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With the official start of summer just around the corner, it's time to get cracking and make your summer to-do list. From cleaning out the garage to checking your smoke detectors, there are plenty of things to do to keep your home in tip-top shape. Task #1: Tune up your air conditioning Make sure your air conditioner is primed and ready to go before the hottest days of summer arrive. Replace filters, clean condenser coils, and check refrigerant lines to ensure your air conditioner is keeping you cool all season long. Task #2: Check your home's smoke detectors Make sure your home's smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in full working order. Task #3: Clean your grill If you haven't already done a deep cleaning of your gas or charcoal grill, do it now, before grilling season heats up! For gas grills, turn the heat up to high so any food residue burns off. Once it cools, use a grill brush to scrape and clean. Don't forget to thoroughly wipe down the sauce pans and clean the outside of the grill. Task #4: Clean your deck and porches Now that the pollen is almost gone, it's time to make your outdoor spaces sparkle! Get rid of dirt and pollen on your deck by mixing 1 part bleach with 3 parts water in a pressure sprayer. Vacuum, dust, or wipe down any outdoor furniture, too. If you haven't cleaned and sealed your deck in the spring, don't forget this important maintenance task this time around. You'll know your deck needs sealing if you spray water on it and it soaks up instead of beading up. Task #5: Check pool safety features As the weather warms up and pool season begins, check to make sure your pool's safety features are in perfect working order. Make sure your pool fence is secure and check the locks as well. If you have a pool alarm, do a quick check to make sure it's still working properly and also inspect your safety net. Keep reading: 10 pool maintenance tips you should know Task #6: Clean your washing machine A washing machine is something that homeowners forget to clean often. Take the time now to give your washer a deep clean, especially if you have a high-efficiency machine, as these tend to accumulate dirt and sludge after many uses. Don't forget to thoroughly clean the rubber seal between the door and the drum, as that is often a favorite resting place for dirt in high-efficiency washers. Use a mixture of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water to combat mold and mildew buildup in your washer. Other summer maintenance tasks to complete Wash your windows Mulch your flower beds Have your chimney cleaned Inspect the trees on your property Pressure washing of driveways and walkways Trim overgrown shrubs and flowering plants. Check all exterior lights Related reading: 6 outdoor fire pits to transform your backyard Visited 1,449 times, 1 visit(s) today

Last updated on June 29, 2024 If you're thinking about putting your home on the market soon, you may be thinking about how to price it. You may have heard that we're in a seller's market, and while that's true, the way sellers priced their homes 2 years ago in the frenzy of a post-pandemic market isn't an advisable strategy today. Inventory is declining sharply and is projected to hit five-year highs in the second half of the year. While this increase in housing availability is unlikely to change the situation enough to favor buyers over sellers, it does reframe the conversation about home asking prices. How to Price Your Home in Today's Market Our advice to sellers is to price their home correctly from the start. In today's market there are two categories: The first group includes homes that are fairly priced and in excellent condition. These homes sell in an average of 10 days. In the second group, there are homes that are not priced right and are not in great condition, and these homes sit idle for 60 to 70 days and often sell after a price reduction or two. The right way to price your home is to let the market determine it. Instead of pricing your home based on your opinion, let the market determine the sales price for maximum exposure. Although there are fewer buyers on the market than this time last year, well-priced homes in good condition are still in high demand. Just to give you an idea of ​​what we're seeing nationally, 29% of homes sell over asking and the average number of offers each home receives is 3.1, so even though there are fewer buyers On the market, homes are still receiving multiple offers and closing above the asking price. The downside of overvaluing your home While it is true that there are more buyers than available homes, buyers look the other way when it comes to homes with an inflated asking price. Today's buyers are savvy, and given interest rates coupled with home price appreciation, an overpriced home will sit on the market. In a fast-paced market like the one we live in now, any home that stays and stays leaves buyers wondering what's wrong with it, and the longer it stays, the more this thought solidifies in buyers' minds. Typically, homes in this condition end up selling only after significantly reducing the price or a prolonged period on the market. For the best results when selling your home, we recommend that you hire an experienced agent whom you trust and who has a track record of success. It is important that the relationship is collaborative and that the agent helps you achieve your goals and objectives. Find other helpful articles on how to sell your house here. Visited 1,063 times, 3 visit(s) today

Last updated on June 18, 2024 Summer is the perfect time to give new life to your home. Whether you're getting ready to entertain guests, want to create a more relaxing environment, or just feel like a change, these DIY home projects are perfect for giving your space a fresh new look. From quick fixes to more elaborate projects, there's something for everyone here! Update your entry The entrance to your house is like a first impression. This easy DIY bead board wall treatment is a pretty simple project and really packs a punch. Add charm and functionality when you finish the look by adding a peg rail. Image via: Francois and me Create an outdoor seating area Don't have a space for outdoor dining? Create one just in time for summer with this easy DIY pergola installation. Add shutters Maybe you just bought a home with less than stellar curb appeal. Look how different this house looks with some DIY shutters! Never underestimate the value of small impacts like this to really improve your curb appeal. On that note… Add some windows Why not keep up the curb appeal by adding some planters to the front of your home? Update your bathroom vanity If you have a bathroom with a dated countertop, take matters into your own hands and use a DIY kit to give your countertop the marble look. Build a kitchen shelf with a mug rack. Do you have an excess of coffee cups? Why not show them? Build a shelf with a mug rack underneath to hang your collection. This unique feature will add a personal touch to your kitchen! Add cafe curtains Do you need some privacy in the kitchen or perhaps some personality? This very inexpensive DIY project can add great charm to your kitchen while providing functionality! Add open shelving Instead of keeping your belongings hidden away, add open shelves for more stylish storage. Use the shelves to store everyday items or, if you already have enough storage space, style the shelves to add interest to your kitchen. Create a faux stone wall A stone wall can instantly transform a room. Using grout and cuttable faux stone panels, you can create a beautifully realistic faux stone wall! It is sure to add a touch of European style to any room. Add a window seat Create a cozy space by the window so you (or your cat) can sit in the sun. It could even function as additional storage space. Customize this seating area to make it uniquely yours! Remember, the goal is to make your home a reflection of your personality and lifestyle. Seemingly small changes can have a significant impact on the overall feel of your home. Updates could also improve your home's appeal to potential buyers when it comes time to sell. Grab your tools and have fun! Visited 1,041 times, 36 visit(s) today