house Archives - Page 2 of 6 - CENTURY 21 MarketLink Realty

7 Ways to Combat Clutter in the New Year

January 6, 2015 By CENTURY 21

The New Year is the time for a fresh start.It brings a feeling of starting over, and an opportunity to improve all areas of your life. In the New Year, take some time to complete projects you’ve been putting off for months. You can create an even better home for you and your family by decluttering and organizing your home.

Follow these tips for easy and quick ways to de-clutter your home.

1. Keep things at arms reach: Keep items you use daily somewhere where they can be easily reached, whether that’s in a basket, on a shelf, or in a cabinet. Store everything that is used sparingly on a higher shelf or in the garage or attic. It will be easier to find what you need when you need it.

2. Add shelves: If your home is cluttered adding more furniture won’t help. Instead of adding a bookshelf or desk, add wall shelving. You’ll have room for books, picture frames, paperwork, and even a television without cluttering your home with more furniture.

3. 12-12-12 Challenge: This challenge comes from BecomingMinimalist.com, and is a simple project to add to your routine. Clean and organize by choosing 12 items to throw away, 12 items to donate, and 12 to return to a proper place in your home. This helps you organize, declutter, and give to a good cause all at the same time!

4. Garage storage: Make your garage your main storage area. Use old dressers and other furniture to store seasonal items and items you don’t use daily. Paint the furniture the same color to create a unified look.

5. Get rid of broken items: There’s no point in keeping items that are broken or unused, they’re just taking up precious space in your home. If you haven’t used it or gotten it fixed in the past six months, you probably never will. Throw it out or donate it to make room for something new.

6. Use things up: It’s a habit to save special items for special occasions, whether it’s fancy bath soap or an expensive spice. Stop saving these things for the right time, use them and enjoy them now. Use what you have before you buy something new to help keep clutter at bay.

7. Deal with one room at a time: Take it step by step. Organize and declutter one room at a time, makes it easier to focus on the task at hand. If you try to juggle too many rooms at once, it may never get done.

Go through these tasks every few months to help maintain an organized home. A decluttered home can give you and your family peace of mind – and room for something new.

Recommended Reading:

-Old to New: Tips for Rearranging Your Furniture

-Small Changes, Big Difference: 5 Low Cost Ways to Make Your Home Appear Larger

-How to Make a House a Home: Creating Memories

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/fw7YYbwRBPM/

How to Help Baby Boomers Find a Home

December 24, 2014 By CENTURY 21

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, there are 76.4 million baby boomers. This statistic has an interesting implication for the real estate market. Many baby boomers will be in the market to downsize from the home where they raised their family to a smaller house or apartment. Here are a few tips for helping baby boomers find the right home for the next chapter of their lives.

1. Friends and Family: Living in a close proximity to friends and family will increase the likelihood that baby boomers will have companionship and someone to care for them should the need arise. Plus, who wants to watch their grandchild’s first steps over video chat.

2. Accessibility: As people age, walking up stairs may become burdensome or impossible. Look for houses or apartments with ramps, stair lifts, or elevators. Similarly, make sure that all the housing you look at is wheelchair accessible.

3. Storage: Downsizing is an emotional process for many reasons — including the fear of losing the memories attached to the home and the belongings it contains. Almost every parent has a box of notes, art, cards, macaroni necklaces, and other memorabilia from their kids and grandkids. Recommend that they open a storage unit so that they can keep things with sentimental value even after they move.

4. Neighborhood: Ideally the neighborhood will have classes and activities for baby boomers. It will also be good to look for neighborhoods with good hospitals and doctor’s nearby. Bonus points if there is a golf course close!

Whether you are an agent or a friend or family member, these tips will help you make a baby boomer’s transition easier.

Recommended Reading:

-Snow Safety for the Home
-Home Safety Tips for the Elderly
-On the Road Again: The Ultimate Moving Checklist

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/jXyA-HCKEkc/

Deck the Halls: 10 Things to Do Leading Up to Christmas

December 17, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year. You have to buy and wrap presents, decorate the tree, cook, bake, and more. Preparing your home for Christmas may seem stressful but it doesn’t have to be. Here are small things that you can do every day leading up to Christmas. Your home can be more festive in no time.

1. Create a Christmas card display: Arrange the Christmas cards you’ve received over the past few weeks on a mantel or in a nice Christmas wreath. This adds a sentimental value to the holiday and shows your family and friends that you appreciate them.

2. Plan Christmas menu: Knowing exactly what you’re cooking makes grocery shopping faster. Plus you won’t have to run out because you forgot milk…again.

3. Put out smaller decorations: There is no such thing as too many Christmas decorations. If your tree is up and the outside of your home is decked out, adding small touches inside the home is the next step. Hang wreaths, display nutcrackers, snow globes, and hang the stockings — this added decor brings the Christmas season full circle.

4. Display presents under the tree: As you are finished wrapping presents for your family and Christmas guests, display them under the tree. You’ll remember where you put the gifts and you’ll get excited every time you see them under the tree. Note to Self: Stop hiding gifts and forgetting where they’re hidden.

5. Prepare for guests: If you have family staying over during the holidays, prepare in advance. There’s no need to run around on Christmas trying to cook, clean, and get things together for guests. A few days prior to the holiday, put out extra towels, bedding, and anything else your guests may need. If you have enough time, use these tips to set up a great guest room.

6. Bake, bake, bake: A night or two before Christmas, get all your baking done. It’s a fun activity to do with your family and you’ll take care of something else on your to-do list.

7. Deep clean your home: A clean home is a happy home, especially during the holidays. Clean your home a few days before Christmas. A mess may ensue during the holiday but at least the meticulous cleaning job is done.

8. Set the table: Don’t set your table in a hurry. Take some time to make it beautiful. Set up a runner, put out candles, and add a festive centerpiece.

9. Set out seating: If your home doesn’t have the capacity to hold all your guests, make arrangements in advance. Borrow or rent extra tables and chairs so there is room for everyone and everything.

10. Burn candles: There is nothing like the fresh scent of a Christmas candle. Light a few before your guests arrive to help make your home look and smell beautiful.

If you do one small thing each day before Christmas, your home will be prepared for the actual day. As a host, you will be able to enjoy the holiday more knowing everything is taken care of.

Recommended Reading:

-How to Decorate Your Home for the Holidays

-5 Ways to Reconnect this Holiday Season

-Winter is Coming: How to Prep Your Home for Winter

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/v47SE9sPkfg/

If Igloos Had Real Estate Listings

December 15, 2014 By CENTURY 21

The latest trend in real estate may be a little chilling to some people. These homes are the coolest thing on the market right now, and the best part is that there’s no need to worry about shoveling snow. Igloo homes are the next big thing.

Here are some igloo homes for every cool family:

1. This igloo comes complete with central AC and you’ll decrease your electrical bill because there is no need for a fridge.

2. You won’t have to ask your neighbor for ice cubes when you live in this abode. You may, however, have to ask for extra blankets.

3. Wouldn’t it be great to never have to worry about preparing for a blizzard? This igloo mansion allows for that luxury, along with other amenities including a gym where you’ll never sweat, the largest freezer known to man, and a lower energy bill.

4. Winterizing your home is no longer an issue in this ice palace. This home comes complete with an ice throne, a frozen pool (aka skating rink), and an icicle garden. There is also a gorgeous faux fireplace.

5. Who needs a treehouse when you have a snowy hideaway in your backyard. This little igloo is great for escaping when you need a break from all the holiday cheer. Keep a stash of ice cream and drinks along with a sweatshirt or two.

When you buy one of these homes you’ll automatically be the coolest family on the block.

Recommended Reading:

-Carrie, Seinfeld, and Friends: NYC Apartments Straight from the Screen

-How to Turn Your House Into the Ultimate Haunted House

-8 Things You May Have Thought When Your In-Laws Stayed Over

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/nB7WYnO51_k/

At Home Magazine: How to Install Flooring

December 12, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Laminated planks offer the look of wood or stone, but they provide greater durability and convenience. Looking to make a few renovations this winter? You can install flooring using these simple steps.

1. Allow flooring to acclimate to the room. It should sit for at least 48 hours prior to installation in order to contract or expand in relation to room’s temperature.

2. Remove existing base molding and flooring. Save molding to reinstall at the end of the project.

3. Install foam underlayment, ensuring the surface is clear of staples and nails from old flooring.

4. Plan your layout.

5. Measure and cut your first piece.

6. Install the first row with the tongue side facing the wall, cutting the tongue edge off of these planks.

7. Connect planks to each other using the tongue and groove.

8. Allow for expansion; leave a one-quarter-inch gap between the planks and the wall.

9. Cut the last plank to length.

10. Install additional rows, allowing at least 12 inches between the seams of adjoining rows.

11. Install the last row.

12. Cut around door casings using a jamb saw.

13. Reinstall base moldings. Install shoe moldings over expansion joints, caulking around the perimeter before installing if in a bathroom. Use transition strips to connect the laminate floor to adjoining surfaces, such as carpet.

Voila! Enjoy your new floor (and the fact that you saved money by doing it yourself)

Recommended Reading:

-Old to New: Tips for Rearranging Your Furniture

-6 Inexpensive Remodeling Ideas for Your Home

-Ask Our Expert: Budget Friendly Bathroom Update

-Done in One Hour: How to Install a Faucet

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/2xMvzyQq5o8/

Snow Safety for the Home

December 4, 2014 By CENTURY 21

When the winter months hit, one thing is guaranteed — snow. A wintery white wonderland laid out on your lawn is a beautiful sight — when you’re cozy and safe inside your home.

However, snow can be very dangerous when it’s not handled properly. Here are three ways to help keep your family, and your home, safe this season.

1. Prep beforehand: It’s always best to be prepared when you know there is a snowstorm coming. Have an emergency kit, snow removal tools, and flashlights on hand because once the storm hits you won’t be able to leave the house to acquire these items.

2. Remove snow from entryways first: When you go outside to shovel, be sure to remove snow from basement stairwells, windows, and walls first. Getting the snow out of these places quickly will prevent the snow from entering your home when it melts.

3. Pay attention to where snow accumulates: If snow is building up on the lower part of your roof, be weary of removing it. When you’re removing snow from a higher level, it can cause damage to you and your home. If there is too much snow, or you are worried for your safety, call a professional for help.

Now that you know these snow safety precautions, enjoy the weather. Go sledding in the backyard or curl up by the fire with hot chocolate and a good book.

Recommended Reading:

-Fall into Fall: 5 Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Fall

-Cents and Sensibility: 5 Mistakes that Could Decrease Your Home’s Value

-Things Your Inspector Missed That You Could Still Catch

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/3BPZxmeOt0k/

Snow Safety for the Home

December 4, 2014 By CENTURY 21

When the winter months hit, one thing is guaranteed — snow. A wintery white wonderland laid out on your lawn is a beautiful sight — when you’re cozy and safe inside your home.

However, snow can be very dangerous when it’s not handled properly. Here are three ways to help keep your family, and your home, safe this season.

Now that you know these snow safety precautions, enjoy the weather. Go sledding in the backyard or curl up by the fire with hot chocolate and a good book.

Recommended Reading:

-Fall into Fall: 5 Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Fall

-Cents and Sensibility: 5 Mistakes that Could Decrease Your Home’s Value

-Things Your Inspector Missed That You Could Still Catch

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/3BPZxmeOt0k/

Winter is Coming: How to Prep Your Home for Winter

December 3, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Can you feel that chill in the air? When the low temperatures roll in, it’s time to prep your home for winter, ensuring that everything is safe and ready for the cold.

Follow these to help keep a warm, winterized home:

1. Tune up heating systems: Hire a professional to inspect your furnace and heater, making sure it’s clean and in its best condition. This will help make sure that your home is properly heated and that the system isn’t working overtime to keep the house warm. (Boston.com)

2. Caulk windows and doors: To keep your home well insulated, make sure there are no gaps between windows and doors. If there is, use a silicone based caulk to seal it because the material won’t shrink when exposed to harsh weather conditions. (Kiplinger)

3. Turn off exterior faucets: If you have a sprinkler system or outdoor hoses, it’s best to turn those off during the cold weather. If you leave the faucets on and the pipes undrained, they can freeze and eventually burst, causing even more problems and damage to your home exterior. (Womans Day)

4. Check the roof: Santa’s sleigh needs a smooth surface to land on. Reindeer falling off the roof is unacceptable. Get on a ladder, or inspect from the ground, to make sure no shingles are falling off. Also make sure there are no cracks in the roof. If it needs fixing, hire a professional to do the job. (Kiplinger)

5. Prevent ice dams: If your home is prone to icicles and ice dams, you may want to take all precautions to prevent them. An ice dam not only causes meltwater to back up into your home, but can also rip shingles and gutters. To prevent this, seal air leaks, add insulation, and make sure your roof is vented properly. (Kiplinger)

6. Block dormant fireplaces: If your house has a fireplace that you don’t plan on using this winter, make sure to block it off. This will help keep warm air from escaping up the chimney. You don’t need to make a huge project from this; just put a decorative fireplace screen in front of it. (Womans Day)

7. Clean your chimney: If you’re roasting chestnuts on an open fire, make sure the smoke has somewhere to travel. Hire a chimney sweep to get rid of soot before using the fireplace. This precaution prevents carbon monoxide from seeping into your home. No one likes a dirty chimney! (Boston.com)[1]

Preparing your home for the winter cold is essential in keeping your home heated, flood free, and safe. It can even help decrease your energy bills during this high energy time. Take a day to do these projects, and your home will thank you.

Money Matters: How to Decrease Your Energy Bill this Winter

November 24, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Keeping your home warm during the winter months is essential, but your heating bills can add up quickly. You may think there is no hope when it comes to decreasing heating bills—you have to stay warm, so what are the alternatives? Think again and use these tips for helping to decrease your energy bill during the cold, winter months.

1. Change furnace filter: Furnace filters only cost a few dollars and can be installed easily. Over time, furnace filters can become clogged, making your furnace run less efficiently. Unclog the filter to save money. (Investopedia.com)

2. Replace light bulbs: Changing out your halogen or incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs is a great way to decrease costs. Fluorescent bulbs use 75% less energy than others, which won’t make you feel guilty about turning those lights on for the 5 pm sunset.

3. Attic insulation: Make sure that your insulation doesn’t just cover attic walls, but the floors as well. Uninsulated floors can cause heat to escape through the roof and make your home feel colder than it actually is. (Investopedia.com)

4. Adjust thermostat: You can save 10% on your yearly bill if you lower your thermostat 10-15 degrees for 8 hours. It’s best to do this during the day when it’s not as cold.

5. Humidifier: Investing in a humidifier can do wonders for your home. When your thermostat is turned down, a humidifier will keep the air moist and make the temperature feel warmer. (Daily Finance)

6. Use LED holiday lights: Keeping holiday lights running for a significant amount of time can really add up. Switch out regular lights for LED ones since they use 80-90% less energy. If you want to deck your halls for the holiday season, don’t rack up your energy bill in the process.

7. Raise the shades: The cheapest way to warm up your home? Pull open your blinds and curtains! Letting sunlight into a room is a good way to keep your house warm and energy bills low. (SF Gate)

Making your home more energy efficient can not only save you money and keep your home warm, but it can also reduce your home’s carbon footprint. Why not save money while making your home a better place to live?

Recommended Reading:

-Keep Your Home Cool Without Touching the Thermostat

-Summer Savings: 5 Ways to Decrease Your Energy Bill

-How To Decorate Your Home on a Budget

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/TBhFlZben5g/

Let the Games Begin: Which District Should You Live In?

November 21, 2014 By CENTURY 21

May the odds be ever in your favor!

It’s the time of the year when your favorite movie franchises hit the big screen. Whether it’s vampires, wizards, or victors, you can always identify with one of your favorite characters (even if you don’t agree with their personal aspirations). In this case, you may be able to identify with a particular district because each one is different and unique in its own way.

We’re not saying we’d want to participate in the ever famous Games, but take the quiz and keep track of your answers to figure out which district of Panem you belong to!

1. Which material do you prefer to have in your home?

Marble
Wood
Water
Stone

2. If you could decorate with only one color, which would you choose?

Pink
Brown
Blue
Black

3. What is your favorite food to make?

Caviar
Fish
Chili
Bread

4. What is your favorite activity?

Interior Design
Swimming
Camping
Hunting

Now it’s time for your results…

If you chose mostly As, you belong in The Capitol!

You enjoy the finer things in life and are more creative than most of your contemporaries. You love being in control, and there’s nothing wrong with that!

If you chose mostly Bs, you belong in District 4!

District 4 is the fishing district so if you love the water, you belong here! Your parents were helping you achieve their your dream career path since you could walk. You follow along (for the most part) but you have rebellious side that comes out when tested.

If you chose mostly C, you belong in District 7!

You’ve had an ax to grind with people for as long as you can remember. You may have been the tree in your school play every single year. This is the district responsible for lumber and wood. If you adore being outdoors and love nature, District 7 is the place for you.

If you chose mostly D, you belong in District 12!

Well aren’t you a regular Katniss Everdeen! District 12 is the coal mining district but also home to the girl on fire. You may not have had a lot of money growing up, but you know how to make do. You’re decisive and you’re never on the fence (partially because it is an electric fence…).

For entertainment purposes only.

Recommended Reading:

-The Ultimate Home Personality Quiz

-Carrie, Seinfeld, and Friends: NYC Apartments Straight from the Screen

-10 Real Houses Where Your Favorite Scary Movie May Have Occurred

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/GJ_tS81PN3I/

« Previous Page