Your dishwasher. That magic appliance that willingly accepts our soiled dishes and offers them back to us in a couple of hours, sparkling clean. It works hard all week, but is your dishwasher holiday ready? Do you notice an unpleasant odor when unloading your dishwasher, or maybe you have to re-wash a dish after it's run through a cycle? If so, we've got some tips for you. 1. Clean the Dishwasher Trap If your dishwasher is not self-cleaning, remove the manual filter located under the bottom rack of your dishwasher. Hand wash in warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. You may need to gently scrub (using an old toothbrush) to remove the tougher particles. Clean the area where the filter goes in the dishwasher before putting the filter back in place. 2. Clean the Dishwasher … [Read more...] about Is Your Dishwasher Holiday Ready?
The 5 Best Things to Buy in October
October is all about Halloween, but did you know it's also a great time to do a little shopping? Don't get carried away, though. Only certain items are a steal during this spooky month. Other deals are best left to the rowdy masses of next month's Black Friday. We've gathered a list of The 5 Best Things to Buy in October. 1. All Things Outdoors Consumer's minds have headed indoors for the upcoming winter, which makes it a perfect time to head outdoors for a deal. October is the perfect month to buy yard tools, outdoor grills, patio furniture, outdoor sporting equipment, hiking, and camping gear. Even if you're not going to use your "outdoor deals" this season, store them away for next year. When you break out your new tent next spring and the in-store prices are now at their … [Read more...] about The 5 Best Things to Buy in October
Tricks and Treats for Your October Home
October begins with beautiful, crisp mornings and ends with a fright. For some of us, the fright isn't Halloween, it's knowing the busy holiday season is on us. Work your way through our checklist of tricks and treats for your October home. By the end of the month, you'll be fearless. 1. Make Sure Your Porch is Safe Before trick-or-treaters are ringing your doorbell this month, make sure your exterior porch lights are in working order, and you have sufficient lighting. Decorative pumpkins and Jack-o-lanterns should be kept clear of your steps and doorway. 2. Clean Your Gutters Make sure your gutters and downspouts are ready for Mother Nature. After most of the leaves have fallen, take time to clear out debris from your gutters. Water should flow through your gutters and … [Read more...] about Tricks and Treats for Your October Home
5 Common Causes of Home Fires You Can Prevent
October 6-12 is Fire Prevention Week. No one wants to think about a house fire. Although we don’t want to scare you with statistics, we will share a couple to make a point. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says there are more than 350,000 home fires in the U.S. each year. Here are 5 Common Causes of Home Fires You Can Prevent. Cooking Fires Cooking fires are the most common cause of house fires. They are responsible for a whopping 48% of all residential fires. Grease is the main culprit, and in particular, unattended cooking. Prevent: Never leave your kitchen unattended when cooking with oil. This includes foods such as bacon that produce grease. Keep a fire extinguisher handy in your kitchen. There are several different grades and uses for fire extinguishers. Be … [Read more...] about 5 Common Causes of Home Fires You Can Prevent
3 Real Estate Podcasts That Caught Our Ear
September 30 was National Podcast Day. With every conceivable subject open for discussion, it's easy to be entertained by our favorite podcast. But let's face it. You're a busy real estate pro constantly on the lookout for information that keeps you on the cutting edge of your industry. Here are 3 Real Estate Podcasts that Caught Our Ear. We're confident you will be inspired, educated, and entertained by these podcasts about the real estate industry. Real Estate Today Radio Podcast Real Estate Today Radio calls itself "your instant connection to the American Dream of homeownership." Each show is 75 minutes in duration and provides critical info on today's real estate market. The episodes are full of face-paced interviews and call-ins with industry experts. Real Estate Today Radio's topics … [Read more...] about 3 Real Estate Podcasts That Caught Our Ear