Tom Donohue & Jeri Dube

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Tom Donohue & Jeri Dube's Blog

Architecture: New-Home Builders Starting to Offer More Choice, Including Contemporary Designs

Posted On: July 6th, 2017 6:02PM

Toll Brothers


July 26, 2016 - For about 15 years, Mediterranean has been the predominant style of architecture built in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. With their rich architectural detail, these Tuscan and Spanish-designed homes represent a marked improvement over the plainer, boxier Spanish homes prevalent here before then.

But now sensing consumer desire for more choice, new-home builders in Arizona are starting to offer other styles of architecture as well.

The widest choice of architecture we have seen is in Carefree at Reserve at Tranquil Trail by Toll Brothers. In addition to standard Tuscan and Spanish Colonial choices, Toll Brothers offers Ranch Hacienda, Desert Contemporary, and Contemporary alternatives there. Our favorite is the Desert Contemporary pictured above.

These options fill a definite need for Contemporary new construction by production builders. Until now, the entry price point for Contemporary new homes had been much higher because such homes had been generally available only from luxury custom builders.

Another reminder: Please make sure that Tom and Jeri accompany you on your first visit to any new-home community. Otherwise, Tom and Jeri may not be able to represent you and protect your interests.

Photo Courtesy of Toll Brothers

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Interior Design: Traditional with a Modern Twist

Posted On: July 6th, 2017 5:59PM


July 23, 2016 - If you have not been in a model home in a couple of years, you are in for a surprise: Old World interior design, which had been in vogue in Arizona for more than a decade, has been supplanted by a new style called "transitional." Transitional design is difficult to define, but Lisa Frederick of the Houzz website does a good job in describing it as a blend "of the comfort and warmth of traditional design with the clean profiles and understated colors of the contemporary look." Perhaps the simplest description might be: Traditional with a modern twist. 

While we love the romanticism of Old World interior design, we welcome the cheerfulness and eclecticism exuded by this new look. If you have not already noticed this trend, you should check it out. You may find that transitional design allows you to better express your true self than Old World design does.

In north Scottsdale, a great example of transitional design can be found in the model home at Whisper Ridge by CalAtlantic Homes. The interior of that model is casual but sophisticated. 

A reminder: Please make sure that Tom and Jeri accompany you on your first visit to any new home community. Otherwise, Tom and Jeri may not be able to represent you and protect your interests. 

Photo Courtesy of CalAtlantic Homes

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Surprising Report About the Value of Remodeling Projects

Posted On: July 6th, 2017 5:51PM

Kitchen


July 20, 2016 - According to conventional wisdom, remodeling projects, particularly kitchen and bath remodels, are great investments. We agree that prudent remodeling will help sell your home faster.

But, according to Remodeling magazine's annual "Cost vs. Value" report, few remodeling projects pay for themselves. For upscale homes in the Phoenix area, according to the report, a major kitchen remodel of $118,054 would typically add only $63,530 (or 53.8%) of value to a home, and a bathroom remodel of $55,920 would ordinarily add just $29,887 (or 53.4%) of value. Of the 27 remodeling projects studied for the Phoenix market, only three projects provided a positive return: attic insulation (136.3%), garage door replacement (107.1%) and entry door replacement (105.8%) - all for midrange homes. The full report, done in association with Realtor magazine, can be viewed here: COST VS VALUE REPORT

In light of these findings, we always suggest to clients that we see their homes before they undertake remodeling projects. We may have remodeling suggestions that will help sell your home both faster and for more money.


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