All it takes are a few leaves on the ground and a cool breeze to bring to mind autumn evenings by the fire. It doesn’t hurt if “by the fire” looks like this! This unbelievable DIY Pergola Fire Pit boasts swing seating, outdoor lights, and the perfect backdrop for every holiday celebration. Get all details, including how to build your own, at Remodelaholic. Photo credit: Lauren Ashworth of Stillwater Farm

2. Outdoor Living Room

For climates where it’s practical, invest in an all-weather sofa, like this rattan sectional, and create a dedicated outdoor living space that’s functional year-round. Some of the best living areas are outside and allocating your space will encourage you to take full advantage of the outdoors. Plus, it provides a great spot for gathering when you put together a fete on the fly.  

3. Overflow Seating

Most of the time, it might just be you and your family who enjoy cool nights by the fire. But around the cool holiday seasons and because a good fire is always best shared, plan for additional seating that won’t take up tons of extra storage space during the rest of the year. Instead of opting for traditional seating, try outdoor floor cushions or ottomans like these Braided Hemp Ottomans from CB2. They allow you to quickly offer seating to extra guests when necessary. They have a small footprint in terms of storage but still exhibit style and comfort. And they’re easily placed in and around your other seating, so guests still feel like part of the crowd.

4. DIY Stump Seats

If your overflow crowds are often quite large and buying additional seating is impractical, you can always opt for DIY seats. These stump seats, cut from fallen trees, allow you to create all the seating you could possibly need. You know they will withstand the elements, plus they’re free! Get the scoop on these fire pit stumps and more from Cassie Bustamante.

5. Faux Fireplace

What if you don’t have a fire pit? Whether your climate makes a fire pit unnecessary or space makes it impossible, you can still have cozy seating near a faux fireplace. Complete with logs and a mantel, this faux outdoor fireplace adds warmth without the heat. Pair it with a large rustic table and benches for a perfect setting for your fall gatherings. 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.

The newest home heating (and cooling) technology is the heat pump. Using technology that is similar to an air conditioner, heat pumps extract heat from one source and deposit it in another using an indoor air handler and outdoor pump unit that circulates refrigerant. Some systems extract heat from outdoor air, while ground-loop geothermal systems extract heat from the earth using a ground-loop pipe. Above-ground heat pumps are often known as mini-split or ductless systems. Many of these systems are reversible, providing heat when the weather is cool, and air conditioning when the weather is hot. The EPA states that a heat pump can save 30% to 70% on home heating costs and 20% to 50% on home cooling costs when compared to other systems. Originally quite expensive, heat pumps have become more affordable as above-ground systems have been perfected. ​ Fuel sources: Heat pumps are usually powered by electricity, although natural gas models are also available. Distribution: Heat (and cooling) are provided by wall-mounted units that blow air across evaporator coils linked to an outdoor pump that extracts or absorbs heat from the outdoors. Advantages:

• Systems offer both heating and cooling.
• Heat pumps are extremely energy efficient.
• Individual wall units allow for precise control of each room.
• Fans are much quieter than central forced-air systems.
• No ductwork is required.

Disadvantages:

• Heat pumps are best suited for relatively mild climates.
• Installation costs are higher than ductwork systems.

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.

Why a TV Over a Fireplace Is a Bad Idea

We know that gardening and spending time outdoors are good for your wellbeing. Recently scientists uncovered a new health-related reason to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty—and it could mean promising things for the future! When you think about it, the idea that playing around in the dirt could reduce stress isn’t all that far-fetched. Fresh air, the crisp smell of overturned earth, and even moderate physical activity have all been shown to reduce stress. But there’s more to dirt than that, and scientists have uncovered a useful and little-known link between dirt and stress relief. For a few decades, scientists have been tossing around the “hygiene hypothesis,” a theory that certain modern health problems like allergies and asthma are more common today, partly because much of the world is now so clean. Without exposure to low-level bacteria, children can’t develop resistance to them, and so if they are eventually exposed, the results can be dire. Researchers at the University of Colorado, Boulder have taken that theory a step further by finding other stuff in dirt that can aid health. The new research focuses on one bacterium, Mycobacterium vaccae, and its fascinating and promising effects on mental health, especially in stress reduction. A few years back, researchers started looking at this strange bacterium, which people naturally breathe in or ingest while out in nature. Those researchers found that when they injected some of these bacteria into mice (after the bacteria were inactive)—the mice navigated a maze twice as fast, and exhibited much less anxious behavior. The new research from Colorado investigates a particular kind of anti-inflammatory fat in this bacterium. In fact, this fat not only reduces inflammation, but when injected before a stressful event, it actually prevents inflammation. The lead researcher from Colorado, Christopher Lowry, dreams of creating a sort of anti-stress vaccine from this bacterium. The discovery of exactly how this all works, with this magical fat within a tiny organism, could make that dream one step closer to reality—it could lead to natural, preventative anti-stress medication. In the meantime, get out and play in the dirt! It’s good for you. 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.

No matter the size, backyards are meant to be a source of enjoyment and refuge–a place in which to escape when you want to unwind, relax, and have fun. Is your outdoor space more a place you want to get away from than an enticing getaway? A yard cluttered with too much patio furniture, outdoor structures (like gazebos), and children’s play equipment is going to appear chaotic. In fact, you might find yourself trying to avoid the backyard if there’s too much stuff, you find it difficult to move around, or there is always a project calling out your name.

Clear the Clutter

Rethink the yard by clearing out the clutter, pruning overgrown trees and hedges, relocating play equipment, or donating it if your children are too old for slides and swings. Get rid of or recycle broken furniture and accessories or things that don’t seem to belong in the yard. Starting with as clean or bare of a slate as possible, assess your yard for elements it needs to make it a place you want to get away to; a refuge for kicking back and relaxing or enjoying the things you love, like swimming, working out, or eating with friends and family. An outdoor living space has much potential and can provide sun, shade, views and fresh air. Enjoy all it has to offer and consider the following ways to transform your space when transforming it into an oasis.

Take Advantage of the View

If you are lucky enough to live in a home with a view, don’t be shy about creating a space from which to enjoy the scenery. When designing for a view, consider the following:

• Don’t block the view with trees and hedges.
• Likewise, don’t block the view with outdoor furniture.
• Landscaping should blend in with the neighboring view and environment, not compete with it.
• Frame the view with landscaping and furnishings.

Offer Comfortable Seating

Seating is one thing, but a deep seating set, lounge chairs, loungers, or chaise lounges really allow you to stretch out and relax, whether it’s under an umbrella, by a swimming pool, on a deck, or even on the balcony of a high-rise apartment building. If the seating is comfortable, you’re more likely to kick back and spend some time outside, rather than sit down, say, at a patio dining table, eat a grilled burger, then go back inside. How about adding a hammock for some serious relaxation?

Add a Water Feature

The perfect water feature in a yard is a private swimming pool, which cools you off, allows you to exercise all within the privacy of your own yard. Even the sight and sound of water has a calming, restorative effect. If your budget or space does not permit, consider these other water features:

• Garden pond
• Koi pond
• Wading pool
• Fountain
• Birdbath

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.

THE RIGHT SHADE Sure, an umbrella provides much-needed shade. But the sight of one conjures up images of a vacation at a resort, on a sandy shore or next to a pool. There’s something about its round shape, projected above the other pieces of outdoor furniture, that looks fun and inviting, beckoning you to sit under its colorful form (or patterned or striped) and relax, maybe sip a cocktail or icy beverage. Ways to create shade in a garden include:

• Umbrellas
• Gazebos and pergolas
• Awnings
• Vines growing on overhead roofs or arbors
• Trees

THE RIGHT LANDSCAPING Not just any landscaping, however. Carefully planned and selected plants that look natural in their setting can really set a theme or mood, even transport you to a favorite vacation spot. Who wouldn’t want to step outside every day to a yard that reminded them of that trip to Maui, Tahiti or Sedona? The key is to choose plants that adapt well to the environment in which you live: dying tropicals in your desert locale will not remind you of Aruba. Mix natives for your region with trees, shrubs, vines and perennials that are adapted to the climate—usually something that can be found at your local nursery or botanical garden shop. Enlist professional help from a landscape designer, or ask for suggestions from a garden store employee or the local university’s master gardener program. CREATE PRIVACY Privacy is an integral part of a relaxing outdoor room. Dividing and secluding the area with carefully placed screens, walls or fences of suitable height will give your space a sense of mystery and surprise as you move throughout the landscape. Arbors and overhead roofs also add to that feeling of seclusion and provide the necessary shade. ADD A FIRE ELEMENT A fire pit, chiminea, or fireplace instantly adds warmth to your yard, especially during the cooler months or in the evening. What can be more relaxing than talking with friends or family next to a fire, or cuddling with a partner as you stare at the flames? With so many portable fire pit models available at reasonable prices, it’s easy to create a sitting area around a pit. Just make sure it’s not near any structures, under a roof, or on top of a wooden deck. ADD LIGHTING AND FRAGRANT PLANTS Sure, you can use scented candles outdoors, but why not plant the real thing? The intoxicating scents of flowering shrubs and vines are especially strong in the evening, so choose specimens that you can grow near outdoor seating or dining areas. Outdoor lighting—the right kind and placed to illuminate parts of the yard that experience activity in the evening—will lure you and guests outdoors and keep you there for as long as you desire. 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.    

A new study found that women have a hard time concentrating in a chilly workplace. Their male colleagues, on the other hand, perform better in colder offices. Scientists have previously determined that office temperatures are often set lower than necessary in the warmer months—and that women, in particular, could be affected. But new research has added more evidence to the reality that bringing in a jacket or a cozy blanket in the middle of July doesn’t always keep you warm enough to feel comfortable during the workday. According to a new study published in the journal Plos One, women were able to perform better on common cognitive tests in room temperatures that averaged closer to the actual temperatures outside the office. Researchers behind the study had more than 540 college students in Berlin sit through different tests in a room that was set to various temperatures, with a range between 61 degrees and 91 degrees Fahrenheit. Participants in each scenario were asked to answer common logic problems and math questions that involved two-digit addition problems that were to be completed without a calculator. They were also asked to unscramble a combination of letters to form as many German words as they could. The study found that warmer temperatures enabled women to answer more questions on the math and verbal tests, and also increased their accuracy on these tests overall. Overall, a temperature increase of just one Celsius degree was associated with a two percent increase in the number of math problems the women in the study correctly answered; it also correlated to a one percent increase in the performance on a verbal task. What about the men in the room, you may ask? It might not surprise you to learn that, in this case at least, they performed better in cooler temperatures. That being said, scientists who spoke about the study with Time were keen to point out that the men’s decrease in performance wasn’t as dramatic as the overall improvement seen in female subjects. “When we start at low temperatures, the gender gap is huge in the math task,” Agne Kajackaite, an ethics and behavioral economics researcher at the Berlin Social Science Center, said. “As the temperature increases, women become better and better and better, and at some point, there’s no gender gap.” Researchers said that more research is needed—after all, not every woman will perform better in the heat, nor will every man in cooler temperatures. The study didn’t find an upper limit on when the heat would start to negatively impact the females taking their test, but researchers say they hope to lengthen the experiment soon so they can include participants of different ages and backgrounds. “Temperature could affect not just the comfort, but the everyday performance of people,” Kajackaite said. “If you feel more comfortable in the office with your five sweaters, or without your sweater, it might also affect your performance, so you should take it seriously.” 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.

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.