Stress-Free Home Cleaning: 27 Practical Tactics for Busy Households
Keeping a clean and orderly home is a challenge for many of us. Between busy work schedules, social obligations, and family commitments, it’s tough to keep up with daily chores—let alone larger seasonal tasks. The effort is worthwhile, however. A sanitary environment can keep you and your family healthier by minimizing your exposure to germs and allergens.1 Plus, researchers have found that organized, uncluttered homes have quantifiable mental health benefits, too, including reduced stress, improved emotional regulation, and increased productivity.2 The reality is, we enjoy our homes more when they are in good order. It’s much easier to relax without piles of unopened mail or a messy kitchen reminding us of work to be done. And don’t we all feel more inclined to entertain family and friends when our homes are well-kept? That’s why we’ve rounded up our favorite tactics—from overall strategies to little tips and tricks—for keeping things tidy without spending all our spare time cleaning. Set a Schedule for Daily and Weekly Cleaning We’ve all been there—you put off vacuuming or mopping your floor for a few days, only to realize that weeks have passed. Creating a cleaning schedule that works for you is the best way to stay on top of things and avoid overwhelm. Here are a few of our favorite strategies: Designate a day of the week for each task—then, add them to your calendar so you can’t forget. Create a shared schedule that assigns specific responsibilities to each member of the household. Post it in a prominent place, like on the refrigerator, or create a shared digital calendar. Carve out 15 minutes a day for cleaning and decluttering. Set a timer on your phone and get as much done as you can before it goes off. It may take some trial and error to find the tactics that work best for you. The most important thing is to make a habit of cleaning so that clutter and grime don’t have a chance to build. And if you’d like some professional help, reach out for a referral to one of our favorite cleaning services! Tackle Bigger Chores Seasonally Many home care tasks are seasonal by nature and only need to be completed once or twice a year. But when we don’t have a plan to tackle them, it’s all too easy to put them off. Here are a few tips to stay on top of these chores: Mark days on your calendar in advance to attend to annual or semi-annual chores, like cleaning gutters, washing windows, turning mattresses, and shampooing carpets. Schedule just one primary task each weekend instead of blocking out a full two days. This will help ensure a good balance between chores and relaxation. Designate a date two to four times a year, depending on your lifestyle, to put away out-of-season items like clothes, holiday decorations, and sporting goods. Take some time to sort through your seasonal items when you pack them away. Then you can toss, sell, or donate items that you no longer need or enjoy. Remember—breaking down these larger tasks can make them less overwhelming. If you space them out so that you can handle them one by one, even the most time-consuming chores become a lot more manageable. And since all your time is valuable, don't hesitate to delegate these larger home care tasks to professionals. Give us a call for a list of our recommended service providers. Reduce the Barriers to Cleaning Set yourself up for success by ensuring you have the tools on hand to tackle small tasks with ease. Here are a few ways to make your cleaning supplies more accessible: Store a broom, dustpan, and vacuum on each floor of your home so they’re easy to reach. Stash containers of disinfecting and glass wipes under every sink for a mid-week wipe-down. Place extra bags beneath the liner of your garbage pails, so you’ll have a replacement ready when you take out the trash. Keep a paper shredder and recycling bin handy so you can dispose of unwanted mail as it’s opened. By strategically placing your tools and supplies in the locations where you’re most likely to need them, you’ll make cleaning less of a chore and more of a habit. Stop the Clutter Before It Starts From coats to shoes to mail, it’s all too easy to find clutter taking over your home. Once these piles start to form, they can feel overwhelming—which only makes it harder to address them. To avoid this problem, stop the clutter before it starts. Assign every item a home and create storage spaces and “drop zones” in key locations.3 Here are a few ideas to get you started: Install coat hooks and shoe racks in the entryway for easy access. Add a key caddy or shelf for essential items to get you out the door. Hang a letter bin to capture mail and newspapers as soon as you walk into the house. Place a donation box in each closet for items you no longer want or need. It can take a little time to get in the habit of returning items to their assigned space. But once you do, staying on top of clutter will become far more manageable. Are you considering a larger organizational upgrade, like a custom closet or pantry system? Reach out for a free consultation to find out how the investment could impact the value of your home! Tackle Small Tasks Right Away Sometimes, the mental load of thinking about a chore you need to do is worse than the chore itself. Plus, handling small tasks right away can reduce the need for lengthy cleaning sessions.3 Try working these changes into your routine: Learn to clean as you cook, rather than piling it all up for later. As you wait for water to boil or food to cook through, wash the bowls and utensils you used for prep. Hang bath towels on a bar immediately after use. By allowing them to properly air dry, you can cut down on the frequency of laundering. Bring items with you when you leave a room. For example, return plates and cups to the kitchen right away rather than letting them stack up in your home office. Take out the trash when you leave for work, school drop-off, or errands. This will save you the time and hassle of a second trip. If you implement these small changes, your home will stay neater—and you’ll minimize the number of dedicated cleaning sessions you need to take on each week. Embrace an Evening “Shutdown” Routine Kitchens can get dirty and cluttered fast. But a few minutes spent cleaning up each evening can prevent the mess from getting out of control.4 Imagine your kitchen is a restaurant and you’re tidying it up before closing down for the night. These simple steps will prepare you for the morning rush: Wipe down all surfaces, including countertops, stove, microwave, and sink. Then toss your soiled washcloth in the hamper and lay out a fresh one for tomorrow. Load and run the dishwasher every night so you can empty it the next morning. Prepare for breakfast by programming your coffee pot and setting out some grab-and-go options. We all know it can be hard to find the energy for chores in the evening. But if you complete these small tasks each night, you’ll start the next day off right in a tidy, clean kitchen. Think Outside of the Box When It Comes to Storage Most of us have limited storage space. Unfortunately, without the right spots to stash our items, it’s easy to become disorganized. But we’ve found that using household items in innovative ways can help keep mess and clutter under control.5 Here are a few of our favorite swaps: Place a magazine file in your kitchen for cookbooks, takeout menus, and meal kit cards. Hang a pocket-style shoe organizer inside your pantry door to store granola bars, spice jars, and other small items. Separate dress and athletic socks by turning an old shoe box into a drawer divider. Repurpose jam jars by using them to store office supplies or bathroom essentials. Store out-of-season clothes inside rarely-used suitcases, so all that space doesn’t go to waste. A little creativity goes a long way when it comes to making the most of your space. Just be sure that you’re creating systems you can stick with and not putting things where you might forget about them later! WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR HOME Keeping your home clean and organized can be a continuous struggle—there’s no need to feel ashamed of that. But taking the time to implement systems that work for you can make life more pleasant and less stressful in the long run. Remember, we’re not just here to help you buy or sell a home. We want you to love living in it, too. Reach out if you need referrals for house cleaners, window washers, or other service providers that can help you make the most of your space. *The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs. Sources: Healthline -https://www.healthline.com/health-news/5-health-benefits-of-spring-cleaning Forbes - https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/mental-health-clean-home/ My Domaine - https://www.mydomaine.com/house-cleaning-schedule Housewife How-Tos - https://housewifehowtos.com/clean/10-tips-to-keeping-a-clean-house/ Better Homes and Gardens -https://www.bhg.com/decorating/storage/projects/simple-solutions/
Top 6 Home Design Trends To Watch in 2023
Over the past few years, many of us have spent extra time at home—and that means we appreciate the personal design touches that make a house cozy and comfortable more than ever. Some of us have adapted our dwellings in new ways, from creating functional home offices to upgrading the appliances we use most. But while it’s important to make your home your own, it’s also smart to think about the long-term impact your renovations could have on its value. Choosing highly-personalized fixtures and finishes can make it harder for future homebuyers to envision themselves in the space. Even if you don’t plan to sell your home soon, investing in popular design choices that are likely to stand the test of time will make things easier down the road. And if you’re in the market for a new home, it’s wise to keep an eye out for features that might need to be updated soon so you can factor renovation costs into your budget. We’ve rounded up six trends that we think will influence interior design in 2023, as well as ideas for how you might incorporate them in your own home. Remember, before taking action, it’s always wise to consult with a real estate professional to understand how specific updates and upgrades will affect your property’s value in your local market. 1. Separate Kitchen, Dining and Living Areas For years, home design has been dominated by open-concept floor plans, particularly for kitchen, dining, and living areas. However, as the pandemic forced families to work and study from home, many struggled to find the privacy and separation they needed. As a result, designers report that more families are choosing to bring back kitchen and dining room walls to break up the space and create quieter areas.1 That doesn’t mean that we’re returning to an era of dark and cramped spaces, however. Even as walls make a return, it’s important to take care to retain a sense of flow and openness within the home and to prioritize natural light. If you’re buying or building a new home, consider how you will use the space and whether or not an open floor plan will suit your needs. If you already live in a home with an open floor plan and it isn’t working for you, try rearranging furniture and strategically placing pieces like bookshelves, room dividers, or rugs to create distinct areas within the home and reduce noise. Photo by LDa Architecture & Interiors - Browse dining room photos 2. Nature-Inspired Design In the past few years, we’ve seen the “biophilia” trend explode, and there are no signs that it will be any less popular in 2023.2 This trend is all about bringing the outside in by adding natural touches throughout your home. This year, design experts predict that natural, sustainable materials like bamboo, cork, and live-edge wood will lend character without being overwhelming. Wooden kitchen cabinets and islands will become more common in 2023, with white oak and walnut among the most popular choices.3,4 Wood will also appear in bathroom vanities and shelving and furniture throughout the home. Colors inspired by nature (think mossy greens and desert tones) will also play into this trend and will blend seamlessly with wood tones. We’re also seeing a return to natural stone countertop materials like quartzite, marble, dark leathered granite, and soapstone.4,5 If you’re planning to add new shelving or redo your kitchen, consider turning to these materials to embrace the biophilic look. Or, incorporate elements of the trend by choosing nature-inspired paint colors and adding to your houseplant collection. Photo by Savant Design Group - More living room ideas 3. Lighting as a Design Feature Spending more time at home has shown us the importance of having the right lighting for specific tasks and times of the day. As a result, many homeowners are reconsidering the ways they light their homes and using light fixtures to change the usability and mood of their spaces.5 In particular, homeowners are rejecting bright, flat overhead lighting and replacing it with lamps and task-specific options. A layered approach to lighting—such as using a combination of under-cabinet, task, and ambient lighting in a kitchen—enables homeowners to tweak the level of light they’re using based on the time of day and what they are doing. In 2023, we expect to see more statement chandeliers, pendants, and wall sconces in a variety of shapes and materials.6 Thinking about switching up the lighting in your home? Start by adding floor or table lamps and swapping out fixtures before you invest in rewiring your space. Take note of what works and what doesn’t and watch how the light in your home changes throughout the day. You can then use that information to make lighting decisions that require a bigger investment. Photo by The Brooklyn Studio - Search living room design ideas 4. More Vibrant Color Palettes After the long dominance of whites and grays, more vibrant colors are coming back as a way to add character and dimension to homes. This year, warm and earthy neutrals, jewel tones, and shades of red and pink are particularly popular.7,8 If your style tends toward the subtle, consider options like light, calming greens, blues, and pastels. Major paint brands have responded to these homeowner preferences with their newest releases. Benjamin Moore’s 2023 color of the year, Raspberry Blush, is a lively shade of pinkish coral, while Sherwin William is embracing warm neutrals with Redend Point, a blushing beige.9,10 Behr’s choice of the year, Blank Canvas, is a creamy off-white that's a warmer version of the stark whites that have been trending over the past few years.11 If you’re planning to put your home on the market soon, it’s better to play on the safer side and avoid extremely bold or bright color choices when it comes to paint or fixed finishes like tile and countertops. Instead, try incorporating pops of color through throw pillows, art, and accessories. Photo by Touch Interiors by Bronwyn Poole - Discover bedroom design ideas 5. Curved Furniture and Architectural Accents Goodbye, sharp corners. In 2023, arches and curves lend a sleek feel that draws on classical design and retro trends while remaining modern.5,8 Rounded corners feel more relaxed and natural than sharp edges, lending more of a sense of flow and comfort to a home. If you want to incorporate the trend into your new build or remodeling plans, curved kitchen islands and bars and arched alcoves are all good options—or you can take it a step further with arched windows and doorways. You can also carry this trend through to your light fixtures by incorporating a bubble chandelier or globe pendants. It’s easy to embrace this look without renovations, too. Look for a softer feel in furniture, with sofas, chairs, and tables that showcase curved edges. Or, break up your space with an arched folding screen and a circular rug. Photo by Wilson Lighting - Look for living room pictures 6. Art Deco Revival Art Deco, the architecture and design style that took hold in the 1920s and ’30s, is enjoying a resurgence.12 As a style, Art Deco is marked by bold geometry, textures, and colors, as well as an emphasis on art. But the 2023 interpretation of this style is likely to be a bit less splashy than its historical roots. Designers predict that instead of incorporating all of the elements of the style, which could feel overwhelming, homeowners will pick bursts of color or bold accessories to bring some whimsy to their space. Keep an eye out for vintage mirrors, lamps, or vases that bring a touch of Art Deco glam to your home, or embrace bold colors and fabrics like velvet. Choose pillows and throw blankets in bright colors and geometric patterns to nod to the look without diving in all the way. Photo by Favreau Design - Browse living room photos DESIGNED TO SELL Are you thinking about remodeling or making significant design changes to your home? Wondering how those changes might impact your future resale value? Buyer preferences vary significantly based on your home’s neighborhood and price range. We’re happy to share our insights on the upgrades that will make it easier (or more difficult!) to sell your home. Give us a call for a free consultation! The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs. Sources: 1. US News and World Report -https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/slideshows/interior-design-trends-for-2023?slide=22. Architectural Digest -https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/design-trends-in-20233. Insider -https://www.insider.com/popular-home-decor-trends-for-2023-according-to-experts-2022-4. Houzz -https://www.houzz.com/magazine/35-home-design-trends-on-the-rise-in-2023-stsetivw-vs~1640324735. The Spruce -https://www.thespruce.com/2023-design-trends-67438036. The Spruce -https://www.thespruce.com/2023-lighting-trends-68914127. The Spruce -https://www.thespruce.com/2023-color-trends-67511378. Good Housekeeping -https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decorating-ideas/g42084756/interior-design-trends-2023/9. Benjamin Moore -https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-colors/color/2008-30/raspberry-blush10. Sherwin Williams -https://www.sherwin-williams.com/content/colorforecast/colormix-2023/color-of-the-year-202311. Behr -https://www.behr.com/consumer/inspiration/2023-coty/12. The Spruce -https://www.thespruce.com/art-deco-trend-for-2023-7092174
2023 Real Estate Market Outlook (And What It Means for You)
Last year, one factor drove the real estate market more than any other: rising mortgage rates. In March 2022, the Federal Reserve began a series of interest rate hikes in an effort to pump the brakes on inflation.1 And while some market sectors have been slow to respond, the housing market has reacted accordingly. Both demand and price appreciation have tapered, as the primary challenge for homebuyers has shifted from availability to affordability. And although this higher-mortgage rate environment has been a painful adjustment for many buyers and sellers, it should ultimately lead to a more stable and balanced real estate market. So what can we expect in 2023? Will mortgage rates continue to climb? Could home prices come crashing down? While this is one of the more challenging real estate periods to forecast, here’s what several industry experts predict will happen to the U.S. housing market in the coming year. MORTGAGE RATES WILL FLUCTUATE LESS In 2022, 30-year fixed mortgage rates surged from roughly 3% in January to around 7%. According to Rick Sharga of real estate data company ATTOM, “We’ve never seen rates double in so short a period.”2 This year, economists forecast a less dramatic shift. In an interview with Bankrate, Nadia Evangelou, senior economist for the National Association of Realtors, shares her vision of three possible mortgage rate scenarios:3 Inflation continues to surge, forcing the Fed to repeatedly raise interest rates. In that scenario, she predicts that rates could reach as high as 8.5%. Inflation decelerates and mortgage rates follow suit, averaging 7 to 7.5% for the year. Rising interest rates trigger a recession, which could ultimately lead mortgage rates to drop closer to 5% by the end of the year. Realtor.com forecasts something similar to scenario #2 above: “Mortgage rates will average 7.4% in 2023, trickling down to 7.1% by year’s end.”4 The Mortgage Bankers Association, however, projects something closer to Evangelou’s scenario #3, with the 30-year fixed rate declining steadily throughout the year, averaging 6.2% in Q1 and 5.2% by Q4.5 Economists at Fannie Mae fall somewhere in the middle. In a recent press release, they predicted that the U.S. economy will experience a “modest recession” this year.6 But in their December Housing Forecast, they project that 30-year fixed mortgage rates will only fall by half a point from an average of 6.5% in Q1 to 6.0% in Q4.7 “From our perspective, the good news is that demographics remain favorable for housing, so the sector appears well-positioned to help lead the economy out of what we expect will be a brief recession,” said Fannie Mae Chief Economist Doug Duncan.6 What does it mean for you? Even the experts can’t say for certain where mortgage rates are headed. Instead of trying to ”time the market,” focus instead on buying or selling a home when the time is right for you. There are a variety of mortgage options available that can make a home purchase more affordable, including adjustable rates, points, and buydowns—and keep in mind you can always refinance down the road. We’d be happy to refer you to a trusted mortgage professional who can outline your best options. SALES VOLUME WILL FALL AND INVENTORY WILL RISE It looks like the home-buying frenzy we experienced in recent years is behind us. While the desire to own a home remains strong, higher mortgage rates have made it unaffordable for a large segment of would-be buyers. Many economists expect the number of home sales to continue to decline this year, leading to an increase in listing inventory and days-on-market, or the time it takes to sell a home. But, there is a wide range when it comes to specifics. Economists at Fannie Mae forecast that total home sales will fall by around 20% this year before rising again by nearly 15% in 2024.7 National Association of Realtors Chief Economist Lawrence Yun projects a less extreme dip of 7% in 2023 with a rebound of 10% next year.8 Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale foresees something in between. “The deceleration in home sales is likely to continue as high home prices and mortgage rates limit the pool of eligible home buyers. We anticipate that existing home sales will decline another 14.1% in 2023.” She expects this drop in sales to lead to a nearly 23% increase in inventory levels this year, offering more choices for buyers who have struggled to find a home in the past.9 However, given the severe lack of housing supply, even with a double-digit increase, the market is expected to remain relatively tight and below pre-pandemic levels. Hale points out: “It’s important to keep historical context in mind. The level of inventory in 2023 is expected to fall roughly 15% short of the 2019 average.”9 What does it mean for you? If you’ve been frustrated by a lack of inventory in the past, 2023 may bring new opportunities for you to find the perfect home. And today’s buyers have more negotiating power than they’ve had in years. Contact us to find out about current and future listings that meet your criteria. If you’re hoping to sell, you may want to act fast; rising inventory levels will mean increased competition. We can help you chart the best course to maximize your profits, starting with a professional assessment of your home’s current market value. Reach out to schedule a free consultation. HOME PRICES WILL REMAIN RELATIVELY STABLE While some economists expect home prices to fall this year, many expect them to remain fairly stable. “For most parts of the country, home prices are holding steady since available inventory is extremely low,” said Yun at a November conference.8 Nationally, Yun expects the average median home price to tick up by 1% in 2023, with some markets experiencing greater appreciation and others experiencing declines.8 Economists at Fannie Mae offer a similar projection, forecasting a slight decrease in their Home Price Index of about 1.5%, year-over-year.7 Other experts foresee a larger fluctuation. Hale expects U.S. home prices to rise by 5.4% this year, while Morgan Stanley is forecasting a 7% drop from the peak in June 2022.9,10 Still, many economists agree that a housing market crash like the one we experienced in 2008 is highly unlikely. The factors that caused home prices to plunge during the Great Recession—specifically lax lending standards and a surplus of inventory—aren’t prevalent in our current market.10 Therefore, home values are expected to remain comparatively stable. What does it mean for you? It can feel scary to buy a home when there’s uncertainty in the market. However, real estate is a long-term investment that has been shown to appreciate over time. And keep in mind that the best bargains are often found in a slower market, like the one we’re experiencing right now. Contact us to discuss your goals and budget. We can help you make an informed decision about the right time to buy. And if you’re planning to sell this year, you’ll want to chart your path carefully to maximize your profits. Contact us for recommendations and to find out what your home could sell for in today’s market. RENT PRICES WILL CONTINUE TO CLIMB Affordability challenges for would-be buyers, inflationary pressures, and an overall lack of housing could continue to drive “above-average” rent price increases in much of the country.11 The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas expects year-over-year rental price growth to tick up to 8.4% in May before moderating later in the year.12 According to Hale, “U.S. renters will continue to face challenges from limited supply and excess demand in the coming year that will keep upward pressure on rent growth. At a national level, we forecast rent growth of 6.3% in the next 12 months, somewhat ahead of home price growth and historical rent trends.”9 However, there are signs that the surge in rent prices could be tapering. According to Jay Parsons, head of economics for rental housing software company RealPage, there’s some evidence of a slowdown in demand. He predicts that market-rate rents will rise just 3.3% this year. Still, analysts agree that a return to lower pre-pandemic rental prices is unlikely.10 What does it mean for you? Rent prices are expected to keep climbing. But you can lock in a set mortgage payment and build long-term wealth by putting that money toward a home purchase instead. Reach out for a free consultation to discuss your options. And if you’ve ever thought about purchasing a rental property, now may be a perfect time. Call today to get your investment property search started. WE’RE HERE TO GUIDE YOU While national real estate forecasts can provide a “big picture” outlook, real estate is local. And as local market experts, we can guide you through the ins and outs of our market and the issues most likely to impact sales and drive home values in your particular neighborhood. If you’re considering buying or selling a home in 2023, contact us now to schedule a free consultation. We’ll work with you to develop an action plan to meet your real estate goals this year. The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs. Sources: Forbes -https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/fed-funds-rate-history/ Bankrate -https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/will-mortgage-rates-go-up-in-december-2022/ Bankrate -https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/housing-market-predictions-2023/ Realtor.com - https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/2023-the-year-of-the-homebuyer-our-bold-predictions-on-home-prices-mortgage-rates-and-more/ Mortgage Bankers Association - https://www.mba.org/docs/default-source/research-and-forecasts/forecasts/mortgage-finance-forecast-dec-2022.pdf?sfvrsn=b584bf7_1 Fannie Mae - https://www.fanniemae.com/newsroom/fannie-mae-news/economy-still-expected-enter-and-exit-modest-recession-2023 Fannie Mae -https://www.fanniemae.com/media/45801/display National Association of Realtors - https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/nars-lawrence-yun-predicts-us-home-prices-wont-experience-major-decline-could-possibly-rise-slightly Realtor.com -https://www.realtor.com/research/2023-national-housing-forecast/ The New York Times - https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/04/realestate/housing-market-interest-rates.html CNBC -https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/28/how-much-higher-rent-will-go-in-2023-according-to-experts.html Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas -https://www.dallasfed.org/research/economics/2022/0816
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