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5.2 Million Renters Plan to Buy in the Next Year By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

March 17, 2015 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Jackie Bigness and her family are finally ready to buy a home. After years of renting, plus 8 months of living with her parents while they saved for a down payment, Bigness and her husband are house-hunting in earnest — and in the snow. “Because we have such an early start [to house-hunting season] here in Chicago, we’ve been trudging through the snow — and what’s out there in our price range is insulting,” Bigness says. She hopes the listings will improve as home-selling season ramps up. The Bignesses are at the front end of a wave of some 5.2 million renters who plan to buy homes in the next year, according to the Zillow Housing Confidence Index (ZHCI), which is sponsored by Zillow and developed by Pulsenomics LLC. That’s an almost 25-percent boost from the same time last year. Homeowners remain more confident overall than renters, but renter confidence is growing faster than homeowner confidence in 14 of the 20 metro areas surveyed. People with the most confidence about the housing market are in San Jose, Miami and San Francisco. Confidence rose the most since last year among respondents in Dallas, Detroit and St. Louis. “As home affordability continues to look great and rental affordability looks abysmal, many current renters clearly seem to be re-thinking their attitudes toward homeownership, and are expressing more confidence in the overall housing market as a result,” says Zillow Chief Economist Stan Humphries. Still, Humphries cautions, wanting to buy is not the same as being able to. “Saving a down payment, qualifying for a mortgage and finding an affordable home to buy all remain formidable challenges for many,” he says. The ZHCI polls homeowners and renters about housing market conditions, expectations for the future and their attitudes toward homeownership in general, across 20 large metro areas. You can read more about the results at https://www.zillow.com/research/housing-confidence-jan-2015-9097/. Survey respondents were most confident in these places: 1. San Jose, CA 2. Miami, FL 3. San Francisco, CA 4. Dallas, TX 5. Los Angeles, CA 6. San Diego, CA 7. Washington, DC 8. Denver, CO 9. Phoenix, AZ 10. Seattle, WA 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.

Tax Benefits of Homeownership By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

March 12, 2015 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Owning real estate can make tax season more complex, but many homeowners receive considerable benefits — especially if they sold a home or relocated for a job in the previous year. Here’s a look at three ways homeownership can pay off at tax time.

Mortgage interest

When you purchase a home, you will likely get a mortgage. Your monthly mortgage payment is made up of both principal (paying money to pay down the loan) and interest (what the lender charges for supplying the loan). As a way to incentivize homeownership, the federal government provides a tax benefit when it comes to the interest portion of your mortgage payment. A homeowner can write off, dollar for dollar, the interest portion of their mortgage payment. Say, for example, a homeowner’s annual salary is $100,000. Their mortgage payment is $1,200 per month, and the interest portion of that payment is $1,000. At the end of the year, they have a $12,000 tax write-off. In essence, their taxable income is reduced to $88,000.

Capital gains

Homeowners also get a tax break when they sell their home. If you purchase your home for $200,000 and sell it for $400,000, you have a $200,000 gain — that’s income. If you have an income by way of a job, a contract position or the sale of stock or mutual funds, you pay income tax on that gain. With homeownership, it’s different. If you are single and lived in the home for at least two of the past five years, you do not have to pay any income tax on that $200,000 gain — in fact, you don’t have to pay on gain up to $250,000. Married couples filing tax returns jointly and following the same owner occupancy guidelines are exempt up to $500,000. Where else can you generate income without paying taxes on it?

Tax credits for moving

If you purchase a home in one state and sell one in another, you should check with a CPA in both states. There may be benefits realized in one state but not the other, such as tax credits for moving expenses, if the move is a part of a job transfer. And, for the year you are between states, you will likely need to file a return in each state. It’s always smart to check with a CPA before a real estate transaction. 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.

4 Simple Strategies to Shave Years Off Your Mortgage By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

February 26, 2015 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team No one wants to spend longer making mortgage payments than they have to. The obvious way to pay off a mortgage faster is to get a shorter-term loan, like a 15-year instead of a 30-year. But on a $300,000 home purchase with 10 percent down, you’ll pay about $620 more per month on a 15-year loan than on a 30-year loan (including mortgage insurance), which might be too expensive for you. So how do you fix your budget with a loan you can afford, yet still pay it off early if you have extra money? Here’s a look at four common approaches.

Refinance, then reinvest savings

It’s always prudent to evaluate refinancing when rates drop, but unless you refinance from a 30-year loan to a 15-year loan, refinancing doesn’t automatically shave years off your mortgage. If you bought a home for $300,000 with 10 percent down five years ago, the rate on your 30-year fixed loan of $270,000 was about 4.875 percent, giving you a payment of $1,429 (plus mortgage insurance). With today’s refinance rates of about 3.625 percent on your remaining $247,494 balance, your new payment would be $1,129, saving you $300 per month. It’s a huge savings, but you’re resetting your payoff clock from 25 years back to 30 years. However, if you take the extra step of applying the $300 savings toward your new loan each month, you’ll shave 9.5 years off your new mortgage, giving you a shorter term for the same budget. You can run your own refinance calculations to find the best balance between monthly budget and the fastest loan payoff.

Make biweekly payments

A biweekly payment plan is the simplest way to shorten your mortgage without a material budget increase. This plan shaves about four years off your mortgage by paying half your payment every other week. Doing so means you’re making 26 biweekly payments per year, which is the equivalent of 13 monthly mortgage payments per year instead of 12. Your budget can usually absorb this because you’re simply chopping your mortgage payment in half and paying each half every other week. On a $300,000 home purchase with 10 percent down, a 30-year fixed rate of 3.625 percent gives you a payment of $1,231 (plus $88 in mortgage insurance). By paying half ($616) every two weeks, you’re paying your loan down by an extra $103 per month, ultimately saving $26,511 in interest and paying off your loan in about 26 years. Your lender can brief you on how to set up a biweekly payment plan.

Increase your monthly payment amount

The biweekly example above shortens your 30-year loan term four years by paying about $100 extra per month, but what if you could afford more? If you paid $200 extra per month on your 30-year fixed loan at 3.625 percent on a home purchase of $300,000 with 10 percent down, you’d save $42,969 in interest and pay off your loan six years and eight months years early. If you paid $300 extra per month, you’d save $57,122 in interest and pay off your loan eight years and 11 months early. And if you paid $400 extra per month, you’d save $68,426 in interest and pay off your loan 10 years and 10 months early. Once you go higher than this, it’s worth looking at whether your budget can accommodate a 15-year loan, because rates on 15-year loans are about 0.5 percent lower than 30-year fixed loans, which means $113 less interest per month versus the 30-year loan. That’s a clear interest cost savings, but your budget is higher: you pay $1,881 per month (plus $59 for mortgage insurance) for a 15-year loan versus $1,231 per month for a 30-year loan (plus $88 for mortgage insurance).

Make one-time loan payments when you get extra cash

If you can’t commit to the 15-year loan budget but know you may have cash infusions along the way — like bonuses from work, inheritances, or selling other properties or investments — you can shave years off your 30-year mortgage by doing a large loan pay-down. Here are two scenarios using a $300,000 purchase price with 10 percent down:

If you got a bonus at work and paid down your loan by $10,000 in year three, you’d save $15,747 in interest and pay off your loan one year and eight months early.
If you got a signing bonus for a new job and paid down your loan by $25,000 in year five, you’d save $32,556 in interest and pay off your loan three years and 10 months early.

Normally, when you pay extra on your loan, it shaves years off your mortgage, but your payment stays the same. However, for large one-time pay-downs like this, some lenders may lower your payment, too. When you’re shopping for mortgage lenders, ask them in advance if they’re willing to do this. 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.

Revitalizing Antique Chairs for the Modern World By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

February 23, 2015 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team It’s easy to give new life to old wood furniture with a fresh coat of spray paint. The hardest part might be finding a relatively warm place to spray paint in mid-February. But once you’ve set up a dry, well-ventilated spot to work, you can get cracking.

1. Prep your workspace

Lay down a drop cloth so you don’t accidentally spray paint your grass or your garage floor. Use a damp paper towel or rag to wipe down your chairs entirely, making sure there is no dust or grime hiding in between the spools or on the rungs of the base. The chair should be completely clean before you start, because spray paint will highlight every piece of grit you’ve missed.

2. Apply spray paint

Be aware that not all spray paint is created equal. This is a perfect example of getting what you pay for. Spend a little extra on superior paint so you don’t find yourself heading back to the hardware store for another can to fix lousy coverage. Start by shaking the can vigorously, popping off the top and spraying as uniformly as possible about 12 inches from the chair frame. If you spray too much in one place, the paint will get globby and drippy — definitely not the look you’re after. You’ll spray on at least one more coat, so don’t focus on getting a totally even, opaque coat the first time. That can also lead to drips and globs.

3. Allow paint to dry

Once you’ve completed your first coat of spray paint, allow it to dry for the paint manufacturer’s recommended amount of time — usually 30 minutes to an hour — before you start the second coat. Once the paint is dry to the touch, flip the chair over and apply a coat to the underside of the chair frame as well.

4. Add coverage

Once the chair frame is completely covered with the first coat of paint and is dry to the touch, apply two or three more coats to produce a more uniform, solid layer of paint. Allow at least 30 minutes between coats, otherwise you could scuff the paint when you turn the chair over. Once you’ve finished painting, allow at least a few hours for the paint to fully cure before moving the chair, and wait a full 24 hours before you actually use it to ensure that you don’t smudge or smear the paint. Once the chair is completely dry, it’s ready to take a place of pride in your 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.

Home Decor That Inspires Amour By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

February 20, 2015 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Whether you celebrate with a night on the town or a cozy home-cooked dinner, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time of year to add a little ooh la la to your home. After all, it’s still cold out and getting dark early, so your rooms should look inviting to you and to any guests you may invite in. Clearing the clutter and adding a few flowers are a given, but you can take it a step further with romantic touches throughout your home.

Wall treatments

The wall treatment you choose can enhance your design choices in a way that no other single element can. Before you begin, think about the basics of the room — the quality of the light, the room’s proportions, any architectural features you want to emphasize or downplay, and the furniture and fabrics you plan to use. Color, texture and trim all play a role in how your wall treatment works. Consider how you can use a range of surfaces, such as wallpaper or fabric panels, and hues via paint or plaster, to create depth, interest and charm in your space. Finally, before deciding on any wall choice, factor in how it will look and work in conjunction with how the room is used. Soft shades in any hue will create romantic flow throughout your home.

Lighting

How a room is lit affects the overall impression of the space. The ideal lighting scheme is natural light supplemented with ambient, task and accent lighting. The combination of lighting and sunlight can completely change the feeling of a home. A balanced mix of the two sustains the warmth of a room while allowing you to create different moods. The right lighting can add drama and elegance. Put every light you can on a dimmer to control the mood of your space. If you’re feeling extra romantic, add a crystal chandelier for a shimmering effect.

Furniture

Take your time when shopping for furniture. It’s usually a large purchase, and one you will probably have for a considerable length of time. If you are feeling challenged in your furniture quest, don’t hesitate to contact a design professional to assist your search. Learn what appeals to you personally. And don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles — that is what reflects your personal style and adds some romance, too. A room with a blend of pieces that appeals to you is inherently more interesting than one that resembles a furniture showroom. But no matter what you choose, it’s important to find pieces that are comfortable, of good quality and will last.

Spa and steam

Since master bathrooms are often the largest bathrooms in the house, lots of options are available. Your master bath might include a walk-in closet or dressing area, a separate shower and a tub, plus a water closet. It might even sport enough space for exercise equipment, a sauna, spa or soaking tub and steam shower. Master baths are places where you can splurge on materials and finishes. Because they don’t get as much wear and tear as family bathrooms, you can opt for features that require a little extra care. No matter which choices you make, the result should be both soothing and functional.

Fireplaces

The key to a successful family room design is keeping comfort in mind — and nothing warms a room physically and mentally more than a fireplace. This is the space where you and your significant other settle in to read, play games, watch movies and unwind at the end of the day. The fireplace — whether indoors or out — is a gathering place that embraces family and friends while exuding a relaxed style. So strike a match or flip the switch to let the ambiance begin. What romantic additions have you made to your own space? 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.

Could High-End Amenities Make Your Home Harder to Sell? By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

February 17, 2015 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team When it comes to luxurious living, location is the crown jewel of home ownership. But which high-end amenities offer a return on investment — and should therefore be considered — and which don’t?

Strong curb appeal

Everyone wants a nicely manicured lawn and attractive landscaping, but going overboard with extras such as complex water features, animal-shaped hedges or a jungle-themed entryway is not universally appealing, and could be detrimental to your home’s value.

Master bedroom with a walk-in closet

Most people spend a lot of time in their bedrooms, so these spaces need to be extra special. A serene retreat — complete with large, fully functioning boutique-style walk-in closets — represents the ideal for many homeowners.

Spa-like bathroom

Spacious bathrooms that offer serenity and solitude — with soaking tubs, steam showers and heated floors — are highly desirable. But installing a hot tub that comfortably seats six is going overboard.

High-end audio-video systems

Deluxe home theater and stereo equipment doesn’t have lasting value, because this technology becomes outdated so quickly. Unless you’re installing a home theater for your own long-term enjoyment, think in simplistic terms. Typically, if the residence is wired for custom audio-video, then you’re all set.

In-ground swimming pool

While an in-ground swimming pool is expected in some parts of the country, like Arizona and Florida, a pool in more seasonal climates often doesn’t add much value to your home and could even decrease its value. Why? Pools are a high-maintenance, costly feature that many consider dangerous, especially families with young children. And adding water slides, waterfalls, virtual amusement parks and other backyard elaborations is a financial no-no. 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.

21 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas from Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

February 13, 2015 Joe Szabo

From Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Whether your valentine craves a candlelit dinner, longs for luxury goods or flips for flowers, our handy guide will help you find a swoon-worthy gift that’s as special as your sweetheart.

For the chef

Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron Heart Casserole Make your sweetie’s heart skip a beat with some whimsical cookware. Just like your relationship, this dish is engineered to resist staining and dulling. $200 Imperia Pasta Machine Create a “Lady and the Tramp” moment with fresh homemade pasta. It’s easy to prepare when you’re using the same kind of machine found in kitchens throughout Italy. $80 Bees Knees Spicy Honey Add spice to your love’s life. They’ll think of you each time they top bagels, salad, chicken and more with this delicious, handmade honey. $14

For the tech enthusiast

Master and Dynamic MH40 Headphones Luxe and long lasting, this “modern thinking cap” offers your technophile the ability to focus and transport their mind. Wrapped in memory foam, the lambskin ear pads provide your valentine with constant comfort at their desk, studio or home. $400 Ring Video Doorbell For the one who wants to track everything, how about caller ID for the front door? Ring, which comes with an HD camera, allows a user to answer their door from anywhere using a smartphone. It also has night vision that provides a clear view of the front door, day and night. $200 Dropcam Pro Does your love ever worry about what their pet does when they’re away? With Dropcam they can always stay connected with home. The device also offers security, baby monitoring and business features. $200

For the entertainer

Hammered Aluminum Tray Cater to your love’s inner party planner. Fashionable bar carts are all the rage, and a hand-hammered tray offers a stylish presentation for canapés and drinks. $59 Never Have I Ever It’s the gift that gives your loved one the most important thing — time — during a party so they can manage other things. The “Card Game of Poor Life Decisions” keeps party guests occupied and laughing about awkward and embarrassing moments. $25 Strawberry, Balsamic Vinegar and Black Pepper Shrub Skip the chocolate-covered strawberries. Some shrubs, or drinking vinegars, will last a lot longer. Your special someone can whip up strawberry cocktails or elevated drinks by adding the shrub to club soda, fresh fruit and sugar. $15

For the bookworm

Tiny House Living: Ideas for Building and Living Well in Less Than 400 Square Feet Does your loved one dream of living in 84 square feet? Get practical tips for living in a smaller space or paring down possessions. $27 Our homes can tell us a great deal — even overshare, some may say — about the most intimate parts of our lives. For that special someone who enjoys wacky or taboo topics, this new book tackles questions like whether buying a house will improve your sex life. $28 Decorate: 1,000 Design Ideas for Every Room in Your Home Home is where the heart is. But knowing how to update a home can be difficult with an overwhelming number of choices. Top designers, including Jonathan Adler, Amy Butler and Kelly Wearstler, provide decor solutions for every budget. $40

For the romantic

Park Wine-Champagne Bucket Nothing kicks off a romantic evening like the distinctive pop of a champagne cork. While you and your loved one sip, nestle your bottle in this graceful Crate and Barrel bucket to keep your bubbly perfectly chilled. $30 Jo Malone White Jasmine & Mint Home Candle Heady with the scents of jasmine, lily, orange flower and rose, this candle will fill your home with the aroma of fresh flowers. Snuggle up with your sweetheart, close your eyes and imagine the two of you strolling through the English countryside. $65 Casanova Caramel Collection by Theo Chocolate Indulge your valentine’s sweet tooth with handcrafted caramels in seductive flavors like honey saffron and ginger rose. $20

For the spa junkie

Garment-Washed Turkish Terry Robe Your valentine will rule the master bath swathed in Restoration Hardware’s sumptuous Turkish cotton robe. Add a monogram for the ultimate tycoon touch. $49-$79 Malin and Goetz Rose Hand and Body Wash Keep romance alive long after Valentine’s Day with this rich, foaming rose-scented cleanser. Natural glycerin and protein amino acids keep skin soft and smooth. $22 Splash Tunes Pro Bluetooth Waterproof Shower Speaker Pair this easy-to-use Bluetooth speaker with a peppy playlist to keep your sweetie singing in the shower or relaxing to tunes while unwinding in the tub. $70

For the hobbyist

3-D Home Kit: Play Architect Put your dreamboat’s dream house within reach – at least in miniature form. This kit contains all the parts and instructions to build a detailed, ¼-inch scale 3-D model Victorian home. $36 Bosch Digital Laser Distance Measurer If your darling digs precision, this handy tool will delight with its instant-read measurements in inches, feet and metric units. $89 Xerographica Kit Nurture a green thumb with an easy-maintenance tillandsia, aka air plant. A beautiful brass mister adds elegance to plant care chores. $89 Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, 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.

3 Must-Know Tips When Shopping for Fixtures & Appliances From Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

February 10, 2015 Joe Szabo

From Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Shopping for fixtures (lighting, plumbing, etc.) and appliances can be exhausting and confusing, especially if you have a spouse or significant other to take into consideration when choosing. Often times my husband doesn’t get much say in the overall design choices in our home, but when it comes to certain things like plumbing, fixtures and appliances, he wants his voice heard —loud and clear! Here are my three biggest tips for homeowners about to embark on a fixture or appliance shopping excursion:

1. Find a common ground

If you and your significant other disagree on style, start by collecting photo examples of what each of you like. I’ve learned when my clients approach style disagreements this way, they often find considerable crossover in their design aesthetics that makes selecting fixtures and appliances as a team much smoother. When there isn’t crossover, I suggest selecting the style that is least objectionable to you both. To get started, try browsing for inspiration online. Zillow Digs is a great resource for design ideas as you can find and save your favorite photos all in one place, and you can easily revisit your favorites when you’re on the go.

2. Experiment with something unusual

I always suggest my clients try at least one design element that is uncommon or out of their comfort zone. I try to do this in my own home as well. One of the best ways to experiment is with fixture and appliance finish colors. Right now I’m very into burnished bronze or copper finishes for both lighting and faucets. I also have a thing for exposed plumbing. It feels very Victorian and “proper” to me, which is always a fun element to add a home.

3. Visit boutique showrooms vs. big-box stores

It can be very challenging and overwhelming starting your search at large warehouse home stores. That’s why I’m a huge fan of the smaller specialized showroom, like Ferguson. I feel that most people are intimidated by boutique showrooms as they think their products will be too expensive or there won’t be enough selection. I often recommend trying these stores first, as boutique showrooms have expert salespeople who can answer your questions, educate you about your options and help you remember your selections for next time. They can help you make the hard decisions with no mistakes. This personal touch coupled with a variety of price points to choose from make this the best and only choice for me as a homeowner and as a designer. Want to see how I shop for fixtures and appliances with my husband? Check out my latest episode of “Glamour Goes South” for an inside look! For inspiration on your next design remodel or fixture and appliance shopping trip, check out Zillow Digs. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, 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.

Fall in Love with Victorian Style By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

February 5, 2015 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team The rich wine hue of Pantone’s 2015 Color of the Year, Marsala, has set the stage for incorporating jewel tones and Victorian furnishings into living spaces this year. To bring Victorian elegance and romantic flair into your own home, look to decadent furnishings and accessories like these.

Mix-and-match furniture

One of the simplest ways to incorporate a Victorian feel into your home is to mix and match furniture. When the Victorian era arrived, most of the elements were decorative, so furniture was re-purposed from previous eras. Today, a living room with a scroll-back sofa, a few hardwood chairs and an upholstered chair in rich brocade or lush velvet will suit the style wonderfully. These pieces will merely serve as the backdrop for a room filled with decoration.

Gallery walls of framed paintings and mirrors

An abundance of paintings and mirrors adds a sense of spectacle and wealth, as well as bringing extra beauty into your home. It’s easy to build on the current trend of unframed canvasses by adding gold, silver, dark wood or black frames to instantly add a Victorian feel. Hang with cord and tassels for extra detail.

Luxurious fabrics

Fabrics were an important part of Victorian interiors. Lush materials such as velvet and silk add opulence, particularly when used for floor-to-ceiling curtains or to cover existing furniture. Botanical print fabrics were also in style at the time. These rich fabrics are easy to incorporate into the soft furnishings in your home with pillows and throws.

Wallpaper

Perhaps one of the more daring Victorian trends to try in your home is intricately patterned wallpaper. Famed Victorian designer William Morris’ botanical-themed wallpaper prints still exist in many iterations today, including smaller goods such as journals and decorative trays that can incorporate this touch without committing to wallpaper.

Gold and silver accessories

Gilded accessories are sure to bring luxury and elegance to a room. Look for gold candle holders, decorative trays, ornate vases, small decorative statues and curtain rods. Mercury glass accessories are also typical of the era. In the Victorian look, there is no such thing as “too much,” so feel free to decorate with gold and silver liberally.

Touches of lace

One of the best ways to reflect the Victorian fondness for romance is with lace. Family heirlooms such as lace table coverings will add your own sense of nostalgia and history to your home. Look for lace-trimmed sheets and shams to carry this dreamy look into the bedroom.

Jewel tones and texture

Marble, wood-grained, parquet — all sorts of textures were popular during the Victorian era. Marbleized accessories are a good way to blend the Color of the Year into your furnishings. Marsala looks particularly great marbled with rich jewel tones, the color palette of the Victorian era. Think rich emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red and amethyst purple.

Heavy dark carved wood

Black is another color central to the Victorian color palette. The idea was that black, particularly in dark hallways, made the entrance into an opulent and grand room even more stunning. Black frames, furniture, walls and other details can add drama.

Oriental rugs

Oriental rugs — particularly layered and overlapped — bring a cultured, well-traveled appeal to Victorian-inspired interiors. You probably have a few of these in your house, so try putting them all in one room. Don’t worry about matching or exact sizes for the room, as they will just be part of the overall appearance and lavishness.

Lighting: wall sconces, candles and lamps

Lighting is one of the best ways to have fun with Victorian design elements. Faux-crystal chandeliers, wall sconces and candles all add to creating the mysterious quality of the era’s dramatic low lighting. Towards the end of the era, lamps came into vogue, and the most renowned designer was Louis Comfort Tiffany. Incorporating Tiffany-style stained glass lamps will shed more jewel-toned light into the room. Victorian-inspired interiors can offer a nice change of pace from today’s stark, modern lines. The ability to mix and match current items with an abundance of embellished items makes this design trend accessible for any budget. Add some romantic, rich drama to your home today. 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.

3 Ways to Make a Home More Personal From Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

February 3, 2015 Joe Szabo

From Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team We all want a house that feels like home — a place that is comfortable and beautiful, but also reflects our style. Making a space your own, however, can be more than just adding your belongings. Here are three ways to add your aesthetic to a design.

Trim

Mix it up by using light and dark trim together in your home. A soft, fresh white works great for trim, and it’s my primary go-to, both for myself and clients. However, a few years ago I was having a client’s library painted black, and there was no easy or simple stopping point without going into the next room. I ended up painting the entire door trim in the black lacquer being used for the library. This then met the white baseboard in the next room. The contrast didn’t clash, but ended up looking great. The trick to repeat this in your own home is to clearly define the area that will be painted with each color — for example, a black door with black trim against white crown molding and baseboards.

Ceilings

Ceilings are the unsung and often ignored opportunity to express your individuality. They are a terrific area to use a pattern or a painted border, and, most importantly, a place to use color. I often match the ceiling to the walls, but this isn’t a hard and fast rule. In fact, using complementary colors creates surprise and visual interest. In one home, I used a pale lilac, which was the same color used on walls in another room. This created a light contrast to the wallpaper’s background color. Painting the ceiling is a quick and easy way to update your interior without repainting everything.

Hardware

Use fascinating hardware on doors and cabinets whenever possible — although sometimes the design dictates using simple pieces rather than elaborate. I often design kitchen cabinets or libraries to be quite simple in their construction or style, and then add in a splash of ornamentation in the hardware. The reverse is true, too — the more ornate or decorated the door, the simpler the hardware I use. A plain door or cabinet can be given a new life and look, just by changing out the standard hardware for something unusual. This is a great way to express your personality. 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.

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