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Have you gotten to your spring cleaning yet? Now is a great time to give your home a deep clean after a long winter of being indoors. But if you lack the motivation to get started, perhaps this will help – some spots in your home are much dirtier than others. Instead of spring cleaning your entire home, you can focus on the areas that need it most. Here’s a close look at the dirtiest spots in your home that you should tackle first.

The dirtiest spots in the kitchen

Your kitchen sees a lot of action. And it can accumulate a lot of dirt, dust, and grime in the process. It’s also an environment that is conducive to bacteria growth. In fact, your kitchen could be teeming with E. Coli, salmonella, and other harmful bacteria. The dirtiest items in your kitchen that you should focus on include:

• Sponges and rags
• Refrigerators
• Sinks and countertops
• Coffee makers
• Cutting boards
• Knobs and drawer pulls

The dirtiest spots in the bathroom

Next up is the bathroom. No matter how diligent you are about cleaning the bathroom, bacteria can still linger and make you sick. Moisture in the bathroom can contribute to the growth of germs, mold, and mildew. If you discover mold growth in your home, you may consider contacting a mold remediation company at once.

The places in your bathroom most likely to contain germs include:

• Shower and bathtub
• Faucets
• Drains
• The area around the toilet
• Toothbrushes
• Towels
• Knobs and light switches

The dirtiest spots in living areas and home offices

Just because a room doesn’t have excessive moisture doesn’t mean it can’t get really dirty. In fact, there are a few places in your living areas and home offices that are breeding grounds for bacteria and allergens. These include:

• Remote controls
• Game controls
• Keyboards
• Tablets and phones
• Earbuds
• Switches
• Upholstery. You may invest in medical friendly upholstery if someone in your family suffers from allergies.
• Carpet. You may consider hiring a professional carpet cleaner to clean and sanitize your carpets.

The dirtiest spots in the bedroom

Your bedroom also isn’t safe from bacteria, fungus, insects, and allergens. We spend so much time in our beds, and unless you’re diligent about cleaning they can become a haven for dirt, grime, and even mites. Some of the places you need to pay extra attention to in your bedroom include:

• Sheets, blankets, quilts, and bedspreads
• Pillows
• Mattresses and box springs

Your pet’s dirtiest places

Let’s not forget about our other family members – our pets. Dogs, cats, and other animals can bring contaminants into the home. It’s essential that we keep pet areas clean as well. Some of the dirtiest pet items you’ll find in your home include:

• Pet bowls
• Pet toys
• Pet beds

Your dirtiest personal items

In addition to the spots outlined above, there are many of your personal items that can carry an outsize amount of bacteria and dirt. These are often found on items that you carry outside your home during the day. This means you’re bringing bacteria into your home from other places. Your dirtiest personal items include:

• Purses and wallets
• Key fobs and keys
• Backpacks and gym bags
• Lunchboxes and lunch bags
• Cell phones and tablets

Compliments of Virtual Results

According to sites like beehive.org/rexburg-west/, When you’re making a big purchase, such as buying a car or a new furnace, you know that it pays to shop around. Different stores will offer different prices and incentives, and you can save yourself a pile of money if research the deals that are available to you.

But did you know the same is true for a mortgage? Just like any big purchase, it pays to shop around for the best payday loans online. You’ll find that different lenders offer different rates at terms. If you’re in the market for a mortgage, then here’s how to get the best interest rate.

Know your financial situation

You need to know what you’re working with to get the best interest rate on your home loan. That means checking your credit report. Lenders will be looking closely at your credit report to determine your eligibility for a loan as well as your interest rate. The better your credit, the better your rate. If you want to improve your credit score, then try paying off debt and making all your payments on time. Also avoid taking on any new lines of credit, such as a car loan, when you’re in the process of applying for a mortgage.

Check out at least three lenders

When you begin shopping around for your mortgage, you should check out at least three lenders. There are many types of lenders available including:

• Mortgage bankers such as large banks, credit unions, and online lenders.
• Retail lenders that offer other services such as checking accounts in addition to home loans.
• Direct lenders that are similar to retail lenders but focus solely on mortgages.
• Wholesale lenders that offer loans through third parties.
• Online-only lenders that offer their services only through the internet.

Work with a mortgage broker

If you’re just getting started and unsure where to begin, then you may benefit from working with a mortgage broker. The mortgage brokers in Upper Hutt typically work for an independent mortgage company are usually paid by the lender after your loan closes. A licensed professional mortgage broker liverpool can counsel you during the process and help you shop for lenders to get the best deal.

Have lenders big against each other

Once you begin to look at the rates each lender is offering, it’s time to use that information to your advantage. If there is a lender you already have a relationship with – say, your bank – but they have a higher interest rate, then you can approach them and ask them to match another lender’s rate. Even if that lender can’t match the rate, they may offer other incentives. This could include negotiating a better rate with a larger down payment or even depositing cash in your checking account after the loan closes.

Don’t forget to look at the other fees

Finally, it’s important to remember that your interest rate isn’t the only thing you need to be looking at when shopping for a mortgage. Also, look at the other fees you will be paying. This can include closing costs such as title insurance fees, taxes, appraisal fees, and origination fees. These fees can total as much as four percent of the entire loan amount. Ask lenders for an itemized list of closing costs. You may be able to have some waived or lowered as part of your negotiations.

Compliments of Virtual Results

It may seem silly to discuss the definition of a bathroom. But if you’ve recently looked through home listings, then you know that they can be confusing. What does it mean when the listing says “full bath”? Or how about listings that say a home has 1.75 baths or 2.5 baths? How can a home have three-quarters of a bathroom? If you’re looking for a little clarity when it comes to bathrooms, then we’re here to help.

Full bath

If a bathroom is listed as being a “full bath” then it must contain four essential elements. This includes a glass shower door, bathtub, sink, and toilet. Each of those elements consists of one-quarter of a bathroom. So if all four elements are present, then a bathroom is considered a full bath. Additionally, bathrooms are generally required to be at least 36 square feet in size to be listed as a full bath. If bathrooms are really important to you, then you’ll want as many full baths in a home as possible. Use our bathroom cost calculator to help with your bathroom renovations budget. You may also need professional plumbers to complete your bathroom renovation or if you need Cured in Place Pipe Lining Installation Services.

Half bath

The next most common type of bathroom you’ll see in a listing is a half bath. This means that it has two of the four essential elements of a bathroom. Usually, a half bath contains both a toilet and a sink. You may also see these listed as a guest bathroom or as a powder room. Half baths are typically found near the entry or the kitchen and are usually on the main level. Half baths are great additions to a home if you enjoy entertaining and they are often small in size. You won’t sacrifice much square footage if you have a half bath in your home.

Three-quarter bath

Another common type of bathroom found in a home is a three-quarter bath. As you have probably guessed, this means it contains three of the four elements of a bathroom. Usually, it has a toilet, sink, and shower or a toilet, sink, and bathtub. Three-quarter baths are popular for guest rooms and even in finished basements, these are great additions to the home so once you have everything set up like the toilet and whatever else you decide to add.

Master bathroom

Master bathrooms are generally the most luxurious of all the bathrooms in the house. They are typically part of the master suite and connected directly to the master bedroom. Many master bathrooms go beyond the usual four elements. They sometimes include luxury amenities such as whirlpool tubs, steam showers, double vanities, and extra storage.

Adjoining bath

Adjoining baths are sometimes found in homes with several bedrooms that cater to families. Adjoining baths connect two rooms. They might be called jack-and-jill bathrooms if they connect two bedrooms. These can be great for children to share. They may also connect a bedroom to a hallway so that there is one door to the bedroom and one door to the hallway.

One-quarter bath

Finally, a less common bathroom you may encounter in a listing is a one-quarter bath. You’ll usually find these in older homes or homes on the smaller side. You might find a one-quarter bath in the basement. It will contain just one of the elements of a bathroom, usually a toilet or a shower.

Compliments of Virtual Results

If you’re buying anything other than a new construction home, then you might wonder about its previous inhabitants. Who lived there before you? What were they like? And if your home is more than a few years old, you may even be curious about its early history and how it played into the development of your neighborhood. As a homebuyer, you certainly deserve to know as much about a home as possible before you move in. If you’re curious about a home’s roots, then here are some suggestions on how to learn more about its history.

Search the National Register of Historic Places

Is the home you’re interested in listed on the National Register of Historic Places? Then this is the best place to begin your search. This registry can give you all kinds of information from who built it and when to the style of the architecture. You should also be aware that if a home is listed on this registry, then you may qualify for tax credits for the home’s maintenance.

Check public records

If the home you’re researching is not on the National Register of Historic Places, then you can continue your search by checking public records. First, try searching the property records from your local or county government. This could include plat maps, deeds, tax records, and building permits. You can search online or in person at their offices. Census records can also help to uncover information about the home’s previous owners. Once you’ve got some names attached to the home, you can search those names online to uncover more information.

Uncover darker secrets

Are you concerned that a house once may have belonged to criminals? Or worse – maybe the home was the scene of a death or a murder? Then head to your local Vital Records office or search their website. Search for your address to see if it is listed on any death certificates. You can also look at criminal records for the home through your local police station or their criminal databases online. If you know the names of previous owners, then you can search for their names in the database.

Get to know the neighbors

One of the best ways to learn about the history of your home is by talking to the neighbors. When you’re touring a home, be on the lookout for any neighbors who may be out in their yards or taking a walk. It’s a great time to introduce yourself and let them know you’re interested in buying the home. You can ask them if they know anything about its history or the people who have lived there previously. If you’re lucky, then you may bump into a neighbor who has lived in the neighborhood for decades. They can provide a wealth of information that you wouldn’t necessarily uncover in public records. It will also allow you to meet potential new neighbors so you can get a better sense of what the community is like.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Have you been dreaming about buying your first home? You’re not alone – that’s why they call homeownership the American Dream. But when you’re first getting started on your journey to homeownership you may feel a little daunted. There’s so much to know and so many preparations to make. That’s why it’s so important to educate yourself about the process. If you’re dreaming about buying a home this year, then this is where you should start.

Know where you stand

First things first – when you’re preparing to buy a home you need to know what you’re working with. We recommend you start by obtaining a copy of your credit report. Your credit history factors heavily into your ability to qualify for a mortgage. So you need to know what it says and to check it for errors. If you find any errors, then take the necessary steps to dispute them. The stronger your credit history, the more likely you are to qualify for a mortgage and get a good rate. If you have high debt or a low credit score, then start paying down that debt and making all your payments on time.

Know what you can afford

Now that you have a better picture of your financial situation, then it’s time to determine what you can afford. There are many online calculators available that can help you understand what your budget should be with your current finances. This will help you narrow your search so that you’re only looking at homes that you can afford. OK Loan Centers offers the best Oklahoma City payday loans so take a look at how much you can borrow from them.

Know what you want

The next step of your journey to homeownership consists of defining what you want. You need to go beyond the idea of simply buying a home in a good neighborhood. What kind of home do you want? How many bedrooms do you need? Where will your kids attend school? What kinds of amenities would you like to have nearby? Make a list of those things you need in a home and those things that would be nice to have. That way, you’ll know when you’ve found a house that meets your needs and some of your wants.

Start saving money

The next step is to begin saving money. You’ll need money for your down payment as well as to cover closing costs and other fees associated with buying a home. The more you can save for your down payment, the better. Conventional loans typically require 20 percent of the purchase price as a down payment. However, there are also loans backed by the federal government that require a down payment of as little as 3.5 percent. Some offer home loans with no money down. Just be aware that if you pay less than 20 percent you’ll be on the hook for private mortgage insurance (PMI).

Work with a trusted professional

The best place to start when you’re beginning your home buying journey is to partner with a trusted real estate professional. Working with an expert in your local market can make the process much easier, and they can help educate you along the way. Contact us today to begin your journey to homeownership!

Compliments of Virtual Results

Are you still on the fence about whether or not it’s a good time to sell your home? We understand that many things factor into your decision, from your changing needs to rising mortgage rates. But we’ve been in a seller’s market for quite some time, and the tides could soon be changing. If you’ve been thinking about listing, then you should know that you still have a chance to enjoy all the advantages. This is why right now is still a great time to list your home for sale.

Demand is still high

Demand from buyers continues to be high. The pandemic has changed the way we live and the things we’re looking for in a home. Many buyers are in the market because their jobs have changed. Either they need more space to work from home, or they can now work from anywhere they like. Or perhaps they’ve started a family and need room for it to grow. Many buyers wanted to take advantage of record-low interest rates for mortgages. But mortgage rates are beginning to increase, and this is spurring buyers to hurry up and buy while they can still get good rates.

Supply is still low

Even though buyers have been out in force for the last two years, sellers have still been hesitant to list. In addition, rising prices for construction materials such as lumber have contributed to the decrease in new homes that are being built. All of this means that the number of homes on the market continues to lag behind buyer demand. If you’re ready to sell, then you’ll likely have less competition now than a year from now.

Home values have skyrocketed

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), home prices rose a whopping 16.9 percent in 2021. That is considerably more than the three percent they rose in 2020. Selling in 2022 means that you’re able to cash in on this increase. Because the value of your home has increased, you have more equity to leverage. You can even maximize your home’s resale value by working on some home upgrades such as getting a new Steel Aluminum Slat Fence Installation, applying a new coat of paint or hiring a commercial electrician to repair or upgrade your lighting. You may also need to contact a pest control company if there are signs of a pest infestation so it won’t affect the value of your home. This makes it easier for you to profit from your home sale and to apply those profits to the purchase of a new home.

Existing home sales at a 15-year high

According to another report by the NAR, sales of existing homes reached their highest level in 15 years in 2021. Last year, the total of existing home sales was 6.12 million – the highest it has been annually since 2006. That’s a jump of 8.5 percent from the previous year. Buyers are eager to buy, and the market needs more existing homes for sale to meet that demand.

It’s the home-selling season

Finally, there’s no better time to list your home for sale than in the spring. Traditionally, the real estate market experiences its highest activity levels this time of year. Many buyers with children are looking now so that school-age children can move in between school years. It’s also a great time to sell because your home will look its best during the warm weather, and more people will want to be out touring homes. If you’re ready to list your home for sale this spring, then contact us today!

Compliments of Virtual Results

If you’re trying to buy a home, then you’ve probably noticed that there are many other buyers out there competing for properties. Perhaps you’ve made offers on multiple homes, only to be outbid by another buyer. Maybe you’ve even decided to take a break from your home search until the supply and demand are on more equal footing. But why is demand still so high for homes in 2022? Let’s take a closer look.

Buyers want to get in on lower interest rates while they last

When the pandemic began, the federal government responded to the economic crisis by lowering interest rates. In fact, throughout the pandemic, interest rates for mortgages reached record lows. This makes for a favorable lending environment for well-qualified homebuyers. By purchasing a home when rates are low, you can potentially save thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. As Covid numbers continue to drop and restrictions are eased, interest rates are also going up. Many homebuyers are rushing to beat these increases, keeping demand high – at least for the time being.

Rents continue to rise

Another reason that buyer demand continues to remain high is that rent prices are soaring. According to a recent report, rent prices rose 14 percent in 2021. That is significantly more than the three percent they rose in 2020. With rental prices becoming less and less affordable, more people are considering buying instead. Owning a home is an investment with substantial financial benefits. When you rent, you never see those monthly payments again. But when you’re making mortgage payments, you can see a sizable return on investment when you sell.

Millennials are ready to buy

Millennials – those ages 26 to 41 – are beginning to reach peak home-buying ages. And all the recent changes in how we live in our homes have made Millennials even more eager to buy. Some Millennials will now be working from home at least part-time and may need a home that can cater to this change. Others want to buy homes to accommodate growing families. Some Millennials who put off home buying early because of student loans and other debt are now ready to enter the market. In short, those in their late 20s to early 40s are eager to finally settle down.

Some homeowners eager to upsize

Finally, it’s not just first-time homebuyers who are flooding the market. Those who already own homes want to take advantage of their newfound ability to upsize. Home values have increased dramatically in the past year, giving homeowners a boost to their equity. This increase in equity, coupled with low interest rates, means that many current homeowners can upsize. Basically, for the same monthly mortgage payments they are making now, they can buy a bigger home and make the same payments. For those who are now working from home, having bigger families, or simply want to stay home more often, upsizing is very attractive.

Compliments of Virtual Results

The real estate market of 2022 continues to favor sellers. There are simply more buyers in the market than there are homes for sale. While this isn’t necessarily great news for buyers, it can certainly make most sellers feel more confident. But it’s vitally important not to let this information give you a false sense of security – especially when it comes to price. Even when multiple buyers may end up competing to buy your home, you should still price your home correctly from the start. Here’s why it matters so much.

Dangers of overpricing

You’ve no doubt heard how housing prices have skyrocketed in the last two years. The pandemic has upended the real estate market. Record-low interest rates have fueled demand, yet sellers have been hesitant to list. As a result, home prices continue to increase. According to the National Association of Realtors, home prices rose 16.9 percent from 2020 to 2021.  As a seller, don’t let this news fool you into pricing your home sky high. There are several dangers to overpricing your home including:

• Your home sitting on the market for too long. When your home is priced more than comparable homes in your area, this can be a red flag to buyers. Your home could end up sitting on the market for much longer than needed.
• Deterring would-be buyers. Today’s homebuyers are savvy and will know when your home is priced well above the competition. This will be off-putting, thus reducing the number of interested buyers.
• Sending buyers the wrong message. Pricing your home too high at the beginning may lead to price drops along the way. When buyers see the listing price has been reduced, they may think that something is wrong with the home.
• Losing the deal when the appraisal comes in lower. If your buyers are financing the purchase of the home, then their lender will perform an appraisal. If they determine the home is worth less than the asking price, then it could jeopardize the sale.

Dangers of underpricing

While overpricing is more likely to happen in today’s market, there is still a possibility of pricing your home too low. The dangers of underpricing include:

• Causing worry among buyers. Today’s buyers are expecting home prices to be higher than they have been. When they see your home is priced below others in your area, they may worry there are expensive problems that will need to be addressed after closing.
• Leaving money on the table. While underpricing a home could lead to a bidding war, you’re more likely to end up leaving money on the table. If you want to maximize your profit, then you need to price correctly.

How to find your “Goldilocks” price

When you work with a trusted real estate professional, they will use their expertise and knowledge of the local market to help determine the appropriate listing price. This will help to ensure you sell quickly, have fewer contingencies to deal with, pay fewer out-of-pocket expenses, and make the best profit. If you’re interested in knowing the value of your home, then contact us today!

Compliments of Virtual Results

The arrival of spring typically signals that it’s time to give your home a good cleaning. After a long winter indoors, spring cleaning helps your home feel fresh and ready for the coming season. But we understand that not everyone gets excited about the list of chores that come with the start of spring. That’s why we’ve compiled our best tips for making an easy job of your spring cleaning. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

Go room to room

Don’t feel like you need to clean the entire house in one day. That’s just an invitation to put off the task indefinitely. Instead, think about cleaning one room at a time. Start with the room that needs the most attention. Maybe you practiced being a home chef this winter and your kitchen could use a deep cleaning. Or perhaps the kids took over the living room the last few months and now there are crumbs and toys everywhere. When you begin with the room that needs it most, you’ll get a bigger payoff. And that could encourage you to tackle other rooms once you see the results. And it’s OK to skip rooms that you recently cleaned like the guest bedroom or the dining room.

Streamline your cleaning products

Marketing professionals are good at making us think we need a specialized product for every task. But that can make spring cleaning feel overwhelming and more expensive than it needs to be. Not to mention that more cleaning products mean more clutter, which we’re trying to avoid. Instead, invest in one or two good multi-purpose cleaners that can be used on most surfaces in your home. Opt for natural varieties that don’t contain harsh chemicals. You can even make your own with staples you already have on hand.

Enlist your family or services for help

Who says you have to be the only one responsible for deep cleaning your home this spring? The job will go much faster if you enlists your family or residential cleaning services to help. For complex tasks such as softwash roof cleaning, it’s best to let professional cleaning services handle them. Choose chores that are appropriate for each child’s age and reward them when they complete each task. This will help to teach your kids how to clean and make them feel included in the process. A good place to start is to have each child tidy up their bedrooms. Hiring a roof cleaning service like redriversoftwash.com/roof-cleaning/ can also save you money in the long run by preventing expensive repairs.

Declutter

Even if your home is technically clean, it can feel dirty if you have clutter. As you’re spring cleaning your home, keep an eye out for items that you no longer need or want. Determine which of those items can be donated or sold and which ones should be thrown out or recycled. The simple act of decluttering can make your home feel cleaner and more spacious almost instantly.

Make a schedule

Finally, don’t try to do your spring cleaning all in one day, or even in one weekend. Instead, consider making a schedule. Aim to clean for 15 minutes each day, going room by room. Once you’ve completed your spring cleaning, you can contact Bin Buddy NZ for rubbish removal. When you do a little bit every day, you’ll no longer need to invest major time in seasonal cleaning every year.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Searching for a new home can be a very exciting process! But it can also be daunting, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for. That’s why it’s so important to spend time thinking about what you want before you begin browsing. Not only will this save you time and energy, but it will also help to ensure that you find the perfect home for your needs. Here are some excellent tips to help you determine what it is you’re looking for in a home.

Make an exhaustive list

Brainstorming is an effective tool when approaching any problem that needs to be solved. What are all the possibilities? Think of your home search as a problem and begin to brainstorm solutions. Ask yourself – what it is that I think I am looking for in a home? How many bedrooms would I like to have? Do I need a home office? Am I hoping to entertain family and friends? Is a good school district important to me? How close would I like to be to amenities such as shopping and nightlife? Imagine yourself in your new home – what would you like to see? Begin writing all of these things down. Don’t leave anything out. Make an exhaustive list that contains everything you’d like your new home to be.

Determine if each item is a want or a need

Now that you’ve got your list ready, it’s time to take a closer look at each item. This is a crucial step in the process and one that should not be overlooked. Consider each item and whether or not having it or not having it would be a dealbreaker. Is a three-car garage essential, or would it simply be nice to have? Do you need a home office because you work from home? If you’re purchasing a home with a partner, then make sure that everyone’s needs and wants are accounted for.

Think about the future

As you’re determining your needs vs. your wants, consider the future. How long do you anticipate living in your new home? If this is your first home, then you may only live in it for a few years before you’re able to upgrade. But if you’re an empty-nester who is downsizing for retirement, then it may be the home you live in for the rest of your life. Think about what your future self will need when you’re narrowing down your list.

Apply what you’ve learned

Now that you’ve got your list, it’s time to apply what you’ve learned to your home search. It can be exciting to tour homes for sale. But you’ll soon get exhausted if you decide to look at every single one. Narrow down your choices to the ones that meet your needs and some of your wants. This way, you’ll find the right home for you more quickly and easily.

Work with a professional

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, then it can be tricky to figure out exactly what you’ll need in a home. After all, you’ve never done this before. That’s one of the many reasons why it can be so helpful to work with a professional. When you partner with a trusted real estate agent, then they can help you understand your options and narrow down the possibilities. If you’re in the market for a new home, then contact us today!

Compliments of Virtual Results