Stress-Free Home Cleaning: 27 Practical Tactics for Busy Households
Keeping a clean and orderly home is a challenge for many of us. Between busy work schedules, social obligations, and family commitments, it’s tough to keep up with daily chores—let alone larger seasonal tasks. The effort is worthwhile, however. A sanitary environment can keep you and your family healthier by minimizing your exposure to germs and allergens.1 Plus, researchers have found that organized, uncluttered homes have quantifiable mental health benefits, too, including reduced stress, improved emotional regulation, and increased productivity.2 The reality is, we enjoy our homes more when they are in good order. It’s much easier to relax without piles of unopened mail or a messy kitchen reminding us of work to be done. And don’t we all feel more inclined to entertain family and friends when our homes are well-kept? That’s why I’ve rounded up my favorite tactics—from overall strategies to little tips and tricks—for keeping things tidy without spending all my spare time cleaning. Set a Schedule for Daily and Weekly Cleaning We’ve all been there—you put off vacuuming or mopping your floor for a few days, only to realize that weeks have passed. Creating a cleaning schedule that works for you is the best way to stay on top of things and avoid overwhelm. Here are a few of my favorite strategies: Designate a day of the week for each task—then, add them to your calendar so you can’t forget. Create a shared schedule that assigns specific responsibilities to each member of the household. Post it in a prominent place, like on the refrigerator, or create a shared digital calendar. Carve out 15 minutes a day for cleaning and decluttering. Set a timer on your phone and get as much done as you can before it goes off. It may take some trial and error to find the tactics that work best for you. The most important thing is to make a habit of cleaning so that clutter and grime don’t have a chance to build. And if you’d like some professional help, reach out for a referral to one of my favorite cleaning services! Tackle Bigger Chores Seasonally Many home care tasks are seasonal by nature and only need to be completed once or twice a year. But when we don’t have a plan to tackle them, it’s all too easy to put them off. Here are a few tips to stay on top of these chores: Mark days on your calendar in advance to attend to annual or semi-annual chores, like cleaning gutters, washing windows, turning mattresses, and shampooing carpets. Schedule just one primary task each weekend instead of blocking out a full two days. This will help ensure a good balance between chores and relaxation. Designate a date two to four times a year, depending on your lifestyle, to put away out-of-season items like clothes, holiday decorations, and sporting goods. Take some time to sort through your seasonal items when you pack them away. Then you can toss, sell, or donate items that you no longer need or enjoy. Remember—breaking down these larger tasks can make them less overwhelming. If you space them out so that you can handle them one by one, even the most time-consuming chores become a lot more manageable. And since all your time is valuable, don't hesitate to delegate these larger home care tasks to professionals. Give me a call for a list of my recommended service providers. Reduce the Barriers to Cleaning Set yourself up for success by ensuring you have the tools on hand to tackle small tasks with ease. Here are a few ways to make your cleaning supplies more accessible: Store a broom, dustpan, and vacuum on each floor of your home so they’re easy to reach. Stash containers of disinfecting and glass wipes under every sink for a mid-week wipe-down. Place extra bags beneath the liner of your garbage pails, so you’ll have a replacement ready when you take out the trash. Keep a paper shredder and recycling bin handy so you can dispose of unwanted mail as it’s opened. By strategically placing your tools and supplies in the locations where you’re most likely to need them, you’ll make cleaning less of a chore and more of a habit. Stop the Clutter Before It Starts From coats to shoes to mail, it’s all too easy to find clutter taking over your home. Once these piles start to form, they can feel overwhelming—which only makes it harder to address them. Or worse, they become part of the landscape and you just don't 'see' them anymore (guilty!). To avoid this problem, stop the clutter before it starts. Assign every item a home and create storage spaces and “drop zones” in key locations.3 Here are a few ideas to get you started: Install coat hooks and shoe racks in the entryway for easy access. Add a key caddy or shelf for essential items to get you out the door. Hang a letter bin to capture mail and newspapers as soon as you walk into the house. Place a donation box in each closet for items you no longer want or need. It can take a little time to get in the habit of returning items to their assigned space. But once you do, staying on top of clutter will become far more manageable. Are you considering a larger organizational upgrade, like a custom closet or pantry system? Reach out for a free consultation to find out how the investment could impact the value of your home! Tackle Small Tasks Right Away Sometimes, the mental load of thinking about a chore you need to do is worse than the chore itself. Plus, handling small tasks right away can reduce the need for lengthy cleaning sessions.3 Try working these changes into your routine: Learn to clean as you cook, rather than piling it all up for later. As you wait for water to boil or food to cook through, wash the bowls and utensils you used for prep. Hang bath towels on a bar immediately after use. By allowing them to properly air dry, you can cut down on the frequency of laundering. Bring items with you when you leave a room. For example, return plates and cups to the kitchen right away rather than letting them stack up in your home office. Take out the trash when you leave for work, school drop-off, or errands. This will save you the time and hassle of a second trip. If you implement these small changes, your home will stay neater—and you’ll minimize the number of dedicated cleaning sessions you need to take on each week. Embrace an Evening “Shutdown” Routine Kitchens can get dirty and cluttered fast. But a few minutes spent cleaning up each evening can prevent the mess from getting out of control.4 Imagine your kitchen is a restaurant and you’re tidying it up before closing down for the night. These simple steps will prepare you for the morning rush: Wipe down all surfaces, including countertops, stove, microwave, and sink. Then toss your soiled washcloth in the hamper and lay out a fresh one for tomorrow. Load and run the dishwasher every night so you can empty it the next morning. Prepare for breakfast by programming your coffee pot and setting out some grab-and-go options. We all know it can be hard to find the energy for chores in the evening. But if you complete these small tasks each night, you’ll start the next day off right in a tidy, clean kitchen. Think Outside of the Box When It Comes to Storage Most of us have limited storage space. Unfortunately, without the right spots to stash our items, it’s easy to become disorganized. But we’ve found that using household items in innovative ways can help keep mess and clutter under control.5 Here are a few of my favorite swaps: Place a magazine file in your kitchen for cookbooks, takeout menus, and meal kit cards. Hang a pocket-style shoe organizer inside your pantry door to store granola bars, spice jars, and other small items. Separate dress and athletic socks by turning an old shoe box into a drawer divider. Repurpose jam jars by using them to store office supplies or bathroom essentials. Store out-of-season clothes inside rarely-used suitcases, so all that space doesn’t go to waste. A little creativity goes a long way when it comes to making the most of your space. Just be sure that you’re creating systems you can stick with and not putting things where you might forget about them later! I'M HERE TO HELP YOU MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR HOME Keeping your home clean and organized can be a continuous struggle—there’s no need to feel ashamed of that. But taking the time to implement systems that work for you can make life more pleasant and less stressful in the long run. Remember, I'm not just here to help you buy or sell a home. I want you to love living in it, too. Reach out if you need referrals for house cleaners, window washers, or other service providers that can help you make the most of your space. The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs. Sources: Healthline -https://www.healthline.com/health-news/5-health-benefits-of-spring-cleaning Forbes -https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/mental-health-clean-home/ My Domaine -https://www.mydomaine.com/house-cleaning-schedule Housewife How-Tos - https://housewifehowtos.com/clean/10-tips-to-keeping-a-clean-house/ Better Homes and Gardens -https://www.bhg.com/decorating/storage/projects/simple-solutions/
My Home Didn't Sell! Now What?
When it comes to listing their home, most home sellers want three things: 1) to make a lot of money, 2) to put in minimal time and effort, and 3) to sell quickly. But the reality is, selling a home is rarely that simple. And homeowners who try to do it themselves—or receive bad advice—can end up stuck (months later) with a property that hasn’t sold. If that’s you, don’t panic! I’ve outlined the top five reasons a home doesn’t sell—and action steps you can take to overcome each of these issues. Not sure why your property didn’t sell? If you’re not already working with an agent or your listing has expired or been withdrawn, give me a call! I’d be happy to offer a free, no-obligation assessment and create an action plan to get your home SOLD. This marketing piece is not intended as a solicitation for properties currently in an exclusive agreement with another Broker. 1. BAD TIMING If your home didn’t sell after several months on the market, timing could’ve been a factor. Markets are driven by the law of supply and demand, and real estate is no exception. The housing market here in San Diego has been all over the place - from the white-hot market of one year ago, to the doldrums of late 2022. Recently, mostly due to low inventory (houses on the market), we've seen a big uptick in active buyers, offers and open house attendance/showings. When there are a lot of people who want to buy homes (demand) and a shortage of inventory (supply), it’s considered a seller’s market. During a seller’s market, listings tend to get snapped up quickly. In a buyer’s market, however, there are more homes for sale than active buyers. This can cause homes to sell for less money and to sit on the market for a longer period of time before receiving an offer. What causes the shift between a seller’s market and a buyer’s market? Economic factors like interest rates, affordability, domestic growth, and the unemployment rate can all impact buyer demand. Over the past year, for example, higher mortgage rates have not only made it harder for some borrowers to qualify for a home loan, they have also sharply pushed up homebuyers' anticipated monthly payments.1 So even if a buyer was interested in your home, they may have passed on it if they couldn’t qualify for a mortgage at your asking price. Seasonal factors like weather, holidays, and school schedules can also increase or dampen the activity and motivation of buyers. Additionally, unexpected events, such as a natural disaster or a stock market crash, can cause some buyers to put their purchasing plans on hold until conditions normalize. Now What?If timing does appear to be a factor, it may be advisable to delay relisting your property. Of course, that’s not feasible (or desirable) for every seller. In most cases, buyers can be motivated to act with a combination of improvements, incentives, and pricing. Where there’s a will to sell, there’s usually a way. Fortunately for sellers, people will always need a place to live, and there will be a percentage of the population that is motivated to buy quickly. If you suspect timing played a role in your inability to sell, consult with a knowledgeable real estate agent. We’re in the field every day and have access to the latest market data. We can estimate how long a home like yours should take to sell given current market conditions and help ensure that your asking price is competitive. 2. INEFFECTIVE MARKETING Did your home get a steady stream of showings when it was on the market? If not, you may need to try a new promotional strategy. Take a look at the listing description. Did it entice buyers to visit your property? A well-written description should be clear and compelling while highlighting your home’s most desirable features. Additionally, it should have utilized best practices for search engine optimization (SEO) to ensure that it was found by buyers who were looking for homes online. And how well did the listing photos showcase your property? Many buyers use photos of a home to decide whether or not to visit it in person. In fact, 85% of buyers who browse online find photos “very useful” in their home search.2 Poor quality or a low quantity of listing photos could have kept potential buyers from stepping through your door. Another factor to consider is whether your listing reached the right audience. This can be especially important if you have a unique or highly-customized home. The Multiple Listing Service is a great place to start, but some properties require a more robust marketing approach. Now What?If you suspect ineffective marketing, consider turning to a skilled professional with a proven approach. I employ a strategic Property Marketing Plan that uses the latest technologies to seed the marketplace, optimize for search engine placement, and position your home for the best possible impression right out of the gate. For example, I know what buyers in this market want and can craft a persuasive description to pique their interest. And since good listing photos are so crucial, I work with the top local photographers to ensure each shot is staged to your home’s advantage. I also know how to get your listing in front of the right audience—one that will appreciate its unique features. By utilizing online and social marketing platforms to connect with consumers and offline channels to connect with local real estate agents, your property gets maximum exposure to your target market. Want to learn more about our multi-step marketing strategy? Reach out for a copy of my complete Property Marketing Plan. 3. POOR IMPRESSION If your property received a lot of foot traffic but no offers, you may need to examine the impression you made on buyers who visited your property. Start with your home’s structure and systems. Are there large cracks in the foundation? How about doors and windows that don’t properly close? Are there water stains on the walls or ceiling that could signal a leak? These can be major “red flags” that scare away buyers. Next, examine your curb appeal. Does the yard need mowing or do the hedges need trimming? Are there oil stains on the driveway? Any peeling paint or rotted siding? If your home’s exterior looks neglected, buyers may assume the entire house has been poorly maintained. Now move on to the interior of your home. Is it clean? Is there a noticeable odor? Have you taken the time to depersonalize and declutter each room? Buyers need to be able to picture their items in your home, but that’s difficult to do amongst your family photos and personal collections. And oversized furniture and packed closets can make a space seem small and cramped. Now What?When I take on a new listing, I always walk through it with the homeowner and point out any repairs, updates, or decluttering that should be done to maximize its sales potential. I also share tips on how to prep the property before each showing. In some cases, I will recommend that you utilize staging techniques to highlight your home’s best features and help buyers envision themselves living in the space. Home staging is one of the hottest trends in real estate—because it works! According to the Real Estate Staging Association, professionally-staged homes sell, on average, 9 days faster and for $40,000 over list price.3 In addition, the National Association of Realtors suggests that staging can help push up your final sale price by as much as 20%.4 Some sellers choose to hire a professional home stager, while others opt to do it themselves, using guidance from their agent. I can help you determine the appropriate budget and effort required to get your home sold. 4. PRICE IS TOO HIGH Many homeowners are reluctant to drop their listing price. But the reality is, buyers may not seriously consider your property if they think your home is overpriced. Attitudes have changed since the Federal Reserve started hiking interest rates. Many of today's homebuyers are no longer willing or able to pay as high a price on a new home as they might have when borrowing costs were lower.5 If your home’s original asking price was set using sales data from the market's peak, then you may need to rethink your pricing strategy. Economic factors aren't the only reasons, though, why a home's asking price might not match its market value. Pricing a home can be tricky, regardless of the economic climate, because so many factors can impact how much buyers are willing to pay. For example, unique, highly customized, and luxury properties are particularly difficult to price because there aren’t a lot of comparable homes with which to compare them. Regardless, if your home sat on the market for months without an offer, then chances are good that your asking price needs to be reevaluated. Now What?If you aren’t in a rush to sell your home, adjustments to timing or marketing may bring in a new pool of potential buyers. And repairs, upgrades, and staging can increase the perceived value of your home, which may be enough to bring a buyer to the table at your original list price. However, if you need to sell quickly, or you’ve already exhausted those options, a price reduction may be necessary to get your home the attention it needs to sell. I'm a local market expert and have access to the latest market data and comparable sales in your neighborhood. I can help you determine a realistic asking price for your home given today’s market conditions. Just reach out for a free home value assessment! 5. YOU HIRED THE WRONG AGENT (OR WORSE, NO AGENT AT ALL) If you suspect that your previous real estate agent didn’t do enough—or used the wrong approach—to sell your home, you’re not alone. Many sellers whose listings languish until they expire or are withdrawn feel this way. While most agents have the best of intentions, not all of them have the skills, experience, instincts, or local market expertise to devise a winning sales strategy in this challenging market. Or, perhaps you chose not to hire a listing agent at all and have been trying to sell your home yourself. This can be an equally frustrating endeavor. Although selling your home independently can help cut some costs, it can also be extremely risky and may even lose you money in the long run. For example, research by the National Association of Realtors suggests that For Sale By Owner (or FSBO) homes tend to sell for less than homes represented by a professional. In 2021, for example, the average FSBO home sold for $105,000 less than the average home sold with the assistance of an agent.6 Now What?If either of those scenarios sounds familiar, you need to ask yourself: “Would I still be interested in selling my home if I could get the right offer?” If so, we should talk. I understand how frustrating it can be when you’ve put a lot of time, money, and effort into prepping your property for the market and it doesn’t sell. I also empathize with how disruptive a delayed home sale can be to your life. By now, don’t you owe yourself more than the status quo when it comes to your real estate representation? My multi-step Property Marketing Plan can help you sell your home for the most money possible, and in the process reconnect you with the excitement you originally felt upon first listing. It’s time for a new agent, new marketing, new buyers, and most of all… new possibilities. READY TO MAKE A MOVE? Let's talk. I can help you figure out why your home didn’t sell and how to revise your sales strategy and set your home up for success. The housing market has experienced a shift and the waters may be choppier than usual for a while. But there's still plenty of opportunity in the current market: You just need a guide who knows where to look and how to find it. This marketing piece is not intended as a solicitation for properties currently in an exclusive agreement with another Broker. The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs. Sources:1. New York Times -https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/30/realestate/housing-market-prices-interest-rates.html2. National Association of Realtors -https://store.realtor/2022-nar-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers-download/3. Real Estate Staging Association -https://www.realestatestagingassociation.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=304550&module_id=1645484. National Association of Realtors -https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/styled-staged-sold/why-staging-matters-even-in-a-sellers-market5. Marketplace -https://www.marketplace.org/2023/01/26/housing-slump-may-have-bottomed-out/6. National Association of Realtors -https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/quick-real-estate-statistics
Top 6 Home Design Trends To Watch in 2023
Over the past few years, many of us have spent extra time at home—and that means we appreciate the personal design touches that make a house cozy and comfortable more than ever. Some of us have adapted our dwellings in new ways, from creating functional home offices to upgrading the appliances we use most. But while it’s important to make your home your own, it’s also smart to think about the long-term impact your renovations could have on its value. Choosing highly-personalized fixtures and finishes can make it harder for future homebuyers to envision themselves in the space. Even if you don’t plan to sell your home soon, investing in popular design choices that are likely to stand the test of time will make things easier down the road. And if you’re in the market for a new home, it’s wise to keep an eye out for features that might need to be updated soon so you can factor renovation costs into your budget. I’ve rounded up six trends that we think will influence interior design in 2023, as well as ideas for how you might incorporate them in your own home. Remember, before taking action, it’s always wise to consult with a real estate professional to understand how specific updates and upgrades will affect your property’s value in your local market. 1. Separate Kitchen, Dining and Living Areas For years, home design has been dominated by open-concept floor plans, particularly for kitchen, dining, and living areas. However, as the pandemic forced families to work and study from home, many struggled to find the privacy and separation they needed. As a result, designers report that more families are choosing to bring back kitchen and dining room walls to break up the space and create quieter areas.1 That doesn’t mean that we’re returning to an era of dark and cramped spaces, however. Even as walls make a return, it’s important to take care to retain a sense of flow and openness within the home and to prioritize natural light. If you’re buying or building a new home, consider how you will use the space and whether or not an open floor plan will suit your needs. If you already live in a home with an open floor plan and it isn’t working for you, try rearranging furniture and strategically placing pieces like bookshelves, room dividers, or rugs to create distinct areas within the home and reduce noise. Photo by LDa Architecture & Interiors - Browse dining room photos 2. Nature-Inspired Design In the past few years, we’ve seen the “biophilia” trend explode, and there are no signs that it will be any less popular in 2023.2 This trend is all about bringing the outside in by adding natural touches throughout your home. This year, design experts predict that natural, sustainable materials like bamboo, cork, and live-edge wood will lend character without being overwhelming. Wooden kitchen cabinets and islands will become more common in 2023, with white oak and walnut among the most popular choices.3,4 Wood will also appear in bathroom vanities and shelving and furniture throughout the home. Colors inspired by nature (think mossy greens and desert tones) will also play into this trend and will blend seamlessly with wood tones. We’re also seeing a return to natural stone countertop materials like quartzite, marble, dark leathered granite, and soapstone.4,5 If you’re planning to add new shelving or redo your kitchen, consider turning to these materials to embrace the biophilic look. Or, incorporate elements of the trend by choosing nature-inspired paint colors and adding to your houseplant collection. Photo by Savant Design Group - More living room ideas 3. Lighting as a Design Feature Spending more time at home has shown us the importance of having the right lighting for specific tasks and times of the day. As a result, many homeowners are reconsidering the ways they light their homes and using light fixtures to change the usability and mood of their spaces.5 In particular, homeowners are rejecting bright, flat overhead lighting and replacing it with lamps and task-specific options. A layered approach to lighting—such as using a combination of under-cabinet, task, and ambient lighting in a kitchen—enables homeowners to tweak the level of light they’re using based on the time of day and what they are doing. In 2023, we expect to see more statement chandeliers, pendants, and wall sconces in a variety of shapes and materials.6 Thinking about switching up the lighting in your home? Start by adding floor or table lamps and swapping out fixtures before you invest in rewiring your space. Take note of what works and what doesn’t and watch how the light in your home changes throughout the day. You can then use that information to make lighting decisions that require a bigger investment. Photo by The Brooklyn Studio - Search living room design ideas 4. More Vibrant Color Palettes After the long dominance of whites and grays, more vibrant colors are coming back as a way to add character and dimension to homes. This year, warm and earthy neutrals, jewel tones, and shades of red and pink are particularly popular.7,8 If your style tends toward the subtle, consider options like light, calming greens, blues, and pastels. Major paint brands have responded to these homeowner preferences with their newest releases. Benjamin Moore’s 2023 color of the year, Raspberry Blush, is a lively shade of pinkish coral, while Sherwin William is embracing warm neutrals with Redend Point, a blushing beige.9,10 Behr’s choice of the year, Blank Canvas, is a creamy off-white that's a warmer version of the stark whites that have been trending over the past few years.11 If you’re planning to put your home on the market soon, it’s better to play on the safer side and avoid extremely bold or bright color choices when it comes to paint or fixed finishes like tile and countertops. Instead, try incorporating pops of color through throw pillows, art, and accessories. Photo by Touch Interiors by Bronwyn Poole - Discover bedroom design ideas 5. Curved Furniture and Architectural Accents Goodbye, sharp corners. In 2023, arches and curves lend a sleek feel that draws on classical design and retro trends while remaining modern.5,8 Rounded corners feel more relaxed and natural than sharp edges, lending more of a sense of flow and comfort to a home. If you want to incorporate the trend into your new build or remodeling plans, curved kitchen islands and bars and arched alcoves are all good options—or you can take it a step further with arched windows and doorways. You can also carry this trend through to your light fixtures by incorporating a bubble chandelier or globe pendants. It’s easy to embrace this look without renovations, too. Look for a softer feel in furniture, with sofas, chairs, and tables that showcase curved edges. Or, break up your space with an arched folding screen and a circular rug. Photo by Wilson Lighting - Look for living room pictures 6. Art Deco Revival Art Deco, the architecture and design style that took hold in the 1920s and ’30s, is enjoying a resurgence.12 As a style, Art Deco is marked by bold geometry, textures, and colors, as well as an emphasis on art. But the 2023 interpretation of this style is likely to be a bit less splashy than its historical roots. Designers predict that instead of incorporating all of the elements of the style, which could feel overwhelming, homeowners will pick bursts of color or bold accessories to bring some whimsy to their space. Keep an eye out for vintage mirrors, lamps, or vases that bring a touch of Art Deco glam to your home, or embrace bold colors and fabrics like velvet. Choose pillows and throw blankets in bright colors and geometric patterns to nod to the look without diving in all the way. Photo by Favreau Design - Browse living room photos DESIGNED TO SELL Are you thinking about remodeling or making significant design changes to your home? Wondering how those changes might impact your future resale value? Buyer preferences vary significantly based on your home’s neighborhood and price range. I'm happy to share my insights on the upgrades that will make it easier (or more difficult!) to sell your home. Give me a call for a free consultation! The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs. Sources: 1. US News and World Report -https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/slideshows/interior-design-trends-for-2023?slide=22. Architectural Digest -https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/design-trends-in-20233. Insider -https://www.insider.com/popular-home-decor-trends-for-2023-according-to-experts-2022-4. Houzz -https://www.houzz.com/magazine/35-home-design-trends-on-the-rise-in-2023-stsetivw-vs~1640324735. The Spruce -https://www.thespruce.com/2023-design-trends-67438036. The Spruce -https://www.thespruce.com/2023-lighting-trends-68914127. The Spruce -https://www.thespruce.com/2023-color-trends-67511378. Good Housekeeping -https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decorating-ideas/g42084756/interior-design-trends-2023/9. Benjamin Moore -https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-colors/color/2008-30/raspberry-blush10. Sherwin Williams -https://www.sherwin-williams.com/content/colorforecast/colormix-2023/color-of-the-year-202311. Behr -https://www.behr.com/consumer/inspiration/2023-coty/12. The Spruce -https://www.thespruce.com/art-deco-trend-for-2023-7092174
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