May 21, 2014 | Uncategorized
Environmental allergens affect the way many people live their lives and clean their homes. Allergens make their way into our houses, and can settle in some unexpected places – but knowing where these irritants can hide can help you eliminate problematic allergens from your home.
If your house has you sneezing and wheezing in every room, here are three allergy-triggering places where you wouldn’t expect to find allergens in the home.
1. Allergens Lurking In Your Living Room
Visitors to your home brings allergens with them. Allergens are easily transferred from your visitors onto your carpets and couches. Even if you do not have pets of your own, animal dander can easily find its way in with visitors from pet-friendly homes.
Your couches and cushions are hot spots for irritants. If you are find yourself exhibiting allergy symptoms in your living room, look to your cushions to find some relief.
These cushions and throw blankets can be placed into the dryer for a few minutes to get rid of irritating dander and dust mites.
Items that cannot be placed in the dryer should be cleaned regularly according to the manufacturer’s directions. A good vacuum with a HEPA filter can pull allergens out from flooring, drapes and couches.
2. Steaming Kitchens May Make You Sneeze
The kitchen may be home to mold that triggers your allergies. Steam from cooking and cleaning carries moisture into the air, and can cause damage not only to your health, but also to your home.
Dishwashers and other appliances can contribute to mold growth in a big way. Areas that are not regularly cleaned and properly maintained could be triggering allergic reactions. To get allergy relief, clean and sanitize the rubber seals of all your appliances.
If you suspect mold may be an issue, have a professional test your home. Whereas surface mold can be killed and cleaned, more serious mold problems may require renovation and cause serious harm.
3. An Attack On Your Sinuses While You Sleep
Dust mites flock to a surprising and unsettling place in our home. If you find your allergies are causing unrest, it may be where you are placing your head to sleep.
Pillows are problematic because they are not washed regularly with the rest of our bedding. There are many different solutions for this, and some are more effective and comfortable than others. Replace your pillows annually, or consider a different material or type of pillow – pillows with a tight woven covering will be harder for mites to penetrate, and allergy-proof pillow covers can be washed regularly.
Your bedroom is meant to be a place of rest, but where the room is placed could be causing you discomfort. Allergens from trees and plants out your window can make their way into your bedroom. Air purifiers can help, and in some instances you may want to consider having the irritant removed.
Pinpointing the source of a reaction can be a challenge, especially if the allergens are hiding in unexpected places in the home. Allergies in the home shouldn’t cause residents constant problems. Seek out the culprits that plague your sinus, and breathe easy knowing that your home can be your sanctuary.
For more information about available services and possible solutions to your allergen problems, call your trusted real estate agent today.
May 20, 2014 | Uncategorized
Signs of mold in your attic can be indicative of a bigger problem in your house, which is why it is a good idea to nip this situation in the bud as soon as you see it developing.
The signs of this type of fungus can be quite diverse and sometimes unexpected, so it pays to understand exactly what to look for if you suspect you have mold in your attic. Here are the four signs that you have mold in your attic, as well as what you can do about it right now.
Sign #1: You Spot Condensation In Your Attic
Condensation often occurs in cold spots in your home, and it is also one of the primary causes of mold. In fact, if you have condensation, it may build up and start to form droplets or even small pools of water. Look for condensation to appear in places such as metal pipes and windows, and any area in the attic that is cold to the touch.
Sign #2: Water Leaks In From Outside
Continuing the pattern that mold relates to moisture, water leaks can be a surefire indication of mold. If you notice a leak in your roof from the attic, then that’s a pretty reliable indication of a mold problem. Sometimes, though, water leaks can be hidden, as when they occur inside the wall cavities of your attic.
Sign #3: Are There Any Water Stains On The Ceiling?
When you spot water stains on the ceiling of your attic, you can expect it will turn out to be mold. This holds especially true if the water stains that you see are yellowish in appearance. Water stains can also appear in even darker colors – and if they do, it’s a major sign that you have mold.
Sign #4: Rust On Pipes, Nails And Windows
Rust is never a good thing to spot in your attic, as this is a reliable sign of a mold problem. Examples of places where you might see rust in your attic are on the metal pipes, the windows and on any nails. When rust shows up, this usually indicates that it is related to another water problem, such as a water leak, a water stain or simple condensation.
What To Do About A Mold Problem
A mold problem in your home deserves immediate attention and correction, as allowing mold to fester can result in health problems and damage to your home’s structure. The first step to deal with the issue is to get a mold inspection done in your attic, which is helpful in uncovering hidden mold as well. Then, if the test shows mold in an area greater than 10 square feet, it’s time to call in a professional mold remover.
These are the four signs of mold and what to do about mold once you spot it. It’s important that you are able to spot all of these important indications of mold, as it can be highly destructive and unhealthy if left untreated. Don’t forget to call your trusted real estate professional today for more information on residential issues.
May 19, 2014 | Uncategorized
Last week’s economic news was relatively flat, but highlights include the NAHB Housing Market Index for May, which posted its lowest reading since May 2013. Although analysts expected a May reading of 48, the May 2014 index reading was 45 as compared to April’s reading of 46.
The NAHB reported that rising home prices and unpredictable job markets were factors in builders’ loss of confidence. Although the economy is growing stronger, many would-be homebuyers remain skeptical of economic conditions and remain on the sidelines.
NAHB: Stronger Builder Confidence Expected in Coming Months
Builder confidence in market conditions for single family homes within the next six months were higher at 57, a one-point improvement over April’s reading. Builder confidence in buyer foot traffic increased by two points to 33; this was likely a result of warmer weather. David Crowe, chief economist of the NAHB, said that builder confidence is expected to improve as consumers grow more secure about their employment.
Economy: Retail Sales Slow
Retail sales for April posted a gain of 0.10 percent over the March reading of an upwardly revised 1.50 percent and expectations of 0.40 percent for April. The Commerce Department reported that without the automotive sector, April’s retail sales were unchanged. The difference between March and April retail sales readings was attributed to a burst of spending after severe winter weather and the Easter holiday.
Mortgage Rates, Jobless Claims Lower
Freddie Mac reported lower average mortgage rates across the board, with the average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage one basis point lower at 4.20 percent. The average rate for a 15-year mortgage was three basis points lower at 3.29 percent. Discount points for 30 and 15-year mortgages were unchanged at 0.60 percent. The average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage fell by four basis points to 3.01 percent. Discount points dropped from 0.50 percent to 0.40 percent.
New Jobless claims fell from the prior week’s reading of 321,000 to 297,000. Analysts had expected jobless claims to be unchanged from the prior week’s reading.
Manufacturing Sector Shows Strength
The Empire State Index, which measures manufacturing growth in New York rose to 19.0 in May against an expected reading of 5.0 and April’s reading of 1.3. The Philly Fed Index, another indicator of manufacturing, surpassed its expected reading of 14.3 and came in at 15.4, but May’s reading was lower than April’s 16.6.
This Week
This week’s scheduled economic news includes the release of the minutes of the last FOMC meeting, New Jobless Claims, Freddie Mac’s report on mortgage rates, Existing Home Sales, New Home Sales and Leading Indicators.
May 16, 2014 | Uncategorized
The decision to install a pool is generally one that is applauded by at least certain members of the family. Whether you have children or not, however, having a pool at home is certainly something you can enjoy for yourself.
But what if you don’t think your yard is particularly suited to a pool? Don’t rule out the idea just yet; instead, consider some of these different pool designs to suit different sizes and styles of backyards.
Make The Most Of Your Small Backyard
For a relatively small backyard, you should always choose the right pool design that will ensure you make the most of the space.
A particularly good option for a smaller backyard is opting for an above-ground pool and having a custom wood deck built around one side of it, while leave the opposite side open for the kids to play in.
The addition, the wood deck will offer easy access for the kids to get into the pool, and will also give you a place to sunbathe while watching the kids splash around.
Single-Use, Modern Yard: Fiberglass Pool
For an ultra-modern backyard that is relatively small, and especially for a single-use backyard that is going to be dedicated to your swimming pool, a fiberglass pool might be your best option. Since the pool arrives in one single piece, already fully finished, the installation process is very quick and efficient.
Offered in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and styles, you can surely find a fiberglass pool that fits your single-use yard, and you could even have it ready to use within one week. You’ll find that the smooth surface of a fiberglass pool is appealing. These pools are also easy to maintain as only a few chemicals are required for cleaning.
With this type of pool that you’ll commonly find in vacation homes with modern, polished concrete backyards, you can turn your home into your favorite holiday destination, and much quicker than you might have guessed.
Customizable Concrete Pool For A Large Yard
If you have a large yard and aren’t concerned about using up too much space by having a swimming pool put in, why not opt for the most customizable concrete variety? A concrete pool can be constructed in virtually any shape or size you choose, allowing you to put your best creativity to use.
You can opt for texturized pool surfaces as well as well as plenty of add-ons and built-in features, such as a custom entry or a ledge for sunbathing. Customized concrete pools usually take about 12 weeks to build. You can also opt to have a concrete or tile surface installed around the pool, while still leaving plenty of grass and gardening space in your backyard.
These pools are also a great option for irregular backyards, as they can be customized to fit into virtually any shape, just as long as your yard is large enough.
When it comes to house shopping, you can opt to buy a house that already has a pool. Or if you’d prefer to be more involved in the process, you can simply look for a house with a suitable yard. For a list of suitable homes in your area that you can view today, get in touch with your real estate professional and get closer to that at-home dip you’ve been dreaming of.
May 15, 2014 | Uncategorized
There are a number of ways that you can improve the look and style of a room without having to spend an arm and a leg. Of course, painting and stenciling are the most affordable ways to bring new life and unique detail to an old room.
But if you’re intent on taking it to the next level, look no further than your windows.
Your options are nearly unlimited when it comes to sprucing up your windows – and the great news is that with a little creativity, you can use many products that are relatively inexpensive to buy.
Creativity doesn’t cost a thing, so check out these design ideas to get those creative juices flowing. You may be surprised to discover that many possible window treatments are already sitting in your attic or garage.
Bringing The Outside In
If you’re a scavenger and regular Sunday garage sale goer, you may discover the perfect piece of outer decor that can transition nicely into the interior. Consider a wood awning effect by using shingles or reclaimed wood for a rustic appearance.
Another trend that designers are seeing this year is in the use of stained glass or reclaimed woodcarvings that have been saved from demolition. Having a hand-carved feature is going to cost quite a bit to get custom made. However, many old doors and shutters can provide the same look without the need to have them custom built.
Creative Paint Projects For Fresh And Original Windows
When it comes to customizing your one-of-a-kind look, a painting project is a great way to create something original. You can get fabric-specific paints, as well as functional white or cream linens, for a minor sum. There are also services that can even print a design or picture directly onto your fabric for a unique and professional creation.
To create an immediate tie-in to a color scheme or accent color, consider painting the trim and wood slats of the window. This is an excellent and cost effective way to bring attention to your design features but also help to anchor a color within a room.
Cornice Boards Can Add A Finishing Touch
In the past, cornice boards were used to add weight and height to a window treatment. These days, they can also add architectural detail to spice up a room that appears flat and boxy. The great thing about cornice boards is that they can be individualized to suit the design and color scheme of the room: either with a solid paint job, or with monograms or stenciled images.
Thanks to the unique designs that you can create with these window treatments, you’ll never again have that “pre-packaged” look for your windows. As your lifestyle changes, a fresh coat of paint will rejuvenate the look and can quickly be adapted to match the new color palettes of future trends.
Reinventing windows is a great way to aid in a home staging project in order to prepare and beautify a home for sale. For more tips on updating your home’s look, call your trusted real estate professional today for answers and advice.
May 14, 2014 | Uncategorized
When it comes to selling your home, there are many measures you can take as a homeowner to increase its value and appeal. You can often accomplish this through something as simple as updating your home’s light fixtures.
Here are some easy lighting solutions you can bring into your home that will transform your living room, and make the space much more appealing to your prospective home buyers.
Add A Chandelier For A Shimmery Focal Point
Here’s how you can lend your living room an air of class that can’t be paralleled: install a beautiful crystal chandelier. As something that never goes out of style in the world of interior design, chandeliers have actually seen a big comeback.
You’ll be immediately surprised how something so simple and classic will transform your living room, suddenly making it your new favorite room in the house.
Balance And Character: Side Table Lamps
If you’re looking for a way to transform your living room that will tie the design together and won’t be too difficult to install, perhaps opt for matching side table lamps. Just by adding a pair of matching lamps to your living room, you’d be surprised by the level of cohesion your living room will suddenly have. Table lamps can offer the perfect amount of lighting for a more intimate or relaxed setting, as well.
Demure Brilliance: Recessed Spot Lighting
Recessed spot lighting is something homeowners sometimes opt to have installed throughout their entire home, since it offers a sense of demure brilliance. Well hidden and offering the best of warmth and light, recessed spot lighting can highlight your living room’s focal artwork or simply light the entire room for a welcoming sitting area.
Retro Style: Arc Floor Lamp
The arc floor lamp has become a hit in the world of homes, too, bringing with it a sense of retro fun we’ve missed for so long. This is a simple and easy fix that can transform your living room without the need for screws and tools. This grandiose arc-style lamp also creates a focal point similar to how a chandelier might, but is much easier installed: just plug it in!
Subtle Modernity: Mounted Ceiling Fixture
For an update that is quick and easy but will allow for ample lighting in your living room, consider the installation of a subtle ceiling light fixture that is mounted close to the ceiling. This is a perfect solution for a living room that has another focal point, like a piece of artwork, and it will bring a sense of modernity to your space that will transform it more than you might expect.
In the world of home lighting, you’ll soon realize just how many options are available to you that will surely increase your home’s appeal. Creating a warm and welcoming space, especially one as significant as the living room, is key to ensuring that your home shows well and is something that prospective homebuyers love.
For more information on how you can increase your home’s appeal to the buyers in your market, call your trusted real estate professional today.
