A Morning Ritual

Eat the Frog

According to a famous quote attributed to (but probably not actually spoken by) Mark Twain, “If the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you can go through the day with the satisfaction of knowing that that is probably the worst thing that is going to happen to you all day long.” Put in simpler (and less gross) terms, get your most difficult task out of the way as early as possible so that it doesn’t hang over your head all day and you know, even on an off day, that you accomplished something. What that task is up to you — if you work from home and are prone to being sedentary, maybe it simply means working out shortly after waking up rather than waiting until the evening. The truly important thing is to start your day with a feeling of accomplishment rather than procrastinating for as long as possible.  “Wishing you a bless productive Day”

The last sentence I added.

Ann

181 total views, no views today

Get Gas in the Morning or at Night

When you head to the gas station does indeed make a difference. Filling up your tank early in the morning or late at night can save you some money over time, but not because prices are lower at different times of day — it’s because of temperature. Gas expands when heated, meaning filling up in the middle of the day, when the temperatures tend to be highest, could result in paying more for less gasoline. 

154 total views, no views today

The microwave was invented by accident.

Did you know?

The microwave was invented by accident.

During World War II, Allied forces gained a significant tactical advantage by deploying the world’s first true radar system. The success of this system increased research into microwaves and the magnetrons (a type of electron tube) that generate them. One day around 1946, Percy Spencer, an engineer at the aerospace and defense company Raytheon, stepped in front of an active radar set and noticed, to his surprise, that microwaves produced from the radar melted a candy bar in his pocket. After getting over his shock — and presumably cleaning up — Spencer conducted a few more experiments using eggs and popcorn kernels, and realized that microwaves could be used to cook a variety of foods. Raytheon patented the invention a short time later, and in 1947, the company released its first microwave.

213 total views, 1 views today

First-Time Home Buyer Loan Programs in Texas

First-Time Home Buyer Loans in Texas: Programs and Requirements

First-Time Home Buyer Loans in Texas: Programs and Requirements

So, you’ve decided to purchase your first home. Congratulations! Now, you likely have a lot of questions. The biggest questions out there are about first-time buyer home loans. There are many programs designed to assist first-time buyers in their home purchases, but where do you begin? What exactly is required to qualify for these first-time buyer programs? The realtors at Ann Jones Real Estate can help you sort through the loans, programs, and qualifications. Here’s an idea of what you might need to know to get started.

First-Time Home Buyer Loan Programs in Texas
Navigate with ease through the complex world of first-time home buyer loans in Texas. Trust Ann Jones Real Estate, Brownwood, TX, for expert guidance and support.

First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Texas

If you live in Brownwood, Texas, or the surrounding area, you need to know what programs are available in Texas. You’re in luck. There are programs for you.

Texas has basically six different FTHB (first-time home buyer) programs specific to the state. Here is a list of those programs.

  1. My First Texas Home

This loan is specifically for first-time home buyers. Applying for this loan is simple and some of the features include

  • Low downpayment requirements of 2-5%
  • 3-year forgivable second loans
  • 30-year second loans at 0% interest rate
  • Downpayment assistance with a mortgage credit certificate
  • My Choice Texas Home

This loan is available throughout the state of Texas. Some of the features include

  • No FTHB restrictions
  • Assistance with down payment and closing costs
  • Higher income limits than the My First Texas Home program
  • Home Sweet Texas

This loan has a little different flavor. You choose a lender, and the lender has to be approved for the TSAHC DPA programs.

  • Home for Texas Heroes

This loan is for teachers, firefighters, police officers, veterans, corrections officers, EMS, and nurses.

  • Texas Bootstrap Loans

This loan is designed to assist Texans with building their own homes. Some features include

  • 0% fixed rate 30-year loan (limited to $45000)
  • Works best for people who are interested in doing their own building
  • Texas Mortgage Credit Certificate

This is a tax credit program. It allows Texans to receive credit toward their mortgage payments up to $2000/year.

Requirements for First-Time Home Buyers in Texas

For the My First Texas Home Loan, the home buyers must be first-time homebuyers or not have owned a home in the past three years. You must also have a credit score of 620 minimum and meet the income requirement. The property value must also meet the requirements of the program and you’ll need to work with an approved mortgage lender.

The qualifications for the My Choice Texas Home Loan also include a credit score of at least 620, you must meet income limits, your home must meet the loan requirements and you must work with an approved lender.

In order to qualify for the Home Sweet Texas Loan, you must meet the following criteria. A FICO score of 620 for VA, FHA, or USDA or a credit score of 640 for a conventional loan is required for this loan. Approval from an approved lender and income limits are also required. In addition, this loan requires the completion of a homebuyer education course by one or both of the borrowers.

The Home for Texas Heroes is a wonderful program that basically just requires the borrower to have one of the qualifying professions to be approved for the loan.

The Texas Bootstrap Loan is a great loan for those who wish to do much of the work on their property, with that really being the one major requirement. The home buyer must be doing at least 65% of the work and must fall below 60% of the median income level.

The qualifications for the Texas Mortgage Credit Certificate include being a first-time home buyer or showing proof of not having owned a home in the past three years.

Nationwide First-Time Home Buyer Loans

The three types of nationwide first-time home buyer loans and their features and requirements are

  • VA loans-must be members of the military or their family members. These loans are for the full value of the home and require no downpayment. However, there is usually a fee that can be substantial depending on the size of the loan
  • FHA loans require a credit score of 580 or higher, this loan is provided through the federal government and requires only a down payment of 3.5%. This kind of loan is ideal for those who don’t have much of a down payment.
  • USDA loans-this unique loan is designed to help home buyers moving to rural areas. The income level of applicants cannot exceed 115% of the median income of the area, but if you qualify, it covers 100% of the home loan, meaning no downpayment is required.

Conclusion and CTA

With so many first-time home buyer loan options in Texas, there’s no time like the present to apply and begin looking for that first home. If you aren’t in Texas, there are many options on the national level that the federal government offers. If you have saved for a downpayment that is a wonderful benefit, but there are still many zero downpayment options available.

Ann Jones Realty

The best option when looking for that perfect first-time home buyer benefit is to contact someone who can help you navigate your options. If you are in the Brownwood, Texas area and looking to buy, sell, or rent look to the team at Ann Jones Real Estate. We are ready to assist you in all your realty needs. Helping with locating a property, creating a friendly environment, finding financing options, or selling, Ann Jones and her team are willing to help. They believe that the clients are their purpose and therefore they deserve quality service. If you are interested in learning more, visit the website or contact Ann Jones Real Estate at (325) 646-1500.

104 total views, 1 views today

What Does a Tiny House Cost? Prices, Hidden Costs, and Other Factors to Consider

What Does a Tiny House Cost? Prices, Hidden Costs, and Other Factors to Consider

What Does a Tiny House Cost? Prices, Hidden Costs, and Other Factors to Consider

The world of tiny houses can be very exciting! As our society moves more toward simplifying our lives and minimizing our carbon footprint, the idea of owning a tiny house can be very appealing. After all, tiny houses are much more affordable to build, and the energy bills are much lower than a large home. Imagine a home that requires minimal maintenance because of its size. But are there hidden costs associated with these ‘tiny houses’? What does owning a tiny house entail exactly? Let’s look at the pros and cons of having a tiny house and help you avoid spending more than you need to on a tiny house.

What Does a Tiny House Cost? Prices, Hidden Costs, and Other Factors to Consider
Explore the true cost of tiny houses with Ann Jones Real Estate. From hidden expenses to pricing factors, get the complete guide for your tiny home journey.

What is a Tiny House?

Any house that is 400 square feet or less qualifies as a tiny house. A tiny house will usually include a living room, kitchen, bathroom, and a bed. The bed is usually full-sized or queen-sized. Obviously, these homes are much smaller than a regular house.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Tiny House?

A tiny house could cost as little as $25,000 or as much as about $180,000 depending on it’s features. A tiny house that is on the low-cost end might be missing a few amenities. With the cost of a regular house being about $280,000 to build you are obviously saving money by building a tiny house. Due to the fact tiny houses cost so much less than regular houses, many people use the opportunity (and extra savings) to get high-end finishes in their homes, such as granite countertops, home cameras or security systems.

Tiny House Prices: What Do You Get for What You Pay?

For the price of a lower-end tiny house, such as a $10,000 or $20,000 house, you may get very few amenities. Some tiny houses don’t have bathrooms. In some states, this could present a problem so it’s best to check the state’s building codes before you commit any capital. There is a wide range of “what you pay and what you get” when it comes to building a tiny house and much of this has to do with what amenities you will choose as well as what building materials used to construct the tiny house.

The Hidden Costs of Tiny Homes

We spoke briefly about checking the various city, state and federal codes before building. There are many other costs associated with tiny homes that people fail to consider. Here are ten hidden costs of buying a tiny home.

  1. Zoning Laws
  2. Some people have the idea that they will build their tiny home on the property of a friend or family member. However, this is against zoning laws. This is just an example of one of the many zoning laws you may run into when building your tiny home. One good idea is to hire a property surveyor. This is someone who can help you figure out if the property on which you chose to build is the right one for you. They can also help you with the zoning laws in your area about what kinds of features you can have on your tiny house. A property surveyor will usually charge several hundred dollars. Suburban communities usually have very strict zoning laws, so it’s important to have sound advice and cover all your bases legally.
  • The Cost of Building Materials
    • Over the past few years, the cost of building materials has gone up substantially. This is due to the pandemic and due to the ebb and flow of building projects during that time, there was a breakdown in the supply chain. Inflation has also caused this price increase. The building materials alone could cost tens of thousands of dollars which could double or even triple the cost of your tiny home.
  • The Cost of Land
    • Speaking of inflation, the cost of land has also increased substantially. It could add to the price of your tiny house even more than you expect. Meeting with a realtor to purchase the most affordable land you will help you reduce costs.
  • The Cost of Towing the Home (if applicable)
    • Sometimes, people prefer a mobile tiny home instead of a stationary tiny home. This home will have to be towed and you will need to afford the appropriate towing vehicle.
  • Utilities
    • Consider living in a tiny home to be living “off the grid.” However, you will still need to pay for electricity, water, and gas. It is important to consider that these will still factor in. The upside is that with a much smaller home, there is less space to heat or cool. Solar panels can be an option, but they can also be quite expensive.
  • Loan Costs
    • Lenders will turn down loans for tiny homes due to the cost of the home being so low. If you can’t qualify for the mortgage, you may have to apply for a personal loan which can be much more expensive.
  • The Adjustments
    • Going from a few thousand square feet to several hundred square feet can be quite an adjustment. It can be a shock to realize that you may need all new appliances. The expense of this can really add up as you obtain appliances that are made specifically to fit tiny houses.
  • Storage
    • Most people can’t fit everything they own into a tiny home. They will have to rent a storage unit to store everything they own that doesn’t fit into a tiny home. The expense of this can escalate quickly, depending on how large your storage unit needs to be.
  • Resale Value
    • Tiny homes can be hard to resell. While traditional homes appreciate value, tiny homes frequently do not. Part of the reason is that very few people want to buy tiny homes. The number is much smaller than the number of people who want to buy traditional homes.
  1. Tiny Home Insurance
    1. Even though tiny homes are small, you will likely still need to have homeowners insurance. If you have a loan, your lender will likely require you to have homeowners insurance.

Is a Tiny House the Solution for me and my Family?

A tiny house is a decision that is a very personal one. The first recommendation is, of course, to discuss the idea of life in a tiny house with your own family. If you are looking for a way to decide whether a tiny house could be for you, you may want to weigh the pros and cons. If you are looking to downsize, want fewer houses to maintain, and have a property where a tiny house is permitted, building one might be for you. However, if you are nervous about the expenses that may accrue during the process, the necessary space for a family (3 or more individuals), or the potential hurdles with financing, a tiny home may not be the right choice.

Conclusion

Don’t let the hidden costs associated with a tiny house use up all your resources. It may be a better choice to just use your financial resources to make a nice down payment on a traditional home. Either way, we’re here to help!

Ann Jones Realty

Have questions about whether you not to build or buy a tiny home? Why not ask a realtor? In the Brownwood, Texas area, the clear choice is Ann Jones Real Estate. If you’re in the Brownwood area and looking to buy, sell, or rent look to the team at Ann Jones Real Estate. We are ready to assist you in all your realty needs. Helping with locating a property, creating a friendly environment, finding financing options, or selling, Ann Jones and her team are willing to help. They believe that the clients are their purpose and therefore they deserve quality service. If you are interested in learning more, visit the website or contact Ann Jones Real Estate at (325) 646-1500.

347 total views, 1 views today

9 Maintenance Tips for First-Time Homeowners

Home Maintenance Tips from Ann Jones Real Estate

If you’re a first-time homeowner, you’ll probably experience some trial and error before you know how to properly care for your new place. But you can avoid some costly mistakes by doing routine home maintenance that protects your investment. Here’s are 9 basic home maintenance tips for new homeowners to help you get started:

  1. Check gutters regularly to make sure they’re properly attached and clear of sticks and leaves. Also confirm the flow of water from your gutters is away from your home to avoid damage to your foundation.
  2. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly. Experts also recommend changing the batteries in these items as part of your routine when you change the clocks in the fall and spring.
  3. Change filters in your home at intervals recommended by your HVAC manufacturer, especially if you have allergies or pets. A dirty filter means an inefficient system. Also arrange for seasonal checks on your heating and cooling system to avoid emergency repairs.
  4. Is your toilet running? Or your faucets? No, this isn’t a joke. Toilets that run and faucets that leak when not in use are wasting your water. Sometimes you can fix these problems yourself, but hire an expert if you’re in doubt.
  5. Frequently check the water supply hose to your washing machine, which can leak and cause expensive damage.
  6. Clean your dryer vent regularly. Note that the dryer vent is not the lint trap (which should be cleaned often, too). Dryer vents push air outside the property through a duct, but can get filled with lint. Clogged dryer vents can be a fire hazard.
  7. Clean around the vents and coils underneath and behind your refrigerator to support its efficiency. Also, check for gaps when it’s closed to make sure your cool air isn’t being wasted.
  8. Check your doors, garage door, windows, and any places where pipes and wires enter the structure for gaps and cracks. Replace weather-stripping that’s missing or in disrepair and add caulk where needed. This will help you keep the house insulated for all seasons and keep bugs and small creatures out.
  9. Have a pest-control expert inspect your home, even if you don’t suspect signs of infestation, since attic and crawlspace critters are usually unwanted guests on your property.

As you can see, a lot of effort goes into maintaining your home, and these tips just scratch the surface. Call us at 325-646-1500 or leave a comment for other resources that can help you keep your home safe, efficient, and well-maintained.

For more tips on maintaining your home, visit our Fall Maintenance Checklist.

Post first written by the Texas Realtors®.

2,835 total views, 6 views today

Family Preparedness – 4 Tips to keep your family safe

Family Preparedness Tips from Ann Jones Real Estate

1. Awareness: If you have a cell phone, it is set up to send you Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) warning you of impending danger. Public alerts will also come through your television.

2. Establish family meeting spots: It’s important to stick together in an emergency. You will need four different meet up places: (a) In the event of a natural disasters, like a tornado or a hurricane, there needs to be an in-home meeting spot in (a) a windowless room, closet or bathroom, a safe room, or a basement. (b) There needs to be a pre-determined neighborhood meeting spot; i.e., a tree, the end of a driveway, or a neighbor’s house. (c) A regional meeting spot is needed; i.e., a school, a church, a community center, or a relative’s house. (d) In case of an evacuation, you will need an out-of-town meeting spot; i.e., the home of relatives or friends, a hotel, or a landmark.

3. Develop a family communication plan: In emergency situations, cell phones and text communication usually work better than email and landlines. Make sure everyone has everyone else’s contact information, including out of town contacts.

4. Everyone will need proof of identification: name, Social Security, blood type, medical information, medical contacts, medical insurance, list of needed medications, family contact information, emergency contact persons, etc. One way to do this is for everyone to have an ICE (“In Case of Emergency”) card. See www.GetICECard.com. It is also a good idea to have family member’s ICE information stored in your cell phones.

Information courtesy of http://www.jimsdailyawakenings.com/webdisplay.cfm?jdaid=3030 and edited for clarity.

17,600 total views, no views today

Moving Checklist

The best way to organize your move is to set your move-in date then use this guide to keep you on track from two months right up until you move. If you wait until the last minute, you might find yourself stuck renting a U-Haul and begging friends to tote your boxes for pizza and beer. There’s a better way.

First, determine your move date, then get busy with this checklist.

60 days before move

  • Sort, purge and donate – Make sure you only move things you want, need, and use. Start by tossing out anything damaged, donate what can be, give away items, and purge the unusable.
  • Find a mover – The process is more intense for a long-distance move, and it pays to start early. Check reviews for customer complaints of lost/broken items. Narrow to three options, interview, then decide.
  • Make a moving journal – Both digital and paper records are helpful. Create a spreadsheet to track due dates, the checklist, and to-dos. Use a paper journal to jot notes as you go, so nothing falls in the cracks.
  • Organize records – Locate all your critical documents, so they don’t get lost in the shuffle. School, shot, and vet records, passports, birth certificates, etc.

45 days before move

  • Gather moving supplies – You can buy, but why? Craigslist and Freecycle often have free boxes and packing stuff from others that recently moved. Otherwise, buy what you need
  • Start paring back – It’s time to look again at what you can cull after the initial purge. Offer unwanted items on LetGo to get them out of the way, do another round of donations, and organize.
  • Measure and plan – Measure your new space and furniture. Find out what will fit and decide what to shed, replace, and buy. Apps like Amikasa, Home Design 3D, and Rooms are helpful.
  • Pack up out-of-use items – Pack things you won’t miss. Start with out-of-season clothes, décor, books, and rarely-used items. Label and stack boxes by room.

30-days

  • Confirm mover arrangements – Choose your mover, sign the contract, and pay the deposit. Consider moving insurance, but first, check with your renters or homeowners policy to see if they cover moving loss.
  • Pack and label – Begin serious packing. Take pictures off walls, pack up clothes, and start boxing up the kitchen including appliances and less-used items. Label and sort boxes by room.
  • Register change of address – Change your address with: bank, credit cards, magazines, insurance company(s), employer, and set up a change of address and mail forward with the USPS. See when you can get your driver’s license changed.
  • Change bills – Update digital subscriptions if they require zip code info for credit card processing. Go through your bank statements to jog your memory. If you change banks, reset auto-payments as well.

15-days

  • Secure your records and valuables – In addition to your critical records, identify valuables you don’t want to misplace while moving. Identify and organize jewelry, portable heirlooms, and items of particular value.
  • Get time off work and clear your calendar – Schedule time off a day before and after your move and clear your social calendar. You’ll be busy and exhausted and don’t need distractions during your move.
  • Confirm movers and engage critical services – Reconfirm the mover. Set up utilities at your new place. Most services can be engaged quickly. Turn new services on several days before your move and shut off the old a day after.
  • Order new furniture/mattress – Order needed new items. Is your mattress fit to move? (See below). Shopping online for a mattress is convenient. If possible, schedule delivery a day or two before your move, so it’s ready and waiting at your new place.

1-week

  • Clean and repair – If you’re renting, it’s time to scour everything, putty nail holes, and break out the carpet cleaner, so you get your security deposit refunded. If you’re selling your house, cleaning and touch-up paint is just the start.
  • Refill medications – Make sure you have enough medication on-hand and don’t pack it – take it with you. Keep a first aid kit out for any moving incidents and prep other necessities.
  • Donate unused food – If you have perishables, you might not want to move them. Eat your leftovers, use what’s in the freezer and donate food you can’t consume. Canned and non-perishables are great to move.
  • Pack up everything else – With just a week to go, do your laundry, pack up everything except toiletries and some clothes. You can switch to takeout and paper plates so that you can pack most of your kitchen, too.

    moving-day

    Get a good night’s sleep – If you follow the checklist and are organized, there’s no reason to stay up late worrying. Get to bed at a reasonable time for a full night’s rest. Keep a notepad at your bedside for last-minute notes.

  • Dispose of mattress – Moving is a great time to get a new or larger mattress if needed. Schedule pick-up of your old one.
  • Hand-carry valuables and documents – For the things you can’t afford to be misplaced, keep them with you. Hand-carry your passport, birth certificate, and critical documents plus jewelry and other valuables.
  • Monitor the movers closely – Keep an eye on the movers to ensure your things are handled carefully and nothing goes missing (or misappropriated). Have cash on hand to distribute gratuities at the end for a job well done.

Article courtesy of Tuck.com

3,581 total views, no views today

Home Selling Goals in Brownwood, TX

How to Meet Your Home-Selling Goals

Whether you’re selling your home for the first time or the fifth, your goals stay the same: Attract buyers and secure a good sales price. Take these simple steps to reach your home-selling goals.

price-it-right

A REALTOR® can access reliable market data to help you determine the right price for your home. And when your home is priced properly for the market, you will get more interest from buyers. A home priced too low for the market may mean a quicker sale, but it also means you’ll be missing out on extra cash. Finding the sales price sweet spot is how you’ll meet your goals.

keep-it-nice

You might be surprised at how many sellers don’t de-clutter or make basic repairs before listing their home. Even in a seller’s market, buyers won’t make it past your listing photos if they are less appealing than others. Simple changes—like potted plants on the porch and a new coat of paint for the front door—can help make your home more marketable. Talk to your REALTOR® about what appeals to buyers in your market.

be-flexible

A REALTOR® will try to accommodate your schedule, but you should be realistic about having potential buyers see your home. Weekend and evening showings are helpful for prospects with a 9-to-5 job. And if your area attracts people relocating, they might only be in town for a few days with a compressed schedule. Most important: Give buyers space. It’s hard to get a feel for a property when an anxious seller is following you around during a showing. Your REALTOR® can help you meet buyers’ showing expectations.

A REALTOR® can help you market your home effectively to attract buyers and secure a good sales price.

 

Article courtesy of the Texas Association of REALTORS®

1,790 total views, 2 views today

Home Resolutions in Brownwood, TX

5 Home Resolutions to Improve Your Lifestyle in 2019

In honor of the New Year, for our first post of 2019 we have compiled this list of resolutions that will help you make your home more beautiful, eco-friendly, and easier to maintain that ever:

clear-the-clutter

One of the best and least expensive ways to feel better about your home is to clear it of clutter.

Each year, especially around the holidays, most of us acquire a mountain of stuff. Without some regular purging, cabinets, drawers, and even surfaces start to overflow. Eventually, it becomes hard to find the things you use and enjoy the most. (All that clutter also makes your house look dated and dirty, designers say.)

This year resolve to go room-by-room periodically clearing anything that you don’t use, wear or love and donate it to charity. After that, think twice about what you bring in; fill your home with the things that raise your energy level and make you feel good, and get rid of things that drain your energy or are broken,” she says.

Stash useful (but not beautiful) items such as DVDs, remotes and those kicked-off shoes in simple woven baskets. Group similar items together on sleek trays for a modern look.

Clear your counters of everything you don’t use on a daily basis. And get ready to breathe a little easier in your own home.

safe-and-sound

Your home may be beautiful, but is it safe? There are a few things that every homeowner should do to ensure that they’re not living with a potential health hazard or fire risk.

First, check your house for radon. This colorless, odorless gas causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year from the radioactive particles it traps in your lungs as you breathe, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. One in every fifteen homes has elevated levels. And with test kits costing as little as $20 at your local hardware store, there’s no reason not to get right on that.

While we’re on the subject of deadly gas, install a carbon monoxide detector on every bedroom floor. If a chimney flue or furnace vent gets blocked or leaks, carbon monoxide could back up in your house and kill you. Like a radon test, this is a small investment — $40 or more — for such an important safeguard.

Watch out for dryer lint. We know you clean the little trap inside the door, but most people neglect to clean the vents and ducts behind the dryer. Lint may seem innocent, but it’s highly combustible, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, accounting for more than 15,000 building fires a year.

Make sure your house can breathe. Many people’s bathrooms and attics aren’t vented to the outside (or the vents are covered over with shingles.) This makes you a prime candidate for mold.

And if you’re considering a remodel, consider testing for lead paint and asbestos flooring. It will have to handled properly during removal, or particles can be released into the air for you to ingest.

lower-bills-go-green

When people think of going green, they often think it takes solar panels or a hybrid car to make a difference. But all it really takes is a little good old-fashioned common sense.

The best place to start is by cutting your energy usage in your home:

– Remember your mom’s advice and switch off the lights when you leave a room.

– Turn off your air conditioner when you leave the house and dial your heater down to 55 degrees at night.

– Install LED bulbs and low-flow shower-heads.

– Try drying some of your clothes on the line. Also, wait for the dishwasher or washing machine to be full before you run them.

– Turn off your power strips and/or set your home computer to revert to sleep mode when not in use.

– Water your yard less. Put in drought-tolerant landscaping if necessary.

– Give composting a try. Your garden will thank you.

clean-schedule

Here are a few tips for keeping the mess under control from Jeff Campbell, author of the book Speed Cleaning.

Daily: Dishes go in the dishwasher every night – no excuses! Dirty clothes go in the hamper and jackets or clean clothes are hung in the closet. Bring everything back to its assigned place.

Weekly: Clean your entire house, using these tips:

– Keep all of your cleaners, as well as rubber gloves and spare cleaning cloths – in a portable carryall that moves with you from room to room.

– Stash cleaning implements such as a toothbrush, scraper, sponge, cloths and plastic bags in an apron that you wear when you clean. Hook your glass cleaner and all-purpose cleaning spray on the loops to keep your hands free as you work around the room clockwise, cleaning from high (cabinets) to low (floors.)

– Focus on one type of cleaning at a time. It’s faster, Campbell says. Wipe down fingerprints on all of the cabinets, for instance, before moving on to spraying and wiping counters. Then move on to windows and mirrors and appliances. Once that’s done move on to sweeping and then mopping floors.

– For optimum efficiency, enlist the help of your family. If you can, divide the jobs among at least three parties. One of you can do the dusting/vacuuming and changing beds, another can do the bathroom cleanup, leaving only the kitchen and trash emptying for you to handle. The upside? You can get the whole house done in 45 minutes, Campbell says, leaving more time on the weekends for the park or the movies.

prepare-to-entertain

Each year most of us vow to spend more time with family and friends. To make you feel like inviting people in, why not give the areas you entertain in a little update?

You don’t have go for broke here and invest in a new kitchen remodel. All it takes to get a fresh new look is a little bit of rearranging and a few updates, says designer McCormick.

McCormick also suggests the addition of plants, as they are an easy update that makes your home seem more “finished”.

“They bring in new energy and help clean the air,” she says. “And it’s a great way to decorate if you’re on a budget.”

A couple of dramatic presentations like a large flowering agapanthus (Lily of the Nile) or potted palm in a bright ceramic planter can do the wonders.

Pulling out a new accent color from your existing decor can make the whole room seem fresh. Pick an underused color in the room and add more of it in the form of a new pillow or throw to update your look, McCormick advises. A colorful rug or runner can also help anchor your space.

Lastly, take some time to rearrange your furniture so it is oriented in conversation groups and not just facing the television. That just might up for chances for real conversation and connection in the New Year.

We hope these tips and tricks help make your 2019 a happy and healthy year!

2,455 total views, no views today