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Tips to Keep Your Home Sanitized

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If you are getting a little tired of soaping up and sanitizing during the ongoing pandemic, we have some tips to help you keep your homes safe and families healthy:

1) Before you disinfect surfaces, do a quick pre-clean to remove any visible dust, dirt, or grime.

2) Use your cleaner or disinfectant exactly as directed on the packaging.

3) After disinfecting, let the surface air dry. It needs to stay wet for as long as is recommended in order to kill germs properly!

4) When disinfecting food contact surfaces or children’s toys, rinse them with water once they have air-dried.

5) Throw disinfectant wipes in the garbage — don’t flush them!

cleaning house

Staging Tips to Make Your Home Look Bigger

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Staging a home is about making the best possible first impression on prospective buyers. Keep in mind though, that it is real life. Buyers will overlook the wedding portrait hanging in your bedroom and the fact that you have a trash can in your kitchen (as long as they can’t smell it!). The best way to stage your home is to make it look more spacious and free from clutter.

Here are three staging tips that will help make your home look larger:

1. SWAP COLORS FOR NEUTRAL TONES. White, grey, and beige are your friends when staging your home. Swap brightly colored curtains or bed linens for white ones (even in the kids’ rooms!). Target and Ikea have some super affordable options. Painting the walls lighter can make a room appear bigger, too.

2. SWAP DARK OR MOODY ARTWORK FOR MIRRORS. If you want to make a room feel larger, hang a mirror on the wall! Not only do mirrors reflect light, but they also reflect the view, which tends to lend a perception of more space.

3. CLEAR A PATHWAY. Even if you love the end table you have next to the sofa, excess furniture may make your space feel cluttered. Buyers might not fall in love with your great-grandmother’s antique sewing table, but they will fall in love with your open floor plan and layout.

dining room

Home Projects with Maximum ROI

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Do you ever come home to your perfectly nice house and just have the urge to redesign all the things? Sometimes I think about __________ or __________ (redoing our kitchen/finally putting a spa tub in the master bathtub/building a pool).

If you have the urge to make some changes to your home this year, it’s always good to keep ROI in mind. Sure, there are plenty of projects that are purely for enjoyment (like that spa tub!) but here are a few home improvements that can actually improve the resale value of your home:

  • ???? Minor Kitchen Remodel
  • ???? Minor Bathroom Remodel
  • ???? Exterior Improvements
  • ???? Garage Door Replacement
  • ???? Paint in a Neutral Palette

What is one home improvement project that you would love to tackle this year, practical or not?

house painting

Sparkling Spring Cleaning Tips

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About 76% of Americans make it a tradition to complete their spring cleaning every year. Another 63% make an effort to clean the majority of their home. On average, spring cleaning takes around six days to finish. About 29% of people finish within one to two days. With the right plan and these spring cleaning tips, you can make the most of your time! Are you ready to get cleaning? With this spring cleaning checklist, you can stay organized and tackle your entire home!

1-Set a Schedule

Don’t reach for your mop or window cleaner just yet. First, take a look around your home. Which areas are going to take the longest to clean? Which rooms require the most attention? When you quickly clean throughout the year, what areas do you tend to avoid? Focus on tackling your big problem areas first. That way, you’ll have more energy to complete smaller tasks as you go.
Before you start cleaning, set a schedule for yourself. How many days do you want to spend cleaning? Break your tasks apart by room.Then, establish a plan of attack for every room in your home.

2-Declutter Every Room

Remember, clutter can cause stress. Start learning how to clean your house by decluttering every room. Remove any objects you no longer need. Then, give every item in your home a designated space. Once you use that item, put it right back where it belongs! Using this tactic will keep your home from getting cluttered in the future.

3-Room by Room

Entryway: Wipe the walls and baseboards, sweep and mop the floors, clean the door and doormat, and organize your shoes and hang your jackets.

Office: Recycle any paperwork you don’t need. Dust and polish the furniture and bookshelves. While you’re at it, don’t forget to sanitize your keyboard and mouse.

In the garage: Declutter the toys, sporting equipment, and tools. Open the garage door to air the garage out. Wipe down the walls and sweep the floor. Clean the garage door and frame. Replace the batteries for your garage openers.

Children’s playroom: Sanitize any plastic toys using soap and water. Consider washing the stuffed animals as well. You can declutter by donating unused toys. Clean the rugs, carpets, and floors. Keep everyone’s toys organized, too.

Living room: Dust and polish the furniture. Wash or vacuum the curtains. Clean the ceiling fans. Vacuum the sofa and chairs. Dust the blinds and curtain rods.Wash the slipcovers, blankets, and pillows. Clean the window sills and wash the windows. Sanitize the remotes. Shampoo the rugs or carpets. Vacuum or mop the floors.

Bathroom: Wipe the mirror down. Discard any expired products and clean up your makeup brushes. Clean the vanity, tub, shower, and showerhead, too. Don’t forget to give the tile grout a good scrub. Then, clean the toilet, hardware, walls, and baseboards. Sweep and mop the floors, too.

Kitchen: Clean the stovetop, microwave, dishwasher, oven, refrigerator (inside and outside), countertops, cabinet doors and backsplash, kitchen drain, floors, baseboards, and walls.

Why are Assessed Value and Market Value Different?

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It’s important to understand what your home is worth when you are considering selling. Knowing the value of your home gives you an idea of how much you could list your home for. It also plays a part in determining how much property tax you’ll be required to pay. There are different valuations of a home’s worth and you should understand the difference between market value and assessed value.

Assessed value puts market value in the context of property taxes and is based on the laws of the state or county in which you live. The assessed value is calculated as a percentage of the market value of the property. The assessed value is determined by an assessor’s office. Some offices have databases open to the public for you to see the history of your property, as well as what information what factored into its assessment.

Market value is used to determine how much a buyer would be willing to pay for your home. An appraiser determines the market value and is usually hired by your lender. Market value is a vital tool in helping to decide what price to list a property for. Often sellers want to list based on what they feel a buyer should want to pay. However, it is better to list a property based on current market conditions. Market value is based on recent sales of similar homes in the area, along with other factors.

Have more questions about your home’s value? Feel free to send us your questions!  We are always willing to answer any of your questions so that you can feel comfortable with the home buying or selling process! Contact Us

Click here to get your FREE home value estimate!

home value

Creating a Backyard Retreat

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As we stay home more because of the coronavirus, creating a backyard retreat is on the top of many homeowners’ list of home projects.

Tips to transform your backyard space:

Finishes- Consider dark color finishes, sun shelves, complete automation, grotto waterfalls and comfortable outdoor furniture to create and inviting space to relax.

Light it Up- String lights are a simple and inexpensive solution for mood lighting. If your space is under a pergola, gazebo or large tree, dress things up with an outdoor chandelier. Battery operated candles also add a little light.

Adding TVs/Stereos- Incorporating TVs and stereo systems on the patio provide entertainment while outside. Install a TV in a shady spot on a metal, heavy duty wall mount that can pivot for easy viewing.

Add Privacy- Plants and curtains are two easy ways to create a more private outdoor space. Plants such as ficus or citrus trees work well in the desert to create privacy hedges. Hanging curtains around a covered patio or gazebo also softens the outdoor space and helps block the sun.

For more tips, or to find a new home with all the backyard features you are looking for, call us today! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

House Cleaning During COVID-19

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Spring cleaning your house includes traditionally includes extra dusting, window cleaning and shampooing carpets. With our home cleaning checklist, we’ll give you the best spring cleaning tips, plus additional tips for attacking COVID-19.

CLEANING VS DISINFECTING

Did you know there’s a difference between cleaning and disinfecting? Cleaning is the removal of dirt and germs from surfaces. Cleaning doesn’t kill viruses, but it will lower them. You can clean a surface using a simple combination of soap and water, which is effective against COVID-19. Disinfecting involves using a chemical to kill germs on surfaces after you clean it, which lowers the risk of spreading infection. You can use a simple bleach combination to disinfect, which is ⅓ cup of bleach per gallon of water, or 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water. It’s important to let the bleach sit on the surface for at least one minute before you dry it completely.

The CDC recommends regularly cleaning and disinfecting areas of your home that are frequently touched — three times per day if someone in your house is sick. This includes:

-Kitchen and bathroom counters
-Light switches
-Doorknobs
-Faucets
-Toilets
-Electronics

DUST YOUR HOME THOROUGHLY

Spring cleaning is a great time to both clean and declutter your home. If you’ve got major clutter to deal with, getting a portable container delivered to your driveway may be just what you need to get the job done, especially if you need to make room as you work. Having temporary at-home storage can also help if you need to separate items to go to relatives, donations, or a garage sale.

If it’s just a matter of dusting and cleaning a room, here are some quick tips:

-Before getting started, take time to peruse shelves and side tables to see if there are any books or knick-knacks -you can clear out.
-Empty all shelves and dust thoroughly with a feather duster.
-Use your vacuum to get hard-to-reach spots.
-Gently clean your books with a damp cloth.
-Disinfect surfaces before you rearrange things.
-Don’t forget to vacuum ceiling fans, the tops of your windows and moldings.
-Reach corners in rooms where cobwebs cluster with a long duster.

WASH WINDOWS

When months go by and you wonder why those trees and blue sky aren’t looking so vibrant anymore, it means it time to clean your windows! Now is a great time to give your windows a wash. If you can reach, wash both inside and out. Might as well enjoy the view while you’re staying home all day, right? If you have slatted blinds, use a damp cloth to wipe them down.

CLEAN FLOORS

Tile can really start to look dingy if you haven’t done a deep cleaning in a while. If you haven’t been able to find traditional tile cleaners in the supermarket, a simple mixture of baking soda and water will do. Just pour ½ cup baking soda into 2 gallons of water and mix well. This is a great non-toxic cleaning option for bathroom and kitchen floors. You can even do this on your tiled kitchen countertop before you disinfect. Vacuuming and carpet shampooing should be on your list for this year’s deep cleaning. Make sure you move furniture to clean underneath so you can suck up those pesky dust bunnies. Clean under beds and in closets as well.

POLISH STAINLESS STEEL

Your kitchen will look like it is ready for an open house once you polish your stainless steel appliances. First, clean your stainless steel with a soft cloth to remove dirt and grime. Then, soak a microfiber towel in olive oil and slowly buff the steel. Buff again with a clean, dry cloth and your stainless will be sparkling in no time.

DON’T TRY TO DO ALL YOUR CORONAVIRUS CLEANING AT ONCE

If you try to do all your deep cleaning in one weekend, you’ll quickly get overwhelmed and may want to quit before you finish, so try to break it up into easy to manage sections. Don’t forget your electronics and remote controls! Once you’re done with your deep cleaning, it’s important to keep cleaning and disinfecting for coronavirus regularly, especially the commonly-touched surfaces.

Gated VS Non-Gated Neighborhoods

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gated communityLiving in a gated or non-gated neighborhood can be a tough decision for some people in the market for a new home. There are different opinions on both ends of the debate which are completely pro or against one or the other, but what are the real advantages and disadvantages to a a gated neighborhood?

Many people think that there are strong benefits to raising a family inside a gated neighborhood. Some who live in gated areas say they feel more secure or are not afraid to be home alone or leave their kids alone in the neighborhood. Often, people who live in the gated neighborhoods feel a sense of safety that they don’t think they would feel in a non-gated neighborhood. Another reason some homeowners prefer a gated neighborhood is the perceived added prestige.

No matter the reason for choosing to live in a gated neighborhood, the biggest question surrounding gated vs non-gated is safety. The major question that is asked of gated neighborhoods is “Do they really keep crime rates down?” The short answer is, not really. In most cities, some forms of crime such as car theft is reduced initially but the long term crime rates are only marginally better at best. The trend is that crimes against people tend to go down because “outsider” perpetrators initially prefer not to go into areas with which they are unfamiliar and it may be more difficult to escape. Typically, crimes such as burglary drop within the first year of a new gated community but then rise back to the same levels as non-gated neighborhoods.

Does living in a gated neighborhood give a false sense of security? This is what many people believe; gates are more of a marketing tool and fad than serving any true benefit or purpose. For example, in neighborhoods with unmanned gates, codes to get into the gates are given to many people who don’t live there but visit frequently. Often, friends who don’t live inside the gated neighborhood can become irritated with having to remember the code or contacting you for the digits each time they visit. “Outsiders” who get the code not only include friends but also food delivery persons or other individuals providing services to people living inside the gates. Think about all the contractors, landscapers, house cleaners, dog walkers, pest control providers, etc. who enter on a normal basis and consider the level of security coded gates truly provide.

Despite the statistics showing no significant decrease in crime in gated neighborhoods over time, the number of these communities continues to grow. While research shows that the “old school” neighborhood watch programs prove to reduce crime if properly run by the community, often these are forgone in a gated community due to the sense of security from the gates and walls alone. Whether living in a gated or non-gated neighborhood, homeowners should always rely on providing their own safety and security first. Locking doors and windows and keeping the garage shut are the most basic forms of safety and other home safety devices or home security alarm systems can always be installed for added measures.

At the end of the day, living in a gated or non-gated community really just comes down to personal preference. There are pros and cons to living in a gated community. The added security is debatable, but that hasn’t stopped them from being a popular choice for families across the country.

Call us to view homes for sale in gated and non-gated neighborhoods. Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

Getting Ready to Show Your Home

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kitchenYour home has been prepped and is ready for listing in the MLS. Now what? There are some steps that will make it easy to get ready for all of those showings that will be coming your way.

First, maximize all of the light in your home by turning on all of the lights in your home and open all of the curtains and blinds on your windows. Buyers love to see bright, well-lit homes, and these quick steps will show off your beautiful home.

Second, highlight your curb appeal in your back and front yard. Do a quick sweep of your front entryway, and turn on any water features you may have to show off your pool and/or spa. This will help the buyer visualize how they can enjoy these spaces.

Third, do a clean sweep throughout your home to remove clutter from floors and countertops. Buyers want to be able to envision themselves in the spaces in your home, so removing distractions of your personal items is the best way to facilitate this. Keep a basket handy before showings to corral any clutter quickly and to stash in a closet.

Lastly, do a quick wipe of your bathroom counters, toilets and mirrors to make these areas sparkle. Again, the goal is to have buyers imagine living in your home, so keeping these personal areas sparkling clean will go a long way toward this goal.

Want more tips to maximize showings? Contact us to find how much your home is worth and for more tips to help sell your house fast for top dollar! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

Get An Offer On Your Home

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Would you like an offer on your home and skip the headaches and hassles of selling traditionally.

Companies are ready to make a very competitive offer on your home. They buy it, turn it around, and sell 30-90 days to the public for a tiny profit.

You get convenience and speed in return.

This means:

  • Close quickly, get equity from your home in as little as 7 days
  • Multiple competitive offers – fast
  • You pick your closing date
  • No showings or open houses
  • No negotiating with buyers
  • Skip the cost, time and (in some cases) embarrassment of getting your home market ready
  • Freedom to move on your timeline
  • No strangers and REALTORS® walking through your home
  • No risk of two mortgage payments

We know companies who will buy your home directly at a fair price. We will negotiate all offers for you so you get the best price and terms. Your offer is competitive. These are not “sharks” who buy your home for 50% of it’s value. You get solid offers and a real listing valuation within 24 hours of us viewing your home. We’ll help you break down your options in a side by side comparison and see which works best for your unique situation.

Contact us and we’ll be in touch to price your home, get photos taken, and submit it to the companies who will buy it from you hassle-free!