Buyers • July 8, 2025

The Difference Between a Real Estate Agent and a Mortgage Broker

by Don Koonce

Throughout the course of buying a home, you’ll work with a variety of professionals, all with specific training to help you through each stage of the process. With such a cast of specialists around you, it’s helpful to know everyone’s responsibilities and which questions to ask whom. One important distinction to be made is the difference between your real estate agent and your mortgage broker. The following information is a guide to understanding where they differ and how each of them helps you to buy a home.

Real Estate Agent vs. Mortgage Broker

Both real estate agents and mortgage brokers are licensed professionals who play a pivotal role in the home buying process by bringing parties together to get a deal done. However, that’s about where the similarities end.

Real Estate Agent

Your real estate agent will represent you throughout the buying process. Their access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) allows them to search the widest network of available homes to find the ones that match your budget and criteria. They’ll also receive alerts on open houses and are usually the first to know when new listings hit the market.

Once you’ve identified a home you’d like to pursue, they’ll assist you in putting together your offer, negotiating with the listing agent representing the seller, and guide you through the counteroffer process (should there be one). Once the seller accepts your offer, your agent will help you negotiate any final repair requests found in the home inspection and assist you through closing until you’ve received the keys to your new home.

The point is: your agent will be with you throughout your home buying journey, from start to finish. They are an invaluable resource for local market knowledge and real estate expertise. Though they will not execute the financial aspects of a home purchase for you, (that’s where your mortgage broker comes in), they can recommend trusted lenders with whom you can apply for and secure a home loan.

For more information on working with an agent, visit our Home Buying Guide:

Mortgage Broker

Mortgage brokers work on the financial side of a real estate transaction, representing buyers to find them favorable mortgage terms when shopping for a home loan. They connect borrowers to lenders by researching the various fees and rates associated with obtaining a mortgage, accessing the buyer’s financial creditworthiness, and coordinating paperwork. Mortgage brokers are not responsible for loaning any money. Once they’ve found the right lender and loan product for their client, they hand the baton to the lender, who will then disburse the funds at the appropriate time.

Working with a mortgage broker can save you time and money. In some cases, they may be able to get the lender to waive certain fees and are experts at finding the best deal for their clients among a vast array of loans and lenders. Mortgage brokers are instrumental in getting your financing for your home purchase secured and provide guidance on which loan products may work best for you.

For more on the financial aspects of a home purchase, check out the following:

Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent and Mortgage Broker

Now that you know a bit more about the respective responsibilities of real estate agents and mortgage brokers, here are a few common questions to ask when conducting interviews:

Real Estate Agent	Mortgage Broker
How do you help buyers to make their offer stand out?	What is the required down payment for this loan?
Which designations and/or certifications do you have?	What’s the difference between fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages?
How many clients are you working with currently?	Which costs are attached to this loan?
What is the best way to contact you?	How high does my credit score need to be?
How long have you been an agent in the local market?	What is the interest rate for this loan?
Do you represent both buyers and sellers?	What’s the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
Do you have recommendations for mortgage brokers, home inspectors, etc.?	Is there a prepayment penalty?

Sellers • July 3, 2025

High ROI Remodeling Projects to Increase Home Value

by Don Koonce

This blog post contains excerpts of the “Remodeling 2022 Cost vs. Value Report” (costvsvalue.com).¹

As you prepare to sell your home, one of the major considerations you may face is whether to remodel, and if so, how to allocate your remodeling budget. Remodeling can help differentiate your home from competing listings in your area, but this competitive advantage comes at a price.

The following information provides insight on which remodeling projects deliver high ROI. To maximize the value of your remodel, talk to your agent about what buyers in your area are looking for and align your efforts accordingly.

High ROI Remodeling Projects to Increase Home Value

It’s no secret that buyers want to see a home with curb appeal and attractive interior spaces. But as a seller, you’ll only have so much budget to work with and you want to get the most return on your investment. As laid out below, here are the five highest ROI remodeling projects nationwide as found in the Remodeling 2022 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com).¹

Remodeling Project	Cost of Remodeling Project (2022)	Resale Value of Remodeling Project (2022)	ROI
Garage Door Replacement	$4,041	$3,769	93.3%
Manufactured Stone Veneer	$11,066	$10,109	91.4%
Minor Kitchen Remodel (Midrange)	$28,279	$20,125	71.2%
Siding Replacement (Fiber – Cement)	$22,093	$15,090	68.3%
Window Replacement (Vinyl)	$20,482	$13,822	67.5%

This data shows that for a given remodeling project a higher expenditure doesn’t necessarily equate to higher ROI. It’s interesting to note that only one indoor project—the minor kitchen remodel—placed in the Cost vs. Value Report’s top five.

Four of the Cost vs. Value Report’s bottom six entries are upscale remodeling projects, all with roughly a 50% average return on investment. The conclusion to be drawn here is that remodels of this magnitude are expensive and should be considered carefully before you greenlight them. The upside to these projects, though, is that they have a much higher resale value than a simple fresh coat of paint or a change in décor. If you and your agent identify a logical upscale remodel with serious resale potential whose costs you can handle, it can help you get the best price for your home.

So, does this mean you should replace your garage door before selling your home bar none? Not necessarily. Again, your remodeling priority list should target the areas of your home that need attention while aligning with local buyer interest. Your agent can provide guidance on what competing listings in your area are offering and refer you to trusted remodeling contractors in your area.

Budget-Friendly ROI Home Projects

Though smaller scale home makeovers don’t have the value-adding power of larger remodeling projects, they can still make a difference when selling your home.

Instead of an upscale kitchen remodel, you can focus more on making minor improvements in several areas. For example, repainting or refinishing your cabinets, swapping out your drawer pulls and hardware, and installing new appliances can make your kitchen feel brand new with a smaller budget. When remodeling your bathroom, tasks like refinishing your tub, installing new lighting, and a new backsplash can make a strong impression on buyers.

For more information on budget-friendly home makeovers with ROI potential, check out our quick guides to upgrading your bathrooms, bedrooms, home office, and kitchen.

© 2022 Zonda Media, a Delaware Corporation. Complete data from the Remodeling 2022 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at costvsvalue.com.

Living • July 1, 2025

9 Summer DIY Projects

by Don Koonce

When home-project lists pile up, it can leave some homeowners feeling overwhelmed by their to-dos. One helpful strategy is to prioritize your projects by season. The following list of simple and cost-effective summer projects will help make the most of your summer at home while preparing for the seasons ahead.

9 Summer DIY Projects

1. Organize a Garage/Yard Sale

No summer project list would be complete without a task to sift through your home’s clutter and organize a garage or yard sale. While you’re compiling items to be sold, identify which items can be donated to declutter your home most effectively.

2. Upgrade Your Front Porch

Your home’s front porch can make a lasting impression. Make a statement with a boldly colored front door, look for stylish house numbers, and add classic front porch elements like a sitting bench or swing for ultimate comfort.

3. Fix Up Your Fence

Whether your fence needs a simple wash, a new sealant or stain, or structural repair, summer is high time to get this work done and extend the life of your fence. Power washers are a helpful tool in getting your fence clean before re-staining. Let the fence dry for one to two days before applying the stain.

4. Build a Firewood Shed

It’s best to prepare for winter ahead of time. In summer, conditions are perfect to build a firewood shed to keep your firewood dry throughout the fall and winter. Build a simple enclosure with an open front. This lets air pass through easily, drying the wood quickly.

5. Repaint Kitchen Cabinets

A fitting summer project in the kitchen, repainting your cabinets brings new life into the space without the hefty price tag of a full-scale renovation. For a complete refresh, repaint the hardware too, or replace them to match the new cabinet color. These Simple Kitchen Makeover Ideas can make a noticeable difference in the heart of your home.

6. Exterior Painting

Giving the outside of your home a fresh coat of paint does wonders for its curb appeal. Summer is a great time to get outside and paint, as the chances for rain are lower than other seasons. Although an exterior paint job is DIY-eligible, it can be a time-consuming task that some homeowners may not have the bandwidth to complete. If you need to hire a professional to handle the exterior repainting, consider focusing your DIY painting efforts elsewhere (trim, fencing, indoors).

7. Build a Fire Pit

A new fire pit may be just what your backyard needs to maximize your summer at home. Common fire pit materials include brick, stone, and cinder blocks. Outline your fire pit before you start digging. Once the hole is dug six to eight inches deep, fill in the hole with gravel until it is level with the ground. Choose your materials, fix the stones into the ground, compact them together, and enjoy nights by the fire under the stars. Check for local digging regulations and burn bans.

8. Install a Window Air Conditioner

Depending on your local climate, the hottest time of year is either already here or fast approaching. Install a window AC unit to enjoy the time you spend indoors comfortably. Installation is typically a two-person job, so be sure to have help ready when it comes time to install.

9. Insulate Your Basement/Crawl Space

Although not the most glamorous of all summer projects, taking time to insulate your basement or crawl space during summer will pay off come winter. Because it may take multiple trips to properly install the insulation, the summer weather makes for more ideal conditions to accomplish the task.

For more helpful info on home improvement DIY projects you can accomplish this summer, check out these 5 Design Projects to Improve Your Backyard.

Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: sanjeri

SOLD • June 26, 2025

SOLD: Upper Rainier Beach View Home + Well-Maintained Kirkland Home

by Don Koonce

NEW LISTING NOW PENDING

9738 Arrowsmith Avenue S
Seattle, WA 98118
$769,950

Beds: 3
Baths: 2
Size: 1,980 sqft
Days on OneHome: 7

Views-views-views! Exciting view home tucked on a quiet lane in the heart of Upper Rainier Beach. Daylight basement midcentury rambler, first time on market since 1977 with HUGE views of Lk WA, Mercer Is, Cascades & Mt. Baker. Foyer entry directs all the senses to water and sky views framed by a window wall of glass; open floor plan connects easily to view deck for outdoor living & entertaining. Beautiful hardwood floors protected by carpet 50+yrs, 2 fireplaces, finished daylight LL with separate entry for future ADU, gas heat, A/C. Walk to all the local favorites: Redwing cafe, Jude’s/Drae’s bistros, Creamy Cone for dessert. Lk WA beaches, urban necessities, Light Rail w/i 1+/-mile radius. All the essentials for your dream home in dream location.

UNDER CONTRACT FOR BUYERS

12905 111th Place NE
Kirkland, WA 98034
$1,130,000

Beds: 3
Baths: 2
Size: 1,690 sqft
Days on OneHome: 26

This well-maintained home sits conveniently in the Juanita/Totem Lake area, fully-fenced, within a quiet cul-de-sac (no HOA). Your level lot and private backyard is perfect for summer grilling (SW exposure), growing your favorite fruits, herbs, and veggies, or simply relaxing on your spacious patio. In fall and winter, enjoy movie nights on your automatic projector screen, or cozy up by your gas fireplace with a favorite book. All appliances are included. Enjoy the perks of your gas stove, range hood (vents outside), tankless hot water, and A/C. The Park & Ride, quick 405 access, The Village at Totem Lake, hospitals, top-rated schools, and more, are close by. Last but not least – snowy views from your front window are a sight you must see!

Buyers • June 24, 2025

Planning Ahead: A 12-Month Guide to Buying Your First Home

by Don Koonce

Thinking about buying a home can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time. What should be an exciting milestone can feel overwhelming without a clearly defined roadmap, and diving in headfirst without a solid plan can lead to unnecessary stress, financial surprises, and missed opportunities. However, by establishing a timeline and breaking the process down into manageable steps, you can move forward with confidence and clarity.

Here is your month-by-month guide to preparing for a successful home purchase in the following year.

12 – 10 Months Out

Know Your Why

Understand your motivation for buying. Are you relocating, growing your household, or ready to invest in your future? Clearly defining your “why” will help shape your search criteria and influence your budget, location, and timeline.

Set Clear Goals

Start to think about what you want in your new home. Create a list of your wants versus must-haves, including location, budget, size, and style of home. These goals will act as a compass throughout your search. Be sure to include your ideal timeline and what you hope to get out of the overall experience.

Find an Agent That Prioritizes Your Goals and Timeline

A trusted real estate agent is more than just a facilitator; they’re a guide, negotiator, and advocate. Look for someone who understands your timeline and long-term vision and is familiar with the local market. Ask them to provide a first-time buyer’s guide or checklist to help you get started. Building this relationship early allows your agent to understand your needs and preferences in advance, setting the stage for a smoother process when you’re ready to make your move.

9 – 7 Months Out

Assess Your Finances

Take a close look at your income, debt, and spending habits. Use this time to create a monthly budget that includes future mortgage payments, utilities, insurance, taxes, and home maintenance. Many experts recommend spending no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing costs.

Boost Your Credit

Your credit score has a significant impact on your buying power, including your mortgage rate and loan approval. Take the next few months to pay down high-interest debt, stay current on all payments, and avoid opening new credit accounts. Check your credit report for errors and work on improving your score if needed.

Start Saving

You’ll want to have enough set aside not only for a down payment, which is typically 3% to 20% of the purchase price, but also for closing costs, moving expenses, and initial home repairs or furnishings. During this time, try to avoid nonessential major purchases and think about setting up a dedicated home savings account to stay consistent.

6 – 4 Months Out

Talk to a Financial Advisor

A financial advisor can help you align your financial goals with your homebuying plans. They can offer advice on what you can realistically afford and help identify areas to strengthen your financial readiness. You can also use tools like an online mortgage calculator to get a clearer idea of what your future monthly payments might look like.

Research Homebuyer’s Courses & Guides

Take advantage of first-time homebuyer resources, guides, and online courses. The more you know earlier on, the more confident you’ll feel.

3 – 2 Months Out

Familiarize Yourself with the Market

Start browsing homes and monitoring prices in the neighborhoods you’re interested in. Learn whether your local market is currently favoring buyers or sellers and what that could mean for your strategy.

Meet with a Lender and Get Pre-Approved

Meeting with a lender and getting pre-approved can help give you a clear picture of how much you can borrow and what price range to shop within. It also shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer when the time comes to make an offer. Your realtor can recommend trusted lenders to work with and assist you through this process.

Start Your Home Search

Now that you have your list of wants and needs and know your price range, you’re ready to start searching for your dream home. Use online property research tools to filter by location, features, and price to see what’s available in the locations you like. Narrow down your top homes and start scheduling showings and comparing listings.

1 Month Out

Make an Offer

Once you find “the one,” your agent will help you craft a competitive offer, negotiate terms, and guide you through contingencies.

Get a Home Inspection
If your offer is accepted, a licensed inspector will identify any issues with the property before you finalize your purchase. Depending on what comes up, this can give you leverage to negotiate repairs or price adjustments.

The Time Has Come

Closing On Your New Home
You’ve made it! During closing, you’ll sign paperwork, pay final costs, and receive the keys to your new home. Your agent and lender will walk you through the final steps to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Buying a home may seem like a big leap, but with a solid 12-month plan and the right support, it can be an extremely rewarding experience. Take it one step at a time and know that a trusted agent is here to help whenever you’re ready.

Living • June 19, 2025

How to Create a Balcony Garden

by Don Koonce

Gardens come in all shapes and sizes. For those who don’t have a flourishing backyard with acres of greenery, you’ve got to make do with the space you have to satisfy your inner green thumb. Creating a balcony garden can bring life to your terrace and give you some healthy options to add into your cooking. By plotting out the space, researching which plants will thrive on your balcony, and gathering the right materials, you’ll set yourself up for gardening success.

How to Create a Balcony Garden

First, consider your space. The amount of sunlight your balcony gets will determine what you’re able to grow and how quickly your garden will grow. Crops like tomatoes and strawberries need lots of sun to grow up healthy, while others like peas and herbs can still thrive in less sunlight. If your balcony is sunlight-deprived, you may need to invest in a grow light to give your plants the light they need.

How to Plant an Herb Garden

What are your goals for your balcony garden? Are you looking to build out your collection of natural herbs or do you want to turn your terrace into your own personal exotic oasis? Whether your motives are culinary or aesthetic, planning out your garden will help you maximize space. Hanging and stack planters allow you to create a vertical garden, which helps save space. Climbing plants like honeysuckle, ivy, ferns, and different varieties of vines are perfectly suited for this kind of garden design. Before hanging any planting pots, hooks, trellises, shelves, or any kind of gardening equipment, check your governing Homeowners Association (HOA) policies to make sure your plans are within the rules.

A young woman replants plants on her balcony garden.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: AleksandarNakic

Keep Your Plants Healthy

With any garden, your main concern is keeping your plants healthy. This means giving them plenty of water, treating your soil with care, and keeping up with seasonal demands depending on your local climate. If you’re looking to save money on your balcony gardening project, don’t focus your frugal efforts on soil. Soil is the lifeblood of your garden, so it’s important to give it a fresh, nutrient-rich mixture. Once you’ve selected your plants, research their needs to see which potting mix you need to pick up at your local gardening or hardware store. Depending on the chemical makeup of the potting soil, you may not need to fertilize your plants right away.

With a balcony garden, it’s also important to keep your neighbors happy. Put saucers underneath your pots to prevent excess water from dripping onto the neighbors beneath you. This will also cut down on wasted water, one of the main principles of sustainable gardening. Self-watering pots are helpful, especially if you’re not always around to water your plants. They prevent overwatering by metering the amount of water your plants receive, only feeding them when necessary.

You also need to consider how much weight you’re adding to your balcony. Yes, terra cotta pots have that quintessential Tuscan gardening look, but a dozen ceramic pots filled with water-soaked plants might bear more weight on your terrace than it’s prepared for. Look at more lightweight potting alternatives and different soil mixtures than can lighten the load on your balcony.

For more information on making the most out of your garden, read our blog post on urban farming:

A Quick Guide to Urban Farming

Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: ibnjaafar

Architecture • Design • June 17, 2025

Pueblo Revival Architecture and Its Timeless Southwestern Charm

by Don Koonce

Pueblo Revival architecture is one of the most distinctive and enduring styles in the American Southwest. With its warm stucco walls, rounded edges, and earthy materials, it’s a look that’s both culturally significant and inviting. Rooted in Indigenous and Spanish colonial traditions, this style has evolved over time while remaining closely tied to the landscape and climate it was originally built for. Today, Pueblo Revival homes continue to charm homeowners with a timeless design and unmistakable Southwestern character.

Origins and Historical Significance

Pueblo Revival architecture has roots that run deep, drawing inspiration from the Indigenous Puebloan communities and early Spanish settlers of the Southwest. This blend of cultures creates structures that reflect a centuries-old tradition of building in harmony with the environment. Built to thrive in arid climates, these homes feature thick walls made from adobe or stucco, which helps keep interiors cool during the day and warm at night.

It’s a design ideally suited for the desert, where water isn’t abundant, and staying comfortable means working with, not against, the elements. Spanish influences brought the use of wood, while the earthy colors mirror the atmosphere. Today, you’ll find Pueblo Revival homes across Arizona, New Mexico, California, and beyond, each one a testament to Southwestern living.

Key Features and Design Elements

Pueblo Revival design, also known as Santa Fe and Southwestern, is easy to spot and even easier to love. Here are some hallmark elements:

Walls are typically built with adobe, stucco, or sun-dried mud.
Flat or low-pitched roofs with parapets.
Rounded corners and soft edges create a gentle, organic feel.
Neutral and earthy color palettes inspired by the desert landscape.
Large Spanish-inspired wooden doors, exposed beams, and vigas add warmth and texture.
Small, deep-set windows.
Porch posts and covered patios provide shade from the desert sun.

Modern Interpretations and Living Spaces

Today, Pueblo Revival homes continue to evolve, embracing modern conveniences while staying true to their roots. Many still feature signature elements like exposed wood beams, earth-toned exteriors, and textured finishes. Thoughtful landscaping and eco-friendly materials continue to help these homes blend seamlessly with the surrounding desert environment.

Inside, you’ll often find interiors that echo the home’s Southwestern heritage in subtle and loud ways. Handcrafted pottery, cactus plants, woven textiles, and other nods to regional artistry bring warmth and character to the space. Rich desert-inspired hues like terracotta, sunset red, adobe orange, and golden yellow are often paired with earthy neutrals to create depth. Vibrant accent colors like turquoise or deep blue add a touch of contrast, reflecting the natural beauty of the landscape. The result is a space that feels grounded, soulful, and full of life.

Explore our guide to Southwestern interior design for more inspiration.

Pueblo revival homes are a celebration of history, craftsmanship, and natural beauty. Whether you’re captivated by their timeless charm or drawn to their modern interpretations, these homes offer a well-balanced, organic lifestyle that’s always in style.

Real Estate News & Information • June 12, 2025

Local Market Update – June 2025

by Don Koonce

May brought a continued surge in housing inventory across the Puget Sound, with active listings reaching their highest levels since 2018. While buyer activity showed some seasonal momentum, it continued to lag behind the influx of new listings, suggesting that many buyers are staying on the sidelines as interest rates hover near 7%. Still, early signs of price stabilization and greater selection suggest new opportunities could be emerging. Whether the market continues this trajectory remains an open question in the months ahead.

Last month, the Eastside saw a year-over-year drop of 4% in the median residential sold price, settling at $1,633,500. Inventory more than doubled, rising 103%, but demand didn’t keep pace. Pending sales dipped 4%, and closed sales fell 18%. Still, homes moved quickly – 88% sold within 30 days or less. The area’s median condo price declined 3% to $728,400, and active listings jumped 129%.

King County home prices dipped 1% compared to last May, falling to a median of $989,000. Active listings surged 58%, continuing several months of strong inventory growth. But buyers remained cautious – pending sales declined 1%, and closed sales fell 14%. In King County’s condo market, the median price dropped 4% to $569,900, while active condo listings rose 57%.

May’s median sold price for a single-family home in Seattle rose 5% year over year to $1,010,650. Active listings climbed 44%, reflecting increased seller activity. Pending residential sales increased 8%, but closed sales dropped 19%, underscoring buyer hesitancy. For the city’s condos, the median price fell 4% to $573,250, while active listings increased 37%.

Snohomish County was the only region to post gains in both pending and closed residential sales last month, each up 1% year over year. The median residential sold price inched up 1% to $833,000. Active listings rose 54%, offering buyers more choices in a relatively affordable market – possibly a factor in the modest increase in sales activity. In the county’s condo segment, the median price fell 12% to $489,975, while active listings soared 118%.

As we head into summer, the gap between rising inventory and measured buyer demand will be a key trend to watch. Whether increased supply leads to further price softening may depend on how buyers respond to ongoing economic pressures. In a fast-moving market like this, having the right guidance is essential. Connect with a Windermere advisor today for expert insights tailored to your real estate goals.

Click here to read more.

Living • June 10, 2025

6 Natural Cleaning Solutions for Your Home

by Don Koonce

The last thing you want to do when cleaning your home is spread chemicals around; your house won’t be as clean, and it can pose risks for the health of your household. Organic home cleaning products reduce this risk by relying on natural ingredients that can often deliver a deeper cleanse. You can find cleaning solutions like these browsing the aisles at your local grocery store. Here are a few common cleaning methods and how to apply them around your home.

6 Natural Cleaning Solutions for Your Home

1. Clean with Lemons

When life gives you lemons…clean! And then once your home is sparkling clean, make lemonade with the leftovers. Lemons are not only delicious in food and drinks, but their chemical makeup is tailor-made for cleaning your home. Mixing lemon juice and baking soda makes a powerful cleaning solution that can tackle most cleaning chores normally performed with a sponge. When combined with soap, baking soda, and water, lemons can also be an effective degreaser. Find a recipe online and get to cleaning naturally!

7 Tips for Cleaning Your Appliances

2. Use Vinegar to Clean Your Home

Beyond its culinary uses, vinegar is a fantastic cleaning aid for homeowners. Most people know it can clean, deodorize, and eliminate stains, but did you know it can eliminate small pockets of mold growth, too? Homemade cleaning recipes involving vinegar call for an equal-parts distillation with water. Once you’ve created your mix, go to town on the various surfaces throughout your home—bathroom sink, toilet, stovetop, countertops, etc.—and watch the cleaning magic take place. Test your mixture before application to make sure it doesn’t damage your surfaces.

How to Prevent and Deal with Mold

3. Clean with Baking Soda

No kitchen cabinet is complete without a box of baking soda. Run half a cup of baking soda through your drains with hot water periodically to keep them from clogging. Add a few dashes on your sponge to supercharge your scrubbing efforts and save some elbow grease. Let it sit on greasy kitchen pans and pots for a few minutes before doing the dishes and watch the food gunk disappear. It can even polish metal, clean your shower, and absorb unwanted odors throughout your home. It truly is the natural cleaning solution with 1,001 uses.

5 Pet-Friendly House Cleaning Tips

A closeup shot of a man’s arms cleaning his home. He sprays a bottle of cleaning solution on his kitchen countertop and scrubs the surface as the sunlight pours in through the window. He wears yellow rubber gloves and a navy polo shirt.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: PeopleImages

4. Clean with Salt at Home

Salt is a staple of home life, but it can do more than garnish your meals. Indoors, it can help you with everything from removing coffee and wine stains to quickly cleaning up food spills in the kitchen. Simply sprinkle salt on the areas where food has spilled, let it sit for five minutes, and clean the mess away like magic. Another handy homeowner tip: mix 1 teaspoon of salt with a few drops of water to form a paste that can be used to remove rings left by glasses, mugs, and cups on wood.

5 Ways to Create a Sustainable Kitchen

5. How to Clean with Olive Oil

You’ve drizzled it on your salads and cooked with it, but did you know you can use olive oil to clean your home, too? By combining olive oil, vegetable oil, and a teaspoon of salt, you can quickly whip up a natural, tough-acting cleaning solution that will clean up the most resistant food spills in the kitchen and beyond. It can even polish wood furniture with a recipe of two parts olive oil and vinegar to one part lemon juice. Finally, you can clean your stainless-steel appliances with a little olive oil and a microfiber cloth.

13 Appliance Tips & Hacks for Household Chores

6. Cleaning with Coffee Grounds

They’re not just part of your morning routine; coffee grounds can be one of the most helpful cleaning solutions. Coffee grounds are naturally coarse, making them an effective cleaning agent for wiping away grease and grime without scratching the material underneath. Combine a few scoops of coffee with warm water to clear debris from your pots, pans, and grill grates. Add a little soap to the mixture to get those pots and pans sparkling clean.

7 Tips for Sustainable Living at Home

For more home cleaning tips, plus info on remodeling, home security, and more, visit the Living category of our blog:

Windermere Blog – Living

Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: LaylaBird

Living • June 5, 2025

Tips for Home Pest Control and Prevention

by Don Koonce

Any evidence of a pest infestation is a bad omen for homeowners. The last thing you want on your mind is the thought that critters could be crawling through your home, wreaking havoc as they go. Being proactive about home pest control can help you prevent an infiltration, and knowing what to do at the first signs of pest activity will help you limit the damage they cause.

Tips for Home Pest Control

Being a homeowner comes with the responsibility of protecting your property. Whether it’s a home security system to deter home burglaries, regularly cleaning to prevent mold growth, or testing for asbestos, you’ve got a lot on your plate. But these aren’t just nagging to-do-list items, they are important proactive steps that will help you avoid costly repairs. Preventing pests is no different; even the smallest bugs can do big damage. So, how do you stop them?

The best defense is a good offense, and keeping pests from getting inside will help reduce the damage they can cause. Though you may not be able to shut out every single bug, you can make it difficult for them. Cover holes with durable materials like steel wool and copper mesh to keep them out. Check all the seals and weatherstripping around your doors, windows, and on your roof, re-caulking as necessary to make them airtight, and patch up sections of torn window screens with new screen material. The gardener in you may enjoy the flourishing look of your plants, trees, and shrubs fully grown out, but if they’re touching your home’s siding or roof, it’s basically a highway express lane for pests headed indoors. Trim all landscaping away from your home to limit pest traffic and reduce your chances of them causing damage to your home.

A closeup of someone’s hands doing home pest control prep work by caulking a new seal below a window.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: StepPro

DIY Pest Control

Extra garbage, leftover food, and plumbing leaks will attract pests. Regularly take out your trash and dispose of compostable food scraps to keep the bugs at bay. If a leak springs, it’s like a magnet for certain pests looking to capitalize on the damage. This emphasizes the importance of taking steps to prevent water damage in your home and quickly repairing leaks when they happen.

If you plan to use pesticides in your home to deter ants, bugs, and other pests, do so safely. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) online for tips on how to correctly use pesticides in your home.

You can also use common pantry items to deter pests. A mixture of water and an essential oil like peppermint, lemon grass, or cedarwood sprayed along windows and doorways is a natural way to repel bugs. A little apple cider vinegar with dish soap in a small cup will help you attract and catch fruit flies, whipping up a quick white vinegar-and-water mixture will quickly clean up messes pests leave behind, and the strong smell of coffee grounds is powerful enough to stop them in their tracks. Learn more about how these food products can help you get your home sparkling clean:

6 Natural Cleaning Solutions for Your Home

If pests have gotten in your home and started causing damage, it very well may be too late for DIY preventative measures like these. In these situations, it’s best to contact a local licensed professional to exterminate as needed. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may be temporarily displaced from your home. Be sure to plan ahead if that’s the case.

For more information on home maintenance, read the following blog post on preventing mold growth:

How to Prevent and Deal with Mold

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