By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Ground control to Major Tom: Here’s a home unlike any other we’ve seen. A lifelong architect went intergalactic to find inspiration for one of his latest designs: a tiny home shaped like a lunar lander. Nestled on the banks of the Columbia River in central Washington, the roughly 250-square-foot home is hexagon-shaped, perched nearly 9 feet above the ground on three massive steel beams. Inside, earthlings are greeted by an open floor plan. A breakfast nook has a porthole-shaped window overlooking the river and the hillside; a kitchen with stainless steel appliances provides space to cook up a feast for an astronaut. A large geodesic dome skylight showers the room with sunlight. Just off the bathroom, a deep-blue sink and cerulean-colored mirror have a Mid-Century Modern feel (appropriate, considering humans first walked on the moon in 1969). The bedroom sits down a small ladder and can comfortably sleep two people. Upstairs, there’s enough room for a small outdoor deck where you can gaze at area wildlife, including eagles and lynxes. If the space reminds you of the tiny, well-intentioned living quarters of a boat, it’s no coincidence. The lunar lander’s owner and designer, Kurt Hughes, is a boat designer by trade. He translated his three decades of boat building to home building — in fact, the wooden table in the dining nook is recycled from the Hughes’ first sailboat. 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.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Summer will be here before you know it, and you know what that means: Heat, hornets and yard work. If you’re starting to miss spring already, fear not. Here are some quick projects to make your home and garden more comfortable and cost-effective this summer.

Inside the house

• Service the air conditioning. Nothing can ruin your day like a broken air-conditioning unit on a summer day, so keep it running smoothly by servicing it every spring. Every three months, change the filter, flush out drain lines with a cup of bleach, and ensure that the outdoor unit has room to breathe by keeping vegetation about an arm’s length away.
• Replace smoke detector batteries. You’d be surprised at how much peace of mind you’ll get after knocking out this one little chore. Change all the batteries on the same day and remind yourself to do it again in six months. If your smoke alarms were manufactured 10 or more years ago, replace them entirely.
• Rotate ceiling fan blades. Your ceiling fan may have a switch that changes the direction in which the blades turn. If so, make sure that the blades are spinning counterclockwise and pushing air down, rather than up.
• Clean behind appliances. You’ve been putting it off for far too long. You’re terrified of the horrors that await in the shadows of your kitchen, but it’s time to put on some gloves, arm yourself with disinfectant cleaner and roll out the oven with a brave face.
• Clean dryer vents. If your clothes come out of the dryer damp and musty lately, it’s probably because the vent is clogged with lint — not only wasting energy, but posing a significant fire risk. To do it right the first time, purchase a vent-cleaning kit. Its flexible rod and brush attaches to your drill and will extract a puppy-sized mass of lint in no time.
• Upgrade your thermostat. Replacing your existing thermostat with a ‘smart’ model does more than save you money. They respond to your voice, divert cool air to occupied rooms, can be operated from your phone and might even give you a weather forecast at a glance before work.
• Repot houseplants. Give houseplants fresh potting mix in spring when they’re actively growing. Slip the mass of roots and potting mix out of the pot, gently tease apart the roots, remove rotted pieces and replace it with fresh and fertile potting mix. If the leaves are turning pale from too much direct summer sun, move them to a slightly shadier place.

Out in the yard

• Patch your lawn. If you wait too long to plant new grass seeds or sod, aggressive weeds will happily fill the gaps for you. Luckily, grass will quickly establish if you remove all existing weeds beforehand, amend with topsoil and keep the area irrigated for the first week or two.
• Inspect gutters and downspouts. Fall isn’t the only time to clean out the gutters, especially if you have messy trees nearby. Make sure that the gutters are soundly attached to your roof, seal any gaps with silicone caulk and remove any obstructions at the base of the downspout.
• Inspect sprinklers. If you notice any clogged or broken sprinkler heads, shut off the water and dig a 2-inch diameter hole around the head. Unscrew the head from its riser and replace with a new one. If the head is merely clogged, remove the basket and rinse both it and the head in clean water. Reassemble the head and screw it onto the riser.
• Get your mower up and running. Give your mower, string trimmer and other lawn equipment some TLC before the summer mowing season begins. After removing the spark plug, replace the air filters, change the oil, sharpen blades and give your equipment a good cleaning.
• Remove hornet nests. If you have hornets, yellow jackets and paper wasps around your home, take steps to remove them now before they form a large, aggressive colony. You can play it safe by calling a professional, or spray nests at night when they’re less active. Just be sure to wear protective eyewear, a mask, pants and long sleeves.
• Clean the grill. Prevent flare-ups and cooking fires by giving your grill a good cleaning. Ideally you’d clean after every use, but you can start fresh with a grill brush, nozzle and wet rag. Now is also a good time to stock up on charcoal and make sure your tools are ready for grilling season.

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.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Your home reflects who you are, and you’re way more than a selection of tasteful paint and furniture. Why not celebrate your passions by incorporating them into your decorating? When your talents, skills, and hobbies are on display as a natural part of your decor, you feel more inspired and more at home. You don’t have to re-make your life to incorporate your passions into your home decorating. In many cases, just a small change of storage or placement will make all the difference — and you may even save money because you’re using items you already own. If something makes you happy, bring it out and let it shine.

Store your tools in arm’s reach

Many creative hobbies come with beautiful tools. Don’t hide your paintbrushes or yarn — show them off with pride of place! Make sure to put tools you use frequently in accessible places where you can grab them. Nothing’s worse than being inspired to create and having to wrestle a guitar off the wall or extract a crochet hook from the back of a cabinet. A good rule is to keep anything you use once a week or more within easy reaching distance.

Display seasonal equipment year-round

Just because you can only ski a few months out of the year doesn’t mean you forget about hitting the slopes. Keep your seasonal passions alive by keeping them in sight, but out of the way. Mount skis or fishing poles over a door in the off season. If you have space above kitchen cabinets, that’s a great place for the gorgeous fondue set you only use in winter. You could even ceiling-mount a canoe paddle — or the whole canoe if there’s room. The good thing about most seasonal equipment is that you use it outside, so you don’t have to worry too much about interim storage.

Put your talents to work

Give your creative passions room to shine in everyday life. If you’re great at calligraphy, try writing a stylish meal planning list for your week, or a framed school checklist by the front door. Woodworkers can make anything from cutting boards to furniture. If you embroider, make your own cushion covers and embellished hand towels. Potters, once you fill your mug cupboard, branch out into making planters and wall hooks. For almost any art or craft, there’s a practical application, so make it a fun challenge to find yours.

Bring the mass-appeal objects into the conversation

When you have an interest in common with someone, the conversation just flows. That’s why it’s great to have some pop-culture touchpoints in your living space. Items like framed vinyl albums give your guests an easy way to learn about your interests and start talking. Not everyone is going to be able to engage about your 19th-century Japanese chisel, but almost everyone who sees your framed program will remember the first time they heard about “Hamilton.” For a living room where you entertain friends, or a home office where you have clients, these objects can help create connections.

Let your collection tell a story

When you’re a collector, every piece has a story. As a whole, the items in a collection tell a narrative of their own history and how they came into your life. Keep collections in a place of honor where the whole story can come together. Cabinets and display shelves are great for 3D objects like glassware, figurines, and curios, and albums are perfect for stamps, old photos, and ephemera.

Active items inspire action

If you need a little motivation to practice your passion, let your decor help inspire action. Match each inspiring object with the place you’re most likely to need a boost. If you aren’t feeling your usual gourmet self, display your antique bakeware in your kitchen. To help with writer’s block, display your diploma, your first pitch acceptance letter, or special first editions of your favorite books over your desk. Hang athletic medals and photos of you at the finish line over the shoe bin near your entryway to encourage you to go for a run.

Match the vibe of the room

In general, keep the purpose of the room in mind when deciding where to display your prized possessions. Don’t just go by where you have available wall space; take time to find the right fit. A shelf of antique clown toys can look great in an office or playroom, but might not feel restful in your bedroom. And your championship soccer cleats or a signed football may be perfect inspiration in your workout room, but they’re less than appetizing hanging in the dining room.

Mellow treasures set the mood

Some of your possessions are just for you, and spark special memories and feelings when you see or touch them. If you have an object that brings your comfort, place it according to how it makes you feel. Does that beach rock make you feel calm? Keep it by your bedside. If your grandpa’s old pipe reminds you of how he taught you to read, keep in in a display case on a bookshelf or by your desk. These are just a few of the ways you can bring your passions into your home decorating. Hopefully these ideas inspire you to bring your most important possessions into your decor, so you can keep those passions alive in your daily life. 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.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team The first rule of the survival condo project: Do not talk about where the survival condo project is located. If you’re lucky enough to be let in on the secret, you drive two hours from the nearest commercial airport, across the rolling plains of Kansas. The closest small town is about half an hour away, with a population of roughly 5,000 people. There are just over a dozen restaurants; about half of them are fast-food chains. At some point, you turn off the highway and drive down a dirt road. Up a secret driveway, you stumble upon a barbed wire fence and a staff of armed guards. Security cameras keep a watchful eye over a subtle, grassy mound. A nearby wind turbine hints at what lies beneath — 15 stories of luxury condos and communal living. Larry Hall, the developer and owner, came up with the idea after 9/11. He first sought a place to securely protect a data center but later thought it might be better to build luxury bunkers instead. The place was so popular, it sold out before construction finished. So what’s life like inside a missile silo? Take a look inside. Workers built the original facility in the 1960s to store and launch Cold War-era weapons. Most missile silos in the United States have been abandoned, Hall said. He bought this one in 2008 for $300,000 and spent six years developing it. Hall envisioned converting the silo into a vertical living space: There are 15 floors divided into 12 single-family homes. The condos start at 920 square feet. Owners unlock their homes using a biometric key system. Each kitchen offers a variety of customizable stainless steel appliances, all from the same brand. That makes it easier to stock replacement parts, Hall added. The “windows” are LED screens displaying a real-time feed of what’s going on aboveground or a scene of your choosing. Options include beach sunsets and city life. Condo owners include a doctor, a firefighter and an engineer. When there’s a lockdown, everybody is expected to work, Hall said. “It’s not like you’re on a ship or on vacation being catered to,” he added. Each home starts at $1.5 million and can sleep between 3 and 10 people. Internet access is included. The price also includes mandatory training and a five-year food supply for each person. The bunker also has a fish farm, space to grow vegetables and plants, and a reverse-osmosis water filtration system, which can produce 10,000 gallons of water per day. Workers built a resort-style pool, along with a gym and spa. Four-legged friends have their own dog park. Other areas include a library, a bar, a movie theater and a rock climbing wall. A gourmet market offers everything from freshly baked bread to cookbooks. Some owners treat the place like a second home, while others plan to retire here, Hall said. He even hired a psychologist to ensure that there’s enough space and light for residents to survive for long periods of time. In case of emergency, a SWAT-style team can pick up homeowners within 400 miles of the silo and bring them to the shelter. Hall is currently building survival condos in two more missile silos to meet the demand. “Everything here is very high-tech and highly reliable. It’s very resilient,” Hall said. “You could stay off the grid indefinitely.” 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.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Everyone has a different list of must-haves for their new apartment: hardwood floors, an updated kitchen, or maybe a short walk to the train. One thing most renters can agree on is having ample natural light throughout. Whether you live in a busy city center, out near the mountains, or in the middle of the plains, a room with a view and some natural light can make any space look spectacular. Check out these 10 light, bright and beautiful rentals to inspire your next apartment search.

Natural sunlight with big city views

Take in the expansive city skyline and soak up some sun (at least in the summer months) in this Loop neighborhood apartment in Chicago.

See more Chicago rentals.

Plenty of light in a winter haven apartment

Minnesota may not be exactly known for its sunshine, but you’ll feel like it’s spring all year-round in this Minneapolis apartment’s sun-soaked living space.

See more Minneapolis rentals.

Sunshine and cityscapes right outside your bedroom

The views and the natural light don’t get much better than this Atlanta apartment bedroom, where you can see the city skyline right from your bed.

See more Atlanta rentals.

Streaming sunlight in the mile-high city

This Denver apartment living room has great views of the city and is flooded with sunlight (for nearly 300 days per year in Denver!).

See more Denver rentals.

Light, tranquil mountain views

This Orem, Utah apartment living room offers up an abundance of natural light as well as stunning views of the nearby mountains.

See more Orem rentals.

Light-filled kitchen right on the water

You’ll be more than inspired to create chef-worthy dishes in this light-filled Seattle apartment kitchen, which just happens to have spectacular views of Puget Sound.

See more Seattle rentals.

Bask in sunshine in the Big Easy

Louisiana weather can change on a dime, but you can easily soak up the sunshine when it appears in this downtown New Orleans apartment bedroom.

See more New Orleans rentals.

Oceanside sunlight views

This Pacific-side living room in Santa Barbara has streaming sunlight as well as gorgeous views of the ocean.

See more Santa Barbara rentals.

A living room flooded with light

Golden sunlight fills this Kansas City apartment living room, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling downtown.

See more Kansas City rentals.

Surging sunlight in the living area

You can almost forget the freezing Pennsylvania temps when you see the sunlight bursting into this Philadelphia apartment living area. 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.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Forget waiting 45 minutes for the delivery guy to show up. In this custom tiny home, pizzas are ready in just two minutes! Empty nesters looking to avoid the burden of a big mortgage, Robert and Rebekah Sofia embarked on a 20-month journey designing and building a 221-square-foot home in Ocklawaha, FL. Most people would balk at the idea of putting a 800-degree wood-fired pizza oven in such a small space. But with layers of plaster, cement and a heavy metal door, it’s completely insulated. The Floridians were passionate about bringing a European flavor to their design and using recycled building materials. From the exterior corrugated metal to the cedar planks and doors — everything had a prior life. Best of all: The materials only cost $15,000. In addition to the pizza oven, there are amenities you might not expect in a tiny house: a big apron sink, outdoor soaking tub, formal dining room with a chandelier, a hangout music loft and his-and-hers closets. 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.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team There’s a hanging basket for everyone, regardless of sunlight, style or skill level. Hanging baskets bring you beauty, privacy and shade, free up space on the ground and dress up a front porch like nobody’s business. But while pom-poms of petunias and Boston ferns have stood the test of time, they aren’t necessarily much to get excited about. Instead, create a hanging garden of your own design by choosing interesting plants with a creeping, spreading or trailing habit. Anything that hangs is fair game, but avoid plants that become too rampant, heavy or thirsty for the confines of their little nest. Here are 40 plants that were made to hang loose in your home and garden.

Houseplants for hanging baskets

Kicking off the list are these happening houseplants. Some happened to happen decades ago (like the spider plant), others are enjoying a comeback (Tahitian bridal veil), and still others are only now becoming popular: Mistletoe cactus, turtle vine, peperomia, ‘rain of coins’ (sounds painful), and other oddities from the rainforests are not only in fashion, but quite tolerant of neglect.

Asian pitcher plant is an exception, though, since it requires both humidity and plenty of soft water to produce its wicked fly-catching pitchers. But who wouldn’t want a hanging carnivorous plant to greet mosquitoes and visitors?

• Mistletoe cactus (Rhipsalisspecies)
• Tahitian bridal veil (Gibasis geniculata)
• White gossamer plant (Tradescantia sillamontana)
• Turtle vine (Callisia repens)
• Peperomia (Peperomia species)
• Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
• Coin vine (Dischidia pectinoides)
• Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
• Drunkard’s dream (Hatiora salicornioides)
• Holiday cactus (Schlumbergera and Hatiora species)
• Fireball bromeliad (Neoregelia ‘Fireball’)
• Asian pitcher plant (Nepenthes species)
• Staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)

Hanging basket plants for shade

Many of the houseplants listed above are great fits for warm days in the shade, but these landscape plants offer either flowers (such as fuchsia, walking iris, and begonias) or, in the cases of gold Japanese sedge and creeping Jenny, cold-tolerant foliage. Many ferns are great fits as well, provided they’re drought-tolerant enough to cope with drying winds and forgetfulness. Boston fern is the classic choice, but choose ‘Macho’ fern, ‘Kimberly Queen’ fern and other relatives for a twist on an old favorite.

• Fuchsia (Fuchsia hybrids)
• Gold Japanese sedge (Carex oshimensis ‘Everillo’)
• Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
• Strawberry begonia (Saxifraga stolonifera)
• Kangaroo paw fern (Microsorum diversifolium)
• Boston fern (Nephrolepis hybrids)
• Walking iris (Neomarica species)

Edibles for hanging baskets

If you were to picture a life of leisure, you might imagine lounging around while someone feeds you grapes. While grapes are too rambunctious and needy for hanging baskets, strawberries are about as good as it gets. The berries naturally hang over the sides of the baskets, making them easy pickings at the end of a hot day in the garden. Tomatoes are the next best thing, but choose a dwarf variety like ‘Micro Tom’ that won’t outgrow its space. If you’re a home chef with limited space, try growing herbs in baskets as well; no more stooping over in the dirt to gather your ingredients!

• Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa)
• Mint (Mentha species)
• Thyme (Thymus species)
• Prostrate rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’)
• Tomato (‘Tumbling Tom’ and ‘Tumbler F1’)

Hanging basket plants for sun

Have a sunny south-, east- or west-facing balcony and don’t mind watering on a regular basis? Your favorite houseplants may have burned to a crisp with all of that direct sunlight, but who cares? You get to grow flowers, and lots of them. Remove the corpse of your Boston fern, dirt and all, replace with fresh potting mix, sprinkle a few vining flower seeds (moonflower, morning glory, black-eyed Susan vine and cardinal climber will do nicely), water them daily and keep an eye on your balcony: It may soon be smothered with blooms.

• Morning glory (Ipomoea alba)
• Moonflower (Ipomoea tricolor)
• Cardinal climber (Ipomoea x multifida)
• Black-eyed Susan vine (Thunbergia alata)
• Portulaca (Portulaca species)
• Ornamental sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas hybrids)
• ‘Wave’ and ‘Supertunia’ petunias
• ‘Snow Princess’ alyssum
• Firecracker plant (Russelia equisetiformis)
• Trailing lantana (Lantana montevidensis)
• Ice plant (Delosperma species)

Succulents for hanging baskets

If you have a south-, east- or west-facing balcony and occasionally wander out to find dead plants you forgot were even there, then these tough and drought-tolerant hanging succulents are the way to go.

• Burro’s tail sedum (Sedum morganianum)
• String of bananas (Senecio radicans glauca)
• Starfish plant (Stapelia or Huernia species)
• String of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)

With so many great options, the hardest part of creating your hanging baskets could be narrowing down your choices. 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.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Making the decision to move can be an exciting time, whether you’re moving across town or across the country. But it can also be a milestone surrounded by uncertainty: am I making the right decision? How will my kids adjust to a new school? Will I like my new neighborhood? According to the US Census, 11.2 percent of Americans moved in 2016, for reasons related to housing, family, and employment. And there’s one question pretty much everyone who is thinking about moving asks: How much will it cost to relocate? There are all kinds of moving expenses to keep in mind, including changes in cost of living, balancing two mortgages (or a mortgage and rent) during the transition, and the cost of actually getting all your belongings from point A to point B. Here’s some information about average moving expenses to help you make sense of it all.

Estimating moving costs

Roughly half of all people who move use professional movers, whether they’re moving short or long distances. These are average costs for moving, according to HomeAdvisor. Of course, prices vary by region and by distance.

Type of move	Average charge	Extra charges
Local/intrastate (under 100 miles, including 2 movers + truck)	$80-$100 per hour	+ $25-$50 extra per additional mover
Interstate/cross-country (over 100 miles)	$2,000-$5,000 per move	+ $0.50 per pound

How much does it cost to move across town?

Local moves make up the vast majority of people moving every year. According to Zillow research, 57 percent of home buyers who also sell a home move within the same city, and 86 percent move within the same state. For local moves, you’ll typically pay an hourly rate that includes a truck and the services of two movers. The bigger your home, the longer your move will take. Consider these estimates from HomeAdvisor.

Size of house	Estimated time of move	Average price range
1-bedroom apartment	3-5 hours	$200-$500
2-bedroom apartment	5-7 hours	$400-$700
3-bedroom house	7-10 hours	$560-$1,000
4-bedroom house	10+ hours	$800-$2,000+

How far in advance should I book local movers?

Keep in mind that most people move between May and September, so you’ll want to book your movers at least four weeks ahead of time. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get the day and time that works best for you, and the more likely you are to get an experienced crew. The least expensive days to move are Monday-Thursday. In the off-season (October-April), you can often book movers with only one to two weeks’ notice.

How much does it cost to move across the country?

While local movers typically charge by the hour, for a cross-country move you’ll likely be charged based on two key variables: weight and distance.

Weight

Before the move, the empty truck is weighed, and your mover should provide you with an “empty weight” receipt. Then, once all your belongings are loaded, they’ll weigh your truck again to help them determine your moving cost. Have no idea how much your belongings weigh? Reputable movers will give you an estimate before you sign on the dotted line, using average weights for homes of your size (more on estimates later). For example, the goods inside a 1,000-square-foot, 3-bedroom apartment typically weigh about 5,000 pounds. A 2,800-square-foot, 4-bedroom home’s furnishings typically weigh in at around 20,500 pounds.

Distance

Simply put, the farther a moving company has to transport your belongings, the higher the bill will be. You’ll likely be charged a per-mile rate in addition to the weight-based charges. Make sure to ask if there are any additional transportation charges, like fuel or tolls.

How far in advance should I book movers for a long-distance move?

For an interstate or cross-country move, you’ll want to book your movers as early as possible — ideally six to eight weeks before your move.

Typical moving expenses

Whatever kind of move you’re planning, the moving expenses you’ll incur will vary based on the level of service you’re looking for:

• Just a truck rental: The ultimate DIY move, in this scenario you’ll be doing the packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking on your own, with just the help of a rental truck. Flat per-day rates start at around $20 per day, depending on the size of the truck, plus charges for gas and mileage.
• Loading, transportation, and unloading: Save your back by doing all the packing and unpacking yourself, but have professional movers do the heavy lifting. For a local move, this service can range from $200 for a one-bedroom apartment to $2,000+ for a 4-bedroom house.
• Full-service moves: Leave everything to the pros, including wrapping and packing your belongings, loading them, transporting them to your new home, and unloading. You’ll just be responsible for unpacking your belongings and getting settled. This type of move is usually used for long-distance moves. Expect to pay roughly $2,000-$5,000 for the transportation, plus about 50 cents per pound, plus $25-$50 per hour, per mover for packing and unpacking help.
• Temporary storage: If your moving dates don’t line up exactly, you may find yourself needing to temporarily stash your things in a storage unit or moving container. Storage facility rates start at about $50 per month for a small unit, and go up to $300 or $400 for larger units. If you’d like the convenience of a portable storage unit that’s delivered to your home, loaded by you, and stored in a warehouse until you’re ready for re-delivery, expect to pay $150-$300 per month, plus delivery and re-delivery costs.
• Moving supplies: Instead of buying and then recycling boxes, you can go green and rent hard plastic boxes for your move. Prices start at about $50 per week for enough boxes to pack a 1-bedroom apartment, and up to $200 to pack a large house. Once you’re done, the rental service will pick up the boxes. To save money on cardboard boxes, check your local “buy nothing” group or moving truck rental company, which often have used boxes on hand.

Additional costs of moving

• When calculating your relocation budget, make sure to keep in mind these unexpected moving costs:
• A transportation surcharge if the moving company pays workers more for working in metropolitan areas, where labor costs are often higher.
• You may opt to purchase full value protection insurance. Released value protection is typically included by movers at no cost, but the protection is minimal — just 60 cents per pound per article lost or damaged.
• Charges for moving vehicles, including cars, boats, and motorcycles.
• Surcharges for moving large or fragile items — think swing sets, pianos, extra-large furniture, or riding lawn mowers.
• Additional charges if the movers have to walk more than 75 feet from door to truck, or if they need to use stairs or an elevator.
• Additional charges if your street is too narrow to accommodate a moving truck and they’ll need to shuttle your belongings with a smaller truck.
• You may find yourself paying unexpected moving costs if there’s a delay in the availability of your new home and the moving company has to put your items into storage.

Moving cost agreements

Any reputable moving company should provide you with a quote before your move, using the industry-standard rate book published by the Household Goods Carrier Bureau, called the Tariff 400-N. There are two main types of moving quotes:

• Non-binding estimates are the industry standard. They reflect the company’s best guess as to what your final bill will be, but they can often be inaccurate. Whenever possible, opt for not-to-exceed quote.
• Not-to-exceed estimates are quotes where the moving company commits to a maximum price.

Get moving

When it comes to moving, the best way to limit your costs (and to keep your sanity) is to move quickly. The faster you’re out of your old home and into your new home, the less you’ll pay in movers, rented supplies, storage costs, and — most importantly — overlapping mortgage payments or rent. Looking to sell your house in a hurry? Check out Zillow Instant Offers, where you can list your home for investors only and attract offers from investors who are ready to buy. 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.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Planning to sell your house this year? Don’t be overwhelmed by all the details involved in preparing it to go on the market. Set aside a couple of weekends to do the work, and follow these three simple steps. Then, be ready to make a great impression on potential buyers and cinch the deal.

Step 1: Clean and declutter

It may sound obvious, but the importance of cleaning and decluttering cannot be overstated. Here are some ideas to make this process nearly painless.

• Get rid of clutter before cleaning. This is the time to purge your house of unwanted and unnecessary items. In addition to donating items to charity, you might consider giving them away through Craigslist or neighborhood sharing groups. Recyclers are often willing to pick up and haul away large metal items for free. The goal is to make your house a clean slate before you get down to cleaning.
• Deep clean your house. This step will probably involve the biggest time investment. Get the whole family involved if you can! Think of this as a pumped-up spring cleaning. Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms, and clean the inside and outside of your windows — this makes a striking improvement in the overall appearance of your house.
• Organize closets, cabinets, and drawers. In this case, out of sight is not out of mind. Many potential buyers will open cabinets and closets, because they are thinking about storage space. If your storage areas are clean and organized, it will send a signal to buyers that you take care of the house.

Step 2: Make DIY repairs

Take care of these problems before you show the house for the first time. These are all fixes that you can do yourself.

• Fix any leaking faucets and running toilets.
• Replace caulking around tubs, showers, and sinks.
• Freshen up or repair grout as needed.
• Repair walls and repaint them in a neutral, generally pleasing color that complements your home.
• Fix cracked or broken windows.
• Replace or repair damaged window screens.
• Replace burned-out light bulbs.

Step 3: Go for curb appeal

First impressions are a big deal. You want potential buyers to be charmed by the outside of your house so they look forward to coming inside. Extend your pumped-up spring cleaning to the outside of your house, too.

• Trim bushes, shrubs, and trees. Make sure vegetation isn’t touching your roof or siding.
• Repair broken downspouts and gutters.
• If it’s appropriate for your yard, apply new mulch, river rock, and/or pea gravel. This can do wonders for your landscaping and provide immediate curb appeal.
• Clean and repair concrete areas, such as driveways and walkways. Be sure to eliminate any oil or grease stains, and clean out any weeds coming up through the cracks.
• Dress things up a little bit. If it’s seasonally appropriate, put out some pots of annuals, which will maintain their color for the season. Freshen up your doorstep with a new welcome mat. Make sure the house numbers are easy to see, and in a style that complements your home.

With just a moderate amount of effort, you can make your house beautiful and welcoming, both inside and out. 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.