• Discover Premier Living in Top Golf Destinations,Engel & Völkers Americas

    Discover Premier Living in Top Golf Destinations

    As the seasons change, there’s no better time to explore premier real estate near renowned golf courses. Imagine the lifestyle that comes with owning a property close to iconic fairways—convenient daily access to top-notch golfing, along with the luxury and tranquility that these destinations offer. From desert retreats in Scottsdale to coastal escapes in Hilton Head, these exclusive areas allow you to enjoy both world-class golf and upscale living. Here are some of the most sought-after locations where luxury homes meet easy access to acclaimed golf courses, perfect for enthusiasts and those seeking refined, year-round living alike. Scottsdale, Arizona For a premier desert golf experience, Scottsdale, Arizona, is the ideal destination. Known for its exceptional golf courses, the city offers more than 50 courses that cater to golfers of all levels.. The luxury real estate market in Scottsdale offers stunning homes with easy access to these top-rated courses, making it an attractive destination for those seeking both leisure and lifestyle. Engel & Völkers Shop: Engel & Völkers Scottsdale 10782 E Prospect Point Drive, Scottsdale, AZ is an elegant desert retreat with expansive living spaces, designed to maximize breathtaking views of the Sonoran landscape. This luxurious residence is minutes from several renowned public courses, such as Troon North Golf Club with its Monument and Pinnacle courses, and more. With quick access to premier courses, along with Desert Mountain's exclusive amenities like fine dining, tennis, hiking trails, five clubhouses, pickleball, two gyms, glamping, and most importantly, seven golf courses on the property, this home is perfectly suited for those seeking an elevated lifestyle immersed in Scottsdale’s golf haven. Whether you’re perfecting your game on nearby fairways or enjoying the home’s sophisticated spaces, this residence offers the best of leisure and luxury in Arizona’s sought-after Desert Mountain community.  Suncadia Resort, Washington Located in the scenic Cascade Mountains, Suncadia Resort is a premier golf destination that shines during the fall season. Crisp mountain air and views of autumn foliage set the stage for an unforgettable experience on its championship courses. Suncadia offers luxury homes with a perfect blend of nature, golf, and high-end amenities. Engel & Völkers Shop: Engel & Völkers Seattle Eastside Featured Property: Perched above the 11th tee of the award-winning Tumble Creek Club, 201 Cabin Trail Drive in Cle Elum, WA, epitomizes mountain elegance. This fully furnished custom home features soaring ceilings, expansive windows, and mood lighting that frame stunning views, creating a tranquil ambiance. The entertainer's kitchen boasts Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, an oversized island, custom cabinetry, and a unique live-edge table. The lower level offers a 2,600-bottle temperature-controlled wine cellar, a pool hall, and a back patio with a saltwater hot tub. The main floor suite includes a soaking tub and a private balcony, while guests can enjoy two additional suites, a home office/flex room, and a fully equipped gym. Residents have quick access to Tumble Creek’s amenities, including the Great House and pool, tennis and pickleball courts, and miles of trails. Adventure awaits just 80 miles from Seattle and Bellevue. Hilton Head Island, SC Hilton Head is a renowned golf destination, home to top-rated courses like Harbour Town Golf Links and Atlantic Dunes. The island offers a perfect blend of Southern charm, luxury living, and exceptional golf experiences. In the fall, the mild coastal weather makes Hilton Head an ideal spot for a golf getaway. Engel & Völkers Shop: Engel & Völkers Hilton Head Island Bluffton. Featured Property: 3 Heyward Place, Hilton Head Island is a luxurious Mediterranean estate featuring six spacious bedrooms and elegant living spaces, making it an ideal retreat for those who appreciate both privacy and proximity to world-class amenities. Located just minutes from several prestigious golf courses, including Harbour Town Golf Links, Palmetto Hall's Arthur Hills and Robert Cupp courses, and The Golf Club at Indigo Run, this property offers golf enthusiasts easy access to premier courses. Whether you're enjoying a round of golf or relaxing in the home’s serene courtyard, this home perfectly blends leisure and luxury in one of Hilton Head's most sought-after locations. How to Buy a Home on a Golf Course Purchasing a home near a golf course requires careful consideration. From amenities to community lifestyle, there’s a lot to think about. Access our Golf Course Living Brochure for expert advice on finding the perfect golf community home that suits your needs and lifestyle. Receive a Free Copy of Golfweek’s Ultimate Guide for 2024 Courtesy of PGA Professional Jason Becker and Golf Life Navigators, you have the opportunity to receive a FREE copy of Golfweek’s Ultimate Guide for 2024. This guide highlights the top resort golf courses across the U.S. and beyond, featuring many of the destinations we’ve explored here. Whether you're a golf enthusiast or love to travel, this guide is an invaluable resource. Claim your copy here and start planning your next great golf adventure today!   For those drawn to the allure of golf course living, these destinations present an exceptional blend of stunning homes and unmatched access to top golf experiences. Whether you’re envisioning a new lifestyle near the fairways or simply exploring possibilities, our Engel & Völkers team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to begin your journey toward finding the ideal home in one of these premier golf destinations.

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  • How to Downsize Your Home—at a Profit,Engel & Völkers Americas

    How to Downsize Your Home—at a Profit

    Done correctly, downsizing your home can be a smart financial move. Follow these tips to downsize at a profit and maximize your financial gain: Strategically Time the Sale   Research market conditions: Sell during a seller's market when demand is high and inventory is low. This typically results in higher selling prices. Seasonal timing: Home sales often peak in spring and summer. Consider listing your home during those busy buying seasons. Watch interest rates: If rates are low, more buyers will be able to afford a higher-priced home, which can work to your advantage. Consult with a real estate professional: For knowledgeable insights about each of these three issues. Enhance Your House’s Value Minor renovations: Small updates (e.g., fresh paint, new fixtures, or upgraded hardware) can boost your home’s value without significant investment. Kitchen and bathroom upgrades: If your budget permits, minor remodeling of the kitchen or bathrooms often offers the highest return on investment. Curb appeal: First impressions matter. Spruce up landscaping, repaint the front door, and make sure your home’s exterior is in good condition. Consult with an Engel & Völkers advisor: To determine what will maximize the ROI for your property. Downsize to a More Affordable Home Choose a smaller, less expensive home: When buying your next home, choose a smaller property in a less-affluent neighborhood or region to maximize your savings. Invest in a condo or townhome: These often are more affordable and easier to maintain than larger single-family homes. They also can have lower property taxes and upkeep costs. Leverage Tax Advantages Capital gains exclusion: If you’ve lived in your home for at least two of the last five years, you may exclude up to a certain amount (varying by state) in capital gains if single or married when selling your home. Retirement community tax breaks: Some areas or communities offer tax incentives for those downsizing or moving into age-restricted communities. Declutter and Sell Excess Possessions Sell unneeded furniture and items: Downsizing often means letting go of larger or extra furniture and belongings. Host a garage sale, sell online (e.g., Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace), or work with a consignment shop. Profits from these sales can offset moving expenses. Senior citizens should be particularly alert about their personal and financial safety when engaging in such sales. Consign or donate: Higher-end items can be sold through consignment stores, while donating can offer a tax deduction for charitable contributions. Choose the Right Location Relocate to a less-expensive area: Consider moving to a location with lower living costs, property taxes, or housing prices. This could be a nearby town, a different state, or even an area with favorable retirement benefits. Look for growing markets: If you're buying in a growing area with increasing property values, your next home can appreciate over time, adding additional profit. Minimize moving costs Shop for moving deals: Compare quotes from various moving companies and schedule your move during off-peak times (mid-month or weekdays) for lower rates. Downsize before you move: Reducing the number of items you move can lower moving costs, especially for long-distance relocations. The fewer items you take, the cheaper your move will be. DIY moving: If feasible, rent a moving truck and move yourself with the help of family and/or friends to save on professional movers. Consider long-term financial strategies Rent instead of buy: If you're unsure about your next step, renting may offer flexibility while allowing you to invest the profits from your home sale. Invest the equity: After downsizing, and with guidance from a financial advisor, consider investing some of the equity from your home sale into income-generating assets (e.g., stocks, bonds, or rental property) to grow your wealth. Plan for your future lifestyle and needs Low maintenance: Opt for a home that requires less maintenance and lower utility bills, allowing you to save on long-term expenses. Accessibility: If you're downsizing for retirement, choose a home that will suit your future needs, such as single-level living or easy access to healthcare and services. By focusing on the right strategies and timing with guidance from an Engel & Völkers advisor, you can downsize your home while generating a significant profit and setting yourself up for a future with greater financial flexibility.

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  • From Fall Beginnings to Holiday Magic: Seamlessly Transition Your Home Decor,Engel & Völkers Americas

    From Fall Beginnings to Holiday Magic: Seamlessly Transition Your Home Decor

    As fall settles in, now is the perfect time to start preparing your home for the cozy months ahead and the upcoming holiday season. Explore how to seamlessly shift your space with thoughtful tips like using neutral color palettes, layering textures, and embracing natural elements. From cozy autumn hues to elegant winter accents, discover how to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that will impress both guests and potential homebuyers alike. Fall is here, and before you know it, the holiday season will be upon us. Planning ahead can help you determine how to transition your space from one season to the next. Follow these tips to personalize your space and make the most of each season: Consider Your Color Palette Starting with a neutral color palette for your walls, floors, and furniture sets the stage for effortless seasonal updates with vibrant accent pieces. Not only does this approach provide a versatile backdrop for your evolving style, but it also broadens your home's appeal if you decide to put it on the market. Neutral tones create a canvas that appeals to a wide range of potential buyers, making your home a more attractive option. Note: For more tips on staging your home for sale, check out the Engel & Völkers home staging guide. Style Your Home with the Rule of Threes Style your luxurious space by following the "rule of threes." Thread similar colors, textures, or patterns in three different places throughout a room. This will bring everything together for a balanced look. For the fall season, you might use warm autumn tones like deep reds, oranges, or gold across your decor by placing these colors in the form of pillows, throws, or table decor. Once past Thanksgiving, consider introducing gold, silver, or emerald green. Thread the color around the room in three distinct areas for a subtle but impactful seasonal shift. For example, consider a green plant or coffee table book if you have green throw pillows. A minimalist approach ensures everything feels refined and tasteful. As a rule of thumb, be selective—sometimes, less truly is more. Following this rule year-round will make your home more appealing for guests and potential home buyers as well. Create an Immersive Experience As the days grow cooler, you begin to layer up before heading outside. Your home deserves the same cozy treatment! Picture walking into a room filled with layers of texture, from a faux fur rug to soft velvet pillows. What comes to mind? Cozy? Inviting? The perfect place to curl up in your favorite chair in front of the fire? Layering different textures not only adds to the room's visual appeal but also adds to the feel of the room and how you and your guests will experience it.   From Pumpkins to Pine Cones Biophilic design is all about bringing the outdoors in, a trend that’s gained momentum in recent years as more people seek to strengthen their connection with nature. Read more about this topic in the Engel & Völkers Home Design Trends Guide.  One of the best ways to celebrate the changing seasons is by bringing natural elements indoors. In the fall, incorporate pumpkins, gourds, and pine cones into your decor. Be sure to inspect and clean them before you bring them into your home; you don’t want any uninvited guests! Use neutral-colored pumpkins and gourds. Group white pumpkins artfully to create a stylish seasonal touch.   Pine cones transition beautifully from fall to winter, and there are so many ways to display them; create an elegant wreath with pine cones and fall foliage to enhance your curb appeal, put them in a bowl with other outdoor finds for a centerpiece, use them as an accent piece, or display them on a mantel with spruce branches in the winter. For rooms with high ceilings, you can bring balance by getting a tall glass jar and adding branches. Add a touch of warmth to your kitchen by arranging seasonal apples or harvest vegetables in a tray or glass bowl. This simple touch adds an inviting feel that celebrates the season's beauty. Light Up Your Life Yes, something as simple as a light bulb can impact your experience in the room. You should look for warm white lights in kitchens and bathrooms, but consider switching to soft white lights in the living room, dining room, and bedrooms in the fall and winter months. You can also change lampshades during the seasons or install a dimmer switch, which allows you to quickly change the ambience of a room. One caveat: if your home is on the market, make sure each room is brightly lit for showings and photos.  Gather in Style Fall and winter bring plenty of reasons to gather around the dining table. For fall, create a seasonal tablescape using warm, rustic elements and centerpieces with pumpkins, candles, or seasonal fruits. As the winter holidays get closer, replace your centerpiece with evergreens or metallic accents, such as a bowl of silver and gold ornaments.  Spice Up Your Space—Mindfully Don't underestimate the power of scent. It can transform your home, especially during fall and winter. Consider natural fragrances like cinnamon, vanilla, and pumpkin spice. You can put on a slow cooker and add oranges, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, and cloves. Keep it on warm in the background, but be sure to monitor it and avoid leaving it unattended for long periods. Use scented candles to add hints of peppermint, pine, or warm spices to the atmosphere. If your home is on the market and is open to buyers, comforting scents are best. But use them sparingly; you don’t want to overpower visitors. A little inspiration can go a long way. Changing seasons is the perfect time to refresh your space. Remember to incorporate the rule of three, bring the outdoors in, and play with colors and textures to create your own magic. Whether hosting guests, showing your home to potential homebuyers, or simply enjoying your home, these tips will help ensure your space stays stylish and inviting.

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