Drying your laundry correctly doesn’t have to be complicated. Lean on this guide to simplify your drying routine.
Should you tumble dry low or normal dry? Is it better toĀ dry towels and sheets togetherĀ or separately? Knowing theseĀ laundry best practicesĀ can make your clothes last longer, save you energy, and reduce your monthly utility bill. Modern dryers boast an overload of advanced setting combos, from sanitization to activewear and evenĀ static-reducing optionsāwhich is why getting familiar with your model can help you get the most out of your dryer.
With the help of laundry and appliance experts, we’ve compiled all the do’s and don’ts of drying your clothes at home, whether you have a front- or top-loading dryer. And in case you are traveling (orĀ shopping for a new dryer), this guide will also outline the common dryer settings found in today’s drying machines. The best part: You’ll be able to open your dryer with confidence, knowing your favorite tee hasn’t shrunk two sizes.
Prep Your Laundry Before You Dry
To maximize your laundry success, prevent wrinkles, and reduce your drying time, there are a few steps you can take before starting the dryer. First, sort your laundry before zapping it into your dryer (this step is especially important if you’re using anĀ all-in-one washer-dryer), advises ZacharyĀ Pozniak, co-author of the upcomingĀ The Laundry Book. “You should dry items of similar color and weight together,” he says. For example, “Do not dry dark jeans with lightweight white tee shirts. The tee shirt will be dry well before the jeans which will cause the shirt to be heavily wrinkled and covered in dark lint,” he adds.
Second, shake and untangle each piece right before tossing it into your dryer, and always follow your item’s care labels to protect your fabrics.Ā Always be careful not to overload the dryer: Give your pieces some wiggle room to tumble freely inside your machine.
Lint clogged in your lint trap or ductwork can cause hot air from your dryer to spark a flame. Prevent this by keeping your dryer from working overtimeāsince clogged lint makes it harder for your machine to remove damp air from inside your dryer, resulting in greater energy expenditure and a more costly monthly billāand clean it regularly.
Basic Dryer Settings
Normal, Regular Dry or Automatic
The hottest temperature a dryer can provide, this setting will tackle heavier items like towels, sheets, and sheets more efficiently, Pozniak says. But depending on your dryer model, this setting will either be labeled normal, regular, or automatic. Each of these cycles typically uses a moisture sensor to determine when clothes are dry, but you can also set a timer based on your preferences, Pozniak explains. He suggests reserving this setting for your most durable items like towels, bedding, sweats, and jeans while avoiding using this cycle on delicate items.
Note that ‘normal’ and ‘timed dry’ are the most popular cycles, according to David Wilson, senior commercial director for clothes care at GE Appliance. Each of these cycles represents around a quarter of all dryer cycles, based on GEās data of more than 300 million cycles.
Delicate or Gentle
On the other hand, delicate settings use the lowest amount of heat and tumbling action, explains Pozniak. This cycle is best for fragile fabrics or laundry pieces that may start to melt, fray, stretch, or fade in high-heat conditions. Some examples can include activewear, spandex, underwear, lingerie, and sateen sheet sets.
Permanent Press or Wrinkle-Resistant
Wrinkle shield settings will help reduce wrinkles and keep shrinkage at bay. Typically using medium-heat settings, “permanent press is best for synthetic clothes like gym clothes,” says Pozniak, adding, “These garments dry very quickly, so the cycle uses lower temperatures, shorter drying times, and less tumbling to avoid wrinkling.”
Steam Setting
You’ll probably only see this setting on modern dryers, but this cycle adds steam to your laundry load to remove wrinkles. “However, it will not dry your garments, so expect them to be a bit damp to the touch (great for wrinkled bedding),” Pozniak says. “This can be used after a ‘proper’ dry cycle and viewed as a touch-up function.” You can also use this setting to de-wrinkle clean clothing without rewashing, as it uses a mixture of water and heat to revive clothing pieces.
No-Heat or Air-Fluff
This setting uses absolutely no heat, so it will not dry your garments like other settings. Pozniak says this cycle is ideal for stuffed items like duvet inserts, comforters, down jackets, and pillows. In addition, this air fluff setting can also help you remove pet hair and dust from your laundry pieces or even restore volume and freshen up the most delicate fabrics like wool or cashmere.
Quick Dry
Just as the name suggests, you can depend on this cycle to dry a small, light load in the nick of time.
Smart Dryer Settings
Smart dryer iterations are flooding the market right now, allowing you to streamline your laundry routine with intuitive features. For example, some dryers include dryer racks for items that require tumble-free drying (like tennis shoes). Others also come with compatible apps, where you can assign family members laundry tasks through customized texts and even cycle-match to get the perfect dry cycle that matches your load’s wash cycle. Some dryer machines can also be voice-activated when using a compatible voice-enabled device. Below, we’ve outlined a few features that you may want to consider when purchasing your next appliance.
ENERGY STAR-certifiedĀ dryers follow energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy, using up to 30% less energy than standard dryers (and many times cost about the same as standard dryers).
Advanced moisture sensing:Ā This setting is designed to adapt drying times to your garments, which helps prevent over-drying. Multiple sensors monitor the moisture and temperature of your clothes, so your drying cycle will end at just the right time.
EcoBoost:Ā Some appliances come with a EcoBoost option that’s designed to use less heat to maximize energy efficiency.
Static-reduce:Ā This setting combines a mist of water with tumbling after your load drys to further reduce static shock.
Sanitize cycle:Ā A sanitizing cycle can eliminate common household bacteria and bugs (lice, bedbugs, moth larvae) thanks to its high heat levels, which can be ideal for sanitizing sheets or soiled clothing items.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you use the wrong dryer setting?
The most common mistakes include over or under-drying your clothing. “Most shrinkage occurs in the washer, so you’ll likely have a very wrinkled garment from overdrying or one that’s still wet from underdrying,” Pozniak says.
Which dryer settings can be damaging?
“Timed dry can be very harmful as this overrides theĀ moisture sensor,” Pozniak says. “Avoid using it if possible.”
Which items should not go in the dryer?
It’s best to hang or line dry synthetic clothes since they dry super fast, and any extended exposure to heat and tumbling will cause hard-to-remove wrinkling. Pozniak adds that this will break down your garments prematurely. He also advises against putting animal or protein-based textiles (such as silk, wool, and cashmere) in a tumble dryer. Instead, lay them flat on a towel to dry.
Curious aboutĀ selling your home? Understanding how much equity you have is the first step to unlocking what you can afford when you move. And sinceĀ home pricesĀ rose so much over the past few years, most people have muchĀ more equityĀ than they may realize.
Hereās a deeper look at what you need to know if youāre ready to cash in on your investment and put your equity toward your next home.
Home Equity: What Is It and How Much Do You Have?
Home equity is the difference between how much your house is worth and how much you still owe on your mortgage. For example, if your house is worth $400,000 and you only owe $200,000 on your mortgage, your equity would be $200,000.
Recent data from theĀ CensusĀ andĀ ATTOMĀ shows Americans have significant equity right now. In fact, more than two out of three homeowners have either completely paid off their mortgages (shown in green in the chart below) or have at least 50% equity in their homes (shown in blue in the chart below):
Today, moreĀ homeownersĀ are getting a larger return on their homeownership investments when they sell. And if you have that much equity, it can be a powerful force to fuel your next move.
What You Should Do Next
If youāre thinking about selling your house, itās important to know how muchĀ equityĀ you have, as well as what that means for your home sale and your potential earnings. The best way to get a clear picture is to work with your agent, while also talking to a tax professional or financial advisor. A team of experts can help you understand your specific situation and guide you forward.
Bottom Line
Home prices have gone up, which means your equity probably has too. Connect with local real estate agents like CA Real Estate Group so you can find out how much equity you have in your home and move forward confidently when you sell.
Letās connect and plan your next steps. Find out if we’re the right real estate team for you!
Got tough pet stains on your sofa or maybe you found a cute secondhand couch? Here’s how to get that upholstery looking and smelling good as new.
Did you just score a beautiful vintage sofa at a secondhand shop, and you want to know how to clean it or has your once-new sofa seen better days? Over time, crumbs, spilled soda, pet hair, dirt and oil from hands and feet build up on upholstered furniture and make it look dingy. Here’s how to clean furniture made of a variety of fabrics and materials.
1. Vacuum the Couch
Use aĀ hand vacuumĀ or the brush attachment on your vacuum to clean debris and dirt from the sofa surface. Be sure to clean the crevices whereĀ pet hair, food crumbs and dirt accumulate. If the cushions are not attached, remove them and vacuum both sides.
2. Clean the Wood or Metal Areas
Wipe down the sofa feet and other non-fabric parts of the sofa with a solution of warm water and liquid dish soap.Ā If necessary, work your way up to heavier-duty cleansers, such as some of theseĀ DIY wood cleaning and polish options. Always wipe down with a microfiber cloth to prevent soap residue from remaining on the surface.
3. Determine the Type of Fabric
Find the tag on the couch and read the instructions for how to clean that type of upholstery.
Here are the codes found on the labels:
WS:Ā Use a mild detergent with a steam vacuum or a dry-cleaning detergent.
S:Ā Use a dry cleaner detergent only.
X:Ā Use a vacuum only. No water.
W:Ā You can use water to clean it.
4. How to Remove Odors
Before you tackle odors, determine what type of fabric your furniture is made of. It may be too delicate for liquid solutions.
In terms of tackling odors in your home,Ā baking soda is a fantastic odor neutralizer (as most of us already know from using it in our refrigerators and freezers). Sprinkle baking soda on the couch cushions (make sure to check labels and test in a small area first). You may want to use a soft bristle brush to get the baking soda worked into the fabric. Let it sit for a few minutes, then vacuum it up.
Vinegar is also an amazing natural cleaning option for serious odors. Try using vinegar diluted with a bit of water in a spray bottle and spray on the upholstery. When the vinegar dries, its smell will dissipate. If the baking soda or vinegar didnāt work on their own, try them in combination for an extra powerful, odor-eliminating punch.
If itās pet smells youāre trying to eliminate, try an enzymatic neutralizer such asĀ Natureās Miracle to spot-treat an area and eliminate the odor.
5. Use a Bug Spray on Secondhand Upholstery
Even if you know that pre-loved sofa came from a clean home, itās best to be cautious and treat it with some pest control. Many commercial spraysĀ are non-toxic and safe for kids and pets. Another option is to sprinkle the upholstery withĀ diatomaceous earthĀ and let it sit for several hours then vacuum it up.
6. How to Clean Fresh Spills
Start by blotting liquid spills. Use an absorbent cloth to first blot at spills and moisture toĀ quicklyĀ absorb it. This will help reduce the chance that the stain will get “rubbed in,” and itāll help to collect liquid that’s soaking into foam layers beneath the upholstery. The more liquid you can absorb by blotting, the less internal damage that happens to your furnishings.
7. Remove Stains With a Steam Cleaner
You might expect that you’ll just have to live with dirty armrests or dried spills for the duration of a seat’s existence, but steam cleaning is relatively effective at lifting embedded dirt from fabric. You’ll probably find that a steam cleaner for carpets and upholstery is an acceptable tool for this task ā especially if it comes with a detail cleaning attachment. Always use a low-heat setting, and test in an inconspicuous spot to make sure that the fabric doesn’t have an unexpectedly negative reaction to the heat.Ā Do not use steam heat on upholstery that is made of, or contains silk.
8. Try a DIY Cleaner
If you don’t have a steam cleaner to remove stains, create mild-solution cleaners from natural ingredients you probably already have in the kitchen. Homemade cleaners are cheaper and kinder to the earth.
Here’s how to clean a sofa, by fabric type:
For fabric upholstery:Ā Mix 1/4 cup vinegar, 3/4 warm water and 1 tablespoon of dish soap orĀ Castile soap. Put in a spray bottle. Mist the soiled area. Scrub with a soft cloth until the stain lifts. Use a second cloth moistened with clean water to remove the soap. Dry with a towel.
For leather upholstery.Ā Mix 1/2 cup olive oil with 1/4 cup vinegar and put into a spray bottle. Spray the cleaner on the surface of the couch and buff with a soft cloth.
For synthetic upholstery:Ā Mix 1/2 cup of vinegar, 1 cup of warm water and 1/2 tablespoon of liquid dish soap or Castile soap in a spray bottle. Mist the soiled area and scrub with a soft cloth until the stain is gone.
9. Let the Couch Dry
Use a towel to soak up any excess water remaining on the sofa surface. Let the sofa air dry. If it’s humid, you may want to set up a box fan pointed at the sofa for speed drying. Water can cause cushions and fabric to mildew.
More Couch Cleaning Tips
Lint Roller If your couch is made from a fabric that easily attracts lint, hair or dust, you should keep a lint roller on hand that you can exclusively use for your couch. This works best for a couch that only requires a light amount of de-linting, but it can work for larger jobs, too. In a pinch, you can use large pieces of packing tape to de-puppify the couch.
Leather Soap and Conditioner If you have a leather couch, leather soap and conditioner are something you can use to keep it looking clean and fresh. You also can use a slightly damp, clean rag to wipe off my leather furniture about once a week.
Steam If your couch is made of a fabric that can be cleaned with a water-based cleaner, try using steam to loosen up dirt and stains. Try this: Grab your iron, put it on the “steam” setting, and wave it back and forth across any trouble spots on your couch.
How to clean a microfiber couch
If your couch is made of a fabric that can be cleaned with a water-based cleaner, try using steam to loosen up dirt and stains. Try this: Grab your iron, put it on the “steam” setting, and wave it back and forth across any trouble spots on your couch.
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TheĀ housing marketĀ is going throughĀ a transition. HigherĀ mortgage ratesĀ are causing more moderate buyer activity at the same time the supply of homes for sale is growing.
And if you arenāt working with an agent, you may not realize that. Hereās the downside. If youāre not informed, you canāt adjust your strategy or expectations to todayās market. And that can lead to a number of costly mistakes.
Hereās a look at some of the most common ones ā and how an agent will help you avoid themĀ when you sell.
1. Overpricing Your House
Many sellers set theirĀ asking priceĀ too high and thatās why thereās an uptick in homes withĀ price reductionsĀ today. An unrealistic price will deter potential buyers, cause an appraisal issue, or lead to your house sitting on the marketĀ longer. An article from theĀ National Association of RealtorsĀ (NAR)Ā explains:
āSome sellers are pricing their homes higher than ever just because they can, but this may drive away serious buyers and result in unapproved appraisals . . .ā
To avoid falling into this trap, partner with a pro. An agent uses recent sales of similar homes, the condition of your house, local market trends, and so much more to find the price thatāll attract more buyers and open the door for multiple offers and a faster sale.
2. Skipping the Small Stuff
You may try to skip importantĀ repairs, thinking you can pass the task on to your buyer. But visible issues (even if theyāre small) can turn off potential buyers and result in lower offers or demands for concessions. AsĀ Money Talks NewsĀ says:
āHome shoppers like to turn on lights, flush toilets and run the water. If these basic things donāt work, they may assume youāve skipped other maintenance. Homes that appear neglected arenāt likely to fetch top price.ā
If you want to get your house ready to sell, the best place to turn to for advice is yourĀ agent. Theyāll be able to do a walk-through with you and point out anything youāll need to tackle before the photographer comes in.
3. Not Looking at Things Objectively
Buyers today are feeling the pinch of high home prices and mortgage rates. With affordability that tight, they may come in with an offer thatās lower than youād want to see ā especially if you didnāt stage, price, orĀ market the houseĀ well.
Itās important you donāt take this personally. Getting overly emotional can put the sale at risk. As an article fromĀ Ramsey SolutionsĀ says:
āRemember, a buyerās offer is not a reflection of their opinion of your home or your housekeeping abilities. . .Ā The sale of your home is strictly a business transaction. If they start out with a low offer, donāt take it personally and get emotional. Instead, channel that energy toward negotiating. Work with your agent and make a counteroffer.ā
4. Being Unwilling To Negotiate
TheĀ supply of homesĀ for sale has grown. That means buyers have more options, and with that comes more negotiation power. As a seller, you may see more buyers getting an inspection, requesting repairs, or asking for help with closing costs today. You need to be prepared to have those conversations. AsĀ U.S. NewsĀ Real EstateĀ explains:
āIf youāve received an offer for your house that isnāt quite what youād hoped it would be, expect to negotiate . . . the only way to come to a successful deal is to make sure the buyer also feels like he or she benefits . . . consider offering to cover some of the buyerās closing costs or agree to a credit for a minor repair the inspector found.ā
An agent will walk you through what levers you may want to pull based on your own goals, budget, and timeframe.
5. Not Using a Real Estate Agent
Notice anything? For each of these mistakes, partnering with an agent helps prevent them from happening in the first place. That makes trying to sell your house without an agentās help theĀ biggest mistakeĀ of all.
Real estate agentsĀ have experience and expertise in pricing, marketing, negotiating, and more. That knowledge streamlines the selling process and usually results in drumming up more interest and ultimately can get you a higher final price.
Bottom Line
If you want to avoid making mistakes like these, you need to work with a CA Real Estate Group agent.
If youāre in the market toĀ buy a home, thereās some exciting news for you. Many people assume that newly built homes are more expensive than existing ones (houses that have already been lived in), but thatās not always the case. In fact, exploring newly built homes can sometimes lead to more cost-effective options, especially today. Hard to believe, right? But the data doesnāt lie.
Here are two key reasons working with your agent to look into new home construction could help you find a more budget-friendly option.
Reason 1: Lower Median Prices for Newly Built Homes
The median sales price for newly built homes is lower than the median sales price for existing homes today. This might seem surprising, but itās true according to the latest data from theĀ CensusĀ and theĀ National Association of RealtorsĀ (NAR):
Why is that? Builders are focused on building what they can sell. And right now, thereās a very real need forĀ smallerĀ and more affordable homes ā so thatās what theyāve been bringing to the market. At the same time, there are also more newly built homes already on the market than there have been over the past few years, soĀ buildersĀ are motivated to make sure theyāre selling what theyāve got available before adding more.
Reason 2: Attractive Incentives from Home Builders
Another big reason to consider a newly built home is the range of incentives that many home builders are offering. Again, since builders are aiming to sell their current inventory, some are providing special deals to sweeten the pot forĀ homebuyers.Ā HousingWireĀ explainsĀ todayās trend:
āOverall, the usage of sales incentives was up to 61% in June, compared to 59% in May.ā
One of the most appealing incentives right now is how builders are able to offer competitive mortgage rates. They may also provide other incentives, such as coveringĀ closing costs, or offering free upgrades.
Why This Matters to You
Considering a newly built home could open up opportunities you hadnāt thought of before. With competitive pricing and attractive incentives, you might just find that a brand-new home is the most appealing option for you.
Bottom Line
Buying a homeĀ is a big decision, and itās essential to consider all your options. By looking into newly built homes, you might find a perfect fit for your needs and your budget.
Letās explore the possibilities together. If you have any questions or want to see whatās available, reach out to a CA Real Estate Group real estate expert.
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CA Real Estate Group | Caliber RE Group
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Owning a home is a wonderful thing ā and a huge responsibility! At any given moment there are probably at least a dozen little things that need to get fixed around the house. From the toilet that wonāt stop running to a hole in the wall, and everything in between. Sometimes making ends meet while paying off the mortgage is hard enough, let alone paying a professional to come in a work on these projects. The good news is, a lot of minor home repairs are easy to do yourself! So grab a friend and get to repairing your home this weekend with this easy list of tips and tricks from the pros!
10. Repair A Hole In The Wall
Weāve all probably gotten a hole in a wall, one way or another. Whether you decided to ātossā a textbook onto the bed only to miss and have it crash into the wall, or your husband got a great idea to move a massive bookshelf to the other room without any help and it inevitably ended up crashing into the wall, orā¦ any other way people get holes in walls, the fact is that the hole is there, and itās ugly. In this easy to follow tutorial fromĀ The DIY Playbook, we learn how simple it is to repair a hole in the wall. Youāll just need a few basic supplies: mesh tape, razor blade, spackle, paint and primer, and a sanding block. The process is pretty simple ā a couple layers of mesh tape, followed by spackle and sanding the area down. Then, paint away, and youāre good to go!
9.Fix Chipped Concrete Steps
If you have concrete steps in your front or backyard, youāll know the ongoing battle of keeping them up! Once that first crack shows, it only gets worse year after year as the water freezes and expands during the winter months, then melts and contracts during the spring and summer. It can be hard to get control of! Plus, usually, things like back porch steps are pretty low on the priority list when it comes to home repairs, but donāt put this one off any longer! Repairing concrete stairs is actually a lot easier and cheaper than you might think. In thisĀ step-by-step tutorial from Two Feet First, we see how to repair concrete with some cement, water, a putty knife, and a wire brush.
8. Restore Hardwood Floors In 5 Minutes
One of my first apartments had beautiful hardwood floors that I loved. What I didnāt love? When my roommate brought home a 65-pound dog full of energy and rebellion. After a year of playing run-around-the-apartment-and-scratch-up-the-floors, as well as normal wear and tear (it wasnāt all the dogās fault, after all), I was sure we would never get the deposit back on the apartment. I tried several different methods of cleaning up the floors and eventually gave up. I wish I would have known about this little trick way back then! According toĀ The Chronicles of Home, all you need is a can ofĀ Restor-a-FinishĀ and a roll of paper towels. Simply pour some of the finish on the scratches, then rub it into the scratches with a paper towel. Then use a dry paper towel to pass over the area several times. It wonāt make deep scratches disappear, but it will significantly reduce the eyesore of scratched floors! Plus, it really does work wonders on small scratches. See for yourself!
7. Fix A Stuck/Uneven Door
We all have thatĀ oneĀ door that gets stuck all the time. And if you donāt have an uneven door now, chances are you will at some point, so this is good info for everyone to know. The first place to look for trouble is the screws on the hinges. If the screws are tight, do a visual inspection when the door is closed. If you can see the gap go from wide to narrow, itās probably due to a hinge that has worn down over time. See how to fix this quite easily withĀ this tutorial from homespothq.com!
6. Caulk Like A Pro
Have you ever taken on a caulking project? Whether it was for a backsplash in the kitchen, redoing the tile in the bathroom, or installing new windows, caulk is definitely one thing the home repair DIYer always has on hand. However, sometimes the caulking ends up looking sloppy, especially if youāre just starting out and havenāt used this product before. A quick and super easy tip fromĀ How To Nest For LessĀ tells us to use painterās tape when caulking. How genius is that?! I canāt believe Iāve never thought of that before, but next time Iāll know!
5. Repair Garage Door Dents
Aluminum and steel garage doors have their pros and cons. On one hand, they are relatively maintenance-free, but on the other hand, they can dent easily. Lucky for us, this easy tutorial from hunker.com shows us one easy trick the pros use on dented cars that works just as well on garage doors! First things first ā clean the dented area with soap and water and allow to dry for at least an hour. Then, cut a piece of aluminum foil that is big enough to cover the dent. Set the foil over the dent and hold with your hand. Move a lighter back and forth over the dent for a minute, and then take a compressed air canister and flip it upside down and spray the area for 30 seconds. The temperature difference between the lighter and frozen compressed air will force the dent to āpopā out!
4. Fix A Chipped Sink
Chipped enamel on sinks or tubs can be unsightly and so frustrating to deal with. You donāt have to replace the whole thing just because of a few chips ā with this helpfulĀ tutorial from Family Handyman, see how you can fix it yourself for less than $20! Youāll need an Epoxy repair kit, which can be found in the adhesive section of most hardware stores. There are several color options available and you can mix colors to get the perfect match, if necessary. Youāll also need a small brush and some wet/dry sandpaper, 400 or 600 grit. Start out by scrubbing the area with a sponge and soapy water, and rub the sandpaper over the damaged area to remove dirt. Then, just mix the epoxy according to directions and use a brush to fill in the gap. Youāll need to work in layers, and be respectful of the dry time according to the package.
3. Repair A Sagging Fence
Does this look familiar? I grew up on a farm where some part of the wooden fence was in desrepair. It really feels like a huge undertaking to fix a fence ā either that or pay way too much to have someone else come and do it for you. But, as youāll learn in this awesome tutorial fromĀ ehow.com, itās usually a lot easier than it looks! Instead of going through and replacing each plank of wood, you can usually save the structure of the fence simply by resetting some bolts and hinges, and a few strategically placed reinforcement planks.
2. Fix Torn Drywall Paper
If youāve ever tried to remove the trim in your house and didnāt score the trim enough (or at all), youāll find that the paint pulls the paper right off of your drywall, and youāre left with an unfortunate looking wall. Your first instinct might be to just paint over the ripped paper, but wait! Itāll look terrible (trust me). Plus, thereās an easy way to fix the torn drywall paper. First, cut off the loose edges, even if that means cutting off a significant amount of the paper. Then, sand it all down. Prime the area and use a joint compound. Sand again. Repeat the joint compound and sanding steps as much as necessary to build the wall back up, and end with a coat of primer to seal it all in. See theĀ full tutorial at mresdoitherself.com!
1. Popcorn Ceiling Makeover
Pretty much everyone knows the pain of the popcorn ceiling. Itās fine for an apartment or a temporary living situation, but itās such a hassle to keep clean and after several years of wear and tear it start crumbling and leaving lots of dust around. Not to mentionā¦ itās not very attractive! In this amazingĀ DIY from edithandevelynvintage.com, see how this lady transforms her popcorn ceiling into a gorgeous planked ceiling for under $300! Plus, thereās no need to scrape off the old popcorn texture ā win-win!
If you own a home, your net worth has probably gone up a lot over the past year.Ā Home pricesĀ have been rising, which means youāre building equity much faster than you might think. Hereās how it works.
Equity is the current value of your home minus what you owe on the loan.
Over the past year, there have still been more people wanting to buy than there are homes available for sale, and thatās pushed prices up.Ā That rise in prices has translated directly into increasing equity for homeowners.
How Much Equity Have You Earned over the Past 12 Months?
According to the latestĀ Homeowner Equity InsightsĀ fromĀ CoreLogic,Ā the average homeownerās equity has grown by $28,000 in the last year alone.
Thatās the national average, so if you want to see whatās happening in your state, check out the map below. It usesĀ dataĀ fromĀ CoreLogicĀ to show how much equity has grown in each state over the past year. Youāll notice every single state with sufficient data saw annual equity gains:
What If You Bought Your House Before the Pandemic?
If you bought your house before the pandemic, the equity news is even better. According toĀ dataĀ fromĀ Realtor.com, home prices shot up by 37.5% from May 2019 to May 2024, meaning your homeās value has likely increased significantly. Ralph McLaughlin, Senior Economist atĀ Realtor.com,Ā says:
āHomeowners have seen extraordinary gains in home equity over the past five years.ā
To give context to how much equity can stack up over time, Selma Hepp, Chief Economist atĀ CoreLogic,Ā explainsĀ the total equity the typical homeowner has today:
āWith home prices continuing to reach new highs, owners are also seeing their equity approach the historic peaks of 2023,Ā close to a total of $305,000 per owner.ā
How Your Rising Home Equity Can Help You
With how prices skyrocketed a few years ago, and the ongoing price growth today, homeowners clearly have substantial equity built up ā and that has some serious benefits.
You could use it to start a business, fund an education, or even to help you afford your next home. When youĀ sell, the equity youāve built up comes back to you, and may be enough to cover a big part ā or even all ā of your next homeās down payment.
Bottom Line
If you’reĀ planning to move, the equity you’ve gained can really help. Curious about how much you have and how you can use it to help pay for your next home? Connect with CA Real Estate Group.
You want to know theĀ best toddler beaches with no waves in OC?Ā Iām going to provide you with my Top 4 plus two bonus beaches, but they come with a note of precaution.
Still water beaches, meaning no waves or surf, have a general propensity forĀ water qualityĀ issues and they can also be goodĀ stingrayĀ habitat ā at least along the warm sandy edges.
CheckĀ Heal the Bay Beach Report CardĀ for water quality. Make sure aĀ lifeguardĀ is watching and ask for his/her advice aboutĀ local conditions on the day you visit.
Any body of water is a dangerous place for a toddler āĀ you should be within armās length of any child under 4 years old when they are wading or swimmingĀ āĀ and this especially applies at the beach!
As long as you move forward with those precautions in mind, then you should have a grand time at these toddler beaches!
Corona Del Mar ā inside the harbor (Pirateās Cove)
Scramble down the path that leads over the rocks and take the stairs to this mini beach (NOT stroller-friendly). Check the tides before you go!Ā Ā
Youāll have to find parking on the street above the beach or pay for parking in the adjacent lot. ReadĀ my post about Corona Del Mar Beach.
Itās also a fun place to watch boats enter and leave Newport Harbor in the summer. The Wedge is just across the harbor and from the bluff you can see the surf pound the breakwater.
Baby Beach in Dana Point
You can park close and you donāt have to pay for parking, but this one can get incredibly busy on weekends and holidays. So arrive early!
Itās a launch point for paddleboards and kayaks, as well. Swimmers are roped off from boat traffic by a buoy line so youāll have some room for shallow water swimming. ReadĀ my post about Baby Beach in Dana Point Harbor.
Weekday trips in the off-season are probably the least crowded. August and September can still be very warm in California.
Also, be aware that it can be 90 degrees at your house inland and foggy at the beach. Make sure you come prepared!
Some families prefer the grassy area behind the beach for relatively sand-free picnics.
Newport Dunes in Newport Beach
Parking inside Newport Dunes will cost you, but there is a wide bay for swimming and you can pay extra for access toĀ a waterpark with float toys in the summerĀ for playing in the water.
North Star Beach in Newport Beachās Back BayĀ is in the same general geographic area as Newport Dunes (above), except the opposite side of the bay and a little further inland. So much of the area is protected as a nature preserve.
This City of Newport Beach spot is designed for launching recreational watercraft like kayaks, outriggers, canoes, and paddleboards. The beach area is VERY small, but the water play is fun and airplanes fly over from Orange County Airport. This is NOT a swimming beach, but more of a wading spot for toddlers.
There are quite a few things to be aware of at North Star Beach and also a lot of links to share about it, so I ended up writing a full post on it.
I have had one parent complain of rocks that hurt her childās foot, but otherwise no reported issues over the years this one has been included on the list. Could be seasonal since beaches tend to have the sand wash in and out over the year (summer = more sand, less rocks)?
Motherās Beach in Huntington Harbour
A favorite for the Huntington Beach area is Motherās Beach inside Huntington Harbour (thanks to reader, Meg, for pointing that one out)!
This one has an awesome pirate-themed playground and itās somewhat off the beaten path (except on popular weekends and holidays when it can be really busy)!
So thatās it! If you can think of any other toddlerĀ beaches in OC with NO waves, please let me know! I do know of another in Huntington Harbour, but the parking is pretty impossible so Iāve not included it here.
If you want to know about theĀ 30+ Toddler-Friendly Parks in Orange County, then make sure you go read that blog post which highlights playgrounds with baby swings and restrooms ā and other features that make them work for younger kids!
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