Areas of Your Home You Probably Never Think About Cleaning

 
 

Cleaning your home is a tedious task that most people are reluctant to do.

While you might have a cleaning routine that covers the floors, countertops and bathroom, there are certain areas of your house that you might forget to clean. These areas are usually overlooked, but they can harbor germs and make your home look unappealing. In this blog, we will discuss the areas in your home that you might forget to clean and offer tips on how to keep them sparkling.

Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans
As you go about your household cleaning, it can be easy to overlook the fixtures that illuminate and cool your home - your light fixtures and ceiling fans. Did you know that these fixtures accumulate a significant amount of dust and grime, even though they're easily seen in our day-to-day lives? It's vitally important to take the time to give them a wipe-down, not only for aesthetic purposes but also to maintain their functionality. To clean them, consider using a microfiber cloth or duster to gently remove dirt. If your fixtures have glass or plastic parts, using warm, soapy water can help break up any stuck-on grime. By giving these often-neglected fixtures a little attention, you can help keep your home cleaner and more pleasant to be in.

Baseboards
When cleaning your home, it's important not to overlook the baseboards. Despite their often-neglected status, they are surprisingly susceptible to dirt and dust build-up, which can quickly accumulate and detract from the overall appearance of your space. Fortunately, cleaning them is an effortless task that won't take up much of your time. Simply grab a damp sponge or cloth and your preferred cleaning solution. With a bit of elbow grease, you can go along the baseboards, clearing out the gunk at the bottom of your walls. Taking care of the baseboards is a small but vital aspect of maintaining a clean and tidy home.

Air Vents and Filters
Maintaining high-quality air in your home is vital to your health and well-being no matter the time of year. Your home's air vents control the airflow and keep your home cool or warm, depending on the weather outside. They also act as a filter, collecting dust and other particles in the air that could cause allergies and other respiratory issues. Proper care of your air vents is crucial to ensure that your home's air quality remains clean and fresh. Regular cleaning and changing out your filters every three months can help keep your HVAC system running smoothly and your home free of dust and debris. However, if you encounter a problem when trying to change the air filter or feel that a more thorough cleaning is in order, it might be a good idea to call in a professional to do some air conditioning repair. By taking these simple steps, you can breathe easier and enjoy a healthier home environment for you and your loved ones.

Kitchen Appliances
In a busy household, kitchen appliances such as your refrigerator, oven and dishwasher are essential components of your daily life. But with all the use they get, it’s easy to forget that they, too, need regular TLC to function properly. Take your fridge, for example. The build-up of bacteria and germs on the often-overlooked fridge interior can become a breeding ground for potential health hazards. Prevent this by making it a habit to clean up spills and stains with mild soap and water. Your dishwasher and oven also require special attention to keep them running well. By running your dishwasher on a hot cycle and cleaning your oven with natural solutions like baking soda and vinegar, you can keep them in tip-top condition. Make it a priority to keep these appliances as clean as possible, and you’ll enjoy fresh, healthy and hygienic food for years to come.

Outdoor Areas
When it comes to maintaining your home, it’s important to remember that the outdoor areas are just as important as the interior. Whether it's your patio, deck, or gutters, having these areas clean and well-kept can make a huge difference in the overall look and feel of your property. Not only does regular upkeep improve the aesthetic value of your home, but it also helps prevent potential structural damage caused by neglect. Plus, if you’re planning on selling your home in the future or hosting guests for an outdoor gathering, a pristine outdoor area can be a major selling point. So, take some time to give these areas the attention they deserve and enjoy a beautiful and functional outdoor space.

While it may be easy to overlook certain areas of your home when cleaning, taking the time to clean these often-neglected spots regularly can make a significant difference in the overall look and feel of your living space. From light fixtures and baseboards to kitchen appliances and outdoor areas, giving these spaces some TLC can help maintain a healthier and more aesthetic home for you and your loved ones. So next time you're cleaning, don't forget to add these areas to your checklist and enjoy a sparkling clean living environment.

Learn more at Rismedia.com

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How Buying a Multi-Generational Home Helps with Affordability Today

 
 

In today’s world of rising housing costs, many buyers are looking for ways to still be able to buy a home. Some of them have found a solution in multi-generational living.

Multi-generational living is when two or more adult generations live together under one roof. This includes siblings, parents, or even grandparents. Here’s an in-depth look at why more buyers are choosing this option today, so you can see if it may be right for you too.

Reasons To Buy a Multi-Generational Home

According to a recent study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the top two reasons people are opting for multi-generational homes today have to do with affordability (see graph below):

 
 

Cost Savings: About 28% of first-time buyers and 11% of repeat buyers are deciding on a multi-generational home to save on costs. By pooling their resources, households can share the financial responsibilities like mortgage payments, utilities, property taxes, and maintenance, to make homeownership more affordable. This is especially helpful for first-time homebuyers who may be finding it tough to afford a home on their own in today’s market.

More Space: Another 28% of first-time buyers and 18% of repeat buyers are doing it because they want a larger home they couldn’t afford on their own. For some of the repeat buyers who listed this as a main motivator, it could be because they find themselves taking care of older parents while also welcoming back young adults who’ve returned to the nest. With everyone chipping in and combining their incomes, suddenly, that big dream home with more space is within reach. As the Triangle Business Journal explains:

“Choosing multi-gen living allows people to purchase a home much larger than they could afford on their own by leveraging the combined income, credit and a down payment of those that they will be occupying the home with.”

Lean on an Expert

If you’re interested in this too, partner with a local real estate agent. Finding the perfect multi-generational home isn’t as simple as shopping for a regular house. That’s because there are more people with even more opinions and needs that should be considered.

You’ve got to make sure everyone has their own space, find room for shared household time, and possibly even create adaptable areas for older relatives. It’s a puzzle, and the pieces need to fit just right. Your real estate agent has the expertise and local knowledge to help you find that home where everyone can be comfortable without breaking the bank. As MoneyGeek.com puts it:

“Having a good multigenerational property can improve the prospects of success when living with loved ones. A multigenerational home should fit the specific needs of most family members regardless of age or health. Speaking to a real-estate agent can help you gain clarity and locate a fit.”

Bottom Line

Buying a multi-generational home can be a smart way to tackle some of today’s affordability challenges. When you team up to share expenses, you can make your dream of homeownership more attainable. If this sounds like an option for you and your loved ones, connect with a local real estate agent to help you find a home that’s the perfect fit.

Learn more at keepingcurrentmatters.com

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If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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West + Main Unveils Exclusive Office at Juniper Preserve

For Immediate Release:

West + Main Homes is proud to announce its newest location as the exclusive on-site real estate company at Juniper Preserve, Central Oregon's esteemed golf resort and wellness destination.

Find the real estate office in the Trailhead area, near the pool and new Village Market. West + Main offers its client-centric services and design expertise to property owners and guests alike.

“Juniper Preserve perfectly blends recreation with nature,” said West + Main owner and Managing Principal Broker, Greg Fischer. “We're honored to be part of its transformation.”

The resort features nearly 400 single-family homesites set against a scenic mountain landscape.

Home to the nationally acclaimed Pronghorn Golf Club and the luxurious Juniper Lodge accommodations, the resort has become synonymous with relaxation and rejuvenation.

Realtors Ricky Baker and Malia Mathis will lead the on-resort real estate sales for West + Main.

Inquire about resale, lots, new construction, and fractional listings at westandmainjp.com.

About West + Main Homes

West + Main is an independently owned and operated boutique real estate company specializing in residential, new development, and commercial properties in Oregon, Colorado, Oklahoma, Minnesota and North Carolina - with additional markets coming soon!

Growing Your Net Worth with Homeownership

 
 

Take a moment to imagine where you want to be in a few years.

You might be thinking about your job, money, wanting more stability, or goals you want to reach soon. Is homeownership a part of that vision? If it is, you should know owning a home has a whole lot of financial benefits.

One of the many reasons to buy a home is that it’s a great way to build wealth and gain financial stability. That’s because the value of most homes increases over time, which in turn grows your net worth. Here’s how home values are rising right now. According to Zillow:

“The total value of the U.S. housing market – the sum of Zillow’s estimated value for every U.S. home – is now slightly less than $52 trillion, which is $1.1 trillion higher than the previous peak reached last June.”

Basically, homeownership is a tremendous wealth-building tool. And with home values back on the rise across the nation, now might be a good time to consider if owning a home is something you want to reach for.

Here’s a look at some data to see how much owning a home can really make a difference in your life.

Household Net Worth Is Rising

Data shows that while those in the top 1% saw the most dramatic net worth increase, people from every single tax bracket have seen their wealth grow over the past few years (see graph below):

 
 


For many of those people, the rising value of their home plays a big part in that.

Owning a Home Helps You Achieve Financial Success

You can tell homeownership had a lot to do with that growth because there’s a significant net worth gap between homeowners and renters. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:

 “. . . homeownership is a catalyst for building wealth for people from all walks of life. A monthly mortgage payment is often considered a forced savings account that helps homeowners build a net worth about 40 times higher than that of a renter.”

The big reason why? Homeowner’s build equity. Home equity is the value of your home minus the amount you owe on your mortgage. And for most homeowners, that’s the largest contributor to their net worth. Here’s the data from First American to prove it (see graph below):

 
 

The blue portion of each bar represents housing as a portion of net worth – and it’s clearly a bigger contributor than other investments like stocks, gold, and cryptocurrencies. As you can see, across different income levels, homeownership does more to build the average household’s wealth than anything else.

Bottom Line

One of the biggest benefits of owning a home is that it can provide an avenue to grow your net worth. Connect with a local real estate professional so you can start investing in homeownership.

Learn more at keepingcurrentmatters.com

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3 Major Changes You Need To Make Before Putting Your Home on the Market

 
 

When it's time to list your home on the market, it's not just about slapping a for-sale sign on your front lawn.

The process involves much more than that. To attract potential buyers and get the best possible price for your home, you need to ensure that your house is at its best, both aesthetically and functionally. Many homeowners underestimate the importance of home improvements before listing their property. But the truth is, these upgrades can significantly boost your home's market value and make it stand out in the crowded real estate market. This article discusses three major changes you should consider making before putting your home up for sale. Each of these improvements serves a dual purpose by enhancing your home's visual appeal and signaling to prospective buyers that the property has been well-maintained. Let's delve into why these changes are worth considering and how they can provide a solid return on investment.

Giving Your Roof A Much-Needed Makeover
Firstly, an old or worn-out roof can be a significant deterrent for potential buyers. It's one of the first things they notice, and it has a substantial impact on your home's curb appeal. A new roof not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your house but also sends a strong message to buyers that the property has been well-maintained, assuaging concerns about potential leaks or structural issues. If your roof is visibly old or damaged, investing in a professionally installed roof replacement could substantially increase the marketability of your home, potentially increasing its appeal and its value.

Getting a new roof installed doesn't have to be a hassle. Start by hiring a professional roofing contractor, like Pro Restoration Plus, who can assess your current roof's condition and provide a detailed estimate. It's crucial to choose high-quality, durable materials that match your home's style. Keep in mind that while the initial cost may seem high, the long-term benefits, including increased home value and potential energy savings, make it a worthwhile investment whether you sell your home immediately or just a few years later. Be sure to schedule the roof replacement at a time that minimally disrupts your life, but also consider weather conditions, as roofing jobs require dry, moderate weather.

Kitchen Remodel: A Recipe for Increased Home Value
One of the most profitable improvements you can make to your home before selling is a kitchen remodel. Known as the heart of a home, the kitchen is where meals are prepared, family gatherings take place, and memories are made. An updated and modern kitchen can command a higher asking price because it's a key selling point for many buyers. They're attracted to newer appliances, spacious countertops, ample storage, and an overall aesthetic appeal that makes the space inviting and functional. Upgrading outdated features to modern, energy-efficient models can also lower utility costs, which is another attractive aspect for potential buyers.

Getting your kitchen remodeled, however, requires careful planning. To ensure you're making changes that will increase your home's value, do some research on current kitchen design trends. A timeless, neutral design usually appeals to the broadest range of buyers. Hiring a professional kitchen designer or contractor could also be a wise investment, as they can guide you towards choices that will offer the best return on investment. Remember to consider the overall style and design of your home to ensure the new kitchen complements it well. Lastly, plan your budget carefully. While you want your kitchen to be appealing, it's essential to not over capitalize. Aim for a balance between what you spend and the value it brings to your home.

Enhancing Curb Appeal: Invest in Landscaping
Investing in professional landscaping can significantly enhance your home's curb appeal, making it more attractive to prospective buyers. A well-maintained front yard serves as a visual treat, setting a positive first impression even before buyers step inside your home. It reflects the house's overall care and maintenance, reassuring buyers about the property's condition. Not only does a beautifully landscaped yard make your home more appealing, but it can also increase its value.

Embarking on a landscaping project requires some consideration and planning. Which areas of your yard need attention? It could be needing a manicured lawn, planting blooming flowers, adding a decorative pathway, or even installing outdoor lighting for added security and aesthetic appeal. Hiring a professional landscaper can be beneficial as they have the knowledge and expertise to transform your outdoor space into a captivating one, keeping in mind your home's architectural style and the local climate. If you're on a tight budget, consider cost-effective solutions like adding mulch to garden beds, planting perennial plants that don't require replacement each year, or installing a simple water feature. Remember, the goal is to create an inviting, well-kept outdoor space that potential buyers can envision themselves enjoying.

In conclusion, a well-maintained home sells itself. There's no underestimating the power of first impressions when it comes to selling your home. Buyers are drawn to homes that are not just well-maintained but also exude warmth, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. From giving your roof a much-needed makeover, and modernizing your kitchen, to enhancing your home's curb appeal with professional landscaping, these improve your chances of attracting serious prospective buyers and securing a desirable selling price. Remember, the objective is not just to sell your home but to sell it well. Even if the initial investment might seem substantial, don't forget that these improvements pay for themselves in the long run. After all, a well-loved home is a well-sold home. So, before you put that 'For Sale' sign up, take a good look at your abode and make the changes that will make it a hot property in the housing market.

Learn more at Rismedia.com

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If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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