Kitchen Remodeling

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home and updating this space can significantly increase your home’s value. With this space, avoid doing a half-remodel. Instead, invest in new cabinetry – try to avoid gray or white if possible. Wood cabinetry is timeless and very much on trend. Stick with neutral paint colors for the walls. Don’t hesitate on high-end, energy-efficient appliances such as Wolf or Viking. Gas ranges are preferred. As for countertops, Quartzite, Quartz, or hone granite are great options. Also, natural wood white oak floors are very in demand. If you want something more durable, large-tiled flooring is always a good option. The key is to update to a modern, functional space that is turnkey – without over-personalizing.

Pro Tip: If you want top dollar for your home, steer clear of painting existing cabinets. This can make the space look and feel unfinished – and can be a big turnoff for potential buyers looking for move-in ready. Especially in kitchens.

Bathroom Upgrades

Like the kitchen, bathroom remodels can also offer a solid ROI, and ‘Spa Rooms’ are the latest trend we continue to see growing in popularity. Incorporating spa-like elements such as neutral paint colors and upgraded light fixtures can make the space feel light and bright while incorporating mixed metals into your finishes creates an effortless look and feel. Beautiful plants add that touch of texture and natural greenery – with more extensive renovations including modernizing showers and baths, or expanding the space.

Pro Tip: Always consider the cost versus the potential return when choosing the size of your remodel.

Basic Home Upgrades

Sometimes, the best ROI comes from ensuring that the basic elements of your home are in good condition. Residents here in Arizona often have three items on their home maintenance lists: replacing dated roofs, servicing/repairing/replacing their HVAC systems, and ensuring their home’s foundation is sound. It’s painful to think about these big ticket items, and while they may not be the most glamorous upgrades, they are crucial for maintaining the value of your home and can be a major red flag for potential buyers if not addressed.

Maximizing ROI

Remember, the key to maximizing ROI on your home upgrades is to balance the cost of the improvements with the potential increase in home value. Always consider your local real estate market and consult with professionals to ensure that your investments are wise and tailored to what buyers in the North Phoenix area are looking for.

If you are thinking about listing your Phoenix home this year, and are in need of expert guidance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 602.900.1331 and we will be happy to assist. Or, if you are interested in purchasing your first, or next home, view our featured listings here. For more expert tips, be sure to follow us on our Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages.

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What is life like in one of Scottsdale’s most premier gated communities? The pinnacle of luxury living awaits you at the upscale, gated golf community of Gainey Ranch!

Living in Gainey Ranch gives you access to top-notch amenities that enhance your living experience. Homeownership allows access to the exclusive Gainey Ranch Estate Club featuring:

• A state-of-the-art fitness facility
• Tennis and basketball courts
• A sparkling pool and relaxing spa
• Pristine golf course

In addition to the many amenities found within the Gainey Ranch Estate Club, residents enjoy a beautifully landscaped community with an on-site management team dedicated to maintaining the grounds. Residents can explore:

• The award-winning Gainey Ranch Golf Course
• TONS of retail stores, boutique shops, and fabulous restaurants.

For more information on Gainey Ranch, visit gaineyranchca.com.

If this sounds like the community for you, and you’d like to take a look at any of our current Gainey Ranch listings, please contact Kim Lowe at 602.900.1331.

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These Five Expert Tips Will Help You Create Immediate Value
By Kim Lowe, your Certified Luxury Marketing Specialist

If you’re getting ready to list your home for sale as we head into the final stretch of 2023, there are a few crucial steps we recommend taking. Here are our top five tips that will ensure you make a great impression with potential buyers and sell your home even faster:

Stage Your Space:

The National Association of Realtors have stated that “staging has proven to increase the value of your home by 20%”. While you can prep your home to be spacious and welcoming yourself, we recommend hiring a professional stager to take the stress off of you during an already busy time. We suggest “taking the home out of the house” and going for a style more reminiscent of a model home. Your space will appeal to a larger variety of buyers, and truly help potential buyers visualize themselves living there.

Consistency is Key:

Being consistent creates unmatched excitement for the buyer. In turn, they ask the right questions, and ultimately, end up writing a top dollar offer on your home. We like to focus on decluttering, deep cleaning, interior painting, and assessing the type of lighting throughout the home. Creating a consistent look and feel, that flows from room to room, displays pride of ownership of your home. When done right, this detail can resonate with your potential buyers and help bring those desired offers to fruition.

Up Your Curb Appeal Game:

It’s true what they say about first impressions. the exterior of your home is the very first chance you have to make a lasting impression on a potential buyer. Clearing out any overgrown weeds and shrubs, mowing the lawn, raking the rocks, removing debris, and even some fresh flowers, can make all the difference when it comes to the sale of your home. This is when you also make sure any landscape and pool lighting is working properly, for the best representation of what your property has to offer.

Hire Professional Photographers and Videographers:

High-quality photos and video are essential, and can absolutely mean the difference between a quick sale or spending more days on the market. So, hiring a professional photographer/videographer to capture your home looking its best will help your home stand out among the noise of the MLS (multiple listing service).

Don’t get Overwhelmed by the home-selling process:

Living in a home and selling a home are two vastly different things. While it may not feel practical or convenient, it is necessary – and absolutely short-lived – to help sell your home for top dollar in a reasonable timeframe. By considering these comprehensive listing steps, a successful sale is sure to follow.

Interested in buying or selling your Phoenix home in Fall or Winter? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert real estate team at 602-900-1331. We’ll be happy to assist you.  For more expert tips, tricks, and insights, be sure to follow us on our Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages.

The post Prepping your Phoenix Home For Sale this Fall or Winter appeared first on Kimberly Lowe | Scottsdale Luxury Real Estate Expert.

After a summer spent in the air-conditioned indoors, Phoenicians are eagerly anticipating the arrival of cooler weather, which beckons us to step outside and embrace the beauty of our lovely state. As the temperatures begin to mellow, North Phoenix/Scottsdale comes alive with a renewed sense of energy and excitement. A season packed with outdoor activities and entertainment that highlights Arizona’s quintessential sunny days and clear, cool nights.

One of my personal favorites, besides the cool weather, is ‘Friday Night Lights’, aka football season. There is nothing better than Sunday Funday which includes putting on your favorite comfy sweatshirt, turning on the fire and watching a good football game with friends and family. This year, I am so excited to watch my son, Braxton, and his friends play their first season at Pinnacle High School. Go Pioneers!

While football may be a big deal in our household, there are several other activities that are perfect for exploring Phoenix and its stunning desert landscape.

Hiking Adventures:

Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails at McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Piestewa Peak, Papago Park or Camelback Mountain. The milder temps and golden sunlight create an amazing atmosphere for both novice and experienced hikers. My personal favorite trails include Pinnacle Peak, Gateway and Tom’s Thumb. And don’t forget your phone or camera to capture the Valley’s breathtaking panoramic views and spectacular cotton candy skies during those sunrise/sunset hours.

Farmers Markets:

As we head into peak season, farmers markets pop up throughout North Phoenix and Scottsdale, providing us with an abundance of locally grown produce, artisanal crafts, local boutiques and tasty treats. This is the perfect opportunity to engage with the community and support local businesses.

Farmers Market North Scottsdale opens on September 26th and offers two locations at Troon North and DC Ranch Village Health Club. Uptown Farmer’s Market (located at Central & Bethany Home) is another great one and runs twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, year-round.

My personal favorite: Hopping on my bike and riding over to High Street at City North and grabbing brunch after you shop around their Farmer’s Market which runs every Sunday, 10am-1pm, October- May.

Family Activities:

MacDonald’s Ranch was a definite fall season must when my kids were younger. They loved the horseback riding, petting zoo, panning for gold, lawn games and taking a hayride out to the ‘patch’ to pick out their pumpkins for carving. The pumpkin patch opens September 30th and runs through October 29th.

If you want to make a day of it, another great place to visit is Mortimer Farms in Dewey, AZ. My kids still talk about their Pumpkin Fest which also runs September 30th through October 29th. They offer loads of fun activities including barrel train rides, hayrides and a spectacular corn maze! If you haven’t been, it’s a great activity for kids of all ages. And don’t forget the Arizona State Fair located off W. McDowell Road in Phoenix. This year it runs September 22nd – October 29th and boasts an exciting lineup of attractions, concerts, games, rides, and yummy food trucks – including those fried-food favorites.

Shopping:

Another fall season must-see is Junk in the Trunk. They will be celebrating their 10th year here in the Valley, September 16-18, at Westworld in Scottsdale. It is such an incredible event that hosts over 130 curators and artisans from all over the country. If you are looking for one-of-a-kind, vintage or homemade items and local products, you won’t want to miss this one.

There are so many amazing things to see and do here in the Valley year-round, but with the cooler temperatures on the horizon, I’m looking forward to getting back to patio dining, outdoor concerts on the lawn and many evenings spent in the backyard enjoying the stars with close friends and family.

We hope you’re having a wonderful 2023 so far, especially as we begin to transition from Summer to Fall. If you’re looking to move this season, we’re here to help. Whether you’re buying, selling, or looking information about your target market, contact us at 602.900.1331. Also, don’t forget to follow us (@thekimberlylowegroup) on Instagram and Facebook for so much more.

The post Embracing Fall in Phoenix: A Few Outdoor Activities to Savor the Season appeared first on Kimberly Lowe | Scottsdale Luxury Real Estate Expert.

It’s that time of year again. Kids are out of school; summer temperatures are rising and finding fun and exciting activities for everyone in the family seems to be a regular topic at the dinner table.

As a long-time Desert Ridge/North Phoenix resident, I’ve spent my fair share of time pouring over summer catalogs, reading popular Mom blogs and scouring the internet and social media to find ways to keep my family entertained during these warm summer months.

Whether you’re new to the area or just looking for ideas, here’s my personal list of tried-and-true favorites:

Summer Day Passes to Resorts.

This is always a winner and great for kids of all ages – myself and husband included. Some top-rated resorts in the Valley offer passes starting as low as $55 or you can splurge and rent a daybed or cabana that seats up to 6 and includes complimentary Wi-Fi, self-parking and more. Some of our top picks include (JW Marriott Desert Ridge, The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and Hyatt at Gainey Ranch).

Water Parks and Splash Pads.

If your kids love the water like mine, Phoenix has great water parks, like Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix, where you can enjoy thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools. For a more relaxed experience, Phoenix offers numerous splash pads around the Valley – perfect for younger children. Popular spots include Scottsdale Quarter, CityScape, Luci’s at The Orchard or Desert Ridge Marketplace.

Rent a Boat or Go Tubing.

A family favorite in my house is to rent a boat for the day and go tubing at Lake Pleasant. Be sure to check out Paqua Park, Hurricane Harbor and their amazing H2-WHOA floating water slides! They do not disappoint. Other great options include Bartlett Lake and tubing or kayaking down the Verde River.

Local Indoor Experiences –

While a day in the sun or splashing around in the water is always a good time, there are several indoor activities that are equally as entertaining.

Butterfly Wonderland, OdySea Aquarium, KTR, Octane Raceway, iFLY Indoor Skydiving and Sky Zone are all great activities to fill time and keep your kids active. The newest hot spot is Mavrix. If you haven’t had a chance to check them out, they offer bowling, VR, laser tag, arcades, great food and a bar. Local tip: For KTR and Sky Zone, be sure to watch for specials where they offer unlimited time for $75 for the season. For movie lovers, Harkins offers tickets as low as $3 – the perfect time to catch up on all the big summer blockbusters.

In addition to all of the above ideas, we’ve come up with a Summer Bucket List full of amazing, thrilling activities to also include in your summer 2023 plans!

From all of us here at The Kimberly Lowe Group, we hope you have the best Summer!

If you’re looking to fulfill all of your real estate goals, you’ve come to the right place. At The Kimberly Lowe Group our top priority is to provide first class service by going above and beyond for every client. So let us help you! Whether you’re looking to buy, hoping to sell, or just want more information about Arizona, email or call us at 602-900-1331 today. Don’t forget to follow us (@thekimberlylowegroup) on Instagram and Facebook for information on luxury homes for sale all over the Valley! And check back to our blog for even more insights into your community, real estate tips, buying and selling tricks, and so much more.

The post Unbeatable Family Activities to Enjoy This Summer appeared first on Kimberly Lowe | Scottsdale Luxury Real Estate Expert.

I can’t say it enough, first impressions are everything! Studies show that 25% of a buyer’s mind is made up about a home the moment they arrive at the front door. With these warmer months upon us, it’s time to amp up the curb appeal of your house to welcome buyers. Remember, curb appeal includes more than just landscaping…it’s lighting, color palette, and cozy outdoor spaces.

Leveling up your Landscaping

Arizona is known for its desert landscape, but that doesn’t mean your backyard has to be barren and boring. When it comes to plants, we know that agave and cacti provide a wide and gorgeous variety that will thrive in our hot climate. But it is worth your while to understand how tropical plants like Bougainvillea and hibiscus can flourish here with proper irrigation. Tropicals can provide much-needed color and lushness to your landscaping, and a gorgeous contrast. Ornamental grasses like red yucca, slipper plant, deer grass, Mexican Feather grass, and Bamboo Muhly grass provide texture and can make beautiful planter filler, as well as visually divide areas of your yard.

Colors to Incorporate in Your Outdoor Space

In terms of color, sticking to a desert-inspired palette that includes warm, earthy tones is always a classic choice to highlight the natural beauty of our local landscape. But, adding pops of color like blue and green complement the natural surroundings and give your yard a sophisticated high-end look. You can incorporate these colors through choices in outdoor furniture, textiles, cushions, and decorative accents.

Desert Design Elements

The most impactful design element you can add to your desert home is your pool or spa. Nothing adds a touch of luxury like a water feature. It provides a relaxing retreat from the hot Arizona sun, but also adds a stunning focal point to your outdoor space. Outdoor kitchens, pergolas, and vertical structures are great options for visual impact, and they highlight the outdoor lifestyle that Arizona provides us. Always think about creating spaces to entertain guests under the shade.

In addition to these features, remember to incorporate outdoor lighting, a trellis with vines, lush trees, and outdoor rugs to give your backyard a unique, personalized touch. The key is to strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics, creating a space that not only looks beautiful but also serves as a practical and enjoyable outdoor space. So why wait? There’s no better time to start sprucing up your outdoor escape!

As one of the most trusted real estate teams in Arizona, The Kimberly Lowe Group takes pride in our dedication and ability to make our clients our number one priority, always. Whether you’re looking for a new home, hoping to sell yours, or just want some more information about the markets we specialize in, we are here to help. Email or call Kim Lowe at 602.900.1331. Don’t forget to follow us (@thekimberlylowegroup) on Instagram and Facebook for more on luxury Phoenix, Arizona homes for sale all over the Valley! Plus, check back to our blog for even more market updates, insights, tricks, tips, and more.

The post Incorporating the Latest Colors and Trends into Your Outdoor Space Refresh appeared first on Kimberly Lowe | Scottsdale Luxury Real Estate Expert.

As you know, your home is your most valuable asset and we are here to help provide you with access to tips, tools and information that will help you maximize your home’s wealth and equity … all at your fingertips!

Grow Your Net Worth With Homebot

Homebot is a free tool that we personally use to manage our own home’s value. There are no strings attached. It’s simply a tool we love that can help you track the value of your home, plan for the future or work towards your personal real estate goals. And we’d love to share it with you!

What is Homebot?

Whether you’re curious about the current value of your home or interested in potentially refinancing when rates start to go down, Homebot can help you make the right moves to maximize your most valuable asset.

3 Key Features We Love About Homebot

• Tracks Your Home Wealth: Keeps an eye on your home’s value, loans, equity, and market trends.
• Saves You More Money: See the power of extra principal payments or refinancing at the right time.
• Build Your Wealth Faster: Know exactly when to buy, sell, rent, or remodel to maximize your most important investment.

To take advantage of this free tool for your home, feel free to click the link below to sign up. It’s super fast and easy.
>> YES! PLEASE SIGN ME UP

Still have questions or would like a more in depth analysis on the current value of your home, contact me today at 602-900-1331 and I’ll be happy to walk you through it.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram or Facebook for more tips and the latest updates on the market in your area.

The post Why We Love Homebot | Valuable Information About Your Home at Your Fingertips appeared first on Kimberly Lowe | Scottsdale Luxury Real Estate Expert.

Started by a group of investors who wanted a new way to enjoy vacations without the hassles of fully owning a second home, renting out vacation homes, or staying in hotels, Sonhaus allows its customers to purchase fractional ownership of luxury homes.

Partial ownership not only eliminates many of the hassles of second home ownership but also opens the door to other opportunities. These could include selling or renting to other Sonhaus homeowners through the Sonhaus App.

With fractional ownership, you will never have to worry about upkeep, maintenance, or local bill management. Sonhaus manages everything for you. These exceptional homes set standards of sustainability, leaving a low carbon footprint and using renewable energy wherever possible. They’re lavishly decorated with Restoration Hardware furnishings; and even equipped with a home office and gym, and 24/7 support Sonhaus makes ownership a breeze.

In recent years, fractional ownership has been on the rise; and this partnership brings great opportunities for individuals wanting to reside in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations. Currently, Sonhaus has over 150 properties. These are in locations such as Marabella, Mykonos, Ibiza, Mallorca, and Algarve to name a few!

Interested in learning more, or purchasing your slice of paradise? Give us a call today at 602-900-1331 or visit our website at thekimberylowegroup.com

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If we take a look at the total number of Valley wide closings for May, there were 9,057. This includes all dwelling types and represents a decrease of 466 closings from the previous month. So, while more inventory is hitting the market each day, the rise in interest rates is slowing down the demand from buyers. But what does this mean exactly? There are actually positives to this current rate of supply and demand. Let us explain.

Prices are remaining steady. While pricing adjustments are being made, closing homes are beginning to show similar purchase prices to the homes that have closed over the previous few months. That means that these pricing adjustments are being made to homes that came on the market above market rate. So, homes that are priced well and accurately for their condition are going to sell quickly. This also has a ton to do with the location of these homes as well.

Buyers are no longer having to sign away their contingencies and are now able to complete full inspections. This is because buyers have more options in our current market. Buying power might be decreased due to higher interest rates, but buyers are taking back their available options and doing what is best for their situation.

What does this all mean? If the market continues to follow the trajectory we’re currently seeing, we can expect to see a more balanced, “normal” market by the time we reach the month of September 2022.

Stay tuned!

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As one of the most trusted real estate teams in Arizona, The Kimberly Lowe Group takes pride in our passion and dedication to making our clients our number one priority, always. Whether you’re looking for a new home, hoping to sell yours, or just want some more information about the markets we specialize in, we’re here to help. Email or call Kim Lowe at 480-363-1622 and remember to follow us (@thekimberlylowegroup) on Instagram and Facebook for information on luxury homes for sale all over the Valley! Check back to our blog for even more market updates, insights, tricks, tips, and more.

The post An Inside Look at Our Current Real Estate Market appeared first on Kimberly Lowe | Scottsdale Luxury Real Estate Expert.

We’re so honored to be included in a roundup of Women to Watch in May’s So Scottsdale Magazine alongside some of the best of the best in the Valley.

Here at The Kimberly Lowe Group, Shannon and I make it our mission to ensure that our clients get our full attention and service – because they truly are our number one priority. And we believe in placing the needs and interests of our clients before our own.

Shannon said it perfectly: “Our clients know that they come first and that we are mildly obsessive about maximizing their overall experience and helping them see the value we bring.”

And we’re just beginning…

Are you looking to buy or sell your home? Let’s chat, our team is here to help! Email or call Kim Lowe at 602-300-1331 to speak with our team today. Follow us (@thekimberlylowegroup) on Instagram and Facebook to stay in the know on luxury Arizona homes for sale all over the Valley; and head to our blog for more tips, tricks, insights, market updates, community information, and so much more!

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