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  • How to Sell Your Home Fast!

    How to Sell Your Home Fast!

    Selling your home is a big deal. You want to be able to sell your house quickly and find the right people who buy houses in your area. You want to get your home looking nice and sell it for the right price, but all of the work seems overwhelming and like it will take up too much of your time. The good news is with the right plan and the right real estate agents near you, you will be able to get that home on the market and sold in no time.

    Some of the steps to consider when you are ready to sell your house quickly include:

    The First Steps When You are Ready to Sell Your Home

    When you are ready to sell your home, there are a few steps that you must keep in mind. Knowing how these steps work and being prepared for them is one of the best ways to get the most out of the sale and ensure that you can get moved out quickly. Some of the steps to take to get the most out of your real estate investment includes:

    Working with a Real Estate Agent

    One of the first things that you should do when you are ready to sell your home is find real estate agents near you. Some people want to go the “for sale by owner” route, but this can take a lot more time and effort to complete than doing it with an agent. Be aware that it does cost a commission, or a percentage of the sales price, to hire a real estate agent. But considering they often take on all the work and can handle the showings, the legal documents, and more, they are often worth it to get results.

    How an Agent Can Help You

    There are a number of benefits to hiring a real estate agent rather than trying to do it all on your own. Some of these include:

    1. They help you list your home at the right price. This helps you to get the highest price possible, without your home sitting on the market forever.
    2. They can present your home in a way that makes it more appealing to potential buyers. You love your home and that is great, but a real estate agent knows how to make it shine to a buyer.
    3. They can bring in more potential buyers. Most buyers like to work with an agent. And many times your agent will already have a list of people who may have some interest in the home. This helps you to get the best offer possible.
    4. They handle all of the paperwork for you. This is one of the most difficult things to do when you try to sell your home on your own. With the help of a real estate agent, you will not have to worry about all of the paperwork and legal stuff because they will do it all.
    5. The agent can get the best offer from each buyer. When the home sells for more, the agent earns more. This incentivizes them to get a better offer on your home.
    6. Can negotiate after the inspection. While you most likely will need to get a few things done on your home after the inspection, an agent will make sure the work is kept to a minimum.
    7. Speeds your closing time. This helps you to get the home closed on and the money in your account so much faster than before.

    Typical Costs for a Real Estate Agent

    There are several factors that will come into play when you have to pay for your real estate agent. Some agents will charge more if the sale price is below a certain threshold and then will lower the rate if the price is higher. Some may have other deals and incentives to get sellers to work with them. The average commission for most real estate agents is 6%.

    Before you sign with an agent, take the time to ask about the commission they will earn. This helps you be prepared and can make it easier to factor in this cost when you finally get an offer on the home. You as the seller will be the one who will pay the commission to the real estate agent. This 6% is often split between the buyer’s and the seller’s agent, but the seller is still responsible for the whole amount.

    Picking a Good Sale Price

    The next thing that we need to take a look at is how to pick out a good sales price for your home. There are a lot of different things that go into determining a price for your home. While you want to get top dollar for your home, you do need to be realistic about what a buyer is willing to pay.

    To determine the price of your home and what to sell it for, you must consider its location, how big the home is, how many rooms and bathrooms, any upgrades, and even what other homes in the area are selling for as well. And since each home is a little different and very unique, this can be hard.

    One way to figure out a fair sales price on your home is to perform a “comps” analysis. This is when you and your agent will look at some of the recently sold comparable homes on the market. While it may be hard to find one exactly like your home, it can give you a better idea of how much similar homes in your area have sold for.

    This is also why it is important to work with that real estate agent we talked about earlier. They know how to handle the pricing of your home and will help explain it along the way. They can take in all of the factors for you and come up with a fair price that is likely to sell your home quickly.

    Staging Your Home

    If you have already moved out of your home and no longer live there, one way to sell it faster is to stage the home. This helps to give your potential buyer a look for how the home can be used and gives them a vision of all the potential in the home. Never leave the home completely empty because this slows down the process.

    List the Home and Start Showings

    When you are ready, your agent will come over and sign some paperwork with you. This helps both of you be on the same page the whole time and can avoid confusion later on. The agent will also take pictures of the inside and outside of the property so they can show potential buyers, both online and in person. It is then time for the agent to list the property and wait for the calls to come in.

    At some point, you will need to show your home. The days of  an ‘Open House’ are gone for now, and most agents will hold private showings. The agent can handle this, but you must make sure the home is clean and ready to go. And you may have to be out of the way for a bit. Sometimes it only takes a few showings and sometimes you may need to deal with quite a few showings. But these are the best way to sell your home. All buyers will want a chance to look through the home and see if it is right for them.

    Accepting an Offer

    At some point, you will get an offer on your home. If the offer sounds good to you, you can accept it and move on with some of the inspections and other things that need to get done. You can also provide a counteroffer to better meet the needs you have if the buyer’s offer is close to your original offer. If the offer is way off, you can choose to decline the offer.

    The offer will often include information on what the buyer expects. They will say what they want to purchase the property for along with the preferred closing date, any inspections they want, and other contingencies. The most common contingencies including the buyers securing their financing and the buyers selling their other home.

    The Different Types of Inspections

    Your buyer may choose to do a few different inspections to make sure the home is safe and secure. If there are some major problems with the house and they are found during the inspection, then you will be responsible for them. Most home buyers choose to do a full home inspection that checks out quite a few different things, but they can also do a few other inspections based on their needs. The most common inspections include:

    1. Pest and rodent inspection
    2. Radon inspection
    3. Chimney inspection
    4. Roof inspection
    5. Lead-based paint inspection
    6. Flooding damage inspection
    7. HVAC inspection

    As we mentioned, the full-home inspection is the most common, though some may choose the others if these problems are common in your area. The buyer will usually put this in their offer so you can decide which inspections you want to participate in ahead of time. The cost of the inspection falls to the buyer. The cost to fix anything falls to you.

    If there are some repairs necessary on the home, you can typically negotiate these. When the buyer has some minimal repairs to do, you may consider doing them and finishing the process. Other options are to offer the home “as is” so you won’t do any repairs or offer a credit for the work to be done. The credit may work if there is a time crunch on the sale and you don’t have time to get it done. Homes sold “as is” often take a lot longer to sell.

    Closing On Your Home

    Once all the inspections are done and you have moved out of the home, and your home buyer has secured their financing, you can close on the home. These often happen at two different times. You will meet with the lender or a title company to sign off on the home and agree to the sale.

    Later, sometimes the same day and sometimes later depending on the schedules, the buyers will go in and complete their paperwork to buy the home. The funds will go to pay off the rest of your mortgage, your real estate agents fees, and any other closing costs that are necessary. Whatever is left will be deposited in your account and can be used for purchasing your new home, paying off debt, or other uses depending on your needs.

    Typical Closing Costs

    There are a few closing costs you will need to pay before you get any money from your home sale. Some of these include:

    1. Any attorney’s fees for writing up the documents.
    2. Credits towards the closing costs that you and the seller agreed on.
    3. Any HOA fees if applicable.
    4. The prorated property taxes.
    5. Any escrow that is agreed on and other closing fees.
    6. Title insurance
    7. Transfer tax
    8. Agent commission.

    There are some other fees that may be required based on the bank you work with and where you live. You and your agent can discuss these fees before closing so you aren’t caught by surprise.

    Are the Rules Different in Each State?

    There are a few things about selling a home that will vary based on the state you live in. In fact, depending on where you live in each state the rules may be slightly different as well. Knowing what these differences are in your local area can be tough, but this is another benefit of working with a real estate agent to get things done.

    First, the amount in taxes you pay will vary based on one state to the next. Some states will require the seller to pay taxes on the home up to a certain point and others will require the buyer to handle this. Some states, including California, have a special tax on any home sold that may add to the closing costs you must work with.

    Most states have requirements that the seller needs to include any information about the property that may deter the buyer from making the purchase. This is often presented to a potential buyer before they even put an offer in on the home. This could include any updates you did on the home, along with any potential problems that you know about.

    You may also need to work with an escrow account. The way that this is used will depend on the state you live in but allows a little protection on both sides. It ensures that both parties know where the money is and they can get it back if things go south during the deal. Talk with your real estate agent to find out if an escrow account is necessary for you.

    Where is Everyone Moving During the Covid-19 Pandemic?

    Due to Covid-19 pandemic many Americans are ready to live the cities and move somewhere more rural. This is great news if you have a home for sale in a rural area as you are more likely to attract a good buyer for a good price.

    In fact, six out of ten Americans have said that they would consider moving to a less populated area. Some may have been considering this before. Some may be tired of living with all of the health mandates. And some see these rural areas as safer areas to be because with fewer people there, it is a much safer place to be right now.

    This is a common trend no matter which state you live in. Rural homeowners who are looking to make a switch and get out of their home into a new one will find that is a sellers’ market and they will do well. In fact, it is likely that you will have a few offers to sweeten the pot.

    Selling your home is a big experience. You have to get the home prepared and looking nice while cleaning. You need to find a good realtor who will work with you and find the best deal. And you need to finish all of the inspections and other work after you accept an offer. But when you have things organized and ready to go, you will find that it is easy to sell your house quickly.


  • Lawn Care: Taking Care of Your Grass

    Lawn Care: Taking Care of Your Grass

    Everyone wants the best-looking yard on the block. However, it can be quite difficult to maintain a healthy and plush lawn through the harsh summer months. If you’re looking to keep up a good lawn care regiment and keep your grass looking verdant and perfect, you’re going to want to take some of our summer lawn care tips to heart. Here’s what you need to know.

    Summer Lawn Care Tips

    Know What to Expect

    When the hot summer temperatures show up, it’s time to adjust your expectations of your grass. It’ll grow thick and plush in the Springtime, as even cool-climate grasses love temperatures in the 60’s. That includes grasses like bluegrass and rye. Meanwhile, hot-temperature grasses, like Bermuda and St. Augustine, prefer to grow in the 70’s. Once the temperature jumps above 80 degrees, however, it’s time to expect your grass’s growth to slow and stop.

    Now, you can use techniques like fertilizer and sprinkler systems to make sure your grass gets plenty of coaxing and will want to grow taller. However, know you’re fighting nature when you try to encourage grass growth in the summertime. On top of this, you’re likely using your grass more in the summer time, having friends over, throwing barbecues and parties, and trampling all over your grass. This is a surefire way to see your grass turn brown, dry up and go dormant.

    Proper Watering

    As you might expect, proper watering is a huge aspect of good summer lawn maintenance. If your grass isn’t getting enough water from rainfall, you need to make up that difference yourself. Your grass needs about an inch of water per week, so use a rain gauge to keep up with how much your yard is getting. Make up the difference with your sprinkler system or just by hand-watering your lawn. Make sure you water in the morning to avoid fungal growth and evaporation.

    When you get into watering your lawn for the summer, make sure you’re in a regular groove. Water the grass regularly and deeply to encourage drought-resistant roots. Also, if you’re not going to water the lawn regularly, don’t water it at all. If the grass goes brown and dormant, don’t try to water it back into being green. Your lawn will bounce back in the fall if it falls dormant, so just let it lie if it does.

    Mowing Your Grass

    Raise your mower blade in the summer to avoid damaging your grass. Taller grass is more drought-resistant, with deeper roots and hardier constitution. It also keeps the ground well-shaded, preventing the growth of low-lying weeds. Warm season grasses need to be about two or three inches in the summer, while cooler season grasses need to be between three and four inches.

    Make sure you also mow regularly in the summertime. You don’t want to cut more than a third of the length of a blade of grass, to encourage your lawn’s health. Another important factor is the amount of grass clippings, which could smother your lawn if they fall too densely over your grass. Finally, you’ll want to make sure your mower blades are kept razor-sharp in the summer. If they aren’t, they won’t be cutting your grass, they’ll be tearing your grass. That’s terrible for your lawn’s health.

    Fertilizer

    Use fertilizer sparingly. You don’t need to use fertilizer on brown, flagging lawns. If you do, you’ll only burn the grass out and encourage fresh growths that will just die to the heat. Instead, wait until the fall when your grass is green again to fertilize. Yes, this does mean that your grass will just look bad throughout the summer, but it’ll save you money on dropping fertilizer for no reason.


  • Tackling a Kitchen Remodel? What You Need to Know

    Tackling a Kitchen Remodel? What You Need to Know

    No house is a home without a great kitchen. If you’re looking to remodel your home’s kitchen, you’re likely wondering where to start. How much will it cost? What kinds of renovations should you be looking to get done? There are a lot of factors with a kitchen remodel.

    Don’t sweat it, though, because we’ve got you covered. Today we’re going over the top things you need to know when considering a kitchen remodel. Let’s get your house looking brand-new with a great new kitchen.

    Top Things to Know When Taking on a Kitchen Remodel

    Expected Cost

    The cost of any given remodel will directly depend on just how much you want to get done. Are you getting entirely new cabinets, or just replacing the doors? Do you want your countertop refinished or do you want an entirely new countertop? Will you be upgrading to new appliances to modernize your kitchen’s look?

    Make sure you have a good idea of what you want before you talk to a contractor or remodeling company. Make yourself a list of the changes you want to see. That way, when you go to them for a quote they can give you an accurate estimate of what the labor and materials will cost. You can then adjust what you’re looking for accordingly.

    Research the Contractor

    Before you dive in with a contractor or remodeling company, do a bit of research. You don’t want to immediately start signing contracts with a company or contractor after just meeting with them. You’ll want to look online at detailed background on what the people doing the work have done in the past. Do people like them? Do they do a good job? Are they prompt and professional?

    Importantly, you’ll also want to make sure whoever is doing the work has experience with the kind of work you’re asking them to do. If they’ve never redone cabinets, or the ones they have done are of lower quality, you might want to go with someone else for the work.

    Another thing you need to keep in mind is what kind of price you’re paying for the work. Does the contractor charge a fixed rate, or do they give estimates up front? If cost is a concern, consider going with a contractor who offers you a flat fee for specific jobs. This allows you to have a better idea of what you’re paying.

    Further, make sure you ask about their policy in case something unexpected comes up. What if a contractor breaks the pipes in the sink, or causes other damage to the house? What if some unexpected damage existed before the contractors even arrived? You’ll want this info up-front.

    Get a Time Table

    Before the contractors get started, you’re going to want to know just how long the project will take. A professional contractor should be able to give you an accurate time table, though you should also be prepared for delays should unexpected things arise.

    For instance, if a contractor falls ill or has a family emergency, this will naturally slow the process. Likewise, some contractors occasionally find themselves working faster than their estimate, pleasantly surprising themselves or the remodeling homeowners. In fact, some contractors will give a “worst-case” time estimate in order to prepare you in case something goes wrong.

    Another important question to ask is: will any parts of the home be inaccessible during the remodeling process? Often, more complex remodeling projects will result in the kitchen or other parts of the home being accessible only to contractors. Get an idea of when this will be and be prepared to schedule around it. If you don’t know when this will occur, you could be caught off-guard and unsure what to do for dinner.

    Other Important Info

    Make sure your contractor service is fully accredited. Pretty much every place in the US requires any contractor work done by a third party requires accreditation. If you’re unsure, ask them right away to see their accreditation and licensing.

    Not only is this licensing required, seeing it up to date and ready to go shows that the company in question is responsible and dependable. If the company doesn’t have this licensing, you should simply walk away. It’s unlikely a company unwilling or unable to go through this process is trustworthy enough to do work on your home.

    You’ll also want to know how updates to the project are going to be communicated to you. Will there be a group text, or will updates be recorded on a sheet in the home? You want to know before you go ahead with the work.


  • What You Should Know Before You Remodel your Kitchen

    What You Should Know Before You Remodel your Kitchen

    If you’re serious about your house looking its best, one of the first places to focus is the kitchen. Who wants to have an old, worn-out looking kitchen? Certainly not us! If you’re looking into getting a kitchen remodel, here are the top things to keep in mind.

    What You Should Know Before You Remodel your Kitchen

    Research the Contractor

    When you start with any project like this, make sure you know who you want to do it. If you’re looking at certain contractors, make sure they’re experienced and accredited. You don’t want some shady contractor coming in and charging you too much for shoddy work.

    Make sure you know up front how the contractor charges. Do they accept a flat fee up front? Do they charge by the hour? These are details you want to have before they walk into your home. Also, make sure you know their policy on unexpected wrinkles. How do they handle unexpected damage, or if one of their guys breaks something?

    Make sure the contractor is also experienced in the kind of work you want done. If they’ve never redone floor tiles, then maybe you should consider someone else for your floor-tile centered remodel. You want a contractor who knows the work you want done.

    Costs

    It’s important you make sure you know what the project is likely to cost. Get in touch with a contractor and see if you can get a good ballpark estimate of how much you can expect the project to set you back. Of course, this is going to be an estimate at first.

    The cost of the project will be directly related to just how much you want done. If you just want new cabinets, that shouldn’t run you too much. If you’re get new counters, new flooring and new appliances, too, then expect to spend a pretty penny.

    Get a Time Table

    Make sure you know before the contractor gets started just how long to expect the work to take. How will the contractor company handle it if one of their workers falls ill or has an emergency? What is their contingency plan if some unexpected damage occurs?

    Another important thing to know is whether there will be parts of your house inaccessible, and for how long. It’s hard to plan around contractors as-is, let alone without knowing when your kitchen might be inaccessible. Get this info up-front so there’s no surprises. That way you can plan your weeks around the schedule of the remodel!


  • Best Patio Furniture Deals

    Best Patio Furniture Deals

    There’s nothing quite like sitting on the back porch, enjoying a cold drink on a mild afternoon. You’ve got a good book in your hands and a cool breeze in your hair. That is, of course, if you have nice patio furniture to make this a reality! Let’s check out the best patio furniture deals!

    Many people are looking to purchase new patio furniture for the deck; however, trying to find brands that are both made well and within the budget can be a challenge. Qualities of patio furniture that people need to consider include the size, the style, and durability, and the price. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to choose from and many of these include some fantastic deals as well. The top 3 patio furniture retailers are Forever Patio, Harmonia Living, and Alfresco Home.

    Best Patio Furniture Deals

    Alfresco Homes
    Alfresco Homes is a well-known brand in the world of outdoor furniture. Their prices are quite reasonable for how modern and stylish their furniture is! They have a wide variety of materials, including resin, marble, aluminum and more.

    Their pieces span a wide range of decorative options, including woven wicker, resin, cast aluminum, and marble mosaic garden pieces. They regularly come out with inspiring, cutting-edge designs that set the bar high for the rest of the industry. For those who are looking for inspiration with their outdoor furniture, take a look at what Alfresco Home has to offer.

    If you’re looking for sturdy outdoor furniture, Alfresco is a great choice. They often have great deals on their website, where you can shop for a ton of different types of furniture. They’re one of the better options when it comes to high-end outdoor furniture!

    Forever Patio

    With a name like Forever Patio, you can expect their patio furniture to be rather durable! Their high-quality furniture pieces are rated quite highly and will typically withstand even heavy weather conditions. If you’re looking for durable furniture, Forever Patio is a great choice.

    The Forever Patio brand has developed an impressive track record over the years of providing excellent, quality furniture for a good price. They have a large collection to choose from, so every family should be able to find something that they need. They span everything from bar tables to daybeds and everything in between. They have stylish designs that can fit any scheme and the furniture is made in a detailed way. Finally, the name fits the furniture. Their durability is famous throughout the industry and their furniture is known to withstand all different types of weather.

    The best thing about this brand is that they are rather affordable for how durable their products are. Whether you’re getting a table and chair set, a day bed or a bar table, you can rest assured they’ll be sturdy. Check out their site to see what kinds of deals they have going on!

    Harmonia Living

    If you’re looking for wicker furniture, Harmonia Living has a great range to choose from. While wicker is known for its tendency to unravel, Harmonia takes steps to make their furniture more durable. Their furniture all uses High-Density Polyethylene Wicker, which is sturdy and scratch-resistant. It also has the benefit of being less likely to unwind than traditional wicker!

    The problem that many people have found with wicker furniture is that it has a tendency to unwind over time; however, this is not a problem with this famous brand. Harmonia Living uses a different kind of wicker called High-Density Polyethylene Wicker, which is resistant to scratches, resistant to ultraviolet radiation, and environmentally friendly. All of these qualities mean that the furniture is going to resist unwinding, allowing it to last for years.

    Harmonia Living often has deals on their various furniture ranges through their website. If you’re looking for a great set of wicker patio furniture, check them out! You’re sure to find some great deals on wicker furniture!


  • Home Decor Pro Tip: Lighting and Paint Tricks to Make Your House Look Bigger

    Home Decor Pro Tip: Lighting and Paint Tricks to Make Your House Look Bigger

    When I was a kid I had dreams of playing center field for the Yankees or starting my own internet company. Now that I’m an adult homeowner, I just want a lush green looking yard and to walk into my big, well lit, well-painted home. I guess it’s all about perspective. I mean a well-lit living room,  matched with the right paint colors,  can make your room look so much bigger, inviting, and warm, while totally evolving the feng shui.

    That first step into your own home is important. You want it to completely welcome you home and put you at total ease. To tell you the truth I haven’t decided whether I want that initial reaction to being that of a warm cozy home,  or big open and spacious home. Luckily both of this can be achieved with the right paint and the right lighting. Yes, it’s very true different paint colors and styles can have completely different effects on your rooms.

    The right lighting and paint can set the tone for the rest of your house. You can manipulate this tone at your will based on your color choices. Let’s take a deeper look into how paint colors and lighting can change the feel of the room and the tone of your home.

    Two Main Choices, Light or Dark

    Just like McSorley’s on 2nd ave, there are only two choices. Light or dark. The light will make your eye travel continuously around the room.  This gives the effect of making the room appear more spacious and open. The color of a lighter room tends to recede, giving a cooler vibe. You want to use light colors to create a feeling of openness in a room and make it feel more expansive.

    This is great for small apartments or tight bedrooms. Light colors will bounce whatever light is available in the space, which can help if you don’t have great natural light. We will get to more on lighting in a bit.

    When you decide to go from a dark color to light you will need to prime the wall with a white primer first. This is important, don’t skip this. Pick your colors carefully, know how they will react to their surroundings, i.e. white absorbs no light, just reflects. Whereas blues absorb red lights. When selecting your light colors, remember different colors will draw the eye to the separation and will stop where the colors change.

    If you use one color the eye keeps moving from room to room and judges the space as being larger than it is. I would recommend this for a smaller home.  If you are getting a claustrophobic feeling from your room try painting the ceiling a lighter color then the walls. This will make the ceiling look like it has been elevated and larger.

    The dark paints create a cozier and warmer feel but makes the room feel smaller in doing so. If your house is set up to walk into a big open space, using dark colored paints is a great way to make it feel more comfortable. For a great effect try painting the ceiling a darker color than the walls to make it appear lower.

    I deeply enjoy the look of dark colored walls with a nice bright white trim. The contrast establish a border and boundary that the eye picks up immediately. It’s like it adds a sense of order to the room, but you can extend the trim to other rooms. This will give the effect of a continuous space, with both the coziness and the openness at the same time.

    Don’t Be Afraid of Change

    It’s best to play around with the coloring and change it every so often. I like to change mine for the holiday seasons, adding light colors to the open spaces with some deep reds as a contrast walls. It makes my holiday decorations pop. Speaking of contrast walls, let’s talk about their purpose in small narrow rooms.

    If you paint both end walls of a narrow room darker than the other walls, the end walls feel closer to you. It will make the room appear more of a square shape. In a bigger room, a nice look is to divide the walls with a lighter color on top and a darker color on the bottom.

    Lighting

    Now onto lighting, everything can affect the lighting. Lighting also affects eveything. Let’s start with your room placement. A north facing room will appear cooler and bluish. If your room is south facing dark colors will look brighter; lighter colors will virtually glow.

    To the east is great for reds and yellows, your colors will look warm and yellowy before noon, then turn bluer later in the day. West facing you will want to go with something bold, the morning light makes the colors look dull, however they are stunning in the evening light.


  • Is Your Basement Trapping Moisture? Here’s how to Avoid Mold

    Is Your Basement Trapping Moisture? Here’s how to Avoid Mold

    Depending on where you live, basement humidity might be a serious issue for you. A damp basement can seriously affect the value of your home and can even result in structural damage. Fighting this humidity can be quite the uphill battle. If you’re at your wit’s end with a damp basement, here’s some tips for trying to dry it out!

    How to Dry out a Damp Basement

    Ventilate Well

    Make sure the basement is well-ventilated! Still, stagnate air is ideal for moisture to accumulate. Dark, still and quiet areas are also prime real estate for mold growth. The last thing you want in your house is mold! On a dry day, open doors or basement windows and put fans in the basement. Get that air circulating! Move it the heck out of your basement! Pair this with things like a dehumidifier to make sure you’re really drying the place out.

    Dehumidifier

    A straightforward solution might just be to run a dehumidifier in your basement. A lot of folks overthink their damp basement problems and don’t think about this incredibly straightforward and cost-effective solution. For around $200, a dehumidifier alone might just solve your entire problem.

    Just set up a medium-sized dehumidifier in the basement and let it run. These are a great idea for a number of reasons. For one thing, they can keep moisture buildup from resulting in dangerous puddles. For another, they can also reduce the growth of mold, which loves dark, moist areas. This means that running a dehumidifier can do wonders for your health!

    Reseal and Plug Leaks

    The concrete in your basement may need resealing if a dehumidifier alone can’t solve your problem. If this is the case, don’t panic.  If you’re noticing a lot of condensation through the concrete walls or floor of your basement, you can address the problem by resealing the concrete. You can go to any hardware store and find concrete paint and sealer. There are varieties for both walls and floors, so make sure you get the one that addresses your specific issues.

    While you’re resealing your concrete, make sure you address any potential leaks too. Things like basement windows, openings for your dryer to vent heat and the like can be entryways for a lot of moisture. This is especially true in rainy regions or during wet times of the year. Make sure to seal these areas well with silicone seals or weather strips. Then, make sure you run a dehumidifier and ventilate the area well.

    Address Any Issues with your Gutters

    If your gutters have spouts that let out close to your foundation, they could be pouring water into your basement. This can ruin even the best weather-treatment or sealing. To remedy this, make sure the spouts from your gutters let out at least four feet from your home. Additionally, make sure that the water that leaves the spout runs downhill away from your home. It won’t do any good to just have it roll back into your house!

    This is better for you home in general, too, not just your basement. The erosion this can cause around your foundation is pretty severe. The value of a home with a compromised foundation is negligible compared to one with a solid foundation! This should be high on your list of considerations if you have gutters that let out near your home.

    Air Out Wet Items Outside

    If you’ve got wet items from the basement flooding or just general dampness, take them out of the basement. It might seem like a good place to air them out but think about it. If you’re trying to dry the basement out, you really don’t need to have damp items airing out. That’s just going to work against all the hard work you’re doing trying to dry the place!

    Instead, take things like wet suitcases or furniture outside to a patio or deck. That way, they’re exposed to open air and sunlight and will dry out much faster. This also ensures that your home isn’t exposed to even more moisture! If the items you’re drying can’t go outside, consider drying them in the garage or a bedroom that is well ventilated.


  • Best Kitchen Cleaning Supplies

    Best Kitchen Cleaning Supplies

    Some people really just love cleaning. For other people, it’s a chore they hate but they’ve got to do it. In either event, you’re going to want the very best kitchen cleaning supplies when you go to clean up. If you’re not rocking the best kitchen cleaning supplies then you’re not getting the best clean!

    Best Kitchen Cleaning Supplies

    Wring Mop

    Sometimes the classics are well-worth using. The old-school wring-mop is fantastic for floors that aren’t made of wood. Tile, concrete and the like are ideal surfaces for using an old-school wring mop. Make sure you get a good detergent and some hot water, and maybe a bit of vinegar, and you can clean up most any mess on a non-wood floor.

    You know what they say: if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it! This is a critical cleaning supply for kitchens without wood floors.

    Non-cellulose Sponge

    Another great example of a classic kitchen cleaning supply that you should rely on is the non-cellulose sponge. Why non-cellulose? Well, their design doesn’t trap in water that will act as a bacteria-spawning hotbed. That means the normal bad smell and stains associated with sponges don’t come into play here!

    Sponges are great for use on surfaces like countertops that you can’t clean with a mop. After all, you can’t get your mop up that high! Sponges work wonders cleaning appliances like fridges and stoves, too. Make sure you pair them with a good detergent and warm water for best effect!

    Mrs. Meyers Cleaning Products

    A lot of reviewers rave over Mrs. Meyers brand cleaning products. They offer a wide variety of products that are must-haves for cleaning! Whether you’re just getting started with your own place or you’ve been cleaning for a while, you should invest in this cleaner. It’s great at breaking up accumulations of dirt and leaves a great smell behind.

    If you’re environmentally conscious, good news: Mrs. Meyers is too! It’s environmentally friendly without sacrificing cleaning power. That’s the definition of a win-win! It comes in a variety of pleasant scents that aren’t overpowering, making your kitchen smell great while you clean.

    The best part of Mrs. Meyers products is the price, though! From their website you can often find great deals on the product. Right now you can even get three bottles sixteen-ounce bottles for $9! That makes this product less expensive on average than leading brands! That’s hard to beat!

    Coconut Oil Spray

    Hear us out! We know it sounds weird, but coconut oil can play a vital role in your kitchen cleaning. For one thing, it’s all-natural, which is a huge bonus. For another thing, it’s a fantastic furniture polish! If you have furniture or leather in your kitchen, such as your kitchen table or chairs, coconut oil spray is a must. When used in conjunction with sponges and scrubbing, it can make your kitchen pieces look amazing!

    Microfiber Cloths

    The type of cloths you use to clean eyeglasses are amazing for kitchen cleaning. Whether you’re cleaning counters, floors, tables or anything else, microfiber cloths are amazing. They don’t trap water or bacteria, they dry really rapidly and they work on everything. Using them on a variety of surfaces will show you just how great they are!

    They’re also super handy for cleaning in other parts of the house. For instance, if you’ve got a flat-screen TV that needs to be cleaned, a dry microfiber cloth alone can do wonders.

    Bona Mop

    Bona brand mops are similar in some ways to Swiffer wet mops. The main similarity is in the way they both work well on wooden floors. If you live in an older home with an original wood floor, you know how difficult it can be to maintain. So many cleaners are bad about stripping the finish and damaging the wood.

    Thankfully, the Bona Mop and Bono Floor Cleaner are made to help maintain wooden floors. The cleaner is gentle on wood but great at cleaning up messes. If you’re trying to clean an older wooden floor, you might be at a loss as to how you’ll be able to get it clean without damaging it. That’s where Bona comes in!

    When it comes to cleaning, you’ll need a wide variety of supplies. While this isn’t a comprehensive list, we hope it helps you get started in cleaning your kitchens like a professional!


  • Don’t Ignore a Plumbing Leak!

    Don’t Ignore a Plumbing Leak!

    If you have ever ignored a leaky faucet or pipe, you’re not alone. It may seem like it is not a big deal, but plumbing leaks can lead to water damage, mold, foundation cracks and other bigger problems that may cost a lot of $$$!  Fixing the issue yourself or with a plumber is easier and cheaper than you think. Depending on your issue, there are many easy fixes that you can do without the need to call a plumber.

    Easy DIY Plumbing Fixes:

    1. Stop a Toilet from Running: One of the easiest and most often ignored plumbing problem. A leaky stop valve or broken floater valve is usually the culprit. This is a very easy problem to solve, just ensure you shut off the toilet water valve first.

    2. Replacing a Showerhead: When you notice a reduction in pressure replacing your shower head is as easy as unscrewing the existing shower head and replacing it with a new one. That’s it!

    3. Caulking Around a Bathtub or Sink: If you notice deteriorating or cracked seals in your bathroom or kitchen, re-caulking is an easy way to prevent bigger leaks and water damage. Remove the old caulk with a putty knife or razor blade, then apply new caulk using a caulking gun. All can be purchased for under $10.

    4. Unclog a Drain: Try to avoid using liquid drain cleaners or solvents. Over time, these products can eat away at your pipes. To avoid future clogs, simply install a hair catcher. They are very cheap and will help you avoid future problems.

    Plumbing Fixes that Need a Professional:

    1. A Rapid Water Supply Line Leak: You’ll know it when it happens- suddenly there may be water coming out of the ceiling or other places where you know it shouldn’t. Turn off your water main and call a plumber!

    2. A Sewer Line Leak: This typically happens outside, when a blocked or broken sewer line causes a backup into your house. This is a big (and smelly!) problem to fix that you do not want to tackle yourself.

    3. Your Water Heater has a Natural Gas Leak: If you smell gas around the water heater area, this is not normal. Typically the thermocouple may have malfunctioned, or there are leaks in the pipes leading to the heater. Not a problem to take lightly or handle yourself!

    The bottom line is to ensure that you take care of plumbing problems quickly. If ignored, small problems can become big problems, and big problems often cost big money.

     


  • Which Cordless Vacuum is the Best?

    Which Cordless Vacuum is the Best?

    Everyone hates vacuuming. I know I do! One thing that makes it a bit more bearable, though, is having a cordless vacuum. Not having to pick around chairs and tables to get to those out-of-the–way spots is a great feature, to be sure! The question is, which cordless vacuum is the best bang for your buck? You don’t want to buy a lemon and have to return it, so we’ve got a list of our favorites. If you’re looking to clean up with no cord, check out our roundup: it doesn’t suck, I promise!

    Shark Navigator Freestyle SV1106

    For an impressively low $130, you can pick up this excellent stick vacuum from Shark. It’s quite light and very easy to use and store! It’s also very powerful, great for big messes, and possesses two distinct brush speeds. This lets is work optimally on both carpet and hard floor! While it’s not quite as powerful as most upright vacuums, the low price and great versatility easily make up for it. If you have pets that shed a lot, this is a great choice, is it’s powerful enough to suck up pet hair. That all said, you can’t beat that price!

    Hoover Linx BH50010

    Hoover’s a respected name, and for good reason. This entry to our list retails for $200, which is a fine price, all said. While this vacuum has a shorter handle and no bag, it’s a very modern and useful appliance. It’s got edge-to-edge brush bristles and works great on carpet and floor. This one’s powerful and sports great performance even on rough messes. Not to mention, that shorter handle can recline all the way back to help you get those very out of the way spots. A great buy for the money, and well worth your consideration!

    Electrolux Ergorapido EL2055B 2 in 1

    For $279, this upright vacuum is a great deal. It’s super lightweight and very easy to maneuver around corners. It’s got great detachable tools for getting under sofas and close to walls, too! THat said, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. For one thing, it only takes name-brand Electrolux filters. That’s an odd feature for a household appliance in 2018, to be sure. What’s weirder, it only works with name-brand accessories. What gives, Electrolux? More importantly, though, the vacuum isn’t as good on carpeted surfaces as we’d hoped. That said, this is still a fine pick if you’re looking for a great, light vacuum.

    Our Favorite Cordless Vacuum: Shark IONFlex 2x DuoClean IF251

    Easily the most expensive on the list, this entry from Shark retails for $450. However, it’s worth every penny of that steep price: it’s a supremely high-end piece of household technology. It sports two battery packs that last a very long time, and while you’re using one you can charge the other. The vacuum has a handheld mode that helps you hunt down those out of the way messes. And, of course, it’s just a great vacuum and picks up dirt like no one’s business. In a crowded field, this high-end cordless vacuum is the best of them.