2023 Modern Laundry Detergent Methods- Stop Using heavy containers!

Laundry detergent has come a long way in recent years. New methods and formulations have made it more effective at cleaning clothes and removing stains. There are now effective laundry detergents without the overly soapy itch or heavy plastic containers that end up in landfills. You can even get laundry washing tools that require no soap or refills! With so many choices, try several new methods to find the perfect laundry detergent for your needs.

Let’s work collectively towards minimizing our impact on the environment by changing something so simple: howe we clean our clothes!

Seventh Generation claims that if every US household replaced a single plastic bottle of laundry detergent with a biodegradable plant-based bottle, this would save nearly 150,000 barrels of oil, enough to heat and cool 8,500 homes for a year. Assuming most households go through a bottle of detergent every couple of months at minimum, this would save nearly 900,000 barrels of oil annually.

In the suggestions below I do try to stay away from scented products as most of them are chemically hazardous.

1. Magnets

Have you ever heard of using magnets to clean your clothes? I personally have not tried this method like others on this list but it is fascinating.

Try the patented powerful “blue ball” magnets that make up the science-backed Magnetic Laundry System. They have revolutionized the way we wash our clothes FOREVER.

=> Buy Your Magnetic Laundry System Here!

Here are 5 reasons WHY the Magnetic Laundry System is SO great:

• It DOESN’T need expensive detergent to work its magic on your messy clothes.

• By NOT having to use dangerous, toxic filled, detergent you’re eliminating the health risk to you and your family.

• These magnets are 100% REUSABLE and last a LIFETIME saving you even more money.

• You ALSO save money on your water bills because the uses less water and needs less cycles to get clothes clean.

• Unlike detergents these magnets are environmentally friendly.

=> Get Your Magnetic Laundry System Now!

STOP washing your clothes the traditional toxic way…

START washing your clothes the modern, magsafe, magnetic way today!

2. Detergent Sheets

These are my personal favorite items that I use in my own home. I ordered the True Earth 64 pack size and it has lasted me about a year! My skin is sensitive to soaps so I like perfectly portioned out amount per load. There is no overwhelming scent to it but my clothes and sheets are left feeling clean and wonderful. Please keep in mind that most of my loads are done with cold water which cuts down on C02 emissions significantly and these detergent sheets work just great with cold water (unlike those crappy tide pods despite being so delicious ;) ).

• No mess

• Extremely light to carry (great for basement or upstairs laundry)

• Hardly takes up space

• The whole product is environmentally friendly

• About $0.23 per load!

3. Detergent Sheets: Scented

If you want the same as above but with a scent, I recommend Earth Breeze’s Liquidless Laundry Sheets. These come in a Fresh Scent. Please keep in mind, many scented liquid laundry detergent and dryer sheets contain hazardous chemicals and emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), two of which are classified as carcinogens by the Environmental Protection Agency.

4. Detergent Tabs

Like to pop a tablet in the washer? This is for you. A little bulkier than the sheets but still lighter and smaller and more eco-friendly than plastic bottle detergents. Try Blueland Laundry Detergent Tablets! The tin is kind of cute to store them in, too. So if aesthetics is part of your laundry area, this may be the better solution.

5. Laundry Booster

Looking for that extra umph? Put a little of this environmentally friendly and gentle formula from Dirty Labs in with your detergent.

6. Concentrated Liquid

Still want the liquid soap method but feel bad about the effect your laundry is having on the environment? Limit the plastic impact by using a concentrated liquid like this Fresh Linen scented one from Whirlpool.

7. Clean Your Washing Machine!

Doesn’t it make sense to keep the machine that is cleaning your clothes clean as well? This is one of the first things I do when I move into a new home. I clean the washing machine! I typically do 2 loads of affresh at a new abode then run a load every 6-8 weeks to keep the machine clean from soap build ups and other things.

8. Dryer Balls

I love these fun dryer balls. If you are still using dryer sheets- STOP! If you are one of those people using more than one dryer sheet per load, you really need to stop. They are not great for your dryer machine or for the longevity of your clothes. Dryer balls keep clothes soft and lint free and help dry up to 3x faster. I love the fun designs now available which also make them easier to find in my laundry so I keep them in the laundry room and not sitting on top of a dresser until next laundry day. Some people suggest adding essential oils to them to add a little scent. Have you tried this method?

9. Drying Rack

I know, basic! But if you air dry more often, your clothes will last longer and you save on electric/gas. A clothes dryer is responsible for approximately 6 percent of the average home’s energy use. A good drying rack is great for leggings, lingerie, bras, dresses, and materials that typically don’t wrinkle. Save the environment by using your dryer less.

BONUS! Lint Bin

This Lint magnetic box is fabulous. I am always rushed when doing laundry and having an easily accessible trash area for the lint keeps the dryer ready to use with no buildup! Keep your wool balls handy too!

More Information for you:

Smart Energy and Water-Saving Laundry Tips from the ACEEE and Energy.gov:

• Upgrade old washing machines and dryers to ENERGY STAR certified models

• Retrofit laundromats with multi-load units.

• Wash clothes in cold water using cold-water detergents whenever possible.

• Wash and dry full loads. If you are washing a small load, use the appropriate water-level setting.

• Dry towels and heavier cottons in a separate load from lighter-weight clothes.

• Don't over-dry clothes. If a machine has a moisture sensor, use it.

• Clean the lint screen in the dryers after every load to improve air circulation and prevent fire hazards.

• Periodically, remove the lint that collects below the lint screen in the lint screen slot of clothes dryers.

• Use the cool-down cycle to allow the clothes to finish drying with the heat remaining in the dryer.

• Periodically inspect dryer vents to ensure they are not blocked. This will save energy and may prevent a fire. Manufacturers recommend using rigid venting material -- not plastic vents that may collapse and cause blockages.

• Encourage air-drying clothes on clotheslines or drying racks. Clothing manufacturers for some fabrics recommend air-drying.

• If you have front-loading washers or high-efficiency top-loaders, use detergent labeled for high-efficiency (HE) machines. According to the American Cleaning Institute (PDF), HE detergents are low-sudsing and quick dispersing to clean well in high-efficiency washers that use less water.

Smart Laundry Products Tips from EPA’s Laundry Green Practices:

• Wash only full loads of laundry, and select the appropriate water level or load size option on the washing machine and dryer.

• Buy items, such as laundry detergent and fabric softener, with minimal packaging.

• Buy items in bulk or in concentrated form (e.g., concentrated laundry detergent).

Thank you for reading and I hope you join me in impacting our environment in a much more gentle way!

Home Security Basics

News reports of rising crime rates are becoming increasingly common, leaving homeowners and businesses alike feeling concerned. Luckily, there are a wide variety of security solutions available on the market to suit every budget. By following a few simple strategies, you can help protect yourself and your belongings from theft and crime.

· Install a Security System – Security systems are one of the most effective ways to protect your home. Many systems include motion detection, video surveillance, as well as two-way communication.

· Be Unpredictable – Burglars love routine. Using smart home devices, it’s easy to create unpredictable patterns for lights and sound. Leave a car in the driveway if you’re traveling as well, that makes it look like the home is occupied.

· Think Like a Criminal – Spend some time looking at your home and identify the weak points. Secure all doors and windows. Lock all entry points and be creative with a hidden key. Look for hidden entry points; where would you try and break-in? Do you have dark areas that are not visible from the street?

· When was the last time you changed your locks? – Did you change your locks when you moved in to your home? How about when someone moved out? Who was ever given a key copy? If any of your answers make you feel uncomfortable, it is time to switch out your locks- which is easy enough to do by yourself.

Finally, don’t make it easy for the criminals to track your movements. Refrain from advertising your trips on social media until you’ve returned and consider asking a friend or neighbor to visit your home occasionally while you’re gone. The more your home seems occupied, the less appealing it will be to criminals.

2023: 15 Resources for Starting a Homestead

I often ask people I meet what their real estate goals are. Several people over the years have expressed interest in a self-sufficient lifestyle that would be off the grid. There are so many things you can do with your property to make it more efficient while relying less on the outside world- let’s take a look.

Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Ready to trade in your high-rise apartment for a cozy cabin in the woods? If you're yearning for a simpler life, starting a homestead might be the perfect solution for you.

Living off the grid and being self-sufficient are key components of homesteading, and it's not as difficult as you might think to get started. With a little planning and some elbow grease, you can soon be living the homesteading dream. So what are you waiting for? Start your homesteading adventure today!

Check out the resource below to start the wheels turning on becoming self sustaining on just a quarter acre property which you hopefully purchase with me.

Unless you have enough funds to jump all in, think in steps and trying your hand at becoming self-sufficient and living off-grid. The Self-Sufficient Backyard is a great resource to inspire and educate on homesteading life. You could take a few tips and tricks from it!

Have you figured out what you want to grow or raise? This will be the foundation of your homestead. Take advice from Autopilot Homestead on this.

Did you do your research? There's a lot to learn about homesteading, so make sure you know what you're getting into. Read The Self Sufficient Backyard

Start small. You don't need a huge piece of land to get started. In The Self-Sufficient Backyard, they only use a quarter acre of land!

Be prepared for hard work. Homesteading is a lot of work, but it's so worth it. Do you have the tools necessary? Jumpstart with Autopilot Homestead.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start your homesteading journey!

Your 4 Resources to Inspire your Homestead Dream:

1. The Self Sufficient Backyard is a practical resource to getting started on how to make your property self sufficient. Make sure you check local zoning and codes before starting any projects! $37 book. Click here for link.

2. Autopilot Homestead Course: Unlike The Self Sufficient Backyard, the Autopilot Homestead takes into consideration several people’s experiences. $39. Click here for link.

3. My Survival Farm: A great way to get started on going off grid! Click here for link

4. Hot Survival DIY offers a great resource into basic survival skills for living off the land. Click here for link.

5. DIY Home Energy will help you understand how to properly start an off- grid approach towards energy efficiency! You can even use their method to create a back-up source for power. Click here for link.

6. Renewable Energy from Biogras- Learn about off the beaten path energy resources such as algae! Click here for link.

7. Electricity Freedom- How one person powered their home with nothing like a few bags of grass clippings. Click here for link.

8. How to Make a Shipping Container Home- Shipping Container Home Made Easy™ is a digital program that will teach you step-by-step how to build your very own shipping container home.

9. Tiny House Made Easy- is a digital program that will teach you step-by-step how to build your very own tiny house.

10. Local Harvest Organic Gardening Course- learn all you need to know about growing food to eat! Click here.

11. The Lost Superfoods- With over 126 forgotten survival foods and storage hacks “The Lost Superfoods” is a vital book to place in your survival stockpile. Click here to learn more.

12. The Book of Green Remedies- Achieve Food Self-Sufficiency, Build Soil Fertility and Grow an Abundance of Nutrient Dense Food Year-Round. Click here to purchase.

13. Backyard Healing Herbs- When you are off the grid, having medicinal plants nearby may prove to come in handy! Click here to learn more.

14. The Backyard Miracle Farm- Provides methods which already reflect what’s naturally occurring in nature. Click here.

15. Pocket Farm- High Output Pocket Farm “Generates” Food In The Middle Of A Desert War Zone. Click Here.

15. Survival Upgrades- Learn various skillsets to handle situations!

Bonus:

Self Defense Survival stick- Protect Yourself and aid your walks all in one! Click here to purchase.

These also make great gifts for any Doomsday friends!

5 Yard Design Fails

Baby it’s cold outside! Let’s focus on planning out our warmer weather gardens!

Whether you're looking to create an oasis or just spruce up your space, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Don't Have Unrealistic Expectations- One of the most common mistake homeowners make is thinking that they can achieve a picture-perfect yard overnight. rushing to get that lush look can actually do more harm than good. When you plant too closely together, you run the risk of strangling your plants and having to start from scratch.

2. Don't Use Indoor Items Outdoors- Just because you see an item in a store or online, doesn't mean it's meant to be outdoors. Be sure to do your research or ask a professional before bringing any big-ticket items outside. Some examples of indoor items that don't transition well outdoors are big-screen TVs, sofas, and wooden tables.

3. Neglecting Maintenance- sadly, many people believe that once they have their dream outdoor space, it will be able to take care of itself. However, that's not the case. Decks need to be re-stained or painted from time to time and furniture should be stored away during bad weather to increase its longevity.

4. Ignoring Planting Guidance – Pictures in magazines and on Pinterest can inspire new gardeners, but they may not work for every yard. Planting sun-loving plants in the shade or vice versa is a recipe for disaster.

5. Ignoring HOA Rules – Before spending time and money on plants or trees, read the fine print in HOA or community rules. These rules can be enforced, and no one wants to pay to remove landscaping that's non-compliant.

Everyone wants the perfect yard. When the warmer weather arrives, every yard can offer fresh air living options if these design mistakes are avoided.

Short Term Vs. Long Term Rentals

Short-term rentals have always been a popular investment, but in recent years, they have become even more popular as vacation rental alternatives to hotel chains. But before you invest in a short-term rental, there are a few things you should consider.

One thing to keep in mind is that short-term rentals often require more repairs and maintenance than long-term rentals. This is because tenants generally don't treat short-term rentals as their own homes the way long-term tenants do. Additionally, short-term rentals always need someone available 24/7 to deal with any guest needs that may arise. Of course, you could hire a property management company to take care of these things, but that would take away from your profits and typically costs 10%-30% of rents.

Another consideration is that while short-term rentals usually have a higher return on investment than long-term rentals, they also come with higher vacancy rates, advertising costs, cleaning costs, and maintenance costs. On the other hand, owning a vacation property that you can enjoy yourself may be worth the extra work.

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to real estate investing. Consider what works for you and make the best choice for your goals.

Let’s discuss you and see which investment model you are better suited for.

Equity Building Ideas

Your home equity is important whether you plan to sell soon or years from now. Staying ahead of trends by making continuous improvements is the best way to maximize your investment.

Unexpected financial windfalls or the need for a specific repair project might usually jumpstart the improvement process, but by proactively planning for updates, any homeowner can maintain their home's value. understanding current market trends is crucial to selling your home at it's full potential later on down the road.

For example, in recent years, features such as outdoor kitchens, great room configurations, and home offices have become more popular among homebuyers. More timeless desires include more square footage, chef’s kitchens, and spacious bathrooms.

In addition to developing a fund, build a road map for upgrades and enhancements. Consider the life span of major systems, such as the roof or HVAC systems; is end-of-life a good time to switch to solar energy? Kitchen styles change dramatically every 10 years on average. Start saving for a kitchen style change on the same schedule.

You may not plan to sell your home for years, but things change. By continuously planning for updates, you can avoid the financial hit that comes with an outdated home. Now is the time to plan for regular updates to build equity, and you’ll enjoy the benefits of the changes too!

Slowing Real Estate Market – What You Need to Know as a FSBO Seller

If you're thinking of selling your home without the help of a real estate agent, you'll need to be prepared for a bit more work. Here's what you need to know about selling in a buyer's market.

There have always been sellers who have been willing to forgo the help of a professional real estate agent to avoid the commission costs of their services. In the brisk seller’s market of recent years, FSBO (For Sale By Owner) listings could easily gain attention through a simple online listing and a yard sign (And yet they still averaged a sales price of 10% or more less than agent listed properties). As the market shifts away from this frenzy, FSBO sellers may need to reexamine their strategy.

In a buyer's market, FSBO listings need to be extra creative in order to pique buyers' interests. Platforms like Zillow and Trulia offer the ability to add videos and pictures to your listing, as well as open houses. You can also try agents who offer a limited listing on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) for a small fee.

Most importantly, selling without an agent is more work for the seller. As the market slows, a FSBO must be prepared for a longer wait to sell their home. Additionally, with falling home prices, the longer it takes to sell your home, the more money you stand to lose. If it is a greedy seller, the seller will likely continue to receive frustrating low ball offer. It is extremely challenging to represent yourself when selling property- especially when you do not know what the heck you are doing, what the contracts really mean as far as responsibility go, and you are an easy target for agents to negotiate with.

Enjoy the phone calls from hundreds of agents trying to list your property as well! If that does not sound appealing to you, give me a call instead and let’s sell your house with a real strategy.

9 Solar Powered Products

Almost every homeowner has at least considered adding solar panels to their home to take advantage of the energy savings they promise. But reducing energy consumption with solar does not stop at solar panels on the roof. Here are 9 great products that can help you cut energy costs while adding comfort and value to your lifestyle:

1. Solar Power Bank – Charge phones and tablets at home or on the go with a solar power bank.

2. Portable Power Station – Need to power larger devices? A power station can power more devices and is attached to a small frig or laptop, can keep you connected in a blackout.

3. Security Cameras – Save money and enhance your family’s safety by deterring burglars.

4. Outdoor Wireless Speakers – Enjoy music where you want it in your backyard by going cordless.

5. Camp Lantern – Whether actually camping or for emergency use during a blackout, a solar lantern is a great way to light up the dark.

6. Attic Fan – Keep your home cooler while harnessing the power of the sun with an attic fan.

7. Animal Deterrent – Save energy and your flowers by deterring pesky critters anywhere in the yard.

8. Solar Radio – In an emergency, a solar radio keeps you connected to information. Take camping or or to the beach to add fun tunes to your outdoor experience.

9. Portable Stove – A light solar-powered stove makes the old gas camp stoves obsolete. Safer and lighter, you can cook anywhere.

While whole house solar gets all the attention, smaller solar devices also offer strong benefits without the cost or hassle. As the demand for more electricity continues, offsetting it with solar for your most common items help you and your family do your part!

6 Kitchen Remodels That Waste Money

There are plenty of great ways to save money on your kitchen remodel and still end up with a stunning, welcoming space. Here are six features you can skip to save yourself some cash.

1. Expensive Backsplashes – You can find plenty of cost-effective materials that will look just as good as more pricey options like quartz, marble, or glass.

2. Designer Appliances – Stick to brands that focus on style and function over designer labels – you'll usually be able to find the same look for half the price.

3. Trendy Hardware – It's easy to get caught up in the latest kitchen trends, but resist the urge to go for broke on fixtures that will be out of style in a few years.

4. High-Tech Gadgets – Do you really need a fridge that can make a shopping list or an oven you can turn on from the beach? Most likely, all those bells and whistles will go to waste.

5. Moving Electrical/Plumbing – If at all possible, work within the current layout of your electrical and plumbing. Relocating these sources is both expensive and difficult.

6. Open Shelving – Displays of beautiful plates and glassware may be tempting, but just remember dust and the constant upkeep.

HOA Powers and Pets

You've done your homework on the house you're looking to buy. You know the area, the schools, and you're already picturing yourself Barbecuing in the backyard on warm summer nights. There's just one last thing you need to do: Review the HOA (Homeowner's Association) documents. It's important to know what sort of restrictions the HOA might have on purchasing a home. The buyer has to ensure the rules will not interfere with their lifestyle but once they become homeowners, often these same people do not pay attention to bylaw changes over the years which can cause them to be caught off guard.

Can an HOA force a homeowner to get rid of their pet? Often they can.

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Let’s talk briefly about the Pennsylvania Agreement of Sale and the language built into the contract about Condo and Home Owner’s Associations. IN MOST CASES, The seller has 15 days to order the resale package which includes the most up to date information from the association on bylaws, the resale certificate for the specific unit, rules and regulations, and financial information for the association at large. The association is obligated to provide this packet within 10 days of receiving the request. The buyer can void the ratified Agreement of Sale up to 5 days after the receipt of these documents or the settlement of the property- whichever comes first.

So, it is unlikely you will have a chance to read through the rules and regulations prior to making an offer on the HOA or COA property. If there is a specific concern (dog breed or weight for instance), it is best to call the association directly for an immediate answer.

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Oftentimes, when an HOA forces a homeowner to get rid of their pet, it's because they are in violation of a bylaw the owner wasn’t aware of. An HOA has a duty to create and enforce restrictions to ensure the well-being and safety of the homeowners in the association. If they operate within the guidelines of federal anti-discrimination laws, HOAs have broad latitude to create their bylaws, including the complete restriction on having animals in one’s home or on HOA property.

One exception to any restriction is the ability of an owner to have a service animal. Another situation that may allow a pet in contradiction to a bylaw is a member who has already had a specific animal when the rules changed. In most cases, these animals are allowed to remain.

Most HOA communities welcome pets, but an HOA does have significant power to influence the standard of living within the community. There may be type of pet restrictions, breed or weight restrictions, limits on quantity. Those are common in the Greater Philadelphia HOA and COAs.

If you are looking at a condominium community or building, they tend to have the most restrictions so make sure your furry friend is allowed and narrow down your home search to pet friendly communities.

Careful understanding of the HOA and climate of a community will avoid painful issues and ensure a pleasant homeowning experience.

Is My House Up to Code?

Building codes adapt. If you've owned your home for a long time, you may not be aware of whether or not your home is up to code. Building code violations can vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but they typically focus on safety issues that could affect the occupants of the dwelling.

Some of these safety issues may come up during a buyer’s home inspection. Depending on the importance of the issue, the seller may need to address it out of pocket or the buyers will walk and any other buyers after may not be interested in the property with the newly found defect.

Most municipalities have adopted the universal building code at this time. An up-to-code home may have features like:

· Fire escapes and exits

· Functional plumbing lines

· Construction materials that are free from hazardous chemicals like asbestos

· Well-lit areas with no tripping hazards

· An efficiently working HVAC system

Avoiding Code Violations

There are some things you can do to avoid code violations, both in an existing home and when you're considering buying a new one. Make sure to:

· Check for any permits that have been filed for work done on the home

· Test for hazardous materials like asbestos or lead

· Ventilate bathrooms well to avoid rot and mold

· Inspect electrical work carefully to ensure that all wires are grounded and that there are no DIY repairs that could be dangerous

If you are interested in knowing more about building codes where you are, first check your municipality’s website as many have a searchable building code. You can call your municipality to find out more information as well.

Unsure of whether or not you need to repair something in order to sell? Let’s discuss your situation and the best way to handle it. Call or email today!

What Stays With The Home?

More than one seller has been surprised to find that their favorite chandelier is not theirs to take when they move. First-time home sellers might be especially confused when confronted with an exclusion form presented by their agent. Understanding what is, and is not included in the sale by statute is important to avoid disappointment on both sides.

The first rule of thumb is to consider if the item is nailed down, bolted, mounted, or planted. This covers a wide range of items both inside and outside the home. This might seem simple enough, but the debate about what constitutes a “fixture” has caused many post-sales lawsuits. Fixtures will stay with the home unless specifically excluded. This includes light fixtures, shelves, cabinets, built-in shelves, and more.

Consider the mount for the big-screen TV. It might seem logical to assume the mount would go with the TV when the sellers leave, but technically it’s likely considered a fixture as it’s bolted to the wall. What about a window-mounted air conditioner? If it’s sitting in the window, it’s typically personal property, if there is a hole in the wall to accommodate it, then it’s a likely fixture.

Outdoor items are subject to the same rules. Anything planted in the yard goes with the home, as does furniture or other items bolted to the ground. In that scenario, an arbor or patio cover bolted to a concrete slab would stay. Contrary to everything just outlined, however, curtains typically go with the home.

The language in the Pennsylvania Agreement of Sale lists standard inclusions for home sales. We will review this in detail!

If you are ready to buy or sell a home, make sure and discuss with your agent what you want to add or exclude to the sale. This is the best way to avoid disappointment at best or a courtroom at worst.

7 Tips For Hiring a Contractor

Top 7 Tips for Hiring a Contractor

Regardless of whether your project is a simple bathroom remodel or a complete house renovation, the success or failure of the project will depend on the contractor you hire. Choosing the right contractor is easier than you think, but you have to do your due diligence.

• Check their License – Make sure you check their contractor’s license and that it’s in good standing. Ask and check those of the subcontractors as well.

• Insurance – Ask for proof of insurance and check that it’s still active and valid.

• Check References – Ask for references and call them. Ask to go see a project or two and ask strong questions about timing, quality, responsiveness and cost.

• Get it In Writing – Finalize the scope of work before you start anything, in writing. A proper contract should be on letterhead and include clear timelines and benchmarks, as well as payment schedules and how completion will be signed off.

• Do not Pay for Materials – If you absolutely have to pay for materials, have them delivered to your property and verify the receipt to show they were delivered in full.

• Only Pay the Contractor – Under no circumstances should you make a payment to anyone other than the contractor itself. Do not pay a person, only the company.

• Final Payment only When Satisfied – Do not make the final payment until you’re completely satisfied with the result.

8 Things Buyers Notice

8 Things Buyers Notice as Soon as they Walk In

Buyers notice everything – good and bad. From the moment they walk in the front door, they are trying to determine if this is the right home for them and their family. If you have your home listed for sale, paying attention to what the buyers notice can mean the difference between an offer and a missed opportunity.

8 Things Buyers Notice as Soon as they Walk In

1.     Light – A bright home is inviting. Make sure you fill your home with lots of natural light or a soft evening glow.

2.     Smell – Nothing is less inviting than a strong odor. Even candles and air fresheners can be overwhelming. Less is more and make sure nothing unpleasant is lingering.

3.     Space – Remove any unneeded furniture and offer a spacious home which flows.

4.     Ceilings – Of course you can’t make your ceilings higher, but make sure they are free from water stains because buyers will look up.

5.     Pictures and Personal Items – Remove personalization as much as possible so the buyers can imagine their family in the home.

6.     Outdated Furnishings and Fixtures – If your home is filled with hand-me-downs, consider a professional stager. Old wall paper or outdated paint colors should be replaced as well.

7.     Dirty, Grimy Rooms – Most important, clean everything thoroughly. Nothing is less appealing than a dirty home.

Top 7 Winter DIY Projects

Top 7 Winter DIY Projects

Winter months bring cold days and long nights. While you wait for the weather to warm up so you can get out into the garden, there are still plenty of great DIY projects to tackle, even in the winter. Here are 7 terrific ideas for the Do it Yourselfer in you.

1.     Paint Your Walls – Paint an accent wall or an entire room with a fresh color.

2.     Declutter – Sure this sounds like a fancy name for house cleaning, but decluttering is more than that. Remove excess furnishings to make your rooms seem larger and more inviting.

3.     Update Your Kitchen –A new backsplash or cabinet pulls can quickly change the look and feel of your kitchen.

4.     Add Insulation – This will provide instant satisfaction as those cold, drafty rooms feel warm and cozy. If you have some real skill, you can include changing out old windows or doors as well.

5.     Smarten Up – This is a great time to automate your home with Smart devices. Add security cameras, a smart thermostat or smart lights and plugs.

6.     Build Something – For the handy, winter months are a great time to add cabinets, a TV hutch or bookshelves to your home.

7.     Re-Grout Your Tile – From kitchen counters to floors, re-grouting can freshen up the room.

How To Choose The Right Light Fixture for the Space

How to Choose the Right Sized Light Fixture for Your Space

Lighting is one of the most important design elements in any room. Not only should it provide adequate brightness for the room, but it must fit the space and visual atmosphere. The right sized fixture is just as important as the look and construction of the light. Fortunately, even an amateur can choose the perfect fixture with some basic math.

Front Door

Outdoor fixtures are one part of creating the mood for the entire home. Not only should they provide proper lighting but must fit the scale of the door itself. To find the right sized light for the front entrance, it should be no more than one third of the size of the door or opening for a single light and not more than a quarter of the size for dual lights.

Chandelier

Dining rooms call out for a chandelier. Whether modern and sleek or an elegant crystal chandelier, the size is the same. Take the size of the room and add the feet together. For example, if the room is 10’ by 12’ the chandelier’s width should be 22”. Additionally, make sure the width is about 15” shorter than the dining room table.

For other rooms, the size is really more a matter of taste. The light should not create a visual barrier to the room or block design elements, but other than that, choose a light with provides good light and fits the style of the space.

Want a beautiful statement piece? Why not check out www.DouniaHome.com for local artisan lighting!