We like to think of drains as some kind of magic hole that makes things disappear. As convenient as that would be, unfortunately, that’s not how they work—including those attached to kitchen sinks with a garbage disposal, utility sinks, bathtubs, and showers.
To avoid having to unclog your drain, or hiring a professional plumber to deal with the situation, here are a few examples of things you shouldn’t put down any drain in your home—even if that’s the easiest way to get rid of it.
Don’t put these things down the drain
Pouring, dumping, or stuffing the following items and materials down any drain in your home is a bad idea:
Grease and oil
Whether it’s grease leftover from cooking, or oil you’ve discovered has gone rancid, do not pour it down the drain. Even if it’s in liquid form when you dump it, it can still cause or contribute to clogs that could wreak havoc on your plumbing.
Kitty litter
This should go without saying, but kitty litter does not go down the drain—even if it’s the flushable kind. Not only can it cause major blockages in your pipes, but it may also contaminate your water supply.
Potting soil
Repotting houseplants or doing other minor indoor gardening tasks in a sink, tub, or shower may be convenient, but if there’s a chance some potting soil could end up going down your drain, find somewhere else to handle it.
First of all, soil is a lot denser than it seems, which means it can easily clog pipes. Also, if some gets stuck down there, it could make your drain smell bad.
Coffee grounds
Although sometimes touted as a way of deodorizing your garbage disposal, coffee grounds really shouldn’t go down any drain. That’s because water makes them clump together, and over time, they can build up and lead to blockages. Use them in your garden instead.
Looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles this Memorial Day weekend? Here are some events and activities to add to your list for the holiday weekend.
Traditionally, Memorial Day Weekend is the start of the summer season, complete with days-long, large-scale festivals, and the Southland keeps coming back bigger and better. There are festivals and fairs galore in Topanga, La Cañada,Garden Grove, Corona, and Hermosa Beach. Summer 2023 is off to an epic start, and SoCal, our ship has sailed in. (To San Pedro for LA Fleet Week.)
And, of course, Memorial Day weekend closes with tributes to our fallen heroes. Ceremonies will be held at the Reagan Library and several Forest Lawn locations, along with observances in local cities. You can find them listed below.
This summer, Pretend City presents Camping in the City! Little ones get to experience the wilderness with opportunities to hike Pretend City trails, follow and trace footprints of the critters who live in the City, and even sit around a campfire listening to stories and learning how to make s’mores. READ MORE
Circus Vargas Express is a high-energy, animal-free extravaganza under the Big Top, with death-defying stuntmen, flying aerialists, exhilarating acrobats, and uproarious clowns under the Big Top. For their latest show, Circus Vargas channels the “City of Lights” in their new production, Bonjour Paris READ MORE
Cinespia offers an additional location for viewing classic films under the stars: Los Angeles State Historic Park. Films screening Memorial Day weekend are Mrs. Doubtfire and 10 Things I Hate About You.READ MORE
San Pedro – Friday – Monday, May 26 – 29, 2023
Free
Your ship’s come in—a whole bunch of ’em actually. Fleet Week returns to the Port of Los Angeles with pier-side ship tours, exhilarating aerial demonstrations and flyovers, live entertainment, live competitions, and family activities. READ MORE
La Cañada’s weekend-long Memorial Day festivities celebrate their 50 year anniversary. Activities throughout the weekend include a French toast breakfast, vintage car show, a summer picnic and “ukulele rendezvous”, a family dinner with music, and fireworks. Monday’s activities include a 5k/10k run, a Memorial Day service, a grand parade down Foothill Boulevard, and music in the park. READ MORE
Garden Grove – Friday – Monday, May 26 – 29, 2023
Free admission
Garden Grove marks Memorial Day weekend for the 63rd year with its Strawberry Festival, the second largest city festival in the West. This year, the festival’s theme is “Celebrating Kindness.” READ MORE
In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Southern California Children’s Museum hosts its first-ever free community play day. At Day of Play, everyone is invited to engage with the power of play through arts-based activities, musical performances, and social services information from community service tabling partners. READ MORE
Take me out to the (minor league base)ball game! For young baseball lovers, minor league games are a wonderful opportunity to see future (and sometimes even current) major league players, for a fraction of the ticket price. On select nights, the Quakes will light up the sky with a fireworks display after the game. READ MORE
The Koroneburg Renaissance Festival returns for another season. With lots of audience-participation content, the Faire offers opportunities to learn about ye ol’ German 1450-1600 A.D. history. READ MORE
Pass GO and head to the 8th Annual MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street. MAINopoly is a fun, interactive tasting event that mirrors the classic board game, offering a culinary walking tour of Main Street’s restaurants, ice cream stores, coffee shops and other businesses. READ MORE
The Bureau of Sanitation Open House might not seem like everyone’s idea of a fun Saturday, but to kids who are intrigued by garbage trucks it’s a real hoot. And you might even go home with a fruit or shade tree. READ MORE
Scotsfest returns for Memorial Day weekend in 2023! Scotsfest is a Scottish festival of Celtic entertainment, food, and Highland games. The two-day event showcases the best of the Scottish and Celtic heritage with sounds of bagpipes and drums, the smells of authentic Scottish foods, and the sights of the traditional tartan kilts. READ MORE
Hermosa Beach’s semi-annual blowout combines hundreds of artisans and craftspeople with opportunities to swim, bike, fish, or just relax on the beach. READ MORE
Topanga hosts its annual Memorial Day celebration which consists of music, artisan booths, great food, and a wide range of games, such as pie eating contests, an animal imitation contest, sack races, and a diaper derby. READ MORE
The San Fernando Valley’s annual Greek Festival is held on Memorial Day Weekend at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. The festival evokes the sights, sounds, and tastes that define the traditional Greek way of life. READ MORE
Get ready for a night of extreme family fun at the Irwindale Speedway. Arrive as early as 4pm to check out the vehicles and get autographs. The fun kicks off at 7pm with a jet car burndown, skid plate races, figure 8 races, and more—followed by a fireworks display! READ MORE
On Memorial Day weekend, Santa Anita Park Infield transforms into a giant carnival with fun for all ages, including thrilling rides, Inflatable jumpers, a range of carnival snacks, and carnival games. READ MORE
Simi Valley – Monday, May 29, 2023
Event is free, museum admission is not
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum commemorates Memorial Day, with an event honoring the fallen men and women who served in the United States Military. READ MORE
Forest Lawn welcomes community members to celebrate Memorial Day at six of its LA locations. The annual ceremony to honor fallen soldiers features music, moving speeches, and patriotism. READ MORE
Veterans are honored in a ceremony at the McCambridge Park War Memorial. A pre-ceremony concert begins at 10:15am. The event then begins at 11am, with a ceremony that includes a flyover. READ MORE
The City of Mission Viejo honors those who have served and given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The ceremony includes guest speakers, a color guard, rifle salute, live vocals performances and taps. READ MORE
The City of South Pasadena observes Memorial Day with a service at the War Memorial Building. The color guard is presented by Boy Scout Troop 333. READ MORE
The Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade is back for its 31st year, celebrating the day with patriotic floats, equestrians, celebrities, antique cars, and marching bands making their way along Sherman Way, following a route from Owensmouth Ave. to Cozycroft. Among the featured participants, the146th Airlift Wing takes to the skies for a C-130J Flyover. READ MORE
Sure, you’re probably heading to Santa Barbara for its glorious sandy beaches, and all the good things that come with it. Surfing, sunbathing, that sort of thing. But once you’re done with the miles and miles of breathtaking coastline, there’s a whole lot more of Santa Barbara to be explored – and it’s a lot more than just sandy beaches.
Santa Barbara is actually home to a whole host of great restaurants, museums and attractions, and it’s pretty easy on the eye too – most of its historic landmarks are just begging to be photographed and stuck on an Instagram story. So whether you’re there for its annual film fest or its wine festival, you’ll never be stuck for things to do in this city. Read on for the best things to do in Santa Barbara right now.
Fun things to do in Santa Barbara
1. Old Mission Santa Barbara
The late 18th-century Old Mission Santa Barbara gave the city more than just its name. You can see its lush courtyard, tiled roof, and shaded arches reflected in buildings all over Santa Barbara. But the mission is a beautiful, historical destination on its own, with a solemn cemetery, chapel, and an exhibition about its construction and life within its walls.
The compact halls of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History lend themselves well to pint-sized patrons, from a kid-sized cavern to an outdoor playground. Adults can enjoy a stroll around the campus’ Mission Revival buildings spread along a wooded creek, while the small Sea Center at Stearns Wharf is an all-ages winner, with shark- and anemone-filled touch tanks and a research center with biologically-rich muck straight from the seafloor below.
Hike to Inspiration Point for the kind of breathtaking natural encounter that will clear your mind. There are two ways to get to Inspiration Point, a beautiful outlook overlooking Santa Barbara’s coastline and the Channel Islands in the distance. The shorter option starts at Tunnel Trail and will make for about a 3.5-mile roundtrip. It begins on an easy paved road for about a mile but then makes its way to a trail that is steep in parts. The other option is starting at Jesusita Trail, which is steep in some areas and stretches about 7 miles.
4. Santa Barbara Museum of Art
State Street’s Santa Barbara Museum of Art recently completed a massive six-year renovation and expansion project, bringing new gallery spaces and public areas to the museum. You’ll find a mix of rotating exhibitions and highlights of the permanent collection that are heavy on Impressionism and Southern California abstraction. Visit the museum store for jewelry, books, toys, and other custom items.
If you’re looking for fresh seafood, head to Stearns Wharf in the early morning hours to wait for the fishing boats to unload their catch. You can buy straight from the boats and take your fish home with you on ice—it’s cheaper, fresher, and way more fun. Although the pier (home to California’s oldest working wharf) offers wine tasting, a touch aquarium for kids, and lots of shopping and dining options, avoid it after mid-morning—it tends to become a bit of a tourist trap as the day goes on.
Santa Barbara County Courthouse is the one time you might want to spend a day in court. The Spanish-Moorish structure is striking from the inside, but step underneath its spacious archway, and you’ll find yourself inside one of the most beautiful government buildings in the country, period. Take the elevator or stairs to the top of the Seth Thomas Tower Clock for sweeping views of Santa Barbara—and make sure to stop by the historical, sublimely painted Mural Room on the second floor.
If you’re the type of person who finds peace in nature, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden should be on your itinerary. This garden, which focuses on native California plants, is unlike any other. Even the Redwood Section, where redwood trees were planted beginning in 1930, looks as though the trees are organically growing there. Throughout the mile-long walkway, there are plenty of spots for visitors to sit and reflect.
Polish opera singer and garden enthusiast Ganna Walska built up the beautiful tropical and subtropical gardens at Lotusland over four decades. Today, you can explore the multiculturally-themed gardens with two-hour guided tours that’ll take you through everything from a silvery-blue forest to a prehistoric-looking cycad garden.
A tangle of trails weaves through the beautiful grounds of the Santa Barbara Zoo. Equal parts open green space and lush animal habitats, the zoo is teeming with conservation information and close-up views of creatures like elephants, lions, leopards, and giraffes. Check at the front to see the daily feeding schedule for the long-necked mammals.
Short on time? Take a 90-minute narrated trolley tour of Santa Barbara’s main attractions. Santa Barbara Trolley Company offers daily tours that leave from the Visitor Center at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. This is a great way to see the Santa Barbara Courthouse, Santa Barbara Zoo, Museum of Natural History, Old Mission Santa Barbara, Stearns Wharf, East Beach, the harbor, and more.
Mortgage and Lending with Social Media – Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc
August 05, 2010 09:00 AM
Facts & Numbers vs Assumptions – Part 2
I love what I do and I love crunching numbers, sometimes being creative and finding a way to maximize my clients cash assets, putting them in a good financial position for years to come. Meaning that I like to act like a financial planner, making sure that the borrower doesn’t always use all of their assets, especially in today’s market.
Before you continue with this post, you will need to read part 1, Planting Seeds in the Borrower’s Head. If you want the cliff notes version, read the next few sentences below.
I truly believe as a loan officer, that I do my job as well as I can, with pride and satisfaction. That a realtor should not give mortgage advice deeper than the basics. The basics would be to know what programs are good in your area, and that you ask a few simple questions to make some determinations. Other than that, the realtor should not get into the rates and down payments. I hope to explain better below.
So what am I questioning? It’s when a realtor makes a statement such as this one.“home buyers can receive 6% closing help with 10% down. Which benefits our buyers more, making a larger down payment or paying their cash for closing costs???” – How about possibly neither, which I will show below.The last comment was followed with this kind of comment. – “The lower interest rates often offered with 10% down compared with FHA may make the conventional more attractive. “ These same statements are mentioned in part one and written by Lenn Harley.
If you remember the title of Part 1, it was Planting seeds in the borrower’s head. Read my conclusion in part 1. I truly believe when you talk about such statements, that you could be planting a seed in the borrower’s head. This could confuse the borrower or even worse, make them choose your thoughts without knowing the details. Let me show you what I am talking about.
Key Important Points –
If the property is in a distressed area (declining market), the maximum LTV is 90%, which means you have to put 10% down.
The monthly payments on the conventional loans can increase or decrease depending on the credit scores.
Each scenario is the same profit margin. You would need a credit score of 720 + to avoid any pricing penalty.
Most PMI companies won’t go below a 680 credit score. There are a few that could go down to 660, but depending on the status of the lender with that MI company. But in all honesty, FHA loans would be the best option once you go below a 680 credit score. So why even bother with details.
The scenarios used below are based on a mid credit score of 699.
Now, there are a few other scenarios, such as lender paid mortgage insurance (LPMI) or 80/10 or lender paid closing costs (which you increase the interest rate which pays for some closing costs), and a few other mortgage insurance programs. But I just wanted to give you an idea on the statements that were mentioned above and how one needs to be careful in what they state to the buyer.
Reminder : – Comparing 10% down conventional with 3.5% down FHA – In regards to the money that you don’t use on the FHAloan, you either save it as cash on hand or you could invest it. You can usually get a 6% to 7% return on your money. If you have a decent idea or work with a good financial planner, you could get 9% to 10%. If you really know what you are doing and or are aggressive, you could get like 12% return. And please don’t read into those that sell you the idea to pay down your house off in half the time. There are some scams out there. They work, but not as advertised. Secondly, you will be writing off less interest if you pay off your house quicker. And the interest write off on the interest rate itself, depending on your interest rate, might not be as much as you think. Just food for thought and showing the complexities when comparing different types of mortgages.
Key Important Reminder –
Lender Overlays and different PMI companies (private mortgage companies) have different guidelines and rules. Also, when doing a conventional loan with MI, you will also have to send the file to the MI company to be underwritten. So even if your company says yes, the MI company could still say no. On FHA loans, it’s just underwritten once.
Conclusion : Many would think and or assume that with 10% down on a conventional mortgage, that it could be cheaper in interest rate and in payment than on a FHA mortgage with 3.5% down. And in some cases, even though your down payment is more with a conventional loan, it could cost you more out of pocket or possibly more within the price of the home because some sellers will tack on the seller concessions onto the price. And look at the fact that you added about $6,000 of upfront mortgage insurance on the FHA loan, yet the FHA loans look to be cheaper all the way around. And you can compare the principal balances after 5 years and how much cash that you kept in your pocket with a lower monthly payment. Food for thought.
Cash is King – I highlighted the FHA loan scenario with 5% down. As you can see, the mortgage payment would actually be about $30 less than when putting 10% down. What I hear so many people focus on is the fact that they don’t want to be underwater on the property. People, buying a home is suppose to be an investment and in many cases, a long term investment. This is a whole other topic, but it needs to be discussed. You just never know what will be around the corner and having a larger savings could save you down the road. I wrote an excellent series on this topic. Click on the Cash is King link. Part 2 of 3 –
Numbers don’t lie, uneducated facts or assumptions do.
UPDATE : I had originally worked on this post starting at 3:30 am this morning and had most of it done by 7 am. But I didn’t submit it because I had to check out one issue and then the day got away from me. But Mr. Stevens of FHA has announced new upfront mortgage insurance changes and changes for the monthly. In my opinion, the 5% comparisons, FHA loans will still be the best option, even with a credit score of 699 or less. In regards to the 10% down on conventional loans? The payment might be better by $100, but still keeping in mind that you are keeping $13,000 in your pocket. You need to think of the trade off and your future. Here is the link to the letter from FHA. Bill approved to give FHA the ability to change upfront and monthly mortgage insurance. I will be writing about this tomorrow and giving examples. thanks
A good sprinkler system is a must to keep your yard healthy and lush all year round—and keep you from doing the heavy lifting. Not only will sprinklers do the watering for you, but they can also help you save on water and energy costs.
So with the hot months approaching, it’s time to install a sprinkler system—or do some maintenance on your existing one—to ensure your lawn and garden gets all the H20 it needs.
To brush up on the particulars of sprinkler installation and maintenance, read on.
The best time to install a sprinkler system in your yard depends on your location and climate. But generally, you should put in sprinklers before or after the growing season so flora is not destroyed and there is time for it to grow back nicely, advises David Steckel, an expert from Thumbtack.
“Spring or fall is recommended, or during any sort of major landscaping project,” says Steckel.
The only time you shouldn’t install sprinklers is when the ground is frozen. In cold parts of the country, your sprinkler specialist will want to wait until after things have thawed to make any changes to your irrigation system.
Consult an irrigation professional for sprinkler problems
Some of the most common sprinkler issues include reduced water pressure, inadequate water coverage, timer or wiring issues, and leaks, says DJ Olhausen, a real estate agent with Realty ONE Group Pacific.
These issues can cost you “thousands of dollars in repairs” if they aren’t caught early on, Olhausen says.
But don’t try to diagnose these problems yourself—leave sprinkler system maintenance to the experts.
“Irrigation professionals have the right equipment and know-how to properly repair or install a sprinkler system,” says Dave Holmes, service training manager for The Grounds Guys, a Neighborly company. “We have found that those who install their own irrigation systems often experience stress and concern regarding their systems following the installation.”
Irrigation experts are not just putting pipe in the ground, Holmes explains. They are evaluating your landscape’s plants and grass and providing answers and solutions to what they need.
There are a number of ways to get water to your lawn or garden, including sprinkler irrigation, drip irrigation, and surface irrigation. That’s why choosing the correct system for your yard is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Olhausen tells homeowners to take into consideration the type of climate you’re in, what spray patterns are most ideal for your landscape, what kind of soil your lawn consists of, what your overall budget is, and how your water pressure performs.
You should also think about whether you want an in-ground or above-ground system, and an automatic or manual system.
To the average homeowner, the answers to these questions aren’t obvious. That’s why it’s wise to consult with a professional irrigation company before choosing a sprinkler system.
Sprinkler system costs
Whether you’re installing a sprinkler system for the first time or repairing part of your current sprinkler system, costs vary based on your location and the type of system you have.
The average cost to install a sprinkler system can range from $90 to $800, with more expensive systems costing $1,320 to $5,650, according to Thumbtack. Then, you have to factor in the cost of the actual system.
In-ground sprinkler systems will run about $2,500 to $3,500 for a quarter-acre lot. Drip irrigation systems that are used to deliver water to the plants’ roots and stems cost $1,800 to $2,500 per acre.
Sprinkler repairs, on the other hand, can cost $91 to $300, plus labor.
“In order to save money on future maintenance and repairs, it is important to clean your sprinkler heads and valve to remove dirt, grime, and other residues,” says Steckel. “Also, keep tabs on the water pressure to prevent leaks and check wiring, which may deteriorate due to normal wear and tear.”
Orange County Housing Report:
Housing Insanity Returns
April 17, 2023
The active listing inventory in the past couple of weeks decreased by 89 homes, down 4%, and now sits at 2,053, the second-lowest mid-March level since tracking began in 2004 behind last year. In March, 39% fewer homes came on the market compared to the 3-year average before COVID (2017 to 2019), 1,346 less. Last year, there were 1,732 homes on the market, 321 fewer homes, or 16% less. The 3-year average before COVID (2017 to 2019) was 5,780, or 182% more.
Demand, the number of pending sales over the prior month, increased by 103 pending sales in the past two weeks, up 7%, and now totals 1,663. Last year, there were 2,241 pending sales, 35% more than today. The 3-year average before COVID (2017 to 2019) was 2,777, or 67% more.
With the inventory falling and demand rising, the Expected Market Time, the number of days to sell all Orange County listings at the current buying pace, decreased from 41 to 37 days in the past couple of weeks, its lowest level since May of last year. It was 23 days last year, much stronger than today.
For homes priced below $750,000, the Expected Market Time decreased from 32 to 27 days. This range represents 21% of the active inventory and 29% of demand.
For homes priced between $750,000 and $1 million, the Expected Market Time decreased from 26 to 22 days. This range represents 16% of the active inventory and 26% of demand.
For homes priced between $1 million to $1.25 million, the Expected Market Time decreased from 31 to 27 days. This range represents 10% of the active inventory and 13% of demand.
For homes priced between $1.25 million to $1.5 million, the Expected Market Time decreased from 33 to 30 days. This range represents 9% of the active inventory and 11% of demand.
For homes priced between $1.5 million to $2 million, the Expected Market Time decreased from 56 to 52 days. This range represents 13% of the active inventory and 9% of demand.
For homes priced between $2 million and $4 million, the Expected Market Time in the past two weeks dropped from 76 to 72 days. For homes priced between $4 million and $6 million, the Expected Market Time increased from 210 to 212 days. For homes priced above $6 million, the Expected Market Time increased from 308 to 341 days.
The luxury end, all homes above $2 million, account for 31% of the inventory and 11% of demand.
Distressed homes, both short sales and foreclosures combined, comprised only 0.5% of all listings and 0.5% of demand. Only five foreclosures and five short sales are available today in Orange County, with ten total distressed homes on the active market, unchanged from two weeks ago. Last year there was one distressed home on the market, similar to today.
There were 1,789 closed residential resales in March, 32% less than March 2022’s 2,645 closed sales. March marked a 41% increase compared to February 2023. The sales-to-list price ratio was 99.6% for all of Orange County. Foreclosures accounted for 0.1% of all closed sales, and there were no closed short sales. That means that 99.9% of all sales were good ol’ fashioned sellers with equity.
Copyright 2023- Steven Thomas, Reports On Housing – All Rights Reserved. This report may not be reproduced in whole or part without express written permission from the author.
Depending on whether you’re an organized queen or a messy queen, decluttering and organizing your space can either be a wonderful or stressy experience.
Luckily, there are certain steps you can take to get the process rolling and see instant results without taking up loads of your time. We know how busy you are, trust.
We spoke to a handful of decluttering professionals to get the low-down on exactly what they recommend their clients get rid of and how to make the process that much easier.
From unnecessary mail and paperwork to expired pantry items, these are some of the easiest — and most impactful — items to throw out, so you can finally start that decluttering journey.
These are all items you can get rid of quickly, so you can make a big ol’ dent in your clutter pile.
1. THROW AWAY CATCH-ALL PAPER STORAGE
Have you been shoving paper into a big accordion file? This is professional organizer Ben Soreff’s most hated office supply, as he finds it too big and inaccessible. “The accordion file and similar catch-all paper storage is limiting and forces you to work with it instead of it working for you.” He says it needs to go in the trash, like yesterday. Go through yours, find the papers you need and put them in something much more accessible, like a file holder for your desk (this cute gold one is Amazon’s Choice(opens in new tab), BTW).
2. GET RID OF INEXPENSIVE REPAIR ITEMS
I’m super sentimental, and hate throwing away broken things. I do always buy replacements for them. Soreff urges his clients to discard all those inexpensive repair items, like a broken coffee pot. This is because these are the types of things that we say we are going to fix but never do. “We don’t want to live in the future or say the word ‘could’ when it comes to organizing,” he explains. Amen to that.
3. PUT ALL THAT UNNECESSARY MAIL IN THE TRASH
When you don’t go through your mail, it can easily stack up and make your space messy. “The first item I recommend my clients get rid of is mail,” says Lisa Dooley, organizing coach at Your Organized Life. “It tends to pile up and cover all available surfaces.” She recommends gathering and putting aside what needs to be shredded, and create a pile for filing what needs to be filed and acted upon.
4. REMOVE ANY OUT OF DATE FOOD
When sorting through and purging a cabinet or pantry of food, it’s important to immediately throw away cans/boxes/packages of food that have expired. Stacey Agin Murray(opens in new tab), professional organizer at Organized Artistry, LLC, recommends checking the refrigerator and pantry shelves for expired food every time you’re going to the supermarket. “Expired items can be thrown away and then added to the shopping list.” Don’t take any risks with this, because you don’t want to risk your health.
5. BIN CLOTHES LEFT BEHIND FROM AN EX
In the words of T-Swift, you’re never ever getting back together. Or you might, but hanging onto their gross old clothes isn’t gonna make that happen, no matter how much you wish. “It’s challenging for a client to start a new relationship if remnants of an old one are still hanging in their closet,” says Murray. “I often recommend donating the clothing to a thrift shop or charity — especially if the relationship did not end well.” Treat yo’ self get yourself a new hoodie that’s 10x comfier than the one your ex left.
6. BREAK DOWN AND BIN PACKAGING AND BOXES
Sure, those neat little iPhone boxes or expensive cosmetics packaging might seem too pretty to throw out… but what are you really going to do with a closet full of empty packaging? “The number one thing I tell my clients is to get rid of packaging that items come in, as they take up way too much space,” says Marie Jackson(opens in new tab), founder of Organized Marie. “Plus, multiple mismatched boxes isn’t appealing to the eye — our brains love symmetry and that’s what it looks and feels better when items are out of the packaging.” We’re all about that aesthetic, people.
7. YOU DON’T NEED THOSE TOILETRY SAMPLES
Take a look at all those toiletries you get in subscription beauty boxes that you’ll never use yourself. And those miniature hotel toiletries that you pick up every trip, but never then pack for other trips. Yep, they’re clogging up your space big time. “Donate these to local refuge and homeless shelters for pampering,” says Katherine Blackler, founder of SortMySpace Ltd(opens in new tab).
8. SAY GOODBYE TO THOSE “SOMEDAY” ITEMS
Keeping ahold of items, just in case? Blackler says not to do that, y’all. “Someday is not one of the 7 days of the week, so if you can’t give a confident example of when or where you’d use it, consider letting it go.” She especially recommends this if you can re-acquire the items easily enough.
These are all fab places to start with decluttering your space. But want to go all-out on the tidying? Give our 30-day decluttering challenge a try.
Kaitlyn McInnis is an experienced travel and lifestyle writer with a keen interest in interior decorating and home optimization. An avid traveler, she’s currently splitting her time between her apartment in a century-old châteauesque building in Montreal and her cozy chalet in the woods (that she built with her own two hands… and many YouTube tutorials!). Her work has been published in Travel + Leisure, Tatler Asia, Forbes, Robb Report Singapore, and various other international publications. With contributions from Eve Smallman, Staff Writer
Protect Your Identity When Buying a Home
Identity theft is a really serious problem for many Americans. The fallout from having your information stolen and misused can last for years. That’s why it’s crucial to protect both your personal and financial information when purchasing a home. Here are some steps you can take to safeguard yourself during the process.
Secure Personal Information
Keep any documentation that includes your social security number, birth date, driver’s license number, and financial account numbers in a secure place. When you do share, make sure they’re transmitted through an encrypted platform or delivered in person.
Look Out for Phishing Scams
Be cautious with unsolicited emails or phone calls asking for personal information. Never open any suspicious-looking email, even if it appears to be from your lender or title company. Always verify the identity of all phone callers.
Use Secure Websites
When searching for homes or mortgage information online, browse sites that start with “https” and have a padlock icon in the address bar, which indicates a safe connection.
Monitor Your Credit Report
Check for suspicious activity, such as unauthorized loans or accounts. Do this often, as identity thieves usually act quickly.
Know Who Has Access
Confirm who will have access to your information, in what setting they’ll see it and how it will be disposed of once it’s no longer needed.
Shred Sensitive Documents
After the home-buying process is complete, take it upon yourself to shred sensitive documents.
Buying a home is fun and exciting, but it’s important to stay vigilant with your personal information. A licensed real estate professional and reputable lender will be invaluable in providing financial protection and peace of mind.
Selling a Smart Home: What Stays and What Goes?
The global smart home market is expected to exceed $170 billion by 2025, according to Strategy Analytics. In the U.S. alone, 37% of households already owned one or more smart devices by 2020. So what do you do with all this smart tech when you sell your property?
Clearly identify what you intend to take with you to avoid any last-minute confusion that could jeopardize your deal. The rule of thumb says any smart tech that’s connected, mounted or nailed down stays with the house. Common examples include smart blinds, HVAC controls, exterior floodlights, and alarm systems. On the other hand, sellers typically take smaller, freestanding devices like smart speakers.
Before the closing date, sellers should wipe their digital account information and log out of all smart systems. As an extra kindness to their buyers, sellers could create a list of all smart items that will stay, including warranty information, age of the product, proof of purchase, names and model numbers, and instructions on how to do a factory reset.
Pros and Cons of Paying Cash for a Home
Even if you have enough cash to buy your house outright, it may not necessarily be the best decision for you. Consider the following pros and cons, then discuss your options with a qualified tax adviser or financial planner.
Pros
Making a cash offer greatly reduces the amount of paperwork (and fees) involved in buying a house and can save thousands of dollars in mortgage interest and closing costs. Also, owning a debt-free property can provide financial peace of mind.
Cons
Some buyers feel more comfortable keeping more of their assets liquid for greater flexibility or in case of emergency. Depending on your savings and investment income, you may prefer to take advantage of the tax deductions available on mortgage interest.
Stylish Home Tech: Where Function Meets Fashion
If it looks cool while keeping you cool, it must be stylish home tech.
Household devices and appliances that function well and have a sleek, modern design define stylish home tech. This includes products such as smart home systems, smart lighting, comprehensive entertainment packages, and appliances with advanced features and design.
Today’s sophisticated tech allows you to easily set up and operate various home elements. Lighting and window coverings can be controlled from a smartphone or tablet. Innovative TVs can stream content or respond to voice commands. Some front doors come equipped with motion-activated lights and a video doorbell. You can even buy a wall-mounted, Wi-Fi enabled air conditioner that’s disguised as framed artwork.
Modern kitchen appliances have certainly evolved to be both functional and chic, with enhancements like energy efficiency, quiet operation and touch controls. Many manufacturers also offer a variety of slick finishes, including fingerprint-proof stainless steel, shatterproof glass doors and panels that change colors to reflect the home’s design palette. Now that’s some trendy tech.
Get Ahead of Repairs Before Selling
You put your best foot forward for a job interview. Selling a house is no different. Instead of a stylish suit and top-notch grooming, your property will be dressed for success with a modest investment in these essential details.
Make sure everything works, including garage doors and openers, locks, windows, hinges, light switches, toilets, faucets, and built-in kitchen appliances.
Brighten dark rooms with fresh paint in light, neutral shades.
Refinish or repair worn hardwood floors.
You don’t need a full remodel to spruce up a kitchen or bath. Freshen paint colors, modernize hardware and lighting, and consider replacing dated countertops.
Replace or paint the front door and add an attractive planter and new house numbers. Be sure exterior walkways, fencing and lawn are in tip-top shape.
Give your home a deep cleaning before the first showing is scheduled.
©2023 The Personal Marketing Company. All rights reserved. Reproductions in any form, in part or in whole, are prohibited without written permission. If your property is currently listed for sale or lease, this is not intended as a solicitation of that listing. The material in this publication is for your information only and not intended to be used in lieu of seeking additional consumer or professional advice. All trademarked names or quotations are registered trademarks of their respective owners.