How to Stop the Smells and Funk That Invade Your Home in Summer!

June 16, 2017

By: Jamie Wiebe

Anti-eeeew tips to keep your house from getting gross.

When did hanging out on your patio with that privacy wall you DIYed back in May stop being fun? All you can see is that rusty grill staring at you, and bird poop piling up on your outdoor chaise while you sweat and fight off bugs. And, eeeew, what is that you smell? Summer’s great — but, boy, can it turn on you when the dog days set in.

Don’t start job hunting in Alaska just yet. You can take back your summer. Here’s the worst of what it can inflict on you (in no particular order) — and how to fight back:

A Stinky Bug Invasion:

Squish a stink bug, and you’ll quickly learn how they got theirnom de pee-yew.While the brown pests may be harmless, your family’s noses will be happier without them.

• Use caulk or sealant to close up cracks a sneaky stinker could use to enter your home. Look around windows, doors, vents and outdoor faucets for any openings.
• Stick a nylon stocking over your vacuum’s hose to suck up stink bugs into the stocking instead of the vacuum bag.
• Drown these nasty visitors by dumping captured ones into a bottle filled with an inch of soapy water. No tiny cement shoes necessary.

A Mildew-y Smell That Won’t Go Away:

Hot, humid summers create an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew, which your nose knows isn’t right. At the first whiff of these funky fungi, strike back hard.

• Keep things clean and organized. It’s the best defense against summer’s musty aroma. That allows air to move around, keeping moisture (mold and mildew’s best mate) at bay.
• Dry out your home with dehumidifiers and air conditioners — or at least increase air circulation by adding fans.
• In rooms that tend to get that musty smell, line closet walls and drawers with cedar for a sweet smell all year long.
• Waterproof your basement concrete and masonry with cement paint to prevent damp walls — and the sneaky mold that comes with them. But be sure to figure out the cause of the dampness before waterproofing. It only works if the moisture is coming from the soil outside.

A note of caution: Sometimes a musty smell is a harbinger of bad news — serious water damage in your home. If these tips don’t work, you may need to call in a pro.

Gross Garbage Funk:

Summer’s heat waves make the stench of garbage 10 times worse. Keeping trash cans clean (duh) is your first line of defense. But there are a couple more things you can do.

• Yes, scrubbing out your garbage can is disgusting, but it helps control the stink and pests. Give it one good clean when your stomach’s feeling strong, and then quickly wipe it out each time you empty. You’ll never have to face that throw-up smell again.
• Dust the bottom of the clean, dry can with baking soda to suck up future pungency.
• Or slip a dryer sheet or two underneath the bag when you change it out.
• Cat litter in the bottom of the can also works to absorb garbage odors.

Excessive Bird Droppings:

Not even the most dedicated bird watchers want to watch droppings accumulate on their porch and outdoor furniture.

The easiest and most humane solution is to install some yard art — the kind that moves or makes a racket. Think wind socks, chimes and fun whirly sun catchers.

If, however, the birds are barn swallows that have nested (you’ll know because their nests are made of mud instead of twigs), you mustn’t shoo them away, no matter how gently. Barn swallows are federally protected. Instead, install a flat board below it or place a newspaper on the ground to prevent droppings from ruining your porch. Then next year (because they will come back — and they will bring friends) install bird netting between your eaves and the side of your home before nests are built.

Rusty, Greasy Grill Grates:

You never really got around to cleaning your grill at the beginning of the season, and now that you’ve invited some new work colleagues over for a barbecue, you realize your grill isn’t going to stir up any appetites with all that rust and grime.

• Vinegar, baking soda, salt, and lemon juice are all natural rust eliminators. You can use individually or create a paste between wet and dry ingredients. Apply and let soak overnight. Then a little elbow grease should do the rest. Try these combinations: vinegar and baking soda; lemon juice and baking soda; or lemon juice and salt.
• If the rust is really, really tough, do the above but get a wire brush attachment for your drill and use it to scrub the rust away.
• Once clean, season the grates by rubbing with vegetable oil and heating them.

Uninvited Homesteaders:

Snakes at the zoo: super cool. Snakes around or (gasp!) in your house: NO. NO. NOOOO. Snakes might be the worst intruder (or is it bats?), but any unwanted rodent or animal in your home is gross. Your best offense is defense. But if they break through, call a professional exterminator.

• Cover holes more than a quarter of an inch wide (snakes don’t need much). Check behind gutters and roof flashing.
• Trim trees to keep pesky animals, such as squirrels, from getting on your roof and into your attic. Keep branches at least eight feet from your house.
• Eliminate any food sources — like a garbage bin with an askew lid — that might tempt a scavenging pest. The closer they are to your house, the more likely they are to find a way in.
• Get rid of yard debris, such as piles of leaves and twigs, and mow frequently to eliminate hiding spots.

I want to buy a new home… Do I need to sell my current home first?

June 15, 2017

This is a very common question in today’s real estate environment!  With low interest rates and low inventory, homeowners know they can sell their home quickly, and at a great price. These conditions make purchasing a new home a very appealing prospect, but how do you do it?

Many experts suggest listing your current home first. Their reasoning is simple – if you already own a home, your offer on a new home may not be accepted unless your current home is listed. While this option is the best scenario for some homeowners, it does come with drawbacks. By listing your house and obtaining a buyer quickly, you can easily get caught up in the frenzy of trying to find a new home FAST, which can leave you vulnerable to overpaying and/or settling for a home that isn’t what you want.

Luckily, there are other options to avoid that situation!

KNOW YOUR REALTOR:

Your first step is to meet with your Realtor. They will provide you with a current and accurate market analysis of your current home, and guide you through any repairs or upgrades that should be made before listing your current home. Your Realtor can even help you create a schedule for them to help keep everything on task.

KNOW YOUR NUMBERS:

Your next step is to meet with your mortgage professional. They will help you determine how much down payment you will have to work with, what the net profit from the sale of your current home will be, and what your interest rate is based on your credit. These are all important numbers to be aware of, and comfortable with when you make the decision to purchase.

KNOW YOUR MARKET and YOUR PARAMETERS:

Do you have a specific area you are looking to move to? What is the average price per square foot of the house? What will the property taxes and town utilities cost yearly? You will also need to discuss what you are looking for in a new home with your Realtor. Do you want a small yard with less maintenance? Are you dreaming of an in ground pool? How about a 2 car attached garage with work space, or an in-law suite? Knowing what you absolutely must have, or can negotiate with is important. Research is key and knowledge is power, and your Realtor can help you find these answers to determine if the area you are looking at is right for you, and your budget.

Finally…

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS:

There are many ways to facilitate a sale and purchase without being caught between a “rock and a hard place”.

Option One:

Buy First:  If you have the ability to either pay cash for new house or carry two mortgages then you might want to consider buying first.  This will give you the luxury of time to search for your new home and make great purchase decisions.  Your mortgage professional can provide the details on this financial situation for you.  This option by far gives you the most flexibility with the timing of your purchase and sale.

Option Two:

List First:  Since not many people have that option to carry multiple mortgages they can list first and offer their buyers a “rent back option” while making a “contingent offer” on their new home.  The “rent back” allows the seller to stay in the current house after closing and “rent” it “back from the buyer.  The offer on the new home is “contingent” upon the current home closing to that buyer.  It is good to have a “backup plan” for alternative living situations (in-laws, relatives, short term rentals) just in case to keep your sanity!

While this can be accomplished easily with sound contract negotiations, it does put the pressure on for you to identify a house quickly and can often make the process feel rushed.  If you find this is the option that best suits your situation, your Realtor can make it much less confusing and stressful.

Option Three:

Identify your purchase and THEN list:  With a sound strategy, advance preparation and solid contract negations, you can find your house FIRST, and then list so that you are still not carrying two mortgages. You will also not be under pressure to quickly identify a house that may not be on the market at the time you accept your buyer’s offer.  It IS possible to have your contingent offer accepted on your purchase without being listed if you can demonstrate that you are ready to list.  This is a great solution to reducing the stress, managing the timing of the closings, and finding the right house to purchase at the right price.

Which option is best?  The simple answer is that it depends on your individual situation and what you want to achieve with your sale and purchase.  Each option presents advantages (and disadvantages) but it really comes down to what makes the most sense for you and your family.  Meet with your Realtor and put together a plan.  Selling and buying a home is a complicated process that can be very stressful but it doesn’t have to be!  Strategy, preparation, forethought, market knowledge, experience and sound contract negotiations can make this one of the best moves of your life!