Tankless water heaters are one of the newer tools for creating a more energy efficient home. Unlike standard units, which continuously heat and reheat water so that it is always hot, tankless heaters generate water warm instantly with high-powered gas burners or electric coils. Yes, this instant heating requires more power, but because the water does not have to be reheated again and again, like in a standard “tank” model, tankless systems use less energy overall. According to Consumer Reports, which studied these appliances extensively, gas-powered tankless water heaters are approximately 22% more efficient when compared to traditional water heaters. Is there a catch? Yes and no. In the right situation, a tankless water heater is the best option. However, it is a good idea to weigh the pros and cons of these relatively new systems before committing. Before we get into the pros and cons of tankless water heaters, if you already know that you’re going to get a new water heater (with or without a tank), have you thought about how you’re going to pay for it? Let us help! Click below and get approved within 30 minutes (with no credit check)! Now we’ll walk you through several pros and cons of tankless water heaters, so you can decide if a tankless water heater or a traditional water heater is right for you.

Pro #1: Instant Hot Water

After flushing the cold water from the pipes out of the faucet, tankless water heaters can provide an unending stream of hot water almost instantly. Therefore, on a very basic level, these units can indeed deliver on their promise to supply heating without the inconvenience of bulky storage tanks.

Con #1: Inconsistent Temperatures

The Consumer Reports survey mentioned above names inconsistent water temperatures as one of the biggest buyer complaints. This issue typically results from the heater’s inability to send enough hot water to multiple outlets simultaneously. Also, tankless heaters do not always turn on if the faucet is slightly open (when shaving or rinsing a toothbrush, for example).

Pro #2: Longer Lifespan

A considerable advantage of tankless units is their longer lifespan. A standard, high-quality water heater will last roughly a decade, whereas tankless models function for twice as long. Opting for the longer-lasting tankless model can save a homeowner from needing a replacement every 10 years.

Con #2: Higher Initial Cost

Their longer lifespan makes tankless units inherently more expensive. The average traditional model costs around $500, while the cheapest tankless options start at $1,000. These specialized models are also more expensive cost more to install, so labor fees must be factored into the overall price tag.

Pro #3: Lower Month-to-Month Costs

While these systems are more expensive, they are also more efficient. In fact, Consumer Reports indicates that tankless water heaters are 22% more efficient than standard models. The monthly savings might be nominal, but homeowners can expect to save hundreds of dollars annually.

Con #3: Limited Hot Water Supply

Tankless water heaters supply a steady stream of hot water, but the supply is not unlimited. Standard models heat several gallons of water at once – perfect for a single person taking a shower or washing the dishes. But if an individual is running the dishwasher or washing machine while someone else is taking a shower (or two people are taking showers in two different bathrooms at the same time), a tankless heater is not equipped to keep up. A traditional water heater, which can store between 30 and 80 gallons depending on the model, will not have a problem providing hot water to multiple outlets at the same time.

Pro #4: Space Savings

Tankless water heaters are much smaller than bulky storage models. Installers usually mount them on a wall in an inconspicuous place in the basement. In smaller homes, the space savings is a welcome benefit.

Con #4: Additional Equipment is Often Necessary

A water softener is usually necessary to ensure a tankless heater operates properly. Obviously, this extra equipment adds to the unit’s initial price tag. A softener will also negate the space-saving benefit, as the bulky softener (in addition to the necessary bags of salt) will take up space beside the wall-mounted heater. In fact, this appliance may actually take up more space than a traditional water heater.

Pro #5: Special Financing and Tax Breaks

Because they are more efficient, tankless heaters qualify for federal tax credits, which help offset the steep installation cost. As of December 2016, the federal government offered a 10% tax credit on the overall cost of buying and installing a tankless hot water heater. Energy Star-certified traditional storage heaters also qualify for the same 10% tax break.

Con #5: Rerouting Gas Lines

As mentioned above, tankless water heaters require a non-traditional setup, making installation more expensive. A contractor might even be forced to reroute a gas line or add new venting, adding to the overall cost of the project.

Pro #6: Tankless Water Heaters Eliminate “Standby Loss”

The biggest selling point for tankless heaters is that they eliminate “standby loss.” Traditional units reheat water repeatedly, raising energy costs each time that they do so. Even if no one is home, the water heater is using energy because it is still firing up to reheat the water in its tank.

Con #6: Could Take Years to Make Up for the Higher Price Tag

While month-to-month water heating costs are cheaper with a tankless unit, it could take years to make up for the high initial cost. Over time, a homeowner will likely come out ahead, but according to Consumer Reports, the energy savings for going tankless add up to $75 per year, on average. Therefore, it could take 6 to 12 years (or more) before the month-over-month savings cover the installation costs.

Pro #7: Never Run Out of Hot Water

In houses with heavy hot water usage, storage tanks will eventually run out of hot water (for example, if three or four people take showers in a row while the dishwasher is running). A tankless heater ensures that everyone has an equally warm shower – as long as they are taken consecutively, not at the same time – because it does not rely on reserved water to meet demand.

Con #7: Changing Water Usage Habits Could Save as Much Money as Going Tankless

A tankless water heater is not the only way to make a home’s water system more efficient. By merely changing showering habits, a family could lower its water bill significantly. In addition, low-flow plumbing fixtures or a more efficient dishwasher could save as much money as a new water heater when the cost of water plus heating are added together each month.

Pro #8: Both Electric and Gas Models are Available

Tankless water heaters are often powered by natural gas, but electric models are also on the market. Depending on a home’s electrical infrastructure, a non-gas unit may solve the issue of rerouting gas lines or investing in other pricey, labor-intensive alterations.

Con #8: Other Options Like Solar Heating are Available

Tankless water heaters are not the only efficient option; solar water heating is gaining popularity across the nation. Featuring solar collectors and storage tanks, solar water heaters eliminate the need to reroute gas lines or install new electrical fixtures. Solar water heaters can be used in any climate and can even recoup their installation costs more quickly because they do not rely on gas or electricity – only sunshine.

Pro #9: Tankless Heaters Offer Longer Warranties

Because of their lengthy lifespan, tankless heaters have longer warranties. Therefore, if anything goes wrong, the homeowner will not have to pay for repairs or foot the bill for a replacement. Warranties can run up to 20 years, which is the average lifespan of a tankless heater.

Con #9: Additional Maintenance is Possible

To keep the warranty valid, owners must perform annual maintenance and, perhaps, run a water softener. Homeowners should also flush out their system annually to prevent mineral build-up in the heater or water line. The cost of performing these tasks could counteract some of the savings produced by the lower energy requirements of a tankless heater.

Pro #10: Ideal for Smaller Homes With Minimal Hot Water Requirements

If you have a smaller home and a modest demand for hot water, a tankless water heater is optimal. These efficient units will eliminate standby loss and will provide enough instant hot water for one, two, or three people to shower, wash clothes, and do dishes.

Con #10: Standard Energy Star Water Heaters are Also Efficient

New Energy Star certified traditional storage water heaters are also on the market. Not only do these units offer monthly savings for a lower initial cost – they also qualify for tax credits. Additionally, homeowners do not have to make significant changes to their gas lines or electrical wiring, as nearly all homes are equipped to accommodate these traditional water heaters.

A Final Consideration

Tankless water heaters often qualify for PACE financing with Ygrene. Homeowners can finance the purchase and installation of a tankless water heater with no money down through their local PACE program. Homeowners then pay for the upgrade over time (as a line item on their annual property tax bill). Traditional water heaters may also qualify for PACE financing in many cases, so it is best to consider the pros and cons of each option before selecting the type of water heater for your home. If you’re ready to get either a tankless water heater or a traditional water heater installed in your home, click below to get approved for financing within 30 minutes (or less!) Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first-class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award-winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Tile is one of the world’s oldest building materials yet still ready for modern use. How do choose a tile floor? Take a look at this overview to get started. *** Choosing a tile floor for your home can be intimidating. The combinations of color, size, style, and texture are impressive, but once you find tiles you like, how do you know they’re going to fit your home décor style? Finding tile floors that will match your personal style and complement your home décor takes some thinking about location, color, size, shape, layout, surface pattern, and spacing. Find out how these elements combine to create a flooring surface that best complements your living space.

Location

Tile is durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean, making this material a good choice for your kitchen, bathroom, and entryway. However, not all tile suits every room in your house. Your first choice for tile should be one that is safe and practical for your floors. Use a textured tile for your shower floor instead of a smooth surface that gets slippery when wet. In your entryway, textured tile can be tough to clean, while smooth tile eases mopping duties. For high-traffic areas in your home, use durable porcelain tiles that resist scratching and chipping. Keep ceramic tile flooring indoors only, as ceramic tiles are more porous than porcelain and won’t last as long against the weather. After you’ve chosen the best type of tile for your floor, think about the color you want to convey.  

Color

Color influences the overall attitude of your room, which makes choosing the color of your tiles important. Dark tiles add warmth, but make sure you have an open area and light to keep the tile color from overwhelming the palette of your living area. Consider chocolate brown, navy, or burnt-colored floor tiles in a large kitchen space. To make a room look larger, choose lighter hues. Cream and pastel flooring tiles will make your narrow walkway or guest bathroom seem larger. For areas with heavy traffic, consider variations of shades; a slight contrast on your floor tiles can help mask dirt. Mixed browns and tans, flecked tiles, or shades of gray and white are all options for busy areas of your home. If you’re looking for color inspiration, turn to the color wheel. Add energy to a room by selecting tile in a color on the opposite side of the color wheel as your existing décor. To keep a room feeling tranquil, use the color wheel to pick a shade adjacent to the color of your walls. However, your floor tiles don’t have to be one solid color. Selecting an attractive surface pattern is the next step toward your ideal tile floor.  

Pattern

With today’s technology, flooring tiles are available in many affordable patterns to complement your home’s interior design. For a subtle look, use stone-patterned tiles, which can match many décor types. Be sure, however, that your stone pattern has a style that won’t clash with your home’s personality. Marbled stone surfaces add an austere look, so keep your home’s proportions in mind if you opt for this surface. Surface patterns are fun, but they can get too busy. Don’t use patterned tile flooring where you already have a strong pattern on your walls. This double patterning will make a room look busy, and neither design will stand out properly.   Whether you choose a subtle or a bold pattern for your tile, also think about the size of your tiles in relation to your space.

Size

The pattern on your floor tiles influences not only the look of a room, but also its size. With tile flooring, size matters. Large tiles make small areas seem more expansive, making them a safe bet for most rooms. Small tiles can make a room feel more intimate, but these tile sizes should be used with caution. Small tiles have more grout lines, which can add a complex look to your room’s design. Large tiles also take less time and effort to install than smaller tiles, a point worth considering if you intend to hire a professional to tile your floor or whether you choose to do the job yourself.  

Layout

Like surface patterns, tiling layouts can be simple or complex depending on the type of look you want for your room. Consider your existing décor and decide if you want your floor to be the feature that stands out in your room. To make a small room feel spacious and neat, use an uncomplicated tile layout such as diamond, brick, or a straight layout. These layouts work for a room that already has a complicated pattern, design, or color, since they won’t distract from your existing décor. Simple layouts are also the easiest to work with if you’re doing the work yourself. To draw attention to your floors, choose a bold layout like checkerboard, herringbone, or Versailles. While complicated layouts can add interest to small areas, they can become busy in large rooms. Finally, think about the space between the tiles, a consideration that is as important as the tiles themselves.

Spacing

Once you’ve chosen the type, color, pattern, size, and layout of your floor tiles, it’s time to install them. Think about how the spacing of your tiles can influence your floor’s appearance. The farther you space your tiles, the thicker the grout line will be between the tiles. To camouflage your grout lines, use a grout that matches your tiles to give your floor a clean, cohesive look. To draw attention to your floors using tiles, use a colored grout to make individual tiles stand out. Grout comes in a range of colors, allowing you to choose whether to dramatically contrast or peacefully complement your tiles. Unlike products from the past, today’s grout repels moisture, but it can still be difficult to clean. Use a stain-proof grout if you can and use a grout colorant to revitalize areas that fade over time.

Let your vision be your guide

Choosing the right tile flooring might seem complicated, with the combinations of texture, color, pattern, size, layout, and spacing to consider. By going through your choices step by step and thinking carefully about the look you want for your home, you can select the right tile for your floors. Functional and beautiful, there’s a place for tile flooring in your home that suits your personal style.

We get it—buying art can be intimidating. Who’s to say what you’ll love in a year or whether you’ll want to showcase a framed seaside landscape in the dead of winter. A simple solution? Renting! RentSugar is a first-of-its-kind service that lets customers rent art before committing. There is even a way to upload a photo of your wall from your phone or desktop to see how your art will look in real life. Here’s how it works: Customers use the convenient online format to scroll through curated prints until they settle on one they love. Then, you’re just a few clicks away from the art arriving at your doorstep. Once your art arrives, fully framed and ready to be displayed, you can keep it for up to 90 days. Try it out on different walls or incorporate it with your favorite pieces. When the trial period is up, you can choose to send it back with a provided prepaid return label or buy it to keep forever. The prices are set per size rather than print, so you don’t pay more for RentSugar’s best-selling prints. After you pay the initial rental fee, you can choose to buy the art at a discounted price. Here are the costs per size of artwork:

• 14 x 14-inch: $50 to rent, $110 to buy
• 14 x 16-inch: $50 to rent, $120 to buy
• 18 x 18-inch: $70 to rent, $260 to buy
• 26 x 26-inch: $130 to rent, $380 to buy
• 22 x 26-inch: $120 to rent, $340 to buy
• 26 x 36-inch: $160 to rent, $499 to buy

RentSugar, a byproduct of art retailer ArtSugar, is charitable, too. Enjoy your new gallery wall knowing that a portion of proceeds from your purchase is donated to charities such as St. Jude Research Foundation and Dress for Success. Here’s how it works: Customers use the convenient online format to scroll through curated prints until they settle on one they love. Then you’re just a few clicks away from the art arriving at your doorstep. Once your art arrives, fully framed and ready to be displayed, you can keep it for up to 90 days. Try it out on different walls or incorporate it with your favorite pieces. When the trial period is up, you can choose to send it back with a provided prepaid return label or buy it to keep forever. The prices are set per size rather than print, so you don’t pay more for RentSugar’s best-selling prints. After you pay the initial rental fee, you can choose to buy the art at a discounted price. Here are the costs per size of artwork:

• 14 x 14-inch: $50 to rent, $110 to buy
• 14 x 16-inch: $50 to rent, $120 to buy
• 18 x 18-inch: $70 to rent, $260 to buy
• 26 x 26-inch: $130 to rent, $380 to buy
• 22 x 26-inch: $120 to rent, $340 to buy
• 26 x 36-inch: $160 to rent, $499 to buy

RentSugar, a byproduct of art retailer ArtSugar, is charitable, too. Enjoy your new gallery wall knowing that a portion of proceeds from your purchase is donated to charities such as St. Jude Research Foundation and Dress for Success. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Decks and overhead structures require posts, and posts require footings. To properly install footings, you need to consider soil, climate, slope, drainage, and more. Learn about these factors and more with our handy guide. Decks and overheads require load-bearing posts to support the framing, and each post must be set in a footing. Typically a footing is a hole dug into the ground, extending below the frost line and filled with concrete. Different building codes, climates, and soil conditions may allow for alternative footings—for example, piers set in concrete or tamped earth. Ultimately the type and dimensions of the footing you’ll need will depend on the height of the deck, the types of materials you plan to use, how deep the ground freezes, and the load-bearing capacity of the soil. This section introduces you to different footing considerations you’ll need to make when building a deck, including soil type, climate, materials, and more.

Loading a Deck

Footings must support two kinds of loads inherent in any structure—dead loads and live loads. The dead load of a deck is the weight of all its permanent elements—posts, beams, framing, decking, planters, stairs, and railings—before transient items (snow, furniture, and people) are put on it. Most building codes will require the construction of a deck to support a dead load of 10 pounds per square foot and a live load of 40 pounds per square foot. This means that footings, along with the other support elements, must be constructed to support a total weight of 50 pounds per square foot. All of the elements work together—the ledger carries a portion of the weight, which it transfers to the foundation of the house; beams carry the intermediate loads; and footings support the loads that are transferred to the perimeter.

Soil Consistencies

Soil consistencies vary and thus their ability to support a load. Loose soils have minimum load-bearing capacity and may require more or larger footings than heavy clay or compacted soils. Local codes take local soil conditions into account, so it’s important to contact the building department before you start planning your deck. You may find that local codes specify different spacings or construction methods than the ones shown in standard span tables.

Climate Considerations

In cold climates, the freezing and thawing of the soil causes it to expand and contract—sometimes dramatically. If the posts are improperly set, any movement of the soil will be transferred to the posts and the deck structure above them, shifting or cracking portions of the deck and causing severe structural damage. Regions have a different maximum level (called the frost line) at which the ground freezes during the winter. Local codes specify the depth of this line and how far below it you must dig to set your footings. In warm climates you maybe able to get by with a minimum footing—a concrete pad about 6 to 12 inches deep and 1 to 2 feet square. Even in some winter climates, codes will allow you to set posts in a tamped-earth footing.

Slopes and Codes

Posts set in sloping terrain call for special attention. Not only do you have to meet specifications of local codes for depth and construction, but also most codes require at least 7 feet of soil from the bottom of the footing horizontally to the surface.

Drainage Tips

Most localities require 3 to 6 inches of gravel in the bottom of the footing hole to allow water to drain away from the bottom of the post. Even if it’s not required, it’s a good idea.

Footing Materials

Precast concrete piers are available at your home center and may be used with or without footings, depending on local codes. They may be used without hardware, as shown here, to simplify construction of ground-level decks. When using a precast pier to support a post, install a post anchor in the center or purchase piers with the hardware already mounted. Home centers and material retailers carry prefab tubes that form the concrete in a footing. The tubes are made from a composite material that is strong but allows easy cutting to the proper depth. You can fill about three footings with four 90-pound bags of premix concrete. For larger projects mix your own with a power mixer or call in the ready-mix truck. Carry the concrete to the holes in a wheelbarrow. Before you dig footing holes, see if your home center has plastic forms that attach to the tube. They add strength and stability to the footing but require a wider hole than you would normally dig.   Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first-class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award-winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Along with flowers and sunshine, spring brings decluttering and deep cleaning. This year, give your arm a rest and let a power cleaner do the scrubbing. To help with spring cleaning, Dremel created the Versa power cleaner, a cordless scrub brush with multiple heads suited for a variety of surfaces. Power scrubbers work like the polishing tools you see at the dentist—when you turn one on, the scrubbing head spins fast for a high-powered clean that requires little work from you. This tool makes cleaning even easier thanks to its small scale (it fits in your hand like a softball) and a straightforward on-off button. Detachable cleaning accessories effortlessly secure to the tool with a hook-and-loop system, so you can quickly clean different surfaces as you work around a room. Four cleaning accessories come in the kit: The eraser pad will wipe away shoe scuffs and stovetop stains, while the non-scratch pad can buff your beloved copper pots. Use the heavy-duty pad for grill grates or outdoor furniture with rust, and there’s a bristle brush for high-power cleaning needs, like dirty grout or stuck-on grease.  The Dremel Versa can be used with your choice of cleaning solution, not included in the kit. With all four attachments, you can clean your entire oven, including the racks, interior walls (avoiding the coils), oven door, and stovetop. We tried it out and can attest—the bristle brush attachment removed crayon marks without any solvent like magic. We also love the bonus splash guard, which, when used with a cleaning solution or on a wet surface, prevents soap and water from splashing back at you. It’s also cordless, can be used indoors and out, and is waterproof. The Dremel Versa is available at The Home Depot and on Amazon for $49.97. A micro-USB adapter is included in the kit and fully charges the tool in just two hours. We can’t wait to use this on all the places we neglect to clean the most! Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first-class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award-winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Deep cleaning might be trendy now—thanks, Marie Kondo!—but spring cleaning has been around for generations. In recent years, however, scientists have tried to pinpoint the effect of cleaning on our mood. And it turns out, even the most daunting cleaning tasks can make us happier in the long run. Big cleaning companies like Mr. Clean and Clorox recently commissioned studies to learn more about the emotions connected with cleaning. A Mr. Clean study measured physiological responses like heart rate to cleaning. Researchers concluded that cleaning sparks a level of excitement and enthusiasm, almost like a mini adrenaline rush. All 62 participants agreed that cleaning gave them peace of mind, while 81 percent of participants agreed they felt accomplished and in control after a deep clean. Meanwhile, a Clorox study from last year found that a mere extra hour of cleaning per week can increase reported levels of happiness by 53 percent—a huge number. The study also found that maintaining a clean space is associated with all kinds of benefits: better sleep, increased productivity, and even better focus. It’s well reported that a cluttered home can inhibit productivity. A 2011 Princeton study, for example, found that visual clutter, like a messy home, can interfere with your ability to concentrate on productive tasks. Keeping an orderly house is even associated with healthy eating choices and generosity. Spring cleaning—whether it’s one big day of decluttering or a few extra minutes of cleaning time to your daily schedule—looks to be good not just for your house, but also for your mental well-being. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Many people move to Arizona for our near-constant sunshine, and mild winters. These also make for perfect conditions for reptiles, which to the dismay of many homeowners, live in great numbers throughout the state. Where our neighborhoods meet the desert, an encounter with a snake every so often is just part of life. The valley is home to 6 unique species of rattlesnake, all of which pack a harmful, venomous bite. A bite, which if logic prevails, is almost always optional. Rattlesnakes are on the menu for many desert predators. They’re nervous, shy, and like most animals, will try to prevent their own death when it is threatened. Rattlesnakes do not chase, jump at, or come after perceived predators, regardless of the numerous, fictional tales we as Arizonans are sure to hear. The fact is; rattlesnakes encounters are almost always harmless if in nature, and optional in our yards. So what is the home owner to do, when a venomous visitor suddenly drops by one morning, coiled on the porch and going nowhere? The first thing to consider: nobody is in danger. The snake has been seen, and the only way anyone will be within range of a bite is if they put themselves there. Statistically, this is what many shovel-wielding husbands will do, becoming the single largest bite statistic, by far. A bite to the hand of a home hero can cost well over $100,000, cause incredible pain, and result in disfigurement and occasional death. Contacting a professional to remove the animal costs around $100, and is absolutely safe and humane. Taking one step back – why is the snake there? Isn’t there some way to keep them from being there in the first place? Fortunately there is. Here are a few tips to keep your yard as rattlesnake-free as possible:

• The desert is a hard place to live; make sure your yard isn’t an oasis. Rattlesnakes want food, water, and shelter. Deny those, and the yard is nothing interesting. Fix leaky hoses, keep the yard clean, and make sure all of the bushes are trimmed and free of dead plant material underneath.
• If you have a view fence or wall surrounding the property, complete the barricade. Door sweeps and wire fencing can be installed to keep animals out. It’s a relatively inexpensive Saturday project for the handy, or contact a snake removal company to install it for you.
• Forget the store-bought snake repellents and mothballs; they simply do not work. Many pest control companies will swear they do, but all research points to repellants being a smelly waste-of-money.

Dogs can be trained to avoid rattlesnakes by a number of businesses around the valley, and an inexpensive vaccine can be requested by most veterinarians. Keep dogs on a leash in desert areas, and have emergency information on-hand if you live near open, native desert. Despite the very high number of snakes that are found here, bites still make the front page when they occur. It is a relatively rare event with an extremely low fatality rate, which somehow still occupies a place in our culture as a major threat to be feared by every desert home owner. As citizens in this amazing Sonoran habitat, it is the responsibility of all of us to be peaceful, well-informed co-inhabitants with the desert wildlife. Rattlesnakes may be the thing of nightmares to many, but that is an optional fear that, like most fears, fades to nothing with a willingness to learn and a touch of understanding. In the valley, the most common places to run into a rattlesnake in your own yard are Cave Cree, Scottsdale, and other areas where there is a lot of development and contact with native areas.

Most Commonly Encountered Snakes in the Phoenix Area

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

VENOMOUS – Grey to tan in color, between 1’ and 4’ long. Easily identified by the distinct white and black banded tail, and rattle. Defensive in nature but easily avoided if encountered. Do not attempt to capture, kill, or otherwise interact with this snake.

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Sonoran Gophersnake

BENEFICIAL – Also commonly misidentified as a “bullsnake”. Tan, yellow, or orange in color, with dark brown blotches, between 1.5’ and 5’in length. Defensive if attacked, but non-venomous and will not bite unless attacked. A gophersnake is great free pest control.

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Desert Nightsnake

BENEFICIAL – Grey or dark brown with double rows of spots on the back, between 8” and 14” in length. Often confused with a baby rattlesnake due to elliptical eyes and triangular head. Absolutely harmless, this snake feeds on spiders and scorpions in the yard.

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Speckled Rattlesnake

VENOMOUS – Highly variable, this snake takes the coloration of rock where it is found; orange, brown, white, or light grey. It is small, between 1’ and 3’  in length. If seen, do not approach this snake for any reason.

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Longnosed Snake

BENEFICIAL – Often confused with the kingsnake, this snake is between 8” and 3’ long. It eats lizards and their eggs. They are absolutely harmless, and can reduce rattlesnake-attracting prey in a yard.

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Kingsnake

BENEFICIAL – Black and white banding from head to tail, and between 1’ and 4’ in length. Kingsnakes consider rattlesnakes a primary food source, and are great to have on a property. They may bite if picked up, but are otherwise completely harmless.

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Coachwhip

BENEFICIAL – Fast, slender, and between 1’ and 5’ in length. May be black, olive, or red in color. This snake eats rattlesnakes and other prey items and should be kept as-is if seen. They will bite if picked up, but move away quickly if seen and are difficult to capture. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.   Thank you Rattlesnake Solutions Phoenix: 480-237-9975  for this helpful information!