tools, your home will keep you safe and comfortable in your golden years. Here are eight smart safety upgrades you may want to consider installing.

Smart lights

Stop fumbling for light switches and stubbing your toes in the dark. Install smart lights that turn themselves on when you need them. You can program them to turn on when you enter the room, or set them to a specific schedule. From your smartphone, you can adjust them from anywhere, whether you are at home or on the go. Smart lights mean you never have to walk through your home in the dark again.

Automatic stove shut-off

Cooking fires are the number one cause of all home injuries. An automatic stove shut-off senses if you are near the stove, and turns off the heat if it is unattended too long. We all have “senior moments” where we get distracted and forget what we were doing, but that moment can turn dangerous when it comes to cooking. Add an automatic shut-off to your stove to reduce the risk of accidental fires in your kitchen.

Medical alert system

When you live alone, it’s important to have a quick way to get help in an emergency. A medical alert system provides you with personalized help in seconds. If you press the device’s button or it detects a fall, it automatically calls for help. A trained operator will come on the line, make sure you are safe, and send help from your personalized list of responders. Seconds matter in an emergency, and a medical alert system makes sure you get help fast.

Monitored smoke alarm

If a fire starts when you’re asleep or not at home, your smoke alarm may go unheard. A monitored smoke alarm makes sure you know it has gone off. If the alarm sounds, you’ll get a call to check that you’re okay. This guards against false alarms. If you don’t answer, are not home, or need help, the operator can send the fire department for you. Your home will call for help on its own, helping you and your belongings stay safe.

Smart home security

Smart home security uses sophisticated cameras and sensors to keep you safe. The system learns your daily routine and notifies you when something is amiss. You can check the video streams to see who’s ringing your doorbell, or be notified if you’ve left the garage door open. You can even let your family into your house remotely. Smart home security is like having an invisible butler who is constantly checking that your home is secure.

Medication dispenser

When you have a lot of pills to take, it can be difficult to keep track of them — and it’s dangerous to lose count. A medication dispenser with automatic daily reminders makes it easy to remember your medication schedule. The dispenser keeps track so you have one less thing to worry about.

House-cleaning robots

Don’t spend your golden years doing chores or paying a service to come clean your house. Rather than dealing with unwieldy tools, clean with the push of a button. You’ll feel like you’re in an episode of “The Jetsons” when you have automated vacuum cleaners, mops and gutter cleaners. Let your house clean itself so you can sit back and relax.

Simple upgrades for safety

Why wait to upgrade your home with these tech tools? With today’s technology, you can live independently for years to come. Enjoy your retirement with a home that takes care of itself and looks out for you. The future is here, and smart home technology makes living alone easier and safer than ever. 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 Soon, colorful ornaments and Christmas carols will be replaced by confetti, noisemakers and the strains of Auld Lang Syne. As 2015 draws to a close, home maintenance can easily take a back seat during the excitement of the holidays. Much of the country has experienced an unseasonably warm December, but January and February could unfold much differently. That means your home may be subject to cold weather damage. To prevent that, follow this home maintenance checklist to ensure your residence is prepared for the big chill ahead.

Test your alarms

You should do this several times throughout the year, but it’s worth a reminder. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and fire and burglar alarms. Make sure the batteries are full of life, and that everything functions properly so you’ll be alerted if disaster strikes. If you have children, it’s also a great time to revisit your emergency evacuation plan to ensure they know what to do if a fire, tornado or other devastating peril strikes too close to home.

Gutters and roof

In some parts of the country, the leaves are still falling from trees and covering lawns of residential neighborhoods. No matter if the leaves are just falling or if tree branches have been bare for months, if leaves are piled or packed in your gutters, they need to be removed sooner rather than later. When leaves accumulate, it causes drainage problems. This means that when it rains, water won’t be able to go down the spout and away from your home, which could lead to it forcing its way into your home’s walls and ceilings. While you’re at it, inspect your roof. Make sure no shingles are damaged or ruined, and confirm that there aren’t any leaks. Roofs must be strong and functional to withstand the weight of snow in the winter, so it’s important to make necessary repairs or replacements now. Just remember that it’s probably best to leave these fixes to the pros.

Inspect your foundation

The last thing you want to deal with during the winter months is ice seeping into a crack in your foundation, widening it and causing structural problems with your home. Take a walk around your home and keep an eye out for cracks. Though small cracks are completely normal, it’s best to seal them with caulk to prevent further damage.

Seal windows and doors

Letting air escape through gaps around window and doorframes could mean an exceptionally high heating or cooling bill. While you’re sealing cracks in your foundation, seal the spaces around your windows and doors, too. Keep warm air inside the house and cool air outside, and vice versa.

Maintain heating and cooling systems

Speaking of your heating and cooling bills, it’s wise to inspect and maintain these systems. Ensuring that heating and cooling systems are in good working condition and tackling repairs are more tasks you may want to leave to professionals. Just make sure your vents are clean, and that no spaces are obstructed by dirt, debris or other types of buildup.

Create a home inventory and review your policy

With a new year on the horizon, most of us make resolutions to be better versions of ourselves. Some changes such as being more responsible and more aware can apply to your home insurance. Making a home inventory — a complete list of everything you own and the value of each item — can help better prepare you for the unknown. If a disaster such as fire strikes, destroying your home and all your belongings, you may be in too much distress to remember everything you own (and certainly not how much each item cost). Do yourself a favor and tackle creating this type of list in the New Year, and store it in a safe place. This act could save you stress and time down the road, as it’ll make the claims process significantly easier. Understanding your policy and being aware of every facet listed will greatly benefit you. Insurance can be tricky, so go over your policy with an agent so that you’ll understand every provision in it. Reviewing your policy can alert you to the fact that you may need more coverage than last year, or that you could qualify for new discounts. 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 Give your home unique appeal with original decor that will energize your space for 2016. These statement pieces by some of our favorite designers, makers and brands will freshen your surroundings in an instant. Gently used vintage, contemporary design, and especially artisan-made accents are trends you can look forward to this year. (Want to know more? Check out other top home design trends for 2016.) Here are a few ways to bring these hot looks into your home decor.

Design your own side table

You are the designer with The Floyd Leg. Made in Detroit, these adjustable metal legs attach to any surface of your choosing. A cut of marble or salvaged wood is instantly a chic side table or desk. Pick a color that brightens your mood. Supporting American makers is good practice and smart interior design.

Score cool vintage finds — online

Virtual flea market Krrb is a community of local classifieds with curated pages of furniture, decor and more. Everything old is new again. Search near your home to check out some of the amazing pieces your neighbors are parting with in the New Year. You never know what you’ll find. For example, given a little tender love and care, these Hollywood Regency style chairs are a plush and glam addition to a nursery or vanity area. Vintage pieces with personal stories intermingled with newer furniture is a brave and contemporary design trend.

Create a statement wall

A statement wall is an easy way to create a new vibe in your bedroom or living space. Combine prints, original artwork, textiles, and other hangable objects that really speak to you and your space. We’ve curated a neat wall featuring four of our favorite framed and unframed prints and accessories.

1. This framed Freckle Topography by Kelly Place is a gorgeous watercolor-inspired print. Presented by West Elm’s collaboration with Minted, a community of independent designer and artists, it comes in two great sizes for your new statement wall.
2. Also part of a collaboration with West Elm, these charming painted plates by designer Rachel Kozloski are perfect to break up the corners in your gallery wall. Mounting a few of these Dapper Animal plates injects some much-needed whimsy. Remember when curating a wall of objects to vary size and shape for a distinct and personal look.
3. Multi-use wall hangings like macrame and rugs are a trend you’ll be seeing a lot in 2016. The ’70s-inspired piece entitled Rhapsody was designed by musician Lenny Kravitz as part of a collection of furniture and decor for CB2. It’s a bold wall-mountable statement — and when you refresh next year, it can come off the wall and serve as a new rug for your room.
4. Hinged hanging picture frames by Anthropologie are a lovely architectural touch. Pick out a few treasured candids of family or favorite old-school black-and-white photos to invite conversation and make your space a home. Even without photos, these frames are a lovely touch in a bathroom or foyer.

Add stylish storage

Simply creating a new spot to display some of your favorite items can revitalize the things you already own. This strategy is ideal for one of the most-loved spaces in your home: the kitchen. Efficient and stylish wire wall-mountable bin storage is perfect for tea towels, go-to kitchen ingredients, and frequently used dishes.

Shed some light

An alternative to a standard standing lamp is this three-legged oak lamp by Threshold for Target. Overhead lighting is the enemy of good design, and this beauty with brass accents and modern touches is a stylish, affordable solution. Happy 2016! Here’s to creating a distinctive space that’s as unique as you are. 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 Buyers in competitive markets want a leg up. If their all-cash, non-contingent offer is not enough to beat out the 10 other offers, they need to go to extreme measures: a letter to the sellers. Buyers often ask if this indirect means of communication to the seller will work. The answer is, sometimes. When it works, it’s great. But many times, the letter won’t do much. Here are some points to consider if you want to write a letter to a seller.

Who is the seller?

If you love the home and want to structure the best possible offer, it’s best to find out as much as you can about the seller and their situation. Knowing who you could be going into contract with should help inform you about the best way to approach them. How do you do this? Through your agent. Ask her to inquire with the listing agent to find out who the sellers are, why they’re selling, and what their motivations are. The more you know, the better off you’ll be. Some buyers go as far as Googling the seller or looking them up on social media to find a connection — any connection.

Appeal to long-time homeowners

If you’re dealing with a seller with a family home, this is your best chance. Real estate is incredibly emotional. Someone who has lived in the home for many years, or an owner’s child who grew up in the home, will have lots of experiences, memories and emotions tied up in the home. Any emotions they harbor about the house will influence them when reviewing offers. Simply put, they’ll want to know who the potential buyers are. They might prefer a homeowner who plans to live in the home like they did, rather than a developer or investor who may demolish the home. Appeal to their emotions by writing a letter of introduction explaining who you are, why you love the home, and how you will carry on their legacy.

Investors: don’t waste your time

If the home is a rental property and the owner has held it as an investment for that purpose, a letter probably won’t do you much good. Someone who has used the property as an investment will concern themselves mainly with the bottom line. While a letter might be slightly interesting to this owner, it will likely fall on deaf ears. Better than a letter, give them a clean offer with your best price and terms out of the gate.

Connect with the seller

Simply by walking through the home, you may get a good feel for who the seller is. By looking at their art, furniture, family photos or diplomas, you can get a sense of their likes, dislikes, and interests. Don’t forget, they have what you want — the home. You must do your best to try to connect with them on some level. Connecting means taking note of who they are and then delivering them something that will hit home. I once had a buyer who loved riding horses. In the home she wanted to purchase, she noticed horse show trophies stacked in the basement, so in her letter she mentioned that she, too, rode horses. This small but important connection made the difference between her offer and another with similar price and terms. Often the buyer needs to sell themselves to the seller, particularly in competitive situations. Know your seller, do your research and understand their motivations. Look around, take note and work closely with your agent to dig as deeply as possible. In competitive situations and with the right seller, a direct letter to them can make a huge difference. 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.