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June Is the Best Time to Do These 5 Things

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina McBreairty) — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 13:45:00 +0000

Tackle these five summer maintenance tasks during June’s longer days and better weather — and save yourself time and money this winter.

#1 Update Outdoor Lighting

In June, winter nights are probably the last thing on your mind. But early summer is the perfect time to plan for those “OMG, it’s only 4:30, and it’s already dark” moments by adding or updating landscape lighting.

The most energy-efficient, easy-to-install option is solar lighting, but it won’t perform as well on dark or snowy days. For light no matter the weather, install electric.

#2 Clean Your House’s Siding

With a bit of preventive maintenance, your home’s siding will stay clean and trouble-free for up to 50 years. Fifty years! Clean it this month with a soft cloth or a long-handled, soft-bristle brush to guarantee that longevity.

Start at the bottom of the house and work up, rinsing completely before it dries. That’s how you avoid streaks.

#3 Focus on Your Foundation

There’s no better time for inspecting your foundation than warm, dry June. Eyeball it for crumbling mortar, cracks in the stucco, or persistently damp spots (especially under faucets). Then call a pro to fix any outstanding issues now, before they become an emergency later.

#4 Seal Your Driveway Asphalt

Your driveway takes a daily beating. Weather, sunlight, cars, bikes, and foot traffic — all of these damage the asphalt. Help it last by sealing it. Tip: The temperature must be 50 degrees or higher for the sealer to stick, making June a good month for this easy, cost-effective job.

#5 Buy Tools

Thanks to Father’s Day, June is the month everyone can get a deal on tools, tool bags, and that multitool you’ve had your eye on. If it’s time to replace a bunch of tools or you’re starting from scratch, look for package deals that offer several at once. These can pack a savings wallop, offering 30% off or more over buying the tools individually.

Small Affordable Home Upgrades for Big Impact

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina McBreairty) — Mon, 08 May 2023 15:17:00 +0000

Home improvement pros and DIYers tout a fresh coat of paint as a favorite among low-cost home upgrades that can make a huge impact. But what else can you do to accessorize and decorate? Sometimes the little things can make a bigger difference than you might think.

Professionals share the following easy and low-cost home upgrades to add a designer’s touch all around the house. These projects may even help increase your home’s perceived value.

For the Bathroom

1. Frame It

Estimated cost: starting around $100

That edgeless, builder-grade mirror hanging above the bathroom vanity may be prime for an update. Measure the mirror and choose from numerous frame styles and materials, like wooden walnut or shiny brass. The frame kit includes clips and metal strips to attach to the existing mirror. A once-forgettable mirror instantly looks customized and styled to the space.

2. Infuse Some Green

Estimated cost: $5 and up

Simply adding greenery can liven up bathroom spaces and soften harsh lines from all the heavy fixtures. Try a statement plant on the floor, like the vertical sword-shaped leaves of a snake plant or the feathery foliage from a bird’s nest fern. Or you could incorporate smaller plants, like a mini aloe in a white ceramic planter or an iron fern in a rounded marble vase.

Many renovators say they’re incorporating greenery to update their bathrooms for aesthetics, air purification, and odor-fighting abilities. Tight on space? Consider topping a shelf or vanity counter with an air-purifying indoor plant on a natural tray (for texture) along with a favorite candle.

3. Modernize Hardware

Estimated cost: hardware starting at about $2 apiece, faucets for $200 or less

Just swapping out the faucets and drawer pulls is a small home upgrade that can refresh an outdated bathroom. Try trendy gold or black cabinet pulls or a modern boxy-style faucet. Mixed metals are trending right now, like black with brass and brass with chrome. Check out Build.com, which features a variety of manufacturers and styles.

4. Soften the Lights

Estimated cost: about $100 or less apiece ($40 to $120 per fixture for installation by an electrician)

Wall sconces can really warm up the bathroom lighting. Try hanging wall sconces on each side of the vanity mirror in a black, brass, or chrome finish. The bulb color’s temperature is important. Designers suggest between 2700K and 3000K for a soft warm light.

For the Bedroom

5. Add Molding to the Walls

Estimated cost: about $200, including a designer’s input

Installing molding on the walls behind the bed is an impressive home upgrade. If you don't see what you want at the hardware store, designers and woodworking artists are available on sites like Etsy.com (search under “professionally designed custom dimensional accent wall”). They will custom design a 3D digital model of the molding to fit your wall and provide an instruction packet, shopping list, and cutting and installation instructions so you can DIY.

6. Decorate with Mirrors

Estimated cost: $150 to $250

Try adding a statement wall mirror to a bedroom by hanging a new mirror above a nightstand, dresser, chest, or bed. Try a mirror in an unusual shape, like a diamond, hexagon, or square silhouette. If you’re itching for a redesign but don’t want to spend so much, a mirror is the perfect buy. It is simple, affordable, and light-enhancing.

For the Living Room

7. Texturize and Accessorize

Estimated cost: $50 to $150 to update a few accessories

A room can appear one-dimensional when it’s missing texture. Designers often add texture by incorporating dressers with fluted designs, chunky knit throws, velvet ottomans, or leather accent chairs. You can adapt that idea by scoping out items from other rooms in your house that you can mix in to the living room to add texture and depth. Or shop secondhand stores for small items you can refinish, repurpose, or re-cover. For example, re-covered accent pillows are an affordable way to add texture to your furniture.

One of the best things about accent pillows is they are an easy seasonal item, making your living room feel different without costing as much as a new furniture buy. Throw pillows are a great and inexpensive way to incorporate new trends or add color to your living room. Also, functional accents — like a set of three seagrass baskets — can be great for a corner or near a fireplace. Then, place throw blankets in them to give the room a cozy, inviting feel.

8. Wallpaper the Shelves

Estimated cost: about $50 for a small roll

For homeowners who may be too timid to jump on the wallpaper comeback trend, try it in small doses and with less commitment (especially when using a removable peel-and-stick type). Try adding wallpaper to the inside back of a bookcase or other shelving unit to dress it up.

For the Kitchen

9. Bring in Some Bling

Estimated cost: starting at $2 apiece for cabinet hardware, $60 to $150 for pendant lighting (extra $40 to $120 per fixture for installation by an electrician)

Don’t let an all-white kitchen become boring. Try adding industrial or contemporary black hardware and lighting to make a kitchen look more chic. Gold is trendy; or chrome, nickel, brushed silver, and stainless steel hardware and lighting are always safe bets. Check out sites such as Overstock.com, Wayfair.com, or Amazon.com for affordable, stylish mid-century mod, industrial, or futuristic pendant lighting options.

Try hanging shiny gold or black canned pendants in an otherwise all-white kitchen to highlight the island. Even just changing out one main fixture or series of pendants above a kitchen island can change the whole look of a room instantly without having to renovate the entire kitchen.

10. Dress Up the Pantry

Estimated cost: starting at $1 each for baskets and glass jars

Pantries have emerged as a kitchen favorite, so they’re a good choice for a home upgrade. They’re rated as essential or desirable by many home buyers. Retailers such as the Container Store, Ikea, and Dollar General offer baskets and glass jars in all shapes and sizes.

Invest in a label maker and go to town organizing your pantry so everything matches and looks almost decorative or too pretty to take snacks from. This helps create visual order in the space too. For example, stow pasta in a glass container, put the packaged bread and other products in shelf-sized baskets, and color coordinate the canned goods.

For Outdoors

11. Accentuate With Flower Boxes

Estimated cost: $150

Boxes filled with flowers along the bottom ledge of your outside windows can enhance your home’s architecture and colors. Flower boxes have a cozy and charming feel that helps homeowners and real estate professionals market exteriors. They can add interest, dimension, and some personality. Fill them all year-round. Home designers suggest using three different types of flowers (for example, greenery, a taller plant in the center, and a colorful accent flower).

The size, proportion, and positioning of flower boxes are important; don’t overdo it. Not every window needs one. Maybe it’s just the large picture window or the windows on a second story. To test placement, try duct taping cardboard cutouts to the windows to view the possibilities before drilling any holes.

12. Swap Out Lighting Fixtures

Estimated cost: $200 to $250

Bring in a statement light above the front door for a functional and dramatic home upgrade. A hanging pendant or chandelier on the front porch isn’t just for extra illumination — it can enhance curb appeal. Designers suggest a fixture that’s about one-third or one-fourth the size of the front door (including the trim) and having it hang about 66 inches from the ground. So many times, we hang them too high. Let your front porch light be the loudest. Designers suggest that the lights on the exterior should make a statement.

If there’s no place for a pendant, upgrade the lights to the side of the door, such as with boxed lanterns in a black or antique bronze. For inspiration, check out Bevolo.com, which recommends fixtures based on house style (modern, traditional, coastal, etc.).

13. Oversize the House Numbers

Estimated cost: $150 to $200

The home’s address numbers may seem insignificant for the outside design, but can really add a statement and is an inexpensive home upgrade.

The numbers can be in all-black or in colors, like even pink or teal, depending on the home’s style. Large format, sleek black address numbers can add a modern vibe to a home. The placement varies too, from the side of the front door to above the garage or anywhere along the front.

House numbers can become a focal point and really add some flair. For inspiration check out Modernhousenumbers.com.

Home Improvement Projects That Pay Off

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina McBreairty) — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 14:39:00 +0000

Big remodeling projects aren't the only way to get a worthwhile return on investment or happiness. Homeowners can get payback and joy from several smaller, lower-dollar-value home improvement projects.

Small projects are suited to DIY, which can save you cash. Recent research shows that 10% of young
millennials, between 23 and 31, want a fixer-upper home where they can work on DIY projects.

Of course, kitchen and bathroom makeovers will always have a place in our hearts (if not our wallets). The following five high-performing projects are significantly less expensive options.

#1 Hardwood Flooring Refinish or Replacement

Refinishing hardwood floors is one of the top interior remodeling projects that brings the highest return. Remodelers estimate the cost at $3,400, and REALTORS® estimate the value recovered at $5,000, a whopping 147% return.

With hardwood floors, you get a lot of bang for your buck, they’re not that expensive, and people really like them. Postpandemic, homeowners are still concerned about cleanliness, and hardwood floors are relatively easy to clean. Plus, with increased pet adoption, homeowners prefer surfaces that are less likely to stain or retain odors.

Refinishing makes sense when everyday life has left scuffs, dents, dullness, and scratches — all unwanted reminders of spills, accidents, dragged furniture, and ground-in dirt from foot traffic. Your options for refinishing will depend on whether the coating or the wood itself is damaged. The deeper the damage, the higher the refinishing cost.

New wood flooring snagged the second-highest score for interior projects, with a $5,500 cost and a $6,500 cost recovery, netting 118% in value recovered. Although it’s a bigger investment than refinishing, new flooring will let you opt for the hardwood and finish you prefer. And that will affect the floor’s durability and appearance.

#2 Insulation Upgrade

Buyers want to cut their energy costs where they can. They want their utility costs cut and efficient heating and cooling. But the typical home they are purchasing is 30 years old and quite dated. So, it may not have good insulation.

Making this home improvement could factor into more than comfort level and energy prices by appealing to buyers when you’re ready to sell. Promoting energy efficiency in listings can be valuable. Current home buyers typically rank the importance of heating/cooling and insulation at top of their preference list.

You can tackle an insulation upgrade as a DIY project; some can be done in a short 15 minutes. Installing certain types of insulation materials, like fiberglass and mineral wool, are especially DIY-able. But spray foam and some other insulation types require a professional. The Department of Energy offers advice too: The maximum thermal performance, or R-value, of insulation greatly depends on how well it’s installed. So, it pays to stick within your skill level.

#3 Closet Renovation

Consumers surveyed took on a closet upgrade for two main reasons: to add features and improve livability, and to improve organization and storage. This update averaged $6,000, costing more than some of the other smaller projects. But the cost recovery was substantial, at $5,000, or 83%.

Closets are using something like a Legos approach when remodeled, according to the pros. “Basically, you take the basic building blocks — like drawers, hangers, hampers, shelves — but you use them differently and add to them. Most people want storage for their particular needs. If you have 100 pairs of shoes, for example, you need creative ways to deal with shoe storage: shoeboxes, slanted shoe shelves, straight shoe shelves, shoe cubbies.

#4 Add or Upgrade Laundry Area

Laundry wrangling is more of a chore if you don’t have enough work space or you’re missing certain features, like a countertop or a sink. Consumers in the survey said they focused on laundry room improvements to add features and improve livability or because they had just moved into their home and wanted to customize it.

Laundry room remodeling costs $4,000 to $12,000, according to FixR. Why the broad range? Laundry rooms can be located in different parts of the home and vary in size and shape. Most people pay around $7,000 for a 35-square-foot laundry room that includes mid-range upper and lower cabinets, a laminate countertop, and front-loading appliances, FixR says.

Of course, you can upgrade an existing laundry room or space by adding à la carte features. Popular add-ons include stock or custom cabinets, a sink, countertops for work space, good lighting, and durable flooring. Some of the fancier options include units for hanging wet items like T-shirts so they can drip into the sink and racks that pull out of drawers for drying fine woolens.

Don’t forget about small DIY improvements — like painting walls or cabinets and adding lighting. They’ll help you customize the space so you might almost enjoy doing laundry.

#5 Paint One Interior Room

Painting an interior room is one of the most DIY-friendly small home improvement projects. There’s nothing like it to freshen a room or fix a quirk or two.

Hiring a professional to paint a room costs $990 to $1,320, according to FixR. The variation stems from the type of room and its square footage, plus the type of finish.

With practice and a little advice, even a novice DIYer can get great results. If you’re stuck on what colors to pick, there’s more advice out there than you can shake a paintbrush at. Most major paint manufacturers have released a color or palette of the year for 2023. If you want to follow your own preferences but would like a little guidance, you can get tips about how to choose complementary colors you’ll like over the long term.

So, if you're looking for a home improvements projects that pay off and a big project isn't in your budget (like bathroom and kitchen renos or basement and attic conversions to living areas), a smaller upgrade may make you happy and bring a healthy return.

How to Pick Paint Colors to Fix Any Room’s Flaws

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina McBreairty) — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 11:55:00 +0000

Every home suffers a few negatives, but not every solution requires pricey structural changes. Paint is a frugal remodeler’s go-to solution to perk up a problem room.

Here’s how to pick paint colors to give any room a facelift:

Choosing Paint for a Room That’s Too Small

Painting walls white, cream, pastels, or cool colors (tinged with blue or green) creates the illusion of more space by reflecting light.

White or light colors on walls lifts the ceiling, bringing your eyes up, which makes you feel like you’re ina larger room.

How to use paint color to make a room seem bigger:

Paint trim similar to walls to ensure a seamless appearance that visually expands space.
Use a monochromatic scheme to amplify the dimensions of a room. Select furnishings in the same color. Lack of contrast makes a room seem more spacious.
Extend wall color onto the ceiling an additional 6- 12- inches. This will make the room seem taller.
Paint vertical or horizontal stripes. Vertical stripes enhance room height by drawing the eye up, horizontal stripes lure your gaze around the perimeter, making walls seem further away. Use similar light colors for low-contrast stripes, and your room will look even larger.
Get a bit of a similar effect if you really want a darker shade by selecting a high-gloss paint sheen, which reflects light and enhances space.

For a Room That’s Too Large

When a space feels cavernous, draw walls inward and make it cozy with warm colors (red-tinged) because darker hues absorb light.

Similarly, a dark or warm color overhead (in a flat finish) helps make rooms with high or vaulted ceilings seem less voluminous.

For a Room That Needs a Soothing Vibe

The right paint choice can lend tranquility to a bathroom, master suite, or other quiet, personal space. A palette of soft, understated color or muted tones help you instill a calming atmosphere.

Some good choices include pale lavenders, light grays or greens, and wispy blues.

For a Room with Special Features That No One Notices

Call out notable features in a room with paint. Dress crown moldings and other trims in white to make them pop against walls with color.

Make a fireplace or other feature a focal point by painting it a color that contrasts with walls.

Using a higher sheen of paint on woodwork, such as baseboards and door or window casings will create a crisp edge and clear transition from the wall to the trim.

For a Room with Something Ugly to Hide

Not everything should stand out in a space. Using a low-contrast palette is a good way to hide unappealing elements or flaws.

Conduit, radiators, and other components painted the same color as the wall will seem to disappear.

Selecting low-sheen or flat paint colors also helps hide flaws. Unless walls are smooth, avoid using high-gloss paint because it reflects light and calls attention to an uneven surface.

How to Pick Paint Colors for Any Room

Sample paint colors on a few walls.
Use large swaths of paint so you can get a real feel for the color.
Add samples to opposite sides of a room to judge the paint color from different angles.
Check the space with the samples in place and watch how the paint color changes at different times of the day.
Check the color on cloudy days, sunny days, and at night when you’ve got artificial lights on.

Understanding Paint Finishes

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina McBreairty) — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000

There’s a basic rule of thumb to follow when choosing paint sheens: The higher the sheen, the higher the shine — and the higher the shine, the more durable it will be.

Flat paint has no shine; high-gloss is all shine. In between are eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss, each with its own practical and decorative job to do.

Here’s how to choose the right paint sheen for your painting job:

High Gloss

The most durable and easiest to clean of all paint sheens, high-gloss paint is hard, ultra-shiny, and light-reflecting. Think appliance-paint tough.

High gloss is a good choice for area that sticky fingers touch — cabinets, trim, and doors. High-gloss, however, is too much shine for interior walls. And like a Spandex dress, high gloss shows every bump and roll, so don’t skimp on prep work.

Practical application: kitchens, door, and window trim
Durability: very high

Semi-Gloss

Good for rooms where moisture, drips, and grease stains challenge walls. Also great for trim work that takes a lot of abuse.

Practical application: kitchens, bathrooms, trim, chair rails
Durability: high

Satin

Has a yummy luster that, despite the name, is often described as velvety. It’s easy to clean, making it excellent for high-traffic areas. Its biggest flaw is it reveals application flaws, such as roller or brush strokes. Touch-ups later can be tricky.

Practical application: family rooms, foyers, hallways, kids’ bedrooms
Durability: high

Eggshell

Between satin and flat on the sheen (and durability) scale is eggshell, so named because it’s essentially a flat (no-shine) finish with little luster, like a chicken’s egg. Eggshell covers wall imperfections well and is a great finish for gathering spaces that don’t get a lot of bumps and scuffs.

Practical application: dining rooms, living rooms
Durability: medium

Flat or Matte

A friend to walls that have something to hide, flat/matte soaks up, rather than reflects, light. It has the most pigment and will provide the most coverage, which translates to time and money savings. However, it’s tough to clean without taking paint off with the grime.

Practical application: adults’ bedrooms and other interior rooms that won’t be roughed up by kids
Durability: medium-low

Tips For Choosing the Right Sheen

If your paint color is dark and rich but you don’t want a super shiny effect, step down at least one level on the sheen scale. That’s because the darker and richer the paint color is, the more colorant it has, which boosts sheen. Ditto if you’re painting a large, sun-washed, or imperfect wall. The higher the sheen, the more defects will show.

Adding sheen also adds to the cost, usually an extra dollar or two per gallon as you step up on the sheen scale.

What You Need to Know About Quartz Countertops

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina McBreairty) — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 19:00:00 +0000

The kitchen tends to be the home’s gathering place, so it’s only natural you want it to look and feel
welcoming. But as the hub of your home, your kitchen needs durable countertops, especially if you have little ones helping with the cooking. Quartz countertops are a trendy choice for kitchens, but before you get in touch with your contractor, it’s important to assess the pros and cons and review some alternatives.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops?

Pros of Quartz Kitchen Countertops

Durable: Quartz countertops are highly durable, made from a mix of stones and stone-like materials bound together with resins. Makers of quartz countertops press the materials and resin into slabs that are solid and nonporous. That means the counters won’t chip or crack with everyday use (like when your little ones are helping you cook).
Stain-resistant: Quartz is highly stain-resistant, thanks to its nonporous surface. But it can be stained by certain substances — like red wine, coffee, tea, tomato sauce, and juice — if the spill isn’t cleaned up immediately. The staining happens when the liquid interacts with the resin. You’ll also want to use gentle cleaners instead of harsh chemicals. Another positive: Quartz is relatively low maintenance and doesn’t require sealing.
Highly customizable: Thanks to advances in engineered quartz, you can choose from a variety of patterns that can be custom-made or mirror the look of granite or marble.

Cons of Quartz Countertops

Pricey: The price of quartz is high compared to the price of materials like marble and limestone. On average, quartz kitchen countertops cost $40 to $100 per square foot installed.
Prone to heat damage: While quartz is heat-resistant, the binders used in about 10% of a quartz countertop slab are not. So, leaving hot cookware directly on a quartz counter could cause unsightly stains.
Requires professional installation: Installing quartz countertops is probably not a DIY task. The material is incredibly heavy and needs professional attention to ensure the kitchen can support the counters.

What Should You Look for in a Quartz Countertop?

Look for these quality markers when buying a quartz countertop:

Cohesive coloring: Compare separate slabs from the quartz you plan to buy. Are they the same color?
Coloring through the surface: Make sure the veins and colorations you see on the surface of the quartz continue throughout the slab.
Consistent aggregates: Aggregates are the pebbles you find along the edges of your countertops. No matter the size of these pebbles, they should be consistent throughout the countertop.

Alternatives to Quartz Countertops

Your kitchen countertops should fit your lifestyle and the look of your space. So, before you choose them, explore several options to see what works best. Some alternatives to quartz kitchen countertops include:

Marble

Marble is often comparable in price to quartz, but it has a unique and elegant look that may make the price worth it for some. While neither quartz nor marble requires resealing, marble has a porous surface, so it may be susceptible to stains, especially from acidic liquids, like tomato sauce or lemon juice. Quartz isn’t porous like marble but can still stain too.

Slate

Slate is just as durable as quartz, but its designs and aggregates are more uniform. Slate costs more than quartz on average and requires a decent amount of maintenance, including regular sealing.

Granite

Granite countertops are naturally made versus the man-made designs of quartz. While prices may be similar, granite requires more maintenance because of the need for regular resealing.

How Much Do Quartz Counters Cost?

Several factors affect the cost of quartz countertops, including the brand, design, thickness, size of the project, and installation cost. On average, quartz countertops cost $40 to $100 per square foot installed. So, in an average kitchen with 30 square feet of countertop space, you’ll need to budget between $1,750 and $3,000 for quartz counters, with $2,300 being an average price.

Compare that to other popular countertop options like granite, which costs between $2,500 and $5,000 for 30 square feet installed, or marble which may run you between $2,000 and $7,000.

What Should You Ask Your Contractor About Installing Quartz Countertops?

Before you hire a pro to install new counters, be sure to ask a few questions, including:

Is your team experienced with installing quartz countertops?
Will replacing my kitchen countertops require a permit?
How much do you charge for countertop installation, including removing my old countertops?
Will you move my appliances and fixtures during installation, or am I responsible for that?
Do you have insurance that covers any damage to my home or countertops during installation?
Do you offer a warranty if something happens to the counters after installation?

The answers to these questions and the information above can guide you as you decide whether quartz countertops are the best option for your kitchen.

How to Unfreeze Frozen Pipes

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina McBreairty) — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 21:26:00 +0000

This weekend temperatures plunged far below zero in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont as residents hunkered down and tried to stay warm. Mount Washington set a record for coldest wind chill ever recorded at minus 108 degrees! As a landlord, my phone was non-stop yesterday. Unfortunately, these record low temps resulted in some frozen pipes at my apartments buildings.

The best way to deal with freezing pipes is to prevent them in the first place. But if the unthinkable
does happen, you’ll have to act fast to minimize the damage and cost of repairs.

Why Freezing Pipes Burst

Not all freezing pipes burst. But when one does, it’s because water expands when it freezes, adding considerable pressure on unyielding plumbing pipes. That pressure can cause a tiny leak at a joint or crack on a length of pipe, unleashing the full flow of water inside your home.

How to Identify Freezing Pipes

A water line coated in frost (or bulging like a well-fed python) is a good sign that it’s frozen, but not all plumbing pipes are visible. If the water in your faucets doesn’t flow and your toilet doesn’t refill following a flush, that’s a good sign your pipes are frozen.

How to Thaw a Frozen Pipe

Before doing anything, shut off the water supply to that section of plumbing (or the entire house if that’s the only option) because the real trouble begins after the thaw. That’s because the frozen water may be acting as a plug, preventing water from spilling out of the cracks in your pipes. When that plug is thawed, water gushes out. It’s a good idea to be ready with a mop, bucket, and towels in case there’s a plumbing leak.

It’s not the frozen pipes that makes a mess... it’s the thawing pipes that leak and spew water after a hard freeze.

Use a space heater, heat lamp, or hair dryer to thaw the frozen length of pipe. Wrapping freezing pipes with thermostatically controlled heat tape is also an effective way to quickly thaw a trouble spot.

Don’t thaw pipes using a propane torch, which presents a fire risk.

What to Do If a Pipe Bursts

If you walk in to discover Old Faithful in your basement, the first thing you should do is shut off the main water supply to minimize flooding. Next, call your plumber.

Immediately dry out by removing as much water as possible using mops, sponges, towels, and a wet/dry vacuum. To minimize mold, mildew, and other moisture-related problems, run a dehumidifier in the space until it’s very dry.

For big messes, call your insurance agent. The good news is that most homeowners insurance covers burst pipes and the resulting water damage.

A Few Words About That Main Water Shut-Off Valve

Everybody should know where the main water shut-off is. The sooner you can shut off the water, the less it will cost you down the road.

Not only should homeowners know where the valve is located, they should have it inspected the next time a plumber is on site. If your home has an older gate-style valve, it might be worth the money to have it replaced with a more reliable ball valve.

Gate valves are prone to sticking when you need them the most, so it’s a good idea to exercise them once a year by rotating them back and forth.

Tricks to Making Snow Shoveling Less Miserable

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina McBreairty) — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 15:00:00 +0000

If you’re a homeowner in a snowy climate, chances are good that you dread shoveling snow in the winter. Barring a move to a snow-free state or barricading your family inside all winter, there’s no way to avoid the endless task of shoveling snow.

There are, however, ways to make the process much easier. Here are four simple hacks to make the morning after a snowfall much less stressful.

#1 Spray Your Shovel with Cooking Oil

Snow sticking to your shovel makes an already arduous task even more obnoxious. Avoid it with this hack: Lightly coat your shovel with nonstick cooking oil to make the snow slide right off. No more time wasted removing snow from your snow remover. (You can substitute a spray lubricant like WD-40, but the downside is it’s toxic.)

#2 Lay Out a Tarp Before the Snow

If you like shortcuts, this technique has your name on it! The day before an expected snowfall, lay a tarp on your walkway. When the snow finishes falling, just pull out the tarp, and voilà: an instantly cleared walkway. (Word to the wise: Make sure pedestrians won’t trip on your tarp. Include a sign or use this technique in your backyard walkway if you’re concerned.)

The technique requires a tarp, firewood, and twine as well as some prep work. Prestorm, use firewood to weigh down your tarp — you don’t want it flying away in the wind — and tie the twine to both the tarp and to a shovel standing upright in your yard. You’ll use the shovel to pull out the snow-laden tarp.

Although this method might be faster than shoveling, it does require manpower. After all, a cubic foot of snow can weigh between seven and 20 pounds. So, don’t get too ambitious with the size of your tarp or you might not be able to pull it once it’s full of snow.

#3 Stir Up a Homemade De-icing Cocktail

Deicers make snow removal easier by cutting through the tough, icy layers that are a pain to remove with a shovel. But an easy solution should be easy on your property as well. Many commercial deicers are pretty harsh.

Commercial ice-melting substances (magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium chloride) are very damage the environment. They can also damage concrete sidewalks and driveways resulting in hefty repair costs later.

A better solution: Make your own deicer using rubbing alcohol or vinegar. You’ll save money, too. Commercial melters typically cost significantly more than alcohol or vinegar.

Use vinegar before a storm to make ice and snow removal easier:

Combine 3 parts vinegar to 1 part water.
Spray or pour gently (you still want to avoid runoff into your landscape) before a storm.

To keep the sidewalks and steps from icing after a storm:

Combine 2 parts rubbing alcohol with 1 part water.
Apply to minimize runoff.

#4 Make Your Leaf Blower Do Double Duty

A leaf blower can be a multitasker. Use it to remove dry, powdery snow that’s no more than 1 inch thick. A few guidelines to keep in mind:

Snow should be no heavier than dry leaves.
Don’t use electric leaf blowers; stick to models that run on batteries or gas.
Keep it quick and make sure air temp is above freezing to avoid possible damage to the blower.

Smart Strategies for Kitchen Remodeling

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina McBreairty) — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 00:14:00 +0000

Homeowners spend more money on kitchen remodeling than on any other home improvement project, and with good reason. Kitchens are the hub of home life and a source of pride.

You can recover a significant portion of kitchen remodeling costs through the value the project brings to your home. A complete kitchen renovation typically recovers about 75% of the initial project cost at the home’s resale.

To help ensure you get a good return on your kitchen remodel, follow these six tips:

Plan, Plan, Plan

Planning your kitchen remodel should take more time than the actual construction. If you plan well, you can minimize the amount of time you’re inconvenienced by construction mayhem. Plus, you’re more likely to stay on budget.

How much time should you spend planning? The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends at least six months. That way, you won’t be tempted to change your mind during construction and create change orders, which will inflate construction costs and hurt your return on investment.

Some tips on planning:

Study your existing kitchen: How wide is the doorway into your kitchen? Many homeowners make the mistake of buying an extra-large fridge only to find they can’t get it in the doorway. To avoid mistakes like this, create a drawing of your kitchen with measurements for doorways, walkways, counters, etc. And don’t forget height.

Think about traffic patterns: Work aisles should be a minimum of 42 inches wide and at least 48 inches wide for households with multiple cooks.

Design with ergonomics in mind: Drawers or pull-out shelves in base cabinets, counter heights that can adjust up or down, and a wall oven instead of a range are all features that make a kitchen accessible to everyone — and a pleasure to work in.

Plan for the unforeseeable: Even if you’ve planned down to the number of nails you’ll need in your remodel, expect the unexpected. Build in a little leeway for completing the remodel. Want it done by Thanksgiving? Then plan to be done before Halloween.

Choose all your fixtures and materials before starting: Contractors will be able to make more-accurate bids, and you’ll lessen the risk of delays because of back orders.

Don’t be afraid to seek help: A professional designer can simplify your kitchen remodel. Pros help make style decisions, foresee potential problems, and schedule contractors.

Get Real About Appliances

It’s easy to get carried away when planning your new kitchen. A six-burner commercial-grade range and luxury-brand refrigerator may make eye-catching centerpieces, but they may not fit your cooking needs or lifestyle.

Appliances are essentially tools used to cook and store food. Your kitchen remodel shouldn’t be about the tools, but the design and functionality of the entire kitchen. So, unless you’re an exceptional cook who cooks a lot, concentrate your dollars on long-term features that add value, such as cabinets and flooring.

Then choose appliances made by trusted brands that have high marks in online reviews and “Consumer Reports.”

Keep the Same Footprint

Nothing will drive up the cost of a remodel faster than changing the location of plumbing pipes and electrical outlets, and knocking down walls. This is usually where unforeseen problems occur.

So, if possible, keep appliances, water fixtures, and walls in the same location. Not only will you save on demolition and reconstruction costs, you will cut the amount of dust and debris your project generates.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Lighting

Lighting can make a world of difference in a kitchen. It can make it look larger and brighter. And it will help you work safely and efficiently. You should have two different types of lighting in your kitchen:

Task lighting: Under-cabinet lighting should be on your must list, since cabinets create such dark work areas. And since you’re remodeling, there won’t be a better time to hard-wire your lights. Plan for at least two fixtures per task area to eliminate shadows. Pendant lights are good for islands and other counters without low cabinets. Recessed lights and track lights work well over sinks and general prep areas with no cabinets overhead.
Ambient lighting: Flush-mounted ceiling fixtures, wall sconces, and track lights create overall lighting in your kitchen. Include dimmer switches to control intensity and mood.

Be Quality-Conscious

Functionality and durability should be top priorities during kitchen remodeling. Resist low-quality bargains and choose products that combine low maintenance with long warranty periods. Solid-surface countertops, for instance, may cost a little more, but with the proper care, they’ll look great for a long time.

And if you’re planning on moving soon, products with substantial warranties are a selling advantage.

Add Storage, Not Space

Storage will never go out of style, but if you’re sticking with the same footprint, here are a couple of ideas to add more:

Install cabinets that reach the ceiling: They may cost more — and you might need a stepladder — but you’ll gain valuable storage space for Christmas platters and other once-a-year items. In addition, you won’t have to dust cabinet tops.

Hang it up: Mount small shelving units on unused wall areas and inside cabinet doors, hang stock pots and large skillets on a ceiling-mounted rack, and add hooks to the backs of closet doors for aprons, brooms, and mops.

Odors in Your House Only Your Guests Can Smell

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina McBreairty) — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 18:30:00 +0000

Stand in your kitchen and take a deep breath. Smell that? From last night’s fish to your son’s nasty lacrosse pads that he left on the table. If you can’t detect any of your home’s rankest odors... you’ve got nose blindness.

You actually adapt to the smells around you. On a sensory level, your processing mechanism becomes less sensitive to the continuous stimuli. On a cognitive level, you can become habituated to the smells and basically learn to ignore them.

Here are some of the most common nose blindness culprits and how to ban them from your home.

#1 Pet Funk

There’s one easy way to tell if your home smells like pets: Do you have them? Then, yeah, unless you’re an obsessive cleaner and groomer, your abode has at least some Fido funk.

It could be pee, but more likely it’s just hair, gunky ears, and weeks-old slobber.

The first step to cleaning up pet smells is — sorry, pets — cleaning the pets themselves. Bathe and groom them regularly.

Then, vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. If they have a favorite couch or cushion, cover it with a blanket and run it — and the cushion cover — through the wash weekly. Every time you vacuum, start with a hearty sprinkle of baking soda on the carpet.

And use that crevice tool liberally; pet hair loves tight spaces like the border between the carpet and the wall, the edges of your steps, and that little crack of space between the stove and your cabinets.

Hopefully urine isn’t the issue, but to be sure, you can use a black light to out any dried stains your pet was hoping you’d never notice.

Use more of that baking soda followed by a half-water, half-vinegar solution to neutralize the odor. Lots of people also swear by store-bought neutralizers, like Nature’s Miracle.

#2 Mustiness

Fortunately, nose blindness only affects one of your senses, and you don’t need your nose to verify a basement with a musty smell.

Mustiness is caused by mildew and mold, which — for better or for worse — your eyeballs can easily detect. Do a careful inspection of your basement, from the darkest corner to the surface of every cardboard box or bookshelf. If you find gray or white splotches anywhere, it’s probably mildew. If it’s fuzzy, (oh no!) it’s mold.

First, you’ll want to bust up those existing odors. Then, you’ll want to make sure they never return. Some elbow grease with regular household cleaner will scrub away mildew. Bleach isn’t the cure-all for mold. In fact, it can often exacerbate the problem.

To prevent mildew and mold from returning, consider running a dehumidifier or improving air circulation and sunlight exposure in the affected area if possible.

For chronic mustiness, you can deodorize rooms by setting out bowls of vinegar, cat litter, baking soda, or — as crazy as this sounds — an onion also will do the trick. Cut one in half and let it sit in a bowl in the room. The onion smell goes away in a few hours, and so will the dankness.

#3 Smelly Bedding

Similar to pet odors, knowing if your mattress could smell is easy: Do you have a human body with skin and oils? Do you sleep on it?

Eventually, all the dead skin and body oils you shed while sleeping are going to build up, and stink they will, especially if your bedding is older.

You can’t exactly toss your mattress in the washing machine, so you’ll have to deal with it where it lies.

But there’s an easy fix: Sprinkle baking soda on it, let it sit for an hour or more, and then vacuum up the soda. This works for memory foam, too. Add a couple drops of essential oil to the baking soda for a pleasant smell — drip directly into the box and shake it well to mix evenly. Bonus: Lavender has been shown to help you sleep.

#4 Fridge and Freezer Grime

It’s your fridge and freezer’s job to keep your food fresh, but they need a little help staying fresh themselves.

Itty bitty food bits hang out long after you’ve tossed the item from which they came. Although you might not notice the odor creep, you may notice your ice starting to taste funny or see those food morsels start to accumulate in the corners of your fridge shelves.

If you see or taste something icky, you can bet others can smell something icky.

To zap odors from your freezer and fridge, unplug and empty them and do a thorough cleaning with a mix of hot water and baking soda.

You can sanitize with a solution of one tablespoon bleach and one gallon of water. Let it air out for 15 minutes. Try wiping it down with vinegar for extra odor eliminating, or even leave the door open for a few days.

What better excuse is there for a long weekend away or to treat yourself to takeout?

Air-Purifying House Plants

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina McBreairty) — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 21:57:00 +0000

Many air-purifying house plants put out their own sweet smell while removing the nasty ones that make your nose curl.

Keep in mind, while NASA confirms these plants do tackle toxins, they aren’t a cure-all for our homes here on earth. They’ll remove some toxins, but since our homes aren’t airtight (unlike NASA’s space abodes), they can’t remove everything because the air is constantly changing.

But don’t let that put you off. These air-purifying plants can make a difference in your home with their sweet scents. Here are a few to get you started:

Air-purifying plants and their scents:

Jasmine has a sweet aroma that can calm you
Lavender is great at making you sleepy
Rosemary can help you focus and work smarter
Sharry Baby Orchid smells like chocolate. Delicious!
Mother-in-Law Tongue turns carbon monoxide into oxygen
Devil’s Ivy, also known as pothos, can cleanse the air of toxic fumes like glue and paint
Mums tackle one of the toughest toxins: cigarette smoke
Peace Lily can reduce those annoying “new” odors from upholstery and carpet

Understanding Exterior Paint & Stain Options

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina McBreairty) — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 14:00:00 +0000

When painting the exterior of your home, you want to get the most from your investment. Done right, an exterior paint job can last 10 years; stain needs to be reapplied more often, anywhere from two to 10 years, depending on the type of stain.

One key to how long an exterior finish lasts is how well the surface is prepared. But equally important is the choice of the paint or stain itself. Using high-quality materials, matching them to your house and climate, and conducting regular maintenance will extend the time between recoatings.

Expect to pay $35 to $45 per gallon for conventional premium paint or stain. "Green," or zero-VOC, products run $45 to $55 per gallon. A gallon covers 350 to 400 square feet, so figure on about 8 gallons to cover an average two-story, 30-by-40-foot house. Most paint jobs require a primer and two topcoats.

Acrylic Latex Paints

Acrylic latex is the favored choice, both of pros and do-it-yourselfers. These water-based paints come in an endless range of colors and three popular finishes. Flat paint, commonly used indoors, offers the least protection against the elements. Satin, with its slightly higher sheen, is a good choice for wood siding. Semi-gloss or gloss offers the most protection and works well on high-use areas like window and door trim.

Pros: Latex paints are easy to work with and clean up with water. The paint film remains flexible even after drying, so it breathes and moves slightly to accommodate changes in temperature, or even house settling, without cracking. In addition to wood, latex can also cover siding made of vinyl, aluminum, fiber cement, stucco, brick, and metal.

Cons: Unless you're using "green" products, expect to smell paint fumes from the moment you open the can until the paint dries completely. These odors, produced by volatile organic compounds, are toxic in high quantities and contribute to air pollution.

In general, latex paint doesn't bond well to previous coats of oil paint unless you prepare the surface very well. That means stripping nearly all the old paint off the wood first, a time-consuming and expensive job. It's often smarter to stick with oil if you've got oil, and latex if you've got latex.

Oil-Based Paints

Oil paint, long prized for its durability, used to be the gold standard for exteriors and some high-traffic house trim such as handrails, doors, and floors. But these days it plays second fiddle to latex.

Pros: Oil paints dry hard and get harder with time. That makes them perfect for high-traffic uses: porch floors, steps, metal handrails, even your front door.

Cons: Over time, oil paint can become brittle and crack, producing an "alligator" look. (Some people actually like the effect.) Oil paint can never be applied on top of old latex paint; the two won't bond properly.

Toxic solvents are required to clean brushes and other equipment that come in contact with oil paint. The average can of oil paint has more VOCs than a can of conventional latex paint. Low-VOC oil paint is available, but even these products contain more VOCs than low-VOC latex paint.

Exterior Stain

Stain is the choice when you want to let some of the natural features of the wood shine through but still shield your investment from the elements. Cedar, redwood, and other beautiful varieties cry out for stain. As a rule, stain isn't as protective as paint; sunlight and weather can still penetrate the stain, causing the wood to age and discolor.

Like paints, stains come in latex and oil-based versions. You don't want to cover an oil with a latex stain, or vice versa, unless the old coat of stain has aged and weathered to the point where the new coat can adhere.

Stains come in three finishes:

Clear stains are extremely translucent. You'll see more of the wood, but you'll need to reapply as often as every two to three years. Clear stains can still vary greatly in appearance, so you will want to experiment on a scrap piece of shingle to choose your favorite product. Over time, the wood under clear stain will continue to discolor, forcing you to eventually move to the next category.

Semi-transparent stains are bulkier and offer more protection than clear stains, because they contain a hint of pigment. Color choices are not nearly as numerous as those for latex paint, but there's still a broad range of options. Reapply in five to seven years.

Opaque stains behave more like paint; they offer maximum protection and hide much of the wood's look. But they still allow the texture to show through. These come in many colors, but choose carefully--if you want to change colors next time around, you'll need to sand the surface completely. Opaques last 10 years or more.

Pros: Stains don't require extensive surface prep the way paint does. Just wash, dry, scrape any raised or cracked stain, and re-stain with a brush. You don't need a primer and may be able to squeak by with one coat.

Cons: Depending on type of stain, requires frequent reapplication.

It's Worth Springing for the Good Stuff

To make sure you're purchasing a quality product, buy at a reputable paint store and ask a sales clerk for recommendations. When buying latex paints, choose ones that are 100% acrylic polymers or resins, labeled on the front or in the ingredients list. Low-quality paint feels thin, runs down surfaces, and spatters off rollers. High-quality paint feels thicker, levels well when applied, and hides the old paint layer or primer in one to two coats, tops.

When it comes to stain, brand name and reputation are the best indicators of quality. Ask for recommendations, accept the higher price, and don't try to cut corners.

April Gotta Do’s for a Worry-Free Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina McBreairty) — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Tackling these five simple tasks now gives you a head start on spring. That leaves you plenty of worry-free time to enjoy the warmer weather.

#1 Tell Insects to Bug Off

Early spring warmth awakens insects, so start to protect your home now. Seal openings in eaves, decks, and other structures to keep out carpenter bees.

Nix mosquitoes by eliminating standing water or treating it with larvicide. Call a pro to destroy wasp and yellow jacket nests, unless you’re experienced enough to engage in a bee battle.

#2 Prep Tools for Lawn Care

Ladies and gentlemen, start your mowers. April’s the month to get this vital piece of equipment ready to roll. An unmaintained machine can cost money, slow you down, and leave your lawn vulnerable to disease. So, before you pull the starter rope:

Replace spark plugs and the air filter.
Change the oil and sharpen blades.
Fill the tank with fresh gasoline.

While you’ve got your gloves on, clean, sharpen, and repair your garden tools. When your azaleas are ready to prune, you’re not going to want to keep them waiting.

#3 Tune Up the Air Conditioner

With flip-flop weather comes another summer tradition: cranking up the air conditioning. Tune up your AC in April, before the mercury and service rates rise.

Ask your HVAC company if they have a twice-a-year maintenance plan. Often, you can get discounted rates if you join, and you don’t have to worry about finding someone to do it each spring and fall.

Now you only have to worry about which pair of Havaianas to wear.

#4 Check the Attic & Garage

How long has it been since you looked in the attic? April’s the time to inspect this oft-ignored space — before it gets too hot. Look for signs of animal activity (raccoons love attics), and repair or replace damaged insulation or wiring.

Ensure stored items are still secure; tighten container lids and dust covers and replace moth repellents.

While we’re talking storage, how’s the garage? If soccer balls, bikes, and luggage have taken prime parking space, regain control with a storage system. Your car (and your partner) will thank you.

#5 Clean Up Bird Feeders

Besides spreading diseases to birds, dirty bird feeders attract rodents and hurt curb appeal.

Give your bird feeders a deep clean — not just a rinse-out. Empty them, take them apart, and wash with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts hot water. Rinse well to remove all traces of bleach, air dry, and refill with seed.

Clean under feeders, too, because moldy or spoiled seed on the ground can make pets sick. Don’t forget the bird bath.

A pretty yard that’s a healthy haven for birds makes a good impression — one that says “this is a well-cared-for home.”

March Tasks That Veteran Homeowners Know You Gotta Do

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina McBreairty) — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 14:00:00 +0000

It’s that time of year when homeowners who’ve been through a few winters know that to be at the top of their game, they have to be proactive. Here are four things they always do:

#1 Patch Up the Bare Spots in the Lawn

That’ll keep both mud and water out of your house as snow and ice continue to melt and spring rains arrive.

#2 Inspect the Roof and Siding

Your home’s outer coat (its roof and siding) takes a major beating during severe cold weather. March’s slightly warmer temps make it an ideal time to look for early signs of roof problems before they become money-gobblers.

Grab some binoculars (it’s safer than climbing on the roof and a time-saver) and start looking for signs of damage:

Loose or curling shingles
Damaged gutters
Peeling paint
Cracks in the foundation

And start scheduling repairs before the damage gets more extensive.

#3 Put Up Window Screens

They last longer if you remove and store them for the winter... plus windows without screens will let in more warming rays of sunshine.

But regardless of whether you removed them last fall, now is the time to repair any holes, frames, or loose screens so you can open your windows for a fresh, clean breeze that’s bug-free.

#4 Replace Batteries in Smoke Detectors

Smoke detector batteries should be changed once a year.

And if you’re pressing the “test” button to see if it works, know this: That button tests the alarm sound — not whether the device actually detects smoke.

February Things-to-Do to Avoid a Yucky Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina McBreairty) — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 15:00:00 +0000

February is typically that dark time of year when winter just won’t go away... like that friend who can’t take a hint to leave.

Give it a push with these four easy tasks that will help usher in spring.

#1 Deep-Clean Your Entryway

Snow. Salt. Boots. Shovels. Your entryway floors, baseboards, rugs, and more have had a rough couple of months. Give that smallest of rooms some deep cleaning love now, before the salt crust becomes a permanent part of your entryway decor in spring.

#2 Make an Anti-Mud Plan

Mud may be the least of your frozen worries now, but it’s coming.

Be prepared with a remediation plan. With your yard in its frozen-tundra state, you can easily see the troublesome spots.

Research potential ground cover, like gravel, a rain garden, decorative rocks, or the right grass that’ll soak it up. Then you’ll be ready to execute your anti-mud plan the moment it’s warm enough — and do it in time to keep the mud at bay.

#3 Organize Your Cleaning Closets and Laundry Room

Before the madness of spring cleaning begins, organize (or even renovate) your laundry room and clean closets or cupboards.

This will not only breathe new life into these often-ignored areas, but perfectly pampered cleaning stations can seriously rev up your spring cleaning motivation.

#4 Hail a Handyperson

Spring and summer are peak handyperson seasons. Skip the surge pricing and the agony of waiting for callbacks by hiring someone now. At least for the indoor chores.

Plus, you may be surprised at what outdoor chores can be done.

You’ll be spring-ready before the first flower buds.

Market Update

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina McBreairty) — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 03:10:00 +0000

Sales of single-family existing homes in Maine continue a double-digit increase trend. The Maine Association of Realtors show 1,613 homes changed hands across the state in May 2021—a 28.32% increase over May 2020. High buyer demand continues to impact home values. The statewide median sales price (MSP) increased 28.21% to $305,000 in May 2021 compared to May 2020.

May 2020 was the low point for Maine’s residential real estate market due to the COVID shutdown. Since then, the numbers have rebounded and continue to show strength. These reported numbers reflect a comparison to the May 2020 COVID shutdown statistics. May 2021 sales volume was comparable to pre-pandemic sales volume levels, about one percent above the May 2019 figures.

We continue to see swift market conditions with most transactions navigating multiple offers. Statewide, the days-on-market for May 2021 was only 6 days, compared to 17 days a year ago, and 20 days in 2019. The month of May brought additional for-sales homes onto the market, with active single-family listings up 21% at month’s end. Additional for-sale supply will help meet this pent-up demand.

What To Do If You Are Facing Foreclosure

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina McBreairty) — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 15:00:00 +0000

If you're facing foreclosure, don't panic. Take steps right now to save your home or at least lessen the blow of its loss.

Foreclosure Moratoriums Could Be Extended

Foreclosures may be banned until 2022 if a new rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau goes through. The rule — which the CFPB says would benefit both underwater homeowners and mortgage servicers — would prohibit servicers from initiating the foreclosure process until after December 31 of this year.

This would allow for streamlined loan modifications to help post-forbearance homeowners get back on their feet. If you are facing foreclosure, call your lender to determine your options, which can include loan modification, forbearance, or a short sale.

When Will Foreclosures Resume?

There’s no word on how quickly foreclosures would pick back up after the December 31 deadline passes. In fact, the CFPB says there may even be situations when it will “permit earlier foreclosures” if the servicer has made certain efforts to work with the borrower or has been unable to reach them.

Another consideration is the lengthy processing periods that come with foreclosures, which — in some states — require full-on court proceedings.

Foreclosure Process Takes Time

The entire foreclosure process can take anywhere from two to 12 months, depending on how fast your lender acts and where you live. Some states allow a nonjudicial process that's speedier, while others require time-consuming judicial proceedings.

Meanwhile, if your goal is to salvage your home, think about keeping up with payments for homeowners insurance
and property taxes. Otherwise, you could compound your problems by getting hit with an uncovered casualty loss or liability suit, or tax liens.

Once you miss at least one mortgage payment, the steps leading up to an actual foreclosure sale can include demand letters, notices of default, a recorded notice of foreclosure, publication of the debt, and the scheduling of a foreclosure auction. Even when an auction is scheduled, however, it may never occur, or it may occur but a qualified buyer doesn't materialize.

Bottom line: Foreclosure can be a long slog, which gives you enough time to come up with an alternative. Depending on where you live, there may still be a chance to get current or modify your loan well after the December 31 marker.

Read the Fine Print

Start by reviewing all correspondence you've received from your lender. The letters--and phone calls--probably began once you were 30 days past due. Also review your mortgage documents, which should outline what steps your lender can take. For instance, is there a "power of sale" clause that authorizes the sale of your home to pay off a mortgage after you miss payments?

Determine the specific foreclosure laws for your state. What's the timeline? Do you have "right of redemption," essentially a grace period in which you can reverse a foreclosure? Are deficiency judgments that hold you responsible for the difference between what your home sells for and your loan's outstanding balance allowed? Get answers.

Pick Up the Phone

Don't give up because you missed a mortgage payment or two and received a notice of default. Foreclosure isn't a foregone conclusion, but it's heading in that direction if you don't call your lender. Dial the number on your mortgage statement, and ask for the Loss Mitigation Department. You might stay on hold for a while, but don't hang up. Once you do get someone on the line, take notes and record names.

Lender Alternatives to Foreclosure

There are alternatives to foreclosure that your lender might accept. One attractive option that will allow you to keep your home is a loan modification that reduces your monthly payment. A modification can entail lowering the interest rate, changing a loan from an adjustable rate to a fixed rate, extending the term of a loan, or eliminating past-due balances. Another option, forbearance, can temporarily suspend payments, though the amount will likely be tacked on to the end of the loan.

If you are unable to make even reduced payments, and a conventional sale isn't possible, then it may be best to turn your home over to your lender before a foreclosure is completed. A completed foreclosure can decimate a credit score, which will make it hard not only to purchase another home someday, but not impossible: The foreclosure disappears within 7 years or even less, especially if there are extenuating circumstances. The more quickly you get steady employment and repair your credit score, the more quickly you'll be eligible to buy a home again.

But you're better off if your lender can approve a short sale, in which the proceeds are less than what's still owed on your mortgage. A deed in lieu of foreclosure, which amounts to handing over your keys to your lender, is another good possibility.

Although a deed in lieu of foreclosure or successfully navigating the short sale process will have virtually the same effect on your credit score as a foreclosure, you will likely be able to buy another home more quickly than if you go through a foreclosure. The earlier you begin talks with your lender, the more likelihood of success.

Selling to Avoid Foreclosure

Selling a foreclosed home is an option for many homeowners who have defaulted on their loan. Up until the home is sold at auction, you can rescue your home by selling it and paying the lender everything you owe, including back payments and penalties.

You won’t own your house anymore, but you won’t have the house foreclosed upon, which would do serious damage to your credit. Of course, making the decision to sell sooner than later will take some of the pressure off the deal and allow you more time to get the best price for the property. Make sure you ask the lender how long you have before the property will go on the auction block. It all depends on which state you live in.
If you decide to sell, tell your lender that you plan to list the property for sale with the intention of paying off the mortgage. Ask the lender to postpone a foreclosure auction or sale and give you a chance to find a buyer.

Hire a Real Estate Agent

When time is of the essence, hiring a real estate agent should be your first priority so you can figure out how much your home is worth. A good agent can run a market analysis to help you anticipate how much money your home will fetch and if it’s enough to pay off the mortgage.

A real estate agent can also negotiate with lenders to reduce the amount they’ll take in a short sale to rescue the property from foreclosure.

House Prices in a Competitive Market

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina McBreairty) — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 02:05:00 +0000

You may be selling a home in a competitive market — for example, with low inventory and high demand.
And you may be thinking “Yay!” or at least “Whew.” You know you’re likely to have more interested buyers, better offers, and a quicker trip to contract than you’d have otherwise. But along with that good news comes the need to manage your expectations by understanding what determines house prices and home sales. Factors include the right real estate agent, local market conditions, buyer preferences, seasonality, and mortgage rates versus inventory.

Work with the Right Real Estate Agent to Sell Your Home

What is going on in the U.S. as a whole is different than what’s going on in Austin, Texas. And both are different than what’s going on in your neighborhood. You might hear that it’s a strong seller’s market, but your home may be in a micro buyer’s market.

Research your market on your own, then interview real estate professionals to find the best person to work with. Sellers should approach working with an agent as though they’re forming a team. You will be working together to create a plan together on how to maximize home pricing.

Consider Local Market Conditions that Affect House Prices

Sometimes an agent will recommend listing at high price because of the area’s lack of inventory and extremely low days on market. Sometimes home improvements are needed to maximize the price. Sometimes it is necessary to do some updates to appeal to more buyers. The 1950s tile in a bathroom may not appeal to many buyers. Sometimes reglazing a grungy tub or replacing faucets or light fixtures can make a big difference.

Think about Buyer Preferences that May Affect Your Home Pricing

In addition to home condition, other factors, including buyer preferences, affect price. Being located on a busy street, for instance, may deter some buyers.

Put yourself in the buyers’ shoes and what they may want in the home. For instance, many buyers are home schooling right now. That is influencing which features buyers want in a home in the current market.

Know that Seasonality May Be a Factor

Seasonality has historically been a factor, but 2020 was an exception, when strong home sales extended into late fall and early winter. Existing-home sales in November were up almost 26%, and sales prices nearly 15% from the previous year, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Transactions and house prices nationwide traditionally trend up in the summer, when home shopping activity is high. They slow in the winter, when demand wanes. Demand also correlates with Americans’ higher mobility rates in the summer, when school is out. However, seasonality is also regional, with markets in the Northeast and Midwest peaking more significantly in the summer than the South and West, NAR reports.

Weigh Mortgage Rates Against Inventory

Low interest rates can of course make purchasing a home more affordable for buyers. However, the lack of homes on the market has created stiff competition among buyers. In fact, it often puts them in bidding wars, nullifying the benefit of the low rates. Record low interest rates have increased home buyers’ purchasing power, but higher home prices have cancelled out the effect.

In multiple offer situations, price is not the only factor that should be taken into consideration. It is important to evaluate offers to determine which one is not only the best, but also the most secure.

Why You May Need to Be Flexible

Flexibility is a plus, even when circumstances seem to favor sellers. Low inventory and aggressive house prices are compromising many buyers’ ability to afford a home. Sellers should be prepared to make adjustments if necessary. Even in a seller’s market, home sales depend on certain factors that may require you to be flexible.

Ideally, the seller should list at a price that gets attention and triggers a lot of interest.

When buyers are continuing to take advantage of ultra-low interest rates, a seller’s market will remain in areas with sought-after price points and a low inventory of homes for sale.

Market Update

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina McBreairty) — Sun, 23 May 2021 03:04:00 +0000

Highly motivated buyers of single-family existing homes continue to pursue Maine real estate. Maine Listings show a 35.68% sales leap in April 2021 compared to April 2020. The statewide median sales price (MSP) reached $276,000—an increase of 17.05% comparing April 2021 to April 2020.

Maine’s residential real estate market continues to be fast-paced. The April 2021 statistics reflect a comparison to one year ago, when the state of Maine was in COVID shutdown status. Last month’s sales volume was strong—13% above the pre-pandemic April 2019 figures.

As homes come onto the market, buyers are waiting and ready. Statewide, the days-on-market for April 2021 was only 8 days, compared to 25 days one year ago, and 46 days in 2019.

We expect that improving COVID metrics and back-to-the-office vs. telework decisions may help stabilize the market urgency and upward pricing pressures that we’re experiencing. A REALTOR® is your best resource to navigate these market conditions, whether you’re selling or buying.

Preparing Your Lawn for Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina McBreairty) — Mon, 03 May 2021 20:18:00 +0000

Get out your rake to perk up your grass after its long winter sleep.

Jumpstart your lawn resuscitation as soon as the ground defrosts, and you'll avoid a muddy disaster zone later — not to mention ignite your neighbors' envy.

Here's how to prepare your lawn for spring:

#1 Assess the Mess

"As soon as you can stand being outdoors for an extended period of time, see what hand you've been dealt by Mother Nature," says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the National Association of Landscape Professionals.

Case your property for thrown branches, dead leaves, and other debris. Clear it away so you're able to do a general inspection of your soil, lawn, trees, shrubs, and garden structures. See what grass is coming back -- or not. Get rid of broken tree limbs; call an arborist if they look dangerous. Now's the time to take stock and make a plan.

#2 Rake and Wake Your Grass

Just as you like to hunker down on those dark winter days, so, too, do your grass and trees. "As soon as the snow fades, vigorously rake that grass to wake it up and begin to get it to grow," says Walt Nelson, horticulture program leader for the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Monroe County, N.Y.

Rake out areas of thatch -- dried, dead grass that can be thick and deep. If you don't, thatch will keep oxygen and sunlight from other plants and grass. Check for fungus and mold growth. Don't worry if you run across "snow mold" -- a pinkish or gray web over matted blades of grass, or possibly just a slimy brown mess. Despite its name, it's rarely serious. Gently rake it out and it will dry. "You'd need 100 consecutive days of snow for snow mold to kill the grass," says Tony Koski, extension turf specialist at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins.

The grass may be a bit brown, but that doesn't mean it's dead. There are two types of grasses. "Cool season grasses green up in early spring. Warm season grasses green up really slowly in spring," Koski says.

#3 Weed Out Weeds

Finding a lot of crabgrass out there? It's decision time. Will you avenge the scourge? If your crabgrass is out of control or you're just hell-bent on getting rid of it, here's what you need to know: Preventing crabgrass is all about timing. You want to nix the nasties before they start germinating. You need to use a preemergent crabgrass control before the soil temperature hits about 55 degrees and the crabgrass begins growing.

You can choose a toxic or an organic preemergent such as corn gluten meal, but understand that with the organic, Nelson says, it will take two to three years of applications to be effective.

Oh, and if you're eager to get seeding, note that you can't put out grass seed until at least eight weeks have passed since you applied crabgrass control.

#4 Trim the Trees (and Shrubs!)

Move on to trees and shrubs as the world defrosts, but the garden is not yet growing. "Trim out the dead, and it's off to the races on another growing season," Nelson says. "You can do the shrubs on your own, but if you're concerned about trees, hire a professional."

The important thing about trimming is to "be careful about trimming growth," Henriksen says. "You want new growth to get healthy enough to sustain itself in case of a second cold snap." For flowering shrubs, wait until flowers bloom so you don't cut off limbs that will be producing flowers or fruit.

#5 Don't Forget the Mower & What-Nots

Winter is hard on other garden elements. Henriksen recommends making sure your irrigation system works properly, and checking to see if there's damage to any outdoor lighting. Fix broken or damaged patio furniture and any wooden structures. Even clean off and refresh your deck once it's warm enough that power-washing won't create a deck ice rink.

Don't forget to tune up the lawn mower and string trimmer. Clean, sharpen, and oil your pruning shears so they'll be ready when the temperatures start to rise.

Prepping the yard won't be just a single weekend event, but if you get the heavy lifting out of the way early, it won't be long before you're leaving your socks and boots behind, and feeling the warm, soft grass between your toes.

Market Update

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina McBreairty) — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 02:59:00 +0000

Strong home buyer demand continued across Maine last month, with Realtors reporting 1,313 single-family existing home sales—a sales jump of 16.81% over March 2020. According to Maine Listings, the statewide median sales price (MSP) reached $268,500, an increase of 17.79% compared to March 2020.

Maine residential real estate sales volume and median sold values showed continued strength during March 2021. The pace in the residential real estate market continues to be rapid. For March 2021, the statewide days on market statistic was 11 days, compared to 48 days for March 2020.

In this fast-moving market, homes become available for sale and are immediately met with pent-up buyer demand. Whether you’re a seller or a buyer, start working with a REALTOR® when you first think about transacting real estate so that you’re fully prepared and ready to take action.

When Do You Need an Accountant to Do Your Taxes?

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina McBreairty) — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 14:30:00 +0000

In light of COVID-19 crisis, the IRS has extended the income tax payment and filing deadline for
individual and business returns from April 15, 2021, until May 17, 2021. This relief does not apply to estimated tax payments for tax year 2021 that are due on April 15, 2021. You don’t need to file additional forms to qualify for this extension.

Now that you’re a homeowner, your taxes may have gotten more complicated. And you may be asking yourself, “Do I need an accountant?” And if you do, should you hire a certified public accountant (CPA)? And what’s the difference between a CPA and an accountant?

Plus, you may be one of many people who worked from home last year because of COVID-19 and wonder if you can deduct some of your home office-related expenses. Or you may have moved out of state or tapped into your 401(k) for supplemental income.

Here is some information to help you:

The Differences Between Tax Experts and Other Options

First you need to know there are different types of tax experts. And not all accountants are CPAs. So if you’re thinking that an independent CPA and someone at H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt (or your buddy who studied accounting in college) are pretty much the same, don’t count on it. Basically,

An accountant is someone who studied accounting.
CPAs are accountants who passed a rigorous examination and must comply with stringent education requirements from their state board on a regular basis. The designation usually requires a degree. Not every CPA specializes in taxes.
An enrolled agent, or EA, is a tax specialist who has been certified by the IRS. Being an EA doesn’t require a degree like a CPA does. But it does verify they know the tax law.
A tax preparer at pop-ups like H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt is trained on tax software to help taxpayers file their returns. They aren’t required to be CPAs or EAs, but some are very knowledgeable about the tax rules.
Only CPAs and EAs can legally represent you if the IRS challenges your return.

There is nothing wrong with visiting a pop-up preparer like H&R Block if your return isn’t all that complicated. It’s when you start generating other income — perhaps you launch a business or own rental property — or experience a big financial change when it makes sense to ask for a little extra help.

There are several software programs to help you prepare your own return and save money, which are typically good for people who have simpler returns. The programs ask questions to make it easy to understand the directions and input your data.

But if you’ve bought a home, it gets more complex. That opens you up to special credits and deductions and requires more recordkeeping. If you mess something up or miss out on deductions, it can cost more than hiring an accountant would have.

When It’s a Good Idea to Hire a Tax Pro

When you buy your first house. Many of the expenses related to buying a home and having a mortgage are deductible. But only if you have enough deductions to itemize.

When you move to a new state. There’s a good chance you’ll have to file two state returns for the year you move. And each state is a little bit different in terms of state tax owed — zero in some states, a flat amount in others, and graded by income bracket in most.

When you become a landlord. “When you own investment property, you become a small business owner,” said Stewart. That means new records to keep and a new tax form, Schedule E, to complete.

When you buy a vacation property. Especially if you rent it. And especially if it’s in a different state.

When you work from home and are self-employed. Potential money-saving deductions can vary widely depending on the type of business and how much space the office takes in your home. If you have a home office, you can deduct for the square footage you use for work as well as a portion of your utilities, mortgage interest, and property taxes.

You can definitely DIY in all these tax scenarios and save the fees, but with CPAs and EAs, the extra cost may be worth it. Especially if you run your own business. Or you own more than one home.

An accountant can help you analyze your spending choices and even act as a consultant. Best of all, they’ll be by your side if the tax man ever comes after you. That alone could be priceless if the time comes.

Remember, if you decide you want to hire a CPA or an EA, it’s best not to wait until the last minute. You may not find one who can file the return before the deadline. However, extensions are available.

Market Update

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina McBreairty) — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 02:50:00 +0000

High demand for single-family existing homes across Maine continues, despite the yearlong COVID-19 pandemic. Maine Listings indicates a sales increase of 22.77% for the month of February 2021 compared to February 2020. Home prices rose 12.91% to reach a median sales price (MSP) of $244,900 comparing February 2021 to February 2020.

The hot pace of residential real estate activity continues, with sales volume and median sold values significantly out-performing February of a year ago. When listings hit the m arket, buyers are acting quickly. For February 2021, the statewide days-on-market statistic was 21 days, compared to 52 days for February 2020.

Over the coming year, we’re hopeful for a return to pre-pandemic conditions, with more sellers entering the market which will ease the pent-up demand. Until then, buyers should work with a REALTOR® to learn about the local market, develop a strategy, and remain committed and patient.

Market Update

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina McBreairty) — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 03:50:00 +0000

Buyer demand for Maine’s real estate is strong and for-sale home inventory is historically low. According to Maine Listings, the median sales price (MSP) for a single-family existing home in Maine rose 15.57% to $255,300 and sales volume jumped 18.38% comparing January 2021 to January 2020.

Coming off 2020, the best year ever for sales volume, we are struggling with historically low for-sale inventory statewide. Buyers are facing far fewer available home choices and sellers are reluctant to list their properties without their next move-in property in place. Buyer demand is strong, and a continuing positive trajectory for 2021 is dependent on homes for sale coming onto the market.

The National Association of Realtors reported a 23% rise in sales of single-family existing homes across Cumberland Country comparing January 2021 to January 2020. Home prices jumped 14.8% percent over January 2020, reaching a national MSP of $308,300 in January 2021.

This high demand, low supply dynamic can be challenging for buyers and for sellers. Rely on your REALTOR® for local market knowledge, your "next move" strategy, and negotiating expertise.

Virtual House Tours, Staging & Showings

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina McBreairty) — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 02:31:00 +0000

The COVID pandemic hasn’t stopped people from buying houses. But it has changed how buyers view homes, with technology sometimes replacing the in-person experience.

To help keep everyone safer and comply with state and local guidance, agents are using virtual home showings, virtual home tours, and virtual staging instead of or along with open houses, in-person showings, and traditional staging. That means you can buy a home without setting foot inside it. But it also means you need to understand what you are seeing – and not seeing. And you need to know what questions to ask.

Here’s a look at the virtual options and some of the pluses and minuses of each:

Virtual 3D Home Tours — Good for a First Look

With a virtual home tour, a seller’s agent looks to show off a property’s best features. This marketing presentation is what potential buyers see online at a real estate site. It may be a 3D tour or a gallery of retouched photos of staged rooms. Regardless of the format, it shows the property groomed, enhanced, and ready for its closeup. Keep in mind that a virtual tour tends to show all the good things about the house.

For buyers, virtual property tours have limits. Space is hard to translate into a 3D tour. It is difficult to get a feel for home size and the placement of the home in relationship to a neighborhood. A drone won’t take a photo of a traffic light one house away.”

Then there is the issue of retouch magic. Some photos are so highly doctored that they look whimsical. They push your emotional buttons, but you when you get there, the house isn’t what you thought.

The upshot is, don’t make an offer based on a virtual tour. That is like proposing to someone based on a photo on Match.com. Instead, use a virtual tour to decide if you want to take a closer look at a property, either in person or via a virtual showing.

Virtual Home Showings

In a virtual home showing, an agent walks a buyer through a property, one on one, on Zoom or Facetime. It’s a more informal presentation that gives the buyer a more realistic view of the property. The showing is when buyers should be looking for the imperfections.

This is when buyers should ask the hard questions. Is there something in the room that you are not showing me that would cause me to be unhappy? Have your agent check for signs of water damage, cracks in walls, or scratched floors. Make sure your virtual showing includes the basement.

Have your agent shoot videos or photos from the same angle in a room as the images you have seen online, so you can compare how they are different. You need to see if what you are looking at digitally is the same as what is really there.

Ask your agent to point out the flaws when they are doing the virtual showing. f there’s going to be a deal breaker, you want to identify it before you go under contract. You don’t want to show up at the walkthrough and be shocked by what you see.

Virtual Home Staging

Decorating a home to showcase its best assets, or staging, has gone virtual, too. It falls into one of two types. One is totally digital. A photographer shoots photos of the house, edits any furniture out of the photos, and replaces it with digitally created images of furniture. It’s a digital representation of how the house could look – not how it does look. These images are then used for a virtual home tour or virtual showing.

The second type mixes digital and analog. A professional stager looks at photos or does a Facetime walkthrough of the home with an agent. The stager creates a detailed plan for how to arrange the existing furniture. The homeowners move the furniture around themselves, executing the pro’s instructions. This hybrid form is popular with people who don’t want to rent furniture and don’t want strangers coming into their homes, Friedland says.

When you’re viewing a virtual tour or virtual showing, find out exactly what you are seeing. Ask your agent if you’re seeing images of real rooms or digitally staged ones. And ask if anything has been retouched. Technology allows photographers to work a lot of magic in post-production. They can change paint colors, trim, or flooring to make these features look very real and very different from what’s actually there.

The Future of Home Buying Is a Hybrid

Virtual real estate shopping is here to stay. Buyers will do their shopping virtually to narrow it down to a few houses. They’ll look at 65 houses via 3D video to decide which three they want to see in person.

Virtual showings are also great for out-of-town buyers. Purchasing a home from out-of-town is going to be a whole lot easier.