By Joe Szabo,ScottsdaleReal Estate Team

 

With kitchen remodels leading the way when it comes to large scale home improvements, kitchen appliances have evolved into some of the most sophisticated, technologically advanced, and convenient home appliances on the market. If you’re ready to remodel your kitchen, here are 10 of the most cutting edge and innovative kitchen appliances to hit the scene in recent years. Installing any, or all, of these wonderful inventions will transform your kitchen from something out of date to darn near futuristic in the blink of an eyeýor should we say a few clicks of the egg timer? #1: Steam Assist Ovens Steam assist ovens utilize steam in the cooking process to produce better tasting food and faster cook times. Because they use steam to cook, usually with convection heating, they reduce almost all need for basting, misting, and water bathing. These ovens are also fully computerized, and electronically monitor the amount of steam used based on the dish type you enter in on the keypad. Truth is, these appliances practically cook dinner for you! #2: Induction Cooktops Induction cooktops generate electromagnetic fields to heat up your pots and pans rather that the cooktop itself. Sounds hard to believe, but you can literally boil a pot of water on a burner and then set your hand on it moments later without experiencing any ill effects. Add to that the fact that induction cooking is up to twice as efficient as natural gas or traditional electric heating elements, and it’s easy to see why this futuristic cooking method is catching on fast. #3: Microwave Drawers Microwave drawers are undercounter microwaves that electronically slide out like a drawer rather than requiring you to open a door. The benefits of these units include saving space, blending your microwave seamlessly into your cabinet design, easier microwave access, and more kid-friendly operation. #4: Dishwasher Drawers Dishwasher drawers operate on the same principle as microwave drawers. Instead of a clumsy looking traditional dishwasher, you can install dishwasher drawers fitted with your own custom cabinetry. The drawers look like any other drawer in your kitchen, but pull out to reveal a functional dishwasher instead! #5: Oven Refrigerators That might read like a typo the editor missed, but it’s an actual product that is taking the kitchen appliance industry by storm. These ovens refrigerate food during the day while you’re at work, then convert to an oven at a pre-set time so your dinner is ready for you to eat when you pull into the driveway. These units are perfect for today’s hard working professionals and busy families. #6: Built-In Rotisserie Ovens Built in rotisserie ovens are just what they sound like. Instead of taking up valuable counterspace with that rotisserie cooker, you can have a built in rotisserie installed much like you would a more traditional oven. Imagine cooking everything from mouthwatering chicken to tender roasts without the hassle of dragging that bulky rotisserie cooker out of the pantry. It’s almost too good to be true. #7: Lift Ovens Lift ovens have cavities that drop down like an elevator lift, rather than requiring you to open a door and place your food inside. You set whatever it is you’re cooking on the lowered tray, push a button, and the entire setup raises into the oven and starts cooking. These are convenient additions for any homeowner, but they are especially useful for the elderly and those with disabilities, since they eliminate the need to bend over and place dishes in, or remove them, from a traditional oven. #8: Computerized Refrigerators Computerized refrigerators come with an actual computer and screen built right into the main door. You can access the internet, bring up stored recipes, and even check e-mail while you prepare dinner! #9: Water Stations Water stations are kitchen islands outfitted with multiple sinks (usually in a circular fashion) so that you and a handful of friends can prep dinner in each other’s company. With these handy additions, there’s no need to miss out on socializing just because you ran out of time to get dinner together before your guests arrived! #10: Kitchen Entertainment Centers Kitchen entertainment centers are transforming the time cooks spend in their kitchen. They come with a full range of radio receivers, television consoles, and CD and DVD players. They can be installed on the wall, as undercounter models, or as undercabinet additions. Any way you cut it, these all-in-one units change cooking from an isolated endeavor to a multi-media experience! 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 inArizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes inScottsdale, 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 forSaleand Estates forSaleinScottsdaleand to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

By Joe Szabo,ScottsdaleReal Estate Team

 

The Mediterranean house plan is defined by an open style with large exterior windows, a low-pitched, tiled roof, and stucco or brick siding. This openness hearkens toward pleasant weather, making the Mediterranean house plan a favorite for warm climate locales. While any house plan seeks a stunning appearance, few equal the raw curb appeal of the Mediterranean design. Its hallmark archways and verandas provide a sense of luxury without going over the top. You’re not going to choose a Mediterranean house plan for a tiny bungalow-sized house, but your house doesn’t have to break the bank, either. One-story or two, large or small, a Mediterranean house plan is an architectural style that can be tailored to meet any budget. Mediterranean Home Plan Features There is no one feature that defines a Mediterranean home plan. Extensive window installations, low-pitched roofs, and customary vaulted ceilings create the customary Tuscan feel, but the desired effect should be more important than any strict guidelines that must be met to create an authentically Mediterranean style home. Tied to the mild climate of theMediterranean, the home’s exterior design is usually only part of the equation. Landscaping is often an integral part of the puzzle. Courtyards, swimming pools, semi-elaborate gardening, and other landscaping emphasize the same openness you find inside the house. In many ways, your yard becomes the buffer that creates the privacy the windows would otherwise betray. 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 inArizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes inScottsdale, 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 forSaleand Estates forSaleinScottsdaleand to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

By Joe Szabo,ScottsdaleReal Estate Team   The most frequent question that I get from perspective customers is “ What type of carpet should I buy?” Instead of coming up with a quick answer, my response is to start asking probing questions. The first question I ask is “why do you want to replace your carpet?”   Understanding the motivation behind a customer wanting to change their carpet will give me a starting pointing in my recommendation.   When I met with Rick and Sally Brown about replacing their carpet, they explained to me that they were expecting their first child and they wanted to buy a carpet would be best for their new baby.   Again, instead of giving Sally and Rick a quick recommendation, I felt it was important to probe a little further, so I asked them to tell me what was the most important characteristics of their new carpet. They said that a carpet has to be easy to clean, reasonably priced and soft enough for their baby. After gathering the characteristics that were important to the family, now we can look at the three primary fabrics(fibers) to choose from.   Nylon: Nylon is the strongest fiber of all the carpets. It has excellent resistance to abrasion, insects, molding, mildew, rot, and many chemicals. It is also easy to maintain, and dye, while upholding its color admirably.   With all of these advantages, nylon makes quite a formidable carpet. Thus, it is the main choice for residential use, accounting for 9 of 10 homes. With such a large hand in the residential carpet business, it would be expected that nylon carpet holds up well in traffic, hides soil, and is available in brilliant colors. Which indeed it does all very well. Nylon carpet is priced averagely, not quite as expensive as wool, but more expensive than polypropylene, and polyester.   Nylon does have its disadvantages. For example, nylon carpet is quite susceptible to stains. Nevertheless, manufacturers have developed methods for increasing stain resistance. One method, adding acid dye stain blocker to the carpet, greatly increases its stain resistance. The longevity of nylon carpet depends on the quality you buy.   Midlevel and high-end carpet can last up to 12 to 15 years. However, it does come at a cost. Prices range anywhere from 25 to 50 dollars per square yard. On the other hand, you can buy it quite cheap if your willing to have a lower grade of quality. At 8 dollars per square yard, you will get you basic nylon carpet. Then again, it will lose its color brightness and fade at a much quicker pace. It will also tend to lose its bounce, and relax. However, this is the case with any low-end carpet.   PET (recycled): Also, it is more stain resistant than nylon carpet. However, nylon carpet is much stronger than polyester, which tends to shed more. Additionally, it is quite resistant to mildew, and moisture (at a cheaper cost than nylon). It is also non-allergenic. Another thing to point out about polyester is that some of it (if not all) is made from recycled bottle caps. Which may improve indoor air quality. About 50 soda bottle caps go into a square yard of carpet. Which is a great talking point. It is also quite cheap, cheaper than wool, and nylon. Then again, you have to remember, when purchasing the recycled version of this carpet, it is actually made of plastic. So, it would be a good idea to first test this in a single room, before going all out with this environmentally friendly carpet. You might notice a gleam when looking at it, or squeak when walking across it   Olefin: Polypropylene, (also called olefin) is the prime choice for commercial carpet, and outdoor carpet. Depending on the cut, it will wear very well, clean easily, and is suitable for high traffic areas. It is inherently stain resistant. In fact, its stain resistance is so high you can spill chlorine on it, or other harsh chemicals, and it will have little effect. Coupled with these two factors, it is also very cheap, cheaper than wool, nylon, and polyester. For these reasons, polypropylene continues to gain popularity. Due to its high resilience to sunlight, mildew, and moisture; polypropylene is an excellent choice for an outdoor carpet, and is actually used for artificial sports turf.   However, with all these benefits, comes disadvantages. Polypropylene is not exactly ‘crush resistant’ and can be prone to matting, crushing, and general scuffs. This also depends on the pile cut. It is also difficult to dye. Additionally, polypropylene attracts a lot of oily soil. Though this can be canceled out by the fact that strong chemicals may be used to clean it.   Floors must withstand your lifestyle. They get nicked by high heels, crusted by muddy boots and crushed by furniture legs. Sunlight, moisture, pets, stains, spills, and childhood accidents all leave marks. Yet it’s common to focus on how a floor covering looks and forget how it will wear. Carpet There are four clear choices when it comes to floor covering: carpet, wood, tile, and vinyl. Carpet cuts down on noise and hides problems with subflooring. It also offers wobbly toddlers a softer landing, and warms your toes on chilly mornings. Damage can be repaired using leftover carpet, if the wear and fading have not been extensive. For those who suffer from allergies, carpet squares can provide a viable option. These squares are completely removable and can be cleaned outdoors to avoid stirring up dust mites and allergens. No matter the health concerns, carpet must be vacuumed regularly and shampooed annually, at the very least, to ensure a quality floor covering. Wood Floors Wood flooring is a popular choice for many reasons. Wood floors don’’t harbor dust, bacteria, or dust mites the way that carpet can. Wood floors come in natural styles, are durable and, when properly sealed and finished, can be cleaned with a wet mop. Woods such as oak, cherry, or fir don’t dent as easily as pine, and most gouges can be restained to hide the damage. Hardwood floors can be left their natural color or given a stain, ranging from light (blond) to dark (cherry). Simulated wood products, such as Pergo, look like wood but are made of synthetic rubbers that won’t scratch or dent as easily as the real thing — yet they offer the same visual appeal as wood, including the grain that defines hard woods. These synthetic floors are particularly well suited to high-traffic areas like kitchens and mudrooms. Vinyl Vinyl makes perfect sense in kitchens, dining areas and entryways where water and grime collect. Vinyl cleans up well, looks attractive, and resists damage from furniture legs and falling objects. Vinyl squares, sold in 12- and 16-inch sizes, are the easiest floor product to install, bar none. They have a peel-and-stick backing, which allows them to go directly onto a prepped floor, and eliminates the mess of working with an adhesive. Vinyl squares also come in styles that mimic ceramic tile, but without the risk of chipping and cracking. Vinyl sheeting is an excellent choice for bathrooms and laundry areas, though sheeting must be cut to the exact size before being laid. Vinyl sheeting, unlike tiles, is not a peel-and-stick product, so you’ll need to apply glue to the floor before laying in the precut sheet. Price and quality vary depending on the thickness, pattern, and design of the floor covering. Ceramic Tile Ceramic tile has decorated floors since the days ofGreece,Persia, andRome. Today’s ceramic tiles boast brighter colors, and more elaborate patterns and styles. Fired ceramic is rugged and hard, functional and beautiful. Because it is non-porous, ceramic tile withstands moisture, and is well suited for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. Its beauty makes it an elegant choice for living areas, as well. Installing ceramic tile is a major undertaking, however, even in a small area such as a front or rear entryway. This is not a job for the faint-hearted or weak of knees. If you do it yourself, you will spend much time on your hands and knees, will learn to trowel, and will become adept with a tile cutter. 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 inArizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes inScottsdale, 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 forSaleand Estates forSaleinScottsdaleand to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

By Joe Szabo,ScottsdaleReal Estate Team

 

Average: $618

Low – High Cost: $100 – $1,500 The industry recommended time to have carpets cleaned is every 12-18 months, yet the average homeowner has her carpets cleaned every 7 years. “If it vacuums up, then it ain’t dirty,” as the old saying goes. The reason for the discrepancy between the time recommended and the span before they are actually cleaned results from the public not knowing how often this should be done, not to mention some misconception about costs. This article works towards solving these issues and a few others as well. Average Carpet Cleaning Costs The average home has about 1000 square feet (sq ft) of carpet. The national average for carpet cleaning costs on this size home is $.30/sq ft, which brings the actual carpet cleaning cost to $300. So the typical home spends around $43 a year for clean carpets, if the carpets in that home are being cleaned every 7 years. If you happen to have more carpet than a typical home, you are likely to get a per sq ft discount, since your home is a bigger job. However, cleaning carpet costs will go up if you have less. Less is More In order for carpet cleaning companies to make a profit on homes with less than 1000 sq ft of carpet, they have to raise the price per sq ft. The company still has to drive out to your house, unroll all of their hoses, set up their equipment, do the work, and then break it all back down. This takes time. So don’t feel that you are being ripped off if your price per square foot is higher than your neighbors’. This is an industry standard. Trick of the Trade If carpet cleaning costs are more than you think they should be, here are a few ways that can help you cut down on costs. If you schedule a regular yearly cleaning with your carpet company, you are likely to be able to negotiate for a lower price. With homeowners cleaning their carpets every 7 years, you will be way ahead of the curve and in the position to ask for a discounted price, since you are such a regular customer. Next, most companies who clean carpets also do other cleanings, such as upholstery and ducts. If you bundle all of the chores together and have them performed by the same company on the same trip, even though the entire cleaning will cost more, you will be saving money on each individual process, since they are only making one trip. The Final Word The items and prices listed above are just averages that we have gathered from our carpet services across the nation. Not every service will give you the same price or negotiate for the same kind of deals. However, if you think that the price you were quoted for your cleaning is too high, be sure to get several estimates so that you can see if your area just charges a higher rate. *Remember. Carpets last longer and look better with regular cleanings, plus carpet traps dust, dander, and allergens that can cause health issues. This is an inexpensive process that does wonders for your home and family. 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 inArizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes inScottsdale, 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 forSaleand Estates forSaleinScottsdaleand to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

  By Joe Szabo,ScottsdaleReal Estate Team   Desert summit view homes are among the major reasons why a lot of homebuyers and property investors love to go to Scottsdale, Arizona. Since the founding in the early 19th century of Scottsdale, it has metamorphosed from an odd community of citrus farms and cattle ranches into a bustling modern community of self-driven home starters, moneyed middle agers and empty nesters. Its unique resort living is what makes it tick and its appeal cuts across the entire spectrum of buyers and property investors. A significant number of communities with desert summit view homes feature golf course, tennis courts, recreational centers, shopping establishments and other modern amenities. While you would no longer see any traces of its storied past, this vast cosmopolitan community still retains the charm and rich reputations of its early settlers, including those of the moneyed Midwesterners, who successfully built their fortunes on huge landholdings in this part of Arizona. The communities in Scottsdale are as diverse as its local landscape. These high-end communities boast of an elegant mix of golf casitas, condominiums, single family and patio homes that offer the best views of the desert summit. For a community that is right at the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale is interestingly an oasis of verdant landscape. This vibrant community is known for the Indian Bendwash and its world-class golf courses. It is straddled by a number of parks that boast of sports facilities, small fishing lakes and miles of bike paths. You can comfortably reach various destinations and attractions in Scottsdale riding your bike. Luxury and stylish living in Scottsdale has always been associated with high-value desert summit view homes in Estancia, Desert Highlands, The Boulders, Winfield, Troon and Mirabel. The erstwhile laidback downtown area is now teeming with a lot of amazing attractions and activities. It features several art galleries, a rich collection of fine restaurants and other food outlets, a modern shopping mall and a bevy of old resorts. Scottsdale is going through massive development and change and after several years of planning, a major improvement program worth $2.5 billion targeting the downtown area has been launched. The improvement plan consists of the construction of boutique hotels cum residential complexes, townhomes, condominiums and fine restaurants. It is because of the major projects and developments in this cosmopolitan community that we are witnessing a sharp increase in the demand for desert summit view homes inScottsdale,Arizona. Indeed, this is the best time to consider our home buying options in high-end communities inScottsdale as these areas are expected to become one of the most expensive communities in the metro area. So, if you are looking for some great buying options, then you need to include in your range of top choices the desert summit view homes inScottsdale. 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 inArizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes inScottsdale, 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 forSaleand Estates forSaleinScottsdaleand to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

By Joe Szabo,ScottsdaleReal Estate Team

 

Moving to a new home proves to be an exciting time of life. Often moving will involve investing in new furnishings for the home. Whether you are remodeling, moving or buying a new home, high end kitchen appliances can provide many benefits for the homeowner. The stoves, refrigerators and other pieces of equipment help to keep us fed and clean. They require a large amount of space in the rooms they occupy and a large percentage of the overall space in a home. When shopping for these domestic devices, the consumer should take aesthetic quality of each appliance into consideration. Quality electrical devices such as those manufactured by Wolf and SubZero provide both style and function. They can help to make a home more comfortable as well as stylish. Selecting these luxury devices to assist with cooking and cleaning can give the room a great feel. If the whole family often gathers to visit and prepare a meal, the commercial quality devices make the task even more enjoyable. When kitchens are off limits to everyone except the cook, the devices make the time alone in the room an enjoyable one. Consumers will notice a large difference between the off-brand appliance and those that carry the better names. These commercial devices offer the peak of engineering. They provide convenience, capacity and capabilities that are not available in run-of-the-mill washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators and ranges. The difference is seen in both quality and style. The investment in a top quality appliance is an excellent choice for the new home. Many of the less expensive devices simply do not provide the quality or features to allow a homeowner to continue to use and enjoy them for years. Most consumers find the better quality devices to last 2-3 times longer than lower quality ones. Installing luxury pieces of equipment into kitchens increases the resale value of homes. With older homes, these renovations can help to increase the resale value of the home. In addition, in a housing market where homes are slow to move this type of renovation can make the difference in a closed sale and a home that sits on the market for months. Homeowners will recognize these units require a substantial investment. However, the manufacturers of the devices offer excellent warranties. Each device is often used several times each day in preparing meals or cleaning up after the family. Lower quality equipment often provides very limited warranties. However, the higher quality equipment is also backed by superior warranties, offering owners security that the device is less likely to break down and will be repaired. High end kitchen appliances help to transform ordinary kitchens into the extraordinary. The devices make the room more visually appealing but also help to improve functionality. Regardless of the appliance consumers are selecting, the commercial quality device makes it easier to meet the needs of a growing family. A visit to an appliance showroom will help consumers to see for themselves the difference in style and quality of the top quality appliances for use in their homes. 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 inArizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes inScottsdale, 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 forSaleand Estates forSaleinScottsdaleand to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Do you like color in your house? What’s your limit for color or do you use it limitless, according to your mood? For me, the best way to use color is planning and planning it well. Color is extremely important in a house and, yes, this post is about vibrant interiors, but we have to realize that color is everywhere and using the ones that makes us feel warm, welcome and happy can transform not only our space but also the way we live. I’ll be honest with you, I do like color but I can’t live with too much of it. I used to love having strong colors in my home. In my first house, my husband and I transformed our basement into a modern and colorful place. We painted the TV room a very dark gray, his office a dark orange, my office a light purple. It sounds “too much” and it was! But that’s was what we wanted at the time and we did it, we experimented, we learned how to paint, how to choose colors, and we also learned that you got to repaint your entire house to a neutral one if you want to sell it faster. We did all of that and it was really fun at the time! Would I have all of those colors at this time of my life? Not really, but every time I see rooms like the ones I’m posting today, I see that living with color can be really fun and cheerful. The truth is, I think you should embrace your love for color and if you get tired of it, you know where to find more paint, right? But if you prefer to play it safe, you can always add color with decor, with things that don’t cost a fortune and are easy to change. Living with vibrant interiors isn’t for everyone, but one thing I can guarantee you, these pictures will make you want to transform at least one room in your house by using your favorite color without fear 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.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team PDF/AutoCad File: No matter how perfect the house plan you choose is, my experience tells me you will most likely want to make a few last minute changes. You may decide to add a basement window or two. Or maybe you decide to replace that half wall at the family room with a spindled rail. If you have the electronic version of the plan, this can easily be accomplished. The other nice benefit to having the electronic version of your house plan is the distribution becomes much easier and cheaper. When I’m bidding out a new home, I like to send a PDF version to each subcontractor through email. This will save you both time and money versus printing and mailing. Think about it. If you have the minimum of three bidders per activity and you have thirty activities required to build your home, you will need to send out ninety (90) sets of house plans. The electronic version of the plan saves both you and the environment. Michael Luckado has built, remodeled and repaired thousands of homes across the U.S. He created Armchair Builder and the Armchair Builder Blog to help people save money on their new home building projects. 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.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Selecting the house plan to build your new home can be an exciting process. Finally you have the opportunity to create the home of your dreams that matches your family’s lifestyle. Besides square footage, the number of bedrooms and an inspiring design, there are some additional items you should consider when selecting the plans to build your new home. Here you will get some insight from a builder’s perspective on what makes a great set of house plans. Energy Efficiency: If you’re thinking of building a more energy efficient home to save on your utility bills and help the environment, you might want to consider a plan that has been designed with this in mind. The folks here at The House Designers have a large collection of green house plans that are designed to the Energy Star standard. Because this energy efficient standard requires special building procedures and products, it will save you time and money to include them in the initial house plan set. Foundation Type: Your house plan foundation will be affected by the lot that you ultimately choose. You probably won’t want to build a slab foundation if your lot is low due to the additional costs to raise the building pad. As far as basements go, you probably won’t want a basement if your lot has rock at, or just below, the surface as this can be expensive to remove. So, you may want to consider ordering your house plans after finalizing your lot selection. Plan Handing: Many of the house plans offered by The House Designers can be reversed…which means the layout can be changed to the opposite of what is shown. So, if you choose to reverse a plan with a garage, the driveway and garage will flip to the opposite side of the home. This is sometimes required if you are building on a corner lot as many municipalities won’t let you place a driveway near an intersection. You may also want to consider views when deciding the orientation of your home. You may want to reverse your house plan so the large grouping of windows frames that gorgeous ocean or mountain view. 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.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team The families moving into high-end luxury homes are looking for exclusivity, and want homes with private country clubs, golf courses, and tennis clubs. Since buyers in this market are traditionally families with incomes upwards of $800,000 per year, they are more likely to pay attention to lifestyles which afford them personal attention and provide recreational priorities. Many have traveled internationally and a large percentage of those will have traveled first class or by private jet. Those buying in the luxury home market are also likely to be looking for, or already own, a second home. Second homes or vacations homes are a priority for folks in this market. Contact with a good real estate agent and network is important in this endeavor. Million dollar home owners are often those younger baby boomers who work for large companies and earn around $800,000 per year. They care about health and recreation and many visit spas regularly, so that amenity is a high selling point. No, “a rose by any other name”, is not just a rose; and a house is not just any house when it comes to the luxury home 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.