Buyers • December 6, 2022

Homeownership Terms to Know: Rent-Back Agreement, Joint Tenancy & More

by Don Koonce

From the outside, buying a home may seem like a zero-sum game: the seller relinquishes ownership of a property to the buyer in exchange for money and the buyer becomes the property’s new outright owner. However, there’s more nuance to homeownership than meets the eye. The following homeownership agreements provide alternatives to a traditional home purchase. These options may be right for you when searching for your next home.

7 Signs You’re Ready to Buy a Home

Homeownership Terms to Know

Rent-Back Agreement

A rent-back agreement (also known as a sale lease-back) is tailor-made for homeowners who are buying a home while selling their current one. Buying a home and selling a home are both significant undertakings in their own right, but when combined, everything is heightened. For all your planning, successfully executing both transactions is predicated on a variety of factors, including the local market conditions in both places.

A rent-back agreement is a clause in the sales contract that allows the seller to rent their old home from the buyer for an agreed-upon period of time before the buyer moves in. The agreement will include the length of the rental period and the seller’s rental costs, while spelling out the responsibilities of each party during the transition.

These agreements are mutually beneficial to buyers and sellers. Not only do sellers buy themselves time to find their new home, they collect proceeds from the sale of their current one, which can be used to help fund their new home purchase when the time comes. The money collected from sellers’ rent payments is an obvious bonus for buyers. And in a competitive market, making an offer that gives the seller flexibility in their moving timeline may help it stand out amongst the competition.

A real estate agent tours a home with two buyers. They have a brief meeting in the living room where the agent shows them paperwork for the home purchase.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: FG Trade

Joint Tenancy

When two or more people purchase a property together, Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship (JTWROS) requires that all co-buyers hold an equal interest in the property and that they all come into ownership through the same title at the same time. If one co-owner dies, ownership passes to the other co-owner—this is known as Right of Survivorship.

This form of co-buying a home presents an opportunity to prospective home buyers who may not yet have the means to purchase a home on their own by combining their buying power with that of their co-buyer. However, entering a real estate transaction with a co-buyer means that you’re financially tied together, which opens the door for added risk.

Tenancy In Common

When co-buyers hold a title as tenants in common, shares of the property can be divided equally or unequally. But even with a disparity in ownership percentage, no one owner may claim sole ownership of the property. When a tenant in common passes away, their ownership is bequeathed to their designated heir.

Tenancy In Severalty

Unlike Joint Tenancy and Tenancy in Common, Tenancy in Severalty represents an agreement in which one individual, corporation, or entity owns the property and does not share ownership with anyone.

To learn more about the homeownership options available to you, and for help searching for your next home, connect with a local, experienced Windermere agent:

Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: ArLawKa AungTun

Design • December 1, 2022

A-Frame Style Architecture

by Don Koonce

Some architectural styles go hand in hand with certain environments. A-Frame architecture is a popular design of lodge-style homes, cabins, and other dwellings in wooded or mountainous areas. Its steeply angled roofline is its most defining characteristic, giving the homes designed in this style a truly unique aesthetic.

A-Frame Style Architecture

Any home designed with an A-Frame architectural style stands out amongst its neighbors. The roof structure that starts near the foundation and rises together to a point at the roof’s apex, creating a capital “A” shape, is a unique take on what is usually a more horizontal line elsewhere in residential home design. The vertical nature of an A-Frame roof allows snow to easily slide off rather than accumulate and cause damage. This is just one reason why these homes are so popular as cabins, lodges, and mountain homes in snowy climates.

The inside of an A-Frame loft. The roof structure is wide at floor level, rising to a joined point at the top. A triangular window is constructed in the A-Frame shape, on the bottom portion of the window, a glass door is open to an open deck. In the foreground, there is a kitchen counter on the left and a comfortable bed on the right.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: Jeremy Poland

A-Frame designs are often used in vacation homes. Their unique structures compliment forested and mountainous landscapes, making them a perfect choice for homeowners looking to purchase or build vacation homes in natural surroundings. Usually two- or three-story buildings, A-Frames typically utilize the top floor as a loft. The roof lines make a triangular shape, perfect for large windows that let in lots of natural light and capture panoramic views. Relatively simple to design, A-Frame homes often have smaller living spaces due to the decreasing square footage from bottom to top.

Three people enjoying a vacation on the porch of an A-Frame cabin on a cold day. Behind them, the cabin is stained black, with open French doors leading to the back porch.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: skynesher

A-Frame homes have become so popular that prefabricated design kits are now widely available. Building an A-Frame from scratch and purchasing a ready-made kit both have their respective advantages. The kits are generally faster to build, cut down on wasted materials, and give you the opportunity to build your own cabin home. Building from scratch gives you more control over the elements of design and allows you to make modifications as desired before the home is finished. Between the two options, what’s more affordable depends on the size of the home, whether additional preparatory work is needed on the property before building, contracting costs, and more.

To learn more about A-Frame homes, cottages, colonial style, and other home designs, head to our Architectural Styles page:

Windermere – Architectural Styles

Featured Image Source: tyerivercabinco.com – Image Credit: Kyle Smith

SOLD • November 29, 2022

SOLD: Beautiful New England Colonial

by Don Koonce

16255 21st Avenue SW
Burien, WA 98166-2633
$1,070,000

MLS #2017937
Beds: 3
Baths: 3 (2 full + 1 half)
2,980 sqft

Welcome to this beautiful New England Colonial with circular driveway for arriving guests. Note the shake siding and the accent exterior lighting and the many impressive upgrades added since 2019! There is also an ADU over the three car garage which isn’t included in the total square footage, great space for an office or guests. Improvements include: new windows, a generator, garage doors, air conditioning, carpet and interior paint, Sub-Zero refrigerator and Miele gas range, two new water heaters, new washer and dryer in the main home and also in the ADU, a sprinkler system, and a hot tub off the master bedroom. The back patio is shaded and the yard is full of sun, a perfect place to relax and enjoy the seasons.

Features

Type: Residential
Year Built: 1990
Lot Size Area: 15,653.00 sqft
Garage: Yes
Heating: High Efficiency
Cooling: Central Air
County/Parish: King
Subdivision: Gregory Heights
Closed On: Nov 17, 2022

Real Estate Listings • November 25, 2022

NEW LISTING: Sweet Arts & Crafts Bungalow in Ravenna

by Don Koonce

8014 19th Avenue NE
Seattle, WA 98115
$889,000

Open House Dec 4, 2022 • 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

MLS #2013548
Beds: 3
Baths: 2 (1 full + 1 three-quarter)
1,600 sqft
Days on Market: 14

Refined whimsy: Sweet Arts and Crafts bungalow loaded w/ updates in choice Ravenna neighborhd. Only 2nd owner since 1926, period finishes preserved. Formal entry, exotic Purple Heart or oak hardwds, lighted coved ceilings, crown moldings, cozy firplc, blt-in bookcases. Granite kitch w/efficient spaces & gadgets, gas-convection oven, Fisher-Paykel DW, bath has ultra-custom handmade tile by legendary artisan Chuck Totten. Finishd bsmt has huge flex space, stone tile roll-in shower, & room for serious hobbies. Low-maint. gardens & patios w/stylish metal sculptured gates & fencing, garage off alley. Hardi-Plank siding, gas heat, central A/C, updated elec., hi-end vinyl windws. Super-convenient-5 metro lines w/i 3 blocks. Positively enchanting!

Features

Type: Residential
Year Built: 1926
Lot Size Area: 3,800.00 sqft
Garage: Yes
Heating: Forced Air
Cooling: Central Air
County/Parish: King
Subdivision: Ravenna

Information provided as a courtesy only, buyer to verify. For more, go here.

From Don • November 22, 2022

Gratitude

by Don Koonce

Dear friends,

I hope this season finds you and your loved ones happy and healthy.

I’m grateful that things are finally returning to some semblance of normal after more than two years of relative isolation. Seeing and spending time with family and friends again is food for the soul.

Professionally, I’ve been fortunate to have helped 21 families achieve their life goals this year, and am grateful to the fantastic team of real estate professionals who have help me accomplish this mission.

Thanks to everyone who has joined and supported me in my life’s work. I’m grateful for your trust, friendship and referrals.

I hope you enjoy a joyful holiday season and a happy new year.

Thankfully,

Don

Design • November 17, 2022

Art Deco Interior Design

by Don Koonce

There are countless interior design styles to inspire your home décor efforts, but some stand out above the rest. Art Deco is one such style. Though its roots trace back to a specific period, its long-lasting relevance has given it the unique ability to feel vintage, modern, and timeless all at once. Whatever home décor goals you have in mind, going behind the curtain on the history and concepts of Art Deco will help inspire your efforts.

Art Deco Interior Design

Art Deco is a decorative take on modernist style from the early twentieth century. One look at interiors designed in typical Art Deco style immediately brings the elegance of the 1920s and 1930s to mind. Art Deco, like the Mid-Century Modern movement that followed it, went beyond just interior design; it encompassed fashion, architecture, the auto industry, and more. Driven by an appreciation for the modern machines of the time, Art Deco emphasized sophistication in a nontraditional sense.

A living room with art deco decorations including a chandelier, a regal tufted green couch, gold decorations, and a dark wooden piano and coffee table.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: Nikada

Art Deco in Your Home

Art Deco can help to transform your home’s interior, but you don’t have to aim for a level of opulence Jay Gatsby would approve of to reap its rewards. The concepts found in modern adaptations of Art Deco can fit any budget, and the materials used to execute it are widely available.

Art Deco Concepts

Geometry is a cornerstone of Art Deco décor. You’ll often see spaces decorated in this style using geometric shapes like chevrons and sunbursts in parquet wood flooring and tilework. Rounded corners and smooth walls are principal architectural features. Mirrors are also central to an Art Deco aesthetic, helping to create symmetry without taking away from the rest of the room. Framed mirrors and mirror walls alike are popular features.

In the style of modern and minimalist decoration, Art Deco showcases a preference for uncluttered spaces with minimal furniture, letting the decorative elements shine. Optimal furniture pieces often come with mirrored and/or veneer façades, heavy lacquer, rounded edges, and circular designs. Go for bold colors when decorating, working from a neutral base. Silver and gold feel right at home in an Art Deco environment, as do alternative neutrals such as cream and beige.

Lilac color dining room in trendy art deco style with modern furniture, served table and chairs.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: Peter_visual

Art Deco Materials

Common materials include veneer, stainless steel, and chrome. Frames for a gallery wall and tableside lamps are great uses for gold and steel, which are two signature Art Deco materials. Making smaller ornate décor choices such as intricately framed mirrors and accent lighting fixtures will help to create a regal atmosphere while staying within your budget.

Visit our Design Styles page to learn more about common interior design styles and how you can incorporate them into your home:

Windermere – Interior Design Styles

Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: imaginima

Living • November 15, 2022

Simple Garage Makeover Ideas

by Don Koonce

For some homeowners, the garage is the focal point of their home. For others, it is simply a storage space or a place to park their vehicle. Regardless of how you use your garage, these simple garage makeover ideas can help keep you organized, boost your curb appeal, and increase your home’s value.

Simple Garage Makeover Ideas

Garage Exterior

The garage door is a natural starting point for your garage makeover. A garage door replacement is a surefire way to increase the value of your home and is a common tactic for drumming up buyer interest when preparing to hit the market. But even if you don’t have the budget for a full-scale replacement, a DIY garage door makeover can still make a big difference.

Repaint Garage Exterior

Begin by prepping your garage door for a fresh coat of paint. Clean and scrub the surface with warm soapy water. Scrape off any loose paint with a putty knife or wire brush. If scraping manually is too taxing for you, use a wire wheel brush tool. Rinse and clean the door, letting it dry completely before you begin painting.

Once you’ve covered your driveway with a tarp or plastic sheeting to protect it from paint spills, you’re ready to begin painting. Choose a complimentary color for your trim to tie together your home’s exterior color scheme. Check out different styles of garage door hardware options that match the style of your home, choose your layout, and install the pieces.

A luxury lodge-style home at sunset with timber wood framing and stone columns. The garage is attached to the home. The exterior is painted a mix of forest green and brown with deep red trim and an orange door.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: hikesterson

Garage Interior

As you turn your attention to your garage’s interior, consider refinishing the floor first. By starting with the floor, you won’t have to continually shuffle your garage items around as you continue your makeover. If you’re considering converting your garage into a home gym, factor that in as you work on the flooring.

Start by fixing any cracks or holes with a basic patch kit. Once the surface is flat, sweep and mop from end to end. If you are removing a previous layer of paint, use a buffer to jar the old paint loose before repainting. Finishing your garage floor off with epoxy will help protect it from stains and damage. Apply two coats of epoxy twenty-four hours apart, followed by a sealing topcoat.

Organize Your Garage

In just a few steps, you can turn your garage from a cluttered oversized closet into an organized storage space. Start by taking inventory of the items in your garage. Do you have lots of tools? Is the space filled with sports equipment? Grouping like items together will keep your storage orderly. Next, decide where you would like to store your items. Overhead storage racks, rollers, and ceiling storage can significantly cut down on clutter, but these storage options are best reserved for infrequently accessed or seasonal items like holiday decorations and camping gear.

Keep frequently used items within reach. Magnetic wall panels are a great resource for your everyday tools and gardening equipment. Install shelving and drawers near your workbench to keep smaller hand tools, screws, and nails tidy and organized and add labels so you can keep track of them. If space is limited, consider a wall-mounted foldable workbench.

A hardboard hanging panel in a garage full of common hand tools like screwdrivers, measuring tape, scissors, duct tape, vice grips, etc.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: Bluberries

Add Finishing Touches

Now it’s time to put the final touches on your garage makeover. Though installation may require the help of a professional, adding electrical outlets will pay dividends for the functionality of your garage. Installing bike hooks on the ceiling will help to save floor space and may provide just the clearance you need to park a vehicle inside. Lastly, consider upgrading your lighting. Newly installed lights will add value to your garage and make it safer.

For more simple design projects that can give your home a makeover, read the following:

5 Design Projects to Improve Your Backyard

Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: JodiJacobson

Buyers • November 10, 2022

House vs. Townhouse vs. Condo

by Don Koonce

Deciding between a house, townhouse, and condominium can be a difficult process. Understanding how the characteristics of each housing type aligns with your life goals and finances will help you work with your agent to identify which housing type is right for you.

Renting vs Buying: Which is better for you?

How do you define a house?

Of the three housing options, detached single-family houses offer the most freedom and privacy, but they’re also typically more expensive than a condo or townhouse. They provide the opportunity to personalize your home and make renovations as desired, barring local zoning laws. Houses don’t share walls like townhouses and condos, and typically offer private outdoor spaces. Situated on their own lots, owning a house puts the responsibility of maintaining and improving the structure and accompanying land in the homeowner’s hands.

A single-family two-story house with a large front yard, a covered wraparound porch, and an attached garage/bonus space. There are several windows lining the first and second floors and a white fence lines the porch.

Example of a single-family detached house. Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: JamesBrey

What’s the difference between a townhouse and a condo?

Owners of townhouses can personalize and renovate their homes (within reason) since they bear the responsibility of the home’s exterior, outdoor areas, and yard. Having said that, changes to the home’s exterior and/or additions are not permitted. Here’s the tradeoff with condominiums: although you typically have less control over things like renovations and exterior spaces, they usually require less maintenance.

Townhouse: A townhouse building is a narrow, multileveled structure, usually with a small parcel of property in front of or behind the home. Whereas row houses share a common façade along a street, townhouses may be grouped throughout a development and may not share a consistent roofline with the other units. Somewhere between a house and a condominium, townhouses may offer the best of both worlds for some homeowners.

Like a house, townhouse owners are responsible for exterior (roof and siding) maintenance and repair. Most townhouses tend to have a small footprint and modern upgrades, and may have lower Homeowners Association (HOA) fees than condominiums due to a lesser focus on shared amenities.

Condominium: Condominiums are divided, individually owned units of a larger, unified structure. Due to their smaller size and lack of land ownership, condominiums can often be less expensive than a townhouse or a house. However, HOA fees on top of a monthly mortgage payment can increase the cost of condominium living, depending on the amenities offered in a building. A unique characteristic of condominiums is that the exterior of the units is considered a common area, with ownership shared amongst the building’s residents.

Unlike townhouses, as a condominium owner, you’re only responsible for the inside of your unit. Residents live in close proximity and typically share amenities like gym and pool access, laundry, and other facilities.

A row of white two-story townhouses with underneath garages on a sunny day. Each townhouse has a small balcony with metal fencing on the floor above the garage and multiple windows on each floor.

Example of townhouses. Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: AnthonyRosenberg

A three-story condominium housing development with gray siding and wood accents. Each condo unit has a small balcony with glass panes extending from the corners of the building. The units share a grassy yard surrounding the building.

Example of a condominium complex. Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: AlbertPego

Regardless of what your specific transaction looks like, saving for homeownership costs requires planning. Knowing your budget will help you work closely with your agent to find the right home. To get an idea of what’s affordable, use our free Home Monthly Payment Calculator by clicking the button below. With current rates based on national averages and customizable mortgage terms, you can get estimates of your monthly payment for any listing price.

How does your home align with your life?

House: For homeowners looking at their property as an investment in their financial future, houses are a strong choice. Houses allow homeowners to plan long-term with the knowledge that their home will build equity over time. If you are planning on putting down roots and starting a family, houses provide the best opportunity to grow into your future and are better suited for significant life changes.

7 Signs You’re Ready to Buy a Home

Townhouse: Townhouses present a great steppingstone in the homeownership spectrum. Often located in residential neighborhoods, they are a fitting choice for those looking to graduate from rented dwellings. They’re also a great option for those wanting to downsize from a single-family home. With a townhouse, you’ll share the walls with your neighbors on either side, but not above and below. Townhouses fit into the category of “missing middle” housing types because they are considered dense housing, but fit nicely in neighborhoods with detached single-family houses.

Condominium: Condominiums appeal to homeowners looking for a low-maintenance residence, with access to shared amenities amongst a community. Condos are usually found in denser areas closer to downtown centers, shopping, and entertainment. Typically found in metropolitan environments, they are a great housing option for buyers looking to be located close to city centers and cut down on commute times to downtown areas.

After all the research, do what feels right. Whether it’s a house, townhouse, or a condo, work with your agent to find the best option for you and your future. To begin the decision process, connect with an experienced, local Windermere agent today:

Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: benedek

Sellers • November 8, 2022

Remodeling Projects to Avoid When Selling Your Home

by Don Koonce

It’s common for homeowners to feel compelled to remodel their homes before they sell. Renovating the spaces in your home can increase its value and help you compete with comparable listings in your area. However, some remodeling projects are more beneficial than others as you prepare to sell your home. Always talk to your agent to determine which projects are most appealing to buyers in your area.

Remodeling Projects to Avoid When Selling Your Home

When preparing to sell your home, you want to strike the right balance of upgrades. Making repairs and executing renovations will attract buyer interest, but you don’t want to dump so much cash into remodeling that you won’t be able to recoup those expenses when your home sells.

So, how do you know where to focus your efforts? Your agent is a vital resource in understanding your specific situation and will offer guidance on your remodeling efforts to sell your home for the best price. Here are a few projects sellers will want to keep off their to-do lists for the best return on investment.

A man and woman discuss a renovation project with their real estate agent as construction contractors work in the background

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: skynesher

Minor Cosmetic Upgrades

Whether you’ve made small cosmetic upgrades throughout your home typically isn’t a make-or-break proposition for most buyers. Let’s say you’re questioning whether to invest in a new toilet, vanity, and shower for your primary bathroom before selling. Unless these appliances are damaged and you can repair them without spending too much, it’s okay to sell as is.

Major Upgrades with Long Timelines

For any remodeling project, your agent’s analysis will help you determine its risk/reward potential. This dynamic is heightened with major remodeling projects and home upgrades, due to their higher costs. Four of the six lowest ROI remodeling projects found in the Remodeling 2022 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com)¹ are upscale or major upgrades, all with roughly a 50% return on investment.

These projects come with hefty price tags and longer timelines than minor repairs and upgrades, which can complicate factors as you prepare to sell, especially if you have a deadline to get into your new home. They have the potential to temporarily displace you from the property, meaning you and your household may have to find somewhere else to stay until the project is complete.

The Bottom Line: To go through with a major home upgrade before you sell, its schedule must fit with your moving timeline. It should also align with buyer interest in your local market. If the project doesn’t meet these criteria, it should be avoided.

Building Code Violations

The rules dictating whether you can sell your home with building code violations vary region to region. It also depends on what the building code violation is and whether neglecting to update it is deemed a safety hazard. The buyer’s mortgage lender may also have stipulations saying that the loan may not be used to purchase a home with certain features that aren’t up to code, which could lead to them backing out of the deal.

If you’re selling an older home, you’re not obligated to update every feature that may be out of code to fit modern standards. These projects are often structural and require a significant investment. If the violation in question was built to code according to the regulations at the time, then a grandfather clause typically applies. However, you’ll need to disclose these features to the buyer.

Trendy Makeovers and Upgrades

Lastly, it’s best to avoid remodeling projects that target a specific trend in home design. Trends come and go. Timeless design is a hallmark of marketable homes because it appeals to the widest possible pool of buyers. Keep this in mind when staging your home as well. Creating an environment that’s universally appealing and depersonalized allows buyers to more easily imagine the home as their own.

Learn more about remodeling your home as you prepare to sell here:

Should I Remodel or Sell My Home As Is?

Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: eclipse_images

Living • November 3, 2022

13 Appliance Tips & Hacks for Household Chores

by Don Koonce

Modern home appliances make our lives so much easier. They tackle dreaded household chores, saving us time and effort. There are lots of ways to use them, however, that you may not have thought of before. Here are 13 little-known tricks for getting more than your money’s worth from your appliances.

13 Appliance Tips & Hacks for Household Chores

1. Regularly Clean Toys

Regularly clean your children’s toys. Use your dishwasher to wash teething rings, small plastic toys, mouth guards, and even baseball caps. Place items on the top rack and run the dishwasher as usual with detergent (without any dirty dishes). Put smaller items in a small mesh laundry bag so that they don’t move around.

2. Clean Ceiling Fixtures

At least once or twice a year, remove and clean your glass ceiling fixtures and light covers in an empty dishwasher. Light fixtures can be a magnet for dust and cleaning them will help your lighting shine bright in all its glory. Run the dishwasher on the normal cycle.

3. Eliminate Wrinkles

To smooth out wrinkled clothes or linens left too long in the dryer, toss a damp, lint-free cloth in with them. Run the load on the lowest setting for 10 to 15 minutes. Newer dryers also feature a steam setting that removes wrinkles and refreshes clothing between wears.

A woman wearing rubber gloves cleans and disinfects the handle of her oven range as she cleans the kitchen

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: VioletaStoimenova

4. Reduce Germs in the Kitchen

Disinfect sponges and dishcloths. Kitchen sponges and dishcloths contain billions of germs. Clean and disinfect them daily by zapping them on high in the microwave for two minutes to kill germs. Disinfecting these items periodically as opposed to throwing them away can help you cut down on waste in the kitchen.

5. Clean Upholstery

Freshen up your curtains. Vacuum heavy drapes with the upholstery attachment. Use the dusting brush attachment for lighter drapes. Wash sheer curtains in the washing machine on the delicate cycle, then hang them up while they’re damp to prevent wrinkles.

6. Remove Wax from Fabric & Carpet

To get the most out of your flooring and fabrics around your home, they require cleaning. To get rid of wax on a tablecloth, place it in your freezer until the wax is hard. Then put a flat paper bag over the wax and another under the fabric. Iron the top bag with a medium-hot iron until all the wax transfers to the bag. To remove wax from a carpet or rug, place an ice pack on the spot until the wax hardens. Shatter the wax and vacuum up the chips.

7. Clean Baseboards

Along with fans, vents, and underneath furniture, baseboards are not as frequently cleaned as other more common home surfaces but cleaning them can make a big difference in how your home feels. Dusting baseboards can be a backbreaking chore. Use your vacuum cleaner and the dusting brush attachment to avoid having to bend down. Do the same to clean chair and table legs.

A man wearing rubber gloves mops his hardwood floor in his living room

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: milan2099

8. Organize Your Refrigerator

Use the built-in features of your refrigerator to organize food by category. Designate certain shelves or areas for leftovers, preferably front and center, so you don’t forget they’re in there. Use special-purpose bins for their intended use: crispers for vegetables, deli trays for deli meats and cheeses, cold storage trays for meats. Newer models also feature convertible cooling zones to keep food fresh.

9. Dust Blinds

Extend the blinds fully and turn the slats to the closed position. Use the dusting brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to clean the slats from top to bottom. Then open and re-close the slats in the opposite direction and repeat the process.

10. Clean Your Microwave & Range

The best time to clean your microwave is immediately after using it. Thanks to residual steam, all you have to do is wipe it out with a paper towel or damp sponge. To clean old messes, microwave two cups of water on high for five minutes. The steam will soften cooked-on spills, which you can wipe off with a paper towel or cloth. Your gas/electric range needs regular cleaning as well, especially if you use it frequently.

A father and his young son work together to clean the kitchen, spraying the countertops with an all-purpose cleaning solution

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: PeopleImages

11. Exterminate Dust Mites

Dust mites live off human and animal dander and other household dust particles and can lower your home’s air quality. They thrive in sofas, carpets, and bedding. Use the upholstery attachment to vacuum your mattress and upholstered furniture regularly to minimize dust mites. Be sure to empty the canister in an outdoor trashcan.

12. Groom Your Pet

After you’ve groomed your dog or cat, use the dusting brush attachment to clean up after. It’s an easy way to collect shedding fur, especially from carpeted areas or upholstery.

13. Remove Grime in Shower

Wash plastic shower curtain liners in the washing machine with hot water and detergent on the regular cycle. Throw in a small bath towel to help “scrub” mildew and soap scum off the liner. Then rehang the liner and let it air-dry. Regularly clean your bathtub and light candles to keep your bathroom smelling fresh.

For more information on home appliances, protecting your home from damage, and more, head to the Living section of our blog:

Windermere Blog – Living

Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: LumiNola