Scottsdale Home Listing Archives - Page 34 of 87 - Scottsdale Real Estate Team / Arizona Luxury Homes

Should I Buy Down My Rate After 2017 Fed Rate Hikes? By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

March 18, 2017 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Rates are up .5 percent so far in 2017, and could go higher. This raises the question of whether it makes sense to buy your rate down to control your mortgage costs. Let’s review the market outlook, then answer the question. Where are rates headed from here? Rates are tied to daily trading in mortgage bonds, and rates rise when bonds sell on improving economic sentiment — this has been happening in 2017. Concurrently, the Federal Reserve controls short-term rates in the economy using overnight bank-to-bank lending rates. They hike these rates when they believe the economy is improving. Even though mortgage bonds represent longer-term rates, these Fed hikes still fuel selling of mortgage bonds, pushing mortgage rates higher. The Fed began hiking rates in December, and has indicated continued hiking if economic data stays positive. Their next three rate policy meetings are March 15, May 3, and June 13. Mortgage rates will rise as the Fed’s economic tone becomes more optimistic. The Mortgage Bankers Association calls for rates to rise about 1 percent in 2017 versus 2016, and we’ve only seen half of that so far. With many signs pointing to higher rates, let’s address the rate buy down question. What is buying down my rate? “Buying your rate down” or “paying points” means you’re paying an extra fee on top of standard loan fees like appraisal, underwriting, and credit report to get a lower rate. If you were getting a 30-year fixed loan of $325,000, you might get two options with and without points. Today the option with zero points might show the rate as 4.25 percent, and the option with 1 percent in points — equal to $3,250 — might show the rate as 4 percent. Paying $3,250 at closing to lower your rate by .2 percent lowers your payment $42 per month, and lowers your interest cost $68 per month. How do I calculate if I should buy my rate down? To determine if you should buy down your rate, calculate how long it takes your monthly interest cost savings to repay the cost of the points. In our example, we divide the $3,250 you’re paying at closing by the $68 in monthly interest cost savings, showing it takes 48 months for the interest cost savings to repay the points. If you’re going to live in the home longer than four years, then paying the points makes sense. Note, however, that it doesn’t make sense if you’re getting a 5-year ARM instead of a 30-year fixed — because the 5-year ARM would adjust to a higher payment just one year after you broke even on buying your rate down. What are the dangers of buying down the rate? Work with your lender to calculate how long it takes interest cost savings from paying points to repay the points. If you’re in the home (or the loan) longer than this breakeven timeline, you won’t lose money. But if rates drop after you pay points, your risk is that you’d need to spend money on a refinance to keep you in the market, but that refinance cost could come during the time you’re still waiting to break even on the points you paid. Given the rate projections noted above, that risk is low for now. What if I need to buy down my rate to qualify? Rising rates make your payment higher, which reduces your affordability. Lenders allow you to spend up to 43 percent of your income on housing and non-housing bills each month. If rising rates don’t push you over this threshold and your budget is still manageable, you can proceed. But if rising rates push you over this qualifying threshold, you don’t have to rely solely on buying your rate down to qualify. You can also reduce your purchase price. Or if you don’t want to resort to that, the smartest way to qualify is to find other debt to trim. How do I know if a rate buy down is being disclosed to me correctly? Federal law requires lenders to give you a disclosure called a Loan Estimate within three days of a complete loan application. The Loan Estimate’s second page shows Points in the top left section called Loan Costs. This will show the exact percentage of the loan amount for any points being quoted. It also shows the dollar amount of the points. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

February 2017 Scottsdale Arizona Real Estate Market Update

March 16, 2017 szabogroup

Can you believe it’s already March? The Valley is swarming with snowbirds and sports fans and with all of the poor weather conditions around the country more and more people seem to be eyeing Scottsdale as a possible new home. Let’s take a look at how the Scottsdale real estate market fared in February. New listings are down 2.9% from January with a total of 1,079 new listings vs. 1,111 in January. The new listings in January were driven by homeowners waiting until after the holidays to list their home; it is typical for February numbers to be lower than January for this reason. New contracts and closed sales were both up in February by 3.2% and 14.8% respectively. The median sale is down from $410,000 in January to $401,460 in February. February closed with some motivating numbers – Sellers on the fence are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the low inventory and high demand! During these up and down activity months it is more important than ever to consult a real estate professional that knows the Scottsdale market. Considering a purchasing or selling a property in Scottsdale? Call Joe and Linda Szabo – The Scottsdale Real Estate Experts! We hope that you enjoy reading and analyzing the Scottsdale Luxury Home Report and should you have any questions or comments, please feel free to Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020 or email him directly at Joe@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com. You can also visit https://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.

5 Ways to Stage Your House Like a Pro By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

March 13, 2017 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team “Nobody cleans their bathroom like that, even on a good day.” You may have a thought like this while receiving advice from a professional stager — someone who whips homes into tip-top selling shape. But potential buyers will look upon those expanses of blank, clean counter space and picture themselves — along with their soap and lotion and comb — inhabiting it. Hopefully, they will muse, “I can see myself brushing my teeth here.”

Anything that interrupts their reverie, as they move from the foyer to the kitchen to the bathroom, is an obstacle to a potential sale. “You want [your home] to be as austere as possible,” said Meridith Baer, who stages for the stars and a host of other clients in California, Manhattan, the Hamptons, New Jersey and Florida. “The main thing is, you don’t want to distract the buyer,” Baer explained. “You want them to come in and fall in love — just kind of wander through the house and say, ‘Yeah, yeah, I can do this.’”

Her advice extends beyond sellers’ austerity, of course. Southern California is packed with Baer’s moving vans, delivering staging furniture and accessories to homes that are about to go on the market. The staging maven offers the following simple rules for all sellers, including those who do not want or need the full treatment.

No big projects

“The first mistake a lot of people make when they get ready to sell is, they decide to redo the kitchen or do some elaborate remodel,” Baer said. “When I bought my home [in 2000], the people I bought it from had just redone the kitchen, and the first thing I did was rip it out. I hear that story all the time.” Tastes vary so widely, you can’t anticipate what a buyer might want in terms of color, appliances, or even where the kitchen should be. “My recommendation is to not spend that money if you’re sure you’re going to sell” soon, Baer said. Some buyers might want a price reduction to cover the cost of a remodel — but they might not, and in any case, you will save yourself a lot of time and hassle.

Paint it neutral (or apricot)

“The best spending anyone can do is paint,” Baer noted. “It’s something I would do if I were going to sell my house.” Fresh paint makes a good impression in general, and neutral colors are best — whites, creams and palest apricot, which is “pale, but gives a bit of a glow.” While gray has made a comeback in home decor, it won’t match everyone’s furniture, Baer said.

The power of the throw

Another low-cost staging trick involves throws and throw pillows. “Even if it’s older furniture, as long as you simplify it and make it look seamless, it works well,” she said. Tie the furniture together with throws and throw pillows in matching colors and patterns, and you could save yourself the price of a new sofa. “I don’t think there’s any point in buying a new sofa unless you know where you’re heading and what kind of sofa you’re going to want,” said Baer.

Downplay your personality

Unless your personality is beige, remove it from the premises. Buyers are distracted by family pictures and unusual artwork that are clearly not their own. They also can lose their ability to dream about living in your home if the closets are bulging with clothes or your dirty laundry is visible. While you’re at it, put away jewelry and medication, too. They have been known to disappear during showings.

Pack early

Between clearing out junk and removing aesthetically distinct pieces, you probably will end up packing early for your move. Baer recommends boxing up everything and leaving it in the garage — or, better yet, in temporary storage. Some companies will deliver a container to your door and store it for safekeeping until you’ve moved. While you’re thinking about safety, consider putting a pad under rugs that slip. These days, it’s a better investment than baking cookies just before a showing. The cookie trick has been overdone to the point of seeming forced, Baer said. You could also install the slip pads, then celebrate your home’s future sale by baking cookies and eating them yourself. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Why May Is the Magic Month for Home Sellers By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

March 5, 2017 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team When it comes time to sell a home, every seller wants the same outcome: to sell quickly, for as much money as possible. According to a new Zillow analysis, listing a home toward the end of spring significantly increases a seller’s chances of making this happen. In all but five of the country’s 25 biggest metro markets, the best month to put a home on the market is April or May. Homes listed in the first half of May sold nine days faster and for almost 1 percent more money than average listings. (You may have even better luck if you’re in one of the best U.S. markets for home sellers.) The low supply of homes on the market has pushed the ideal window later in the spring. Many shoppers who start searching for a home in early spring may need to look at several homes and make multiple offers, and may still be shopping a few months later. By May, some buyers will be anxious to avoid more disappointment or eager to get settled into a new home before the next school year — and will be more willing to pay a premium to close the deal. The May sales boost was particularly notable in Seattle and Portland where sellers who listed in the first half of the month stand to gain the biggest price boost — 2.5 percent in Seattle, 2 percent in Portland — over the area’s average. On the other end, typically warm weather regions like Miami, Tampa and Phoenix tend show very little variation in sales price or time on market based on listing months. Sellers in these markets will find themselves with more flexibility in choosing when to sell their home. To apply this analysis to their own home, sellers can use Zillow’s Best Time to List tool to estimate how much listing timing will influence the final sale price in their neighborhood. Registered Zillow users access the tool by clicking the “Sell Your Home” tab on the home details page of their home, and obtain valuable information to pair with the expertise of a local real estate agent when determining the best time to put their home on the market. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

5 Questions to Ask Potential Mortgage Lenders By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

March 2, 2017 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Buying a home is the largest purchase many consumers will ever make, and many will turn to a lender for financing. But finding a lender you click with can be a challenge, especially if you wait until the last minute. Li-Ning Huang, a research manager on Fannie Mae’s economic and strategic research team, says buyers should start talking to lenders early in the process — before you fall in love with a home — and compare several quotes. “Otherwise, you could end up choosing a lender based on convenience,” she says.

Avoid buyer’s remorse

Twenty-one percent of home buyers reported buyer’s remorse over their lender, according to a recent J.D. Power study. Among first-time home buyers, that rose to 27 percent. Dissatisfied respondents cited a lack of communication, unmet promises, and feeling pressured to select a specific mortgage product. “If you’re not getting a call back, or don’t understand what’s going on, look elsewhere,” advises Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List. Last year, about 9 percent of the real estate pros received C, D, or F grades from Angie’s List members. “People happy with their mortgage pros cited quick, friendly, clear responses and fair pricing,” says Hicks. “There are plenty of qualified, trustworthy lenders out there.”

Find the right lender

It’s important to find a lender or broker who communicates well with you, and in a manner you’re comfortable with. This applies whether you’re meeting face-to-face with a lender, or working online and over the phone. Does the lender explain things well? Are they willing to spend the time? Or do they seem rushed and irritated? To test the waters, Hicks suggests asking these five open-ended questions:

Is this the right time for me to buy? The lender’s answer will depend on your circumstances — such as your debt-to-income ratio, how much you plan to put down, and other factors. What’s important is that they explain your situation in a way you understand.
What personal debts — like credit cards — should I pay down before closing? And how soon do I need to do that to qualify for a good rate? Lenders should explain what they’re looking for in your credit history and how you might improve your credit score. According to credit reporting agency Experian, on a scale ranging from 300-850, a credit score of 700 or above is generally considered good. A score of 800 or above is considered excellent. If you aren’t sure what to expect, you can order your free credit report online.
Should I pay points to lower my interest rate? Your interest rate may be paired with mortgage discount points. One discount point typically amounts to 1 percent of the loan amount. So one point on a $250,000 mortgage would equal $2,500. A lender should explain the options. “The longer you plan on living in your home, the more sense it may make to pay points,” advises the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
How much will I need to pay at closing? Do I pay by check, wire transfer, or bank check? Make sure you really understand how the money will be transferred when the deal closes. There’s been an uptick in scammers swiping the buyer’s closing funds during electronic transfers, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
Who will service my loan? A servicer is the company that collects your mortgage payments and deals with late or missed payments. Some lenders service their own mortgages or outsource servicing. Others might sell the mortgage. While you have no say on who services your loan, this question gives lenders the opportunity to talk about the scope of their business and commitment to you.

Buying a home is an exciting time — finding a lender shouldn’t ruin the experience for you. Take it slow, ask the right questions, and you’re sure to find a great fit. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Easy and Inexpensive Ways to Fix Up Your Home Like a Flipper By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

February 25, 2017 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team If you’re anything like me, you may find that it’s all too easy to get caught up in the rush of flipping houses. I’ll admit — buying an old house, fixing it up, and flipping it for a profit is pretty exciting. But if you get too distracted by flipping houses, it’s easy to let your own home fall by the wayside. While profitable remodeling projects can be more tempting to work on, you can still benefit from tackling projects in your own home. Remodeling your home will not only up its value, but also improve the way you feel about it. After all, who wouldn’t love to cook in a newly remodeled kitchen? Here are five easy, inexpensive projects that will really make a difference in how you feel about your home.

Add a new coat of paint

Whether you decide to paint your kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom (or all three!), a coat of paint can instantly transform the look and feel of a room. The best part about painting your own home is that you don’t have to stick to neutrals, because you aren’t trying to attract any buyers. If you’ve been dying to paint your kitchen red or your bathroom blue, then do it! This is your chance to paint your home the colors that make you happy.

Refresh your kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in a home, so it should be one of the first rooms you remodel. And unless you moved into a brand-new home where you were able to design your kitchen from scratch, chances are there are a few things you’ve been eager to change. If you’re lucky enough to have nice wood cabinets, don’t worry about replacing them. A splash of paint and some new hardware can work wonders and make your kitchen look brand new, without having to spend hundreds on new cabinets. The same goes for laminate or wood countertops. There are plenty of DIY kits you can buy to transform your countertops for a fraction of the cost. A new backsplash is also an inexpensive way to add some life to your kitchen — plus it’s a cinch to install.

Install new doorknobs, faucets, and light fixtures

While they are probably the easiest feature to overlook, new doorknobs and fixtures can make a huge difference in a room. Depending on the type of doorknobs you purchase, and considering that most homes have quite a few knobs, the price can add up pretty quickly. If you don’t have the time or money to replace all your doorknobs at once, work on replacing just a couple every month, starting with the most obvious ones. Faucets can get pretty expensive as well, especially if you want to replace them in both your kitchen and bathroom(s). If you want to save some money, I recommend searching online or heading to the clearance section of your local home improvement store. If you’re lucky, you can find great deals on some beautiful faucets. Replacing all your faucets at once might not be feasible, so don’t be afraid to take your time with this project. Before you know it, you’ll be able to enjoy the luxury of attractive faucets in all your rooms. As for light fixtures, you may already have fixtures that you like, but they just need a color update. Instead of buying new fixtures, grab a can of spray paint and go to town. It’s amazing what a difference a $3 can of spray paint can make!

Revive your bathroom

A coat of paint, wainscoting, and a fresh shower curtain and linens are all super easy ways to instantly transform your old and tired bathroom. If you’re feeling a bit more ambitious, you could even replace the flooring or change up the vanity. Getting ready in the mornings will be that much more enjoyable if you can do so in a beautiful bathroom.

Boost your curb appeal

While it’s always satisfying to remodel the interior of your home, you don’t want to forget about the exterior. Fortunately, there are a couple of simple changes you can make to really boost your home’s curb appeal. If you can’t afford to replace the front door, try painting it instead. A new porch light fixture, house numbers, and a mailbox can also make a huge difference for your home’s exterior. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to stop coming up with excuses. Go fix up those kitchen cabinets that you’ve hated since you moved in! Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Top Winter Insurance Claims (and How to Give Them the Cold Shoulder) By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

February 23, 2017 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Winter brings many pleasures unique to the season, including holiday get-togethers, warm flannel bedsheets, and football viewing parties. Unfortunately, winter also has its share of perils. Ask anyone who’s ever suffered through the flu or gotten their tongue stuck to a frozen metal pole. Many homeowners face a particular set of perils in wintertime — potential mishaps that could lead to property damage, insurance claims, and even lawsuits. Take a look at some of the most notorious winter home-insurance claims, then learn how to reduce your risk.

The most common (and costly) claims

As you might expect, weather plays a key role in many winter insurance claims. Frozen precipitation and frigid temperatures can attack a home inside and out. A 2014 analysis of claims data identified the five most prevalent weather-related claims:

Water leaks
Wind damage
Hail damage
Frozen pipes
Roof damage from ice and snow

The analysis also ranked the three most expensive winter weather claims based on average cost:

Frozen pipes: $18,000
Hail damage: $10,000
Tree collapse: $6,000

Across America, the total cost of this frozen fracas typically adds up to billions of dollars in insured losses — $3.5 billion in 2015 and $2.6 billion in 2014.

Prevent common perils

When it comes to things like wind damage and hail damage, homeowners often find themselves at the mercy of nature. But with due diligence and a little forethought, homeowners can improve their chances of avoiding some seasonal misfortunes.

Keep your roof in good repair. Clean your gutters regularly and replace worn shingles for increased protection against roof damage, which can lead to another common source of home insurance claims: water leaks. Without proper drainage, snow and melted ice have a tendency to seep down into ceilings and walls.
Take a load off. In cases of heavy accumulation on your roof, waiting for ice or snow to melt may not seem like the safest way to go. If you need to clear your roof quickly, use a long-handled snow rake or hire a professional snow removal service.
Protect your pipes. Frozen pipes can lead to expensive repair bills. To help keep the water flowing, set your thermostat at 68 degrees or above, and let faucets trickle overnight when temperatures dip below freezing. Water pipes on the outside of your home, including the garage, should be insulated.
Tend to your trees. High winds, ice, and sleet can send branches — or worse, entire trees — crashing down. Always trim limbs that overhang or touch your house. Regular checkups by an arborist can help identify trees that may need serious pruning or even removal.

Avoid slip-and-fall liability claims

Although they don’t make the list of most common winter home insurance hazards, slip-and-fall lawsuits can — and do — happen. In the winter, such incidents typically involve a guest losing their footing on a walkway slick with ice or snow. Homeowners have two factors working in their favor. First, liability coverage included in a standard homeowners policy may help protect you if someone suffers an injury on your property and files suit. Also, some legal experts say slip-and-fall lawsuits involving snow and ice are hard to win, especially in cold-weather states where juries may look at snow and ice as known hazards. On the other hand, why not be proactive? Keep the walkways to your home, along with the surrounding sidewalk, shoveled and salted. After all, the injury you prevent may be your own.

Stay prepared for what winter may bring

According to Punxsutawney Phil, we’re in for six more weeks of winter. For homeowners, additional cold and snowy weather may require additional vigilance to keep winter home insurance claims at bay. Take the time to look for potential hazards around your home and try to address them, because responsibility never goes out of 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, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Live Happily Ever After: Creating a Fairy Tale Interior By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

February 13, 2017 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Pretty accessories, elegant touches, and finishes fit for a king all combine to create a fairy tale interior. From delicate pastel palettes to chic chandeliers, this sweet and sophisticated style is dreamy, decadent and perfect for any home.

Twinkle twinkle

Pretty statement pendant lights and elegant tableside fixtures create the perfect amount of illumination for a fairy tale interior. Create this look with layered lighting: choose a sophisticated statement pendant and complement it with dimmed floor lamps or bedside lighting. Glass, nickel, and high-gloss finishes are all princely illumination options, and work perfectly in the master bedroom, dining and living areas.

Powdery pastels

Create a space straight out of a storybook with soft and lustrous pastel colors throughout the room. Choose a satin-finish paint for the walls in a soft white or powdery gray, and add plush upholstered pieces in muted neutrals for additional elegance. Top off the look with airy drapery and linens, and soft, tufted textures throughout.

Enchanted embellishment

One of the most beloved characteristics of fairy tale interiors is their decadence and grandeur. From crown molding to ornate coving and ceiling medallions, fairy tale style is nothing short of sophisticated. For your own enchanted space, consider adding molding. Moldings add shape and dimension to a room, lending an opulent feel to the design. Accessorize the room with ultra-feminine furniture and velvety fabrics topped with masculine elements like fur and metal fixtures.

Plenty of sophisticated touches can be added for your own personal pampering. Ornate fireplaces, cozy curtains, textured tapestries and delicate details all add their own fairy tale flair. Four-poster beds covered in sensual fabrics, vintage throws, and tufted pillows create decadence, while calming colors create a restful haven.Combine your favorite fairy tale elements to create an ambiance perfect for a beloved storybook character. Bring the look into modern-day design with transitional elements, or keep it classic by playing up its old-fashioned appeal. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

January 2017 Scottsdale Arizona real estate market update

February 9, 2017 szabogroup

Can you believe it’s already February? Let’s take a look at how the Scottsdale real estate market faired in January. New listings are up 63.9% from December with a total of 1,111 new listings vs. 678. The new listings in January were driven by homeowners waiting until after the holidays to list their home. New contracts were up in January by 51.0%. The median sale is up from $399,000 in December to $410,000 in January. January closed with some motivating numbers – Sellers on the fence are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the low inventory and high demand! During these up and down activity months it is more important than ever to consult a real estate professional that knows the Paradise Valley market.

If you’re considering to purchase or sell a property in Scottsdale we invite you to reach out to Joe and Linda Szabo with The Szabo Group – The Scottsdale Real Estate Experts! They and their team are more than happy to assist you with any of your real estate needs. We hope that you enjoy reading and analyzing the Scottsdale Luxury Home Report and should you have any questions or comments, please feel free to Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020 or email him directly at Joe@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com. You can also visit https://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.

Treat Someone Special to a Romantic Indoor Picnic By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

February 8, 2017 Joe Szabo

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Creating a fantasy escape at home is an excellent way to surprise your significant other or a treasured friend. An inexpensive solution to date night, this at-home indoor picnic is a recipe for romance and a chance to just relax. It’s all about comfort, ordering in from your favorite restaurant (Thai is a great choice), and setting up a movie night or romantic playlist. Leave those work-week vibes at the door, and spread out with popcorn, a spiked Thai iced tea, and some mood-setting accents. The floor pillows, layered blankets, and picnic side crates all transport you to another place. This great setup delivers much needed hang-time, with no commute and no stress.

Re-plating takeout means one less trip to the grocery store, and no mad dash to make a reservation in time. Pair your meal with a lovely cocktail or special libation. If you’ll be ordering sushi, grab a bottle of sake, and if Southern comfort food is on the menu, just grab some seasonal brews. Cheers to a lovely night in. Hope you made it a special one!

Spiked Thai iced tea

For each serving, pour 1-½ cup brewed and chilled Thai tea, such as Pantai Thai Tea Mix. Stir in one teaspoon of honey simple syrup (one part honey, one part water, heated until the honey dissolves, and then cooled). Add one ounce of whiskey, then top with a splash of coconut milk (not to be confused with coconut water). Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

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