When it comes to getting a home market-ready, paint beats almost any other home improvement upgrade. A new Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate poll found that three out of four real estate agents say repainting the interior can add the most value before a sale—sometimes boosting the listing’s value by as much as 10%, or up to $20,000.
“Painting is the most cost-effective upgrade, and you can cover the most space with it,” says real estate broker Josh McGrath, the owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central in South Charleston and West Virginia and the 2025 President of the West Virginia Association of REALTORS®. Paint and supplies tend to be cheaper than most other house projects, so if a homeowner had $1,000 to spend, McGrath would generally suggest putting it all toward paint.
“Even if you just paint the walls the same color, you get that fresh look. The dents and dings are gone, and you get that clean paint smell,” McGrath says. “That’s the biggest impact you can make.”
Color Choice Matters
Real estate agents understand the value of freshly painted homes. It’s why painting the entire home or at least one interior room is the home remodeling project they most often recommend to homeowners before listing, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ 2025 Remodeling Impact Report.
And, the BHGRE poll confirmed what many agents see every day: Color can make or break a first impression. The color of the walls can make buyers feel welcome or turn them off. The poll revealed that buyers often hold strong impressions of certain colors.
For example, more than half of respondents said red is the number-one dealbreaker for them in homes they view.
“Red has subliminal messaging,” McGrath says. “Red means stop. Red means caution. It subconsciously drives your blood pressure up. It’s great for a restaurant—but not for a house. A home should feel calm and inviting.”
Other bold hues like orange, neon hues, purples and saturated pinks were also ranked as home buyer turn-offs, according to the survey.
Meanwhile, neutrals still dominate in real estate. Eighty-four percent of agents in the BHGRE survey said whites, grays and beiges remain top choices. McGrath points to an emerging favorite that bridges both cool and warm tones—his favorite Sherwin-Williams’ Worldly Gray, which is mix of beige and gray.
The BHGRE poll revealed the following favorite color combinations when staging a home before listing it:
Beige and soft green (tied as the favorite staging palette)
White and gray (tied as the favorite staging palette)
Navy and white—which offers a contrast without turning off mainstream buyers
Bold combos—such as black and gold or taupe and teal—but used sparingly and often reserved for luxury listings
Half of homeowners say they repaint not to change out the color but simply to refresh their home, according to the BHGRE survey.
“Think about buying a pre-owned car,” McGrath says. “You expect it to be detailed—clean looking nice and smelling fresh. Buyers expect the same thing with a house. Fresh paint makes it feel like its new again.”
Whether selling or not, he recommends repainting a home every three to five years, depending on how you live in the space. “Life leaves marks on the walls,” he says. “A fresh coat of paint can bring it back.”
Get the latest Buena Park real estate update for September 2025! Christine Almarines with the CA Real Estate Group breaks down the newest stats, home prices, and trends in both 90620 and 90621. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on the market — this video gives you the insider data you need to make smart moves.
🚨 Buena Park Market Update is here! 🚨 Here’s how September played out in both 90620 and 90621 ⬇️
🏡 90620 – Single-Family Homes • 25 Active | 10 Pending | 24 Sold • Avg List: $896,651 • Avg Sold: $910,940 • Avg Days on Market: 24.5
🏘️ 90620 – Condos/Townhomes/PUDs • 4 Active | 3 Pending | 4 Sold • Avg List: $719,475 • Avg Sold: $708,000 • Avg Days on Market: 56
🏡 90621 – Single-Family Homes • 9 Active | 8 Pending | 3 Sold • Avg List: $1,366,666 • Avg Sold: $1,295,000 • Avg Days on Market: 6.6
🏘️ 90621 – Condos/Townhomes/PUDs • 14 Active | 6 Pending | 4 Sold • Avg List: $746,700 • Avg Sold: $742,475 • Avg Days on Market: 43
The market is moving fast — if you’re thinking about buying or selling in Buena Park, let’s build your strategy.
— Christine Almarines CA Real Estate Group ✨ DRE #01412944 powered by Caliber Real Estate “Where we put CARE in every transaction”
Cerritos Update
Get the latest Cerritos real estate market update for September 2025! Christine Almarines with the CA Real Estate Group breaks down key housing stats — from active listings and pending sales to average home prices and days on market. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just staying informed, this update gives you the data-driven insight you need to make confident real estate moves in Cerritos.
Stainless steel appliances add a sleek, modern touch to any kitchen, but keeping them free from fingerprints and smudges can be a serious challenge. Between cooking splatters, greasy hands, and everyday wear and tear, it may feel like your stainless steel appliances look messy. While there are plenty of store-bought cleaning products available, they can come with hefty price tags, strong chemical smells, and ingredients you may not want in your home. Luckily, there’s a simple, cost-effective solution that uses everyday household items.
This three-ingredient, DIY stainless steel cleaner is an eco-friendly and affordable alternative to commercial cleaners that still delivers impressive results. Plus, it only takes 10 minutes to make. Here’s everything you need to know about creating and using this magic spray, along with a few bonus tips to keep your stainless steel looking flawless.
1 drop of dish soap (preferably a gentle, grease-cutting formula like Dawn)
How to Make the Spray
Start by carefully pouring boiling water into a heat-resistant spray bottle. Next, add distilled white vinegar to the bottle. Its natural acidity cuts through fingerprints, grease, and bacteria without scratching surfaces. Then, add a single drop of dish soap. Remember, a little goes a long way, and adding too much can leave a soapy residue. Secure the spray bottle cap and gently swirl the mixture to combine the ingredients.
Note that it’s generally advisable not to clean stainless steel with straight or high-strength vinegar, as it can be too abrasive and may scratch the surface. However, this formula is diluted enough to be safe for use.
How to Use Your DIY Stainless Steel Spray
Ensure the stainless steel surface is cool and dry before you start cleaning. Lightly mist a microfiber cloth with your cleaning solution (avoid spraying directly onto the surface). This technique gives you better control and prevents unnecessary moisture.
Wipe the surface in the direction of the stainless steel’s grain to avoid streaks and result in a polished appearance. For stubborn spots or heavy smudges, spray the affected area lightly and let the solution sit for about a minute before wiping it away.
After cleaning, use a dry, clean microfiber cloth to buff the surface and enhance the shine, removing any remaining moisture.
How It Works
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in effectively removing grime without damaging your appliances:
Boiling water loosens grease and grime, making it easier to clean.
White vinegar naturally breaks down grease, removes fingerprints, and eliminates bacteria due to its mild acidity.
Dish soap cuts through oily residues and lifts dirt without scratching or harming surfaces.
Together, these ingredients create a gentle, yet powerful, solution that restores shine to stainless steel without dulling its finish.
More Tips for Keeping Stainless Steel Clean
Maintaining your stainless steel appliances is easier with a few simple habits. Here are some tips to keep them looking pristine day after day:
Wipe Regularly. Don’t wait for dirt to accumulate. Wiping stainless steel surfaces once or twice a week with the DIY spray will help prevent grime from becoming stubborn and difficult to remove. Pay extra attention to handles and edges as they tend to collect the majority of fingerprints.
Avoid Abrasives. Steer clear of steel wool and other rough scrubbers. Use only soft microfiber cloths or sponges, as abrasive materials can scratch the surface, making it even more prone to buildup.
Polish with Oil. After cleaning, apply a small amount of olive oil or mineral oil to the surface using a clean cloth. This creates a protective barrier that repels fingerprints and gives your appliances a sparkling finish.
Clean Spills Immediately. Acidic foods, such as tomato sauce, citrus juice, or vinegar, can cause discoloration if they sit on stainless steel. Be sure to wipe up spills as soon as they happen (or as you spot them) to prevent stains.
Tackle Tough Stains. If you encounter heavy buildup or stubborn stains on your stainless steel surface, create a paste using baking soda and water. Gently rub it onto the stain with a soft cloth, always moving in the direction of the grain, before rinsing and drying thoroughly.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Stainless Steel
While the DIY spray is safe and effective, it’s important to avoid certain products and practices that can harm your stainless steel.
Bleach or ammonia. Harsh chemicals, such as bleach or glass cleaners that contain ammonia, can damage the protective finish of stainless steel.
Hard water. Hard water can lead to the formation of mineral deposits and streaks. If possible, use distilled or filtered water when preparing your DIY cleaner.
Air Drying. Allowing water to air dry on stainless steel can result in water spots. Always dry the surface with a cloth after cleaning.
Why Hire a Realtor
Can you buy or sell a home without losing thousands of dollars on your bottom line? We all want that, right? The answer is yes, but you need to do a few things. First, be sure to hire an experienced real estate agent when looking to buy or sell your home.
Hi, I’m Letty Luna and I’m Christine Almarines with CARE Group.
We often have conversations with potential sellers and buyers about the pros and cons of working with discounted brokers or an inexperienced realtor, to buy or sell a home. Most of the time, these are individuals who will sell your home for next to nothing because they lack the experience to actually compete with agents and brokers who truly know how to outperform them in experience, negotiation, and sales, it makes us crazy!
Now, We don’t profess to be a doctor, but buying or selling a home is most likely one of your largest assets, right next to your body, and you wouldn’t operate on yourself, would you? Yep, us either; we don’t like the sight of blood, who does? And when hiring a doctor, wouldn’t you want to hire one that specializes in fixing whatever body part you have trouble with?For example, if you broke your hip, you wouldn’t go to a foot doctor. No, you wouldn’t; you’d go to an experienced doctor who specializes in hips.
So, do the same with your real estate and mortgage professionals. It truly can make the difference between you losing a lot of money and potential interest from buyers when you’re selling. If you hire an inexperienced real estate professional to capitalize on your investment, or a lender who isn’t experienced enough to actually know what programs are available for you to capitalize on, you may be leaving money on the table. So hire someone experienced. Lastly, what about negotiations? What if you were being sued? Wouldn’t you want to hire the very best attorney to keep you out of jail or to keep more money in your pocket in case you have to pay out?
Of course, you would! You want to hire a good attorney who can negotiate between you ending up in the slammer or possibly being bankrupt. Well, your home is no different.
Remember, it’s most likely your largest investment, so be careful not to hire an agent whose only card that they can pull out is to reduce their commission because they don’t have the negotiation experience. Hey, if they can’t negotiate on their behalf, most likely that means they can’t negotiate on your behalf either. This could end up costing you thousands and thousands of dollars. So, take my advice. Hiring a specialist with lots of experience, and knowing how to negotiate is the right choice when purchasing or selling your largest investment.
We are CARE Group, and remember, people don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.
CHRISTINE ALMARINES TEAM LEAD DRE# 01412944 (714) 476-4637 christine@carealestategroup.com
The pleasures of owning a home are many: You have a sanctuary you can customize to your tastes while you build wealth.
Alas, you can’t just sit back and watch your home equity grow. To keep your property in tiptop shape, you also have to shell out for the expense that never goes away: home maintenance.
Combine that outlay with your monthly mortgage payments, homeowners association dues, and utility bills—and you’re staring down a big chunk of change.
To help you keep as much of your money in your bank account, we reached out to the experts for advice. They broke down five of the most expensive home maintenance tasks to reveal what you can do to keep costs low.
The rising home maintenance equation
For years, the rule of thumb on annual home maintenance costs has been to expect to pay between 1% and 4% of your home’s value. For a house valued at $400,000, you might plan on spending anywhere between $4,000 and $16,000.
However, in recent years, homeowners have reported spending closer to the top of that range maintaining their homes.
Some more significant fixes, like septic repair, are known to cost an arm and a leg. Yet lately, the cost of smaller jobs, like landscaping and cleaning your chimney, has increased dramatically.
The home services company Thumbtack recently reported that home maintenance costs had reached an all-time high after increasing 8.5% year over year, from $5,984 in 2022 to $6,493 in 2023.
Read on for the best ways to lower your maintenance bill this year.
1. Keep appliances clean
Appliance repairs typically cost between $100 to $250 per job but can be as much as $500, depending on where you live and what needs fixing. This cost only increases if you end up needing to replace the appliance.
Luckily, you can cut down on these outlays by simply giving your appliances some TLC.
“Maintaining your appliances is a great way to avoid repairs,” says Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi. “This can be as simple as keeping your oven clean, using a vacuum to clean your dryer vents, and making sure the coils on your refrigerator are clean.”
Other tasks Micetich recommends are regularly replacing the filter in your HVAC system and scheduling a check-in at the midpoint of an appliance’s life span, generally about five years.
“It might be worth hiring a professional for a tuneup to help extend the appliance’s life and avoid having to pay for a replacement,” says Micetich.
2. Get your chimney inspected off-season
If you have a wood-burning stove, you’re probably familiar with the expensive (and messy) annual cleaning routine.
Wood stoves typically cost between $200 to $500 per cleaning. Depending on the kind of wood you burn and how much you use your stove—you might need to do this more than once per year.
“One way to save money here would be to plan to do this project out of season,” says Micetich. “Most folks will think about cleaning their chimney in the fall right before they want to use it, but if you instead do it in the spring or summer, you might be able to save a bit.”
HVAC systems are one of those often forgotten parts of our home—until they stop working.
While HVAC repairs typically cost $350 on average, they can run as much as $3,000. Avoid these expenses by monitoring your system and learning what you can do to keep it humming.
“Homeowners should change their filters regularly,” says Steven McCullough, franchise owner of WIN Home Inspection. “Also, they can consider lowering their thermostat settings in the winter and setting it a little higher in the summer to help prolong the life of the units.”
4. Refinish your deck yourself
Refinishing a deck is one of the most expensive items on Thumbtack’s annual report—costing an average of $1,022 to complete.
If you plan to replace any boards or upgrade the design, that cost will only rise. While quality paints and stains aren’t cheap, labor drives this project’s price.
“This is definitely a DIY job,” says McCullough. “Even if sanding or repairs are involved, homeowners should be able to apply stain and sealing with just a little research and minimal tools.”
5. Tackle your lawn care
Another incredibly pricey item that homeowners spend the big bucks on every year? Lawn care and tree trimming.
A bit of elbow grease and weekend motivation can save you thousands per year on both of these fronts.
“If your trees aren’t too tall and you have the right tools for the job, this can be a great project,” says Micetich. “If the trees cross any electrical lines or are very tall, it’s time to call in a pro.”
Larissa Runkle is a seasoned real estate writer and marketing strategist. She’s published over 1500 articles across top markets, and also works with select developers and brokerages to create high-impact content that drives engagement and builds brand authority. She lives in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado with her husband, son, and two German Shepherds who take their shedding—and squirrel surveillance, very seriously.
“How quickly will my home sell?” is a question we get all the time from sellers. We get it. The market climate is actually what’s going to determine how quickly your home will sell. After being involved in many transactions, we get asked this question all the time.
I’m Christine Almarines. I’m Letty Luna with CARE Group.
How long until your home sells?
In a hot market where there is limited inventory, meaning there are more buyers than homes to purchase, you can actually expect their home to sell in just a few days. Although I highly recommend for allowing the home to get proper marketing time so you can get the most amount of offers with the very best terms. Anytime someone tells us they sold their home in just one day, we kind of shake our heads because we know that it probably means that you left money on the table.
Now, it’s a little different than that right now with everything that’s going on in the market. Because of the circumstances of our economy, you might want to look at all offers as they come in. But again, the market climate and what’s happening always determines if you should allow more time in marketing. If there are more homes on the market than buyers, you can expect a longer time for the home to actually sell. We can discuss the timing and how quickly we think your home will sell when we meet with you.
It’s really important to look at the absorption rate in terms of pricing. Absorption rate is a term most commonly used in the real estate market to evaluate the rate of which the homes are sold in a specific market in a given period of time. It is calculated by taking the average number of sales per month divided by the total number of available homes. According to Investopedia, a seller’s market would have an absorption rate that equals more than 20% and a buyer’s market would have an absorption rate lower than 15%. We personally believe those numbers are a bit vast. Right now in today’s market, if we see a home take longer than 30 days to accept an offer, then it’s usually overpriced.
As always, I’m Christine Almarines…I’m Letty Luna with CARE Group. And remember, people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
CHRISTINE ALMARINES TEAM LEAD DRE# 01412944 (714) 476-4637 christine@carealestategroup.com
August is officially here, and if fall is on your mind, you’re not alone. With the season about to get busier, now is the perfect time to plan ahead and tackle home maintenance tasks—before life gets hectic and Pumpkin Spice Latte season begins.
Here are ten maintenance tasks to complete both inside your home and around your property before the end of August.
01 | Check for Storm Damage
Did it rain a lot this summer? There could be damage to your home you may not have noticed yet. “Check your roof and gutters for signs of summer storm damage,” says Winder.
After all, you want to catch a minor problem early before it becomes a major one.
02| Check Your Doors and Windows
Before winter arrives and your heating bills are suddenly higher than ever, Winder notes a bit of preventative maintenance to save you money and stress in the colder months. “Reseal any caulking or weather stripping around windows and doors,” suggests the home builder.
Fresh caulking will both prevent heat from escaping as well as cold from coming in—keeping those expensive heating bills at bay.
03 | Swap Out Your Smoke Detector Batteries
Your smoke detector batteries won’t work if the battery is dead, and this is something you definitely don’t want to fail. “Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for safety,” says Winder.
If you can’t remember the last time you changed out the battery, it’s probably time to put this task on your to-do list.
04 | Deep Clean Carpets
Mónica Taher, chief operating officer at Avanti Green Eco Cleaning, says it’s a smart idea to deep clean your carpets before the end of summer, especially if you have allergy issues. “During the Summer, carpets trap lots of dust, pollen, sand, and even pet dander,” she says. “Giving a deep cleaning to your carpet will refresh it before you keep your windows shut for the fall and winter. This is also the perfect time to wash your windows inside and out and remove pollen, rain streaks, and dust.”
If you haven’t deep-cleaned your carpets in a long time, you may want to hire a pro to do the job.
05 | Pressure Washing
Pressure washing can be an incredibly satisfying home task. It’s also easier to do while it’s still warm out. So Taher recommends doing it before the end of August. “Summer also brings mildew, grime, and algae,” she says. “August is a great time to pressure wash sidewalks, driveways, and even garages and preserve the curb appeal around your property.”
06 | Close Out Your Outdoor Pool (If You Have One)
Fall can get really busy, and those barbecue and pool days will soon be a thing of the past. So, Brenda Prinzavalli, organizing strategist at Balanced Organizing Solutions, LLC, advises cleaning and closing out your outdoor pool for the season before September hits—assuming you live in a colder climate and you won’t be using your pool.
07 | HVAC Maintenance
Robin Murphy, chief cleaning officer at Maid Brigade, Westchester, suggests doing your regular HVAC maintenance in the coming weeks, including dusting your vents and replacing air filters. “You’ll be closing windows soon and using heat—make sure you’re breathing clean air,” she says.
08 | Tidy Your Entryway
Whether you enter your home through a front door, garage, or mudroom, Murphy recommends giving this space a thorough decluttering and cleaning, especially before school starts and things get extra busy. “Make space for boots, jackets, and school gear before they pile up,” she says.
09 | Vacuum Tight Spaces
The end of August is the right time to vacuum under beds and behind furniture. “When the heat comes on, it stirs up hidden dust—get ahead of it now,” notes Murphy.
So, move your furniture if need be. If this isn’t physically feasible for you, consider hiring a pro to do the job so your home can be thoroughly cleaned without you risking injury.
10 | Clean Your Windows
Before temperatures drop, Murphy advises wiping down window sills and frames. “Rain and condensation can turn built-up grime into moldy messes,” she says.
Not every job is made for sweltering heat and high humidity levels. Save these projects for winter and discover the ones to do instead.
Summertime is an excellent opportunity to get a head start on a few home improvement projects, but not every job benefits from the heat and humidity of the season. Bubbling paint, unsafe temperatures in the attic, and waiting for more comfortable working conditions are all reasons you should consider putting off certain jobs this summer. And before you think you’re off the hook from any DIY renovations this season, we rounded up a few that are worth focusing on now, while the weather is warm and favorable for outdoor work.
5 Projects to Skip This Summer and Save for Winter
Ron Shimek of Mr. Handyman shares his top picks for home improvement to-dos that are better left for winter. Ron Shimek is the president of Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company, a leading provider of property maintenance, repair, and improvement services.
1. Fixture and Hardware Upgrades
While you’re spending time indoors during the winter, you might notice more things about your house that you want to change or upgrade, or you might be looking for quick and easy ways to add more interest, personality, and style to your home. Swapping out your fixtures and hardware can give your home a fresh look in a matter of minutes, and you can stay warm indoors while you work. “Upgrading light fixtures, cabinet pulls, door handles, or even installing smart home devices can significantly enhance your home’s aesthetic and functionality without being weather-dependent,” explains Shimek.
2. Insulation and Weather Stripping
Spending time in your attic messing with insulation in the summer is probably the last thing you want to do, but there are other reasons to put off this project until cooler weather arrives. In the winter, you’ll be better able to identify cold spots leaking in from damaged weather stripping and other flaws in your home’s insulation. Additionally, there will be no delay in feeling the effects of a job well done. “You’ll immediately feel the impact of improved insulation and sealed drafts as your home becomes warmer and your heating bills potentially decrease,” says Shimek.
3. Interior Painting
Painting the interior of your home during the summertime can come with a few obstacles, one of which is humidity. Moisture is a major culprit in sabotaging paint drying time. When paint doesn’t dry properly, it can lead to bubbles, cracking, and mildew issues if you’re not careful. Although Shimek says some ventilation is needed to help the paint dry during the winter, the lower humidity levels go a long way in getting walls and ceilings dry in a reasonable amount of time. Plus, the home project pro says it’s a great way to give your living spaces a fresh look during a season when you’ll be spending a lot of time inside.
4. Minor Remodels
The key here is minor, as you’ll likely spend a lot of time indoors during the winter, so whatever construction you do will likely happen while the whole family is underfoot. It is best to schedule these projects during the winter when the weather can be unstable. “These indoor projects don’t rely on good weather and can significantly improve the comfort and functionality of your home during the months you use them most,” says Shimek. Low-key bath and kitchen remodels are both projects you can move from your summertime to-do list to your wintertime schedule.
5. Dryer Vent and Chimney Cleaning
“These are crucial safety projects, especially as you begin to use your dryer more frequently and your fireplace for warmth,” says Shimek. Hiring professionals to clean your dryer vent can reduce your fire risk, while a professional chimney cleaning can prevent creosote buildup. Creosote is a tar-like byproduct of smoke from wood-burning fires that forms on the interior of the chimney. It can be a fire hazard and a health risk. Get these projects squared away early in the season to ensure your home is safe and prepared for the cold weather ahead.
5 Projects to Do Instead This Summer
When the weather is nice and you are eager for a home improvement project, get a jump on these projects that are ideal for summertime.
1. Exterior Painting
Hold off on exterior painting until days when the temperature is warm and the humidity is low. In some areas, particularly in the South, this might mean starting or completing the project early or late in the season, when the weather is moderate. These conditions are ideal for allowing paint to dry properly without cracking, bubbling, or mildew issues, says Shimek.
2. Deck and Patio Refinishing
One bonus of the summer heat is how quickly it dries surfaces, like when a sudden summer rainstorm hits and the puddles vanish before our eyes after the sun comes out. It turns out that this phenomenon is also beneficial when it comes to pressure washing, staining, sealing, and sanding patios and decks. Shimek says the warm, dry conditions help the materials dry properly, which means they should last longer.
3. Window and Door Work
Consider any window-related projects for another early- or late-season job. “Replacing windows and exterior doors is less disruptive when the weather is mild, as it exposes the interior of your home to the elements for a period,” says Shimek. He also advises replacing or repairing window screens during this time.
4. Gutter Repair and Installation
Summer is a great time to repair, install, and clean out your gutters. “With less rain and no risk of ice in summer, it’s easier and safer to work on gutters,” says Shimek. “You can clean out debris, check for leaks, and make sure there is adequate drainage before fall rains and winter snows.”
5. Landscaping Updates
If you’ve been wanting to add some new shrubs or maybe even a new paver path, summer is the ideal time to do so. “With ample daylight and favorable growing conditions, summer is prime time for enhancing your outdoor spaces,” says Shimek. Installing landscape lighting, building a garden bed, and adding a small shed are all on his list of top projects.
Patricia Shannon is a home writer for Better Homes & Gardens with over a decade of editorial experience. Her areas of expertise include decorating, cleaning, and how-to content. Patricia is also a regular contributor with Southern Living and Coastal Living magazines.