lux·u·ry: The state of great comfort and extravagant living.

Based on a recent review of a listing for a luxury property in the Arcadia area, here are some indicators of what a luxury property will include:

15 Signs of a Luxury Home

1. Location

Arcadia, Paradise Valley, Silver Leaf – These are all highly sought after areas.

2. Size/ Square Footage

Luxury properties are usually 4,000 sq.ft and larger.

3. Lot Size

Depending on the area, luxury properties have a lot size at least ⅓ acre or larger.

4. Custom Built/ Personally Designed

Luxury homes are not track homes. You will not see another home exactly like it. Luxury = Unique.

5. Curb Appeal

Anything from the finish on the outside of the home (Stucco, facade), landscaping, fountain, how the drive-way is paved, brick or stone. etc. that says “I am unique.” from the curbside.

6. Custom Floors

Stone instead of tile, premium 5” hand scraped hardwood, very unique and expensive.

7. Windows and Doors

The windows  may be wood but with aluminum exterior for durability. Aluminum windows may run approximately $25,000 without wood. Aluminum and wood windows cost approximately $80,000.00, for example.

8. Kitchen Appliances

Brands/Makes/Models matter: Viking, Wolf, Monogram. Why are they more costly? What is the difference? They cook faster, are more convenient to use, and look nicer.  Boiling a pot of water on a good range doesn’t get vapors around the pot, the hood actually works. Luxury fridges do not give food freezer burn, and food stays fresher longer.

9. Interior Door Hardware

Hardware for track home doors may cost $6-$7 each, luxury home doors may be $30-$50 each. The main difference is touch, feel, and appearance.

10. Doors

Solid wood doors are $350-$500 a piece, vs. a track home door is hollow and may cost $60-$70 each.

11. Luxury doors lock in three places (Top, bottom and center)

They cost $380 without installation and require a more intensive install.

12. Home Theater

Home Theaters require special wiring, sound and screen equipment and take up a large amount of space.

13.  Smart Home System

Regulates temperature, lights, music, intercom, locks, etc.

14.  Rear and Roof Elevations

Luxury homes will look just as good from the back as it does from the curb. Roof elevation- dressed up roof with nice tiles (clay mission, for example, vs. cheaper concrete tiles). Nice roofing tile is 3 times more expensive than a concrete tile.

15. Garage Doors

Luxury homes will have upgraded wood and aluminum doors vs. all aluminum. Price difference may be $4500 vs  $1200.

How do you define luxury? Let us know!