Goodbye to Summer and Goodbye to Junk!

If you’re putting off any major new home cleanup at your Elite Home until spring rolls around in Louisville, you’re just adding to your workload.  Spring cleaning is old news; the best time to start cleaning is right now.  As the kids head back to the great schools around our communities, take advantage of the time to welcome the new season with a fresh start. Say goodbye to summer by saying goodbye to the junk! 

Old Binders and Folders
Unless you have some binders and notebooks from the past that can survive another year, make a clean sweep of your used materials before you replace them.  A new school year is a great excuse for new supplies, so before you go shopping, look into various donation options such as Home Depot’s recycling program.

Summer ClothesAny summer clothes that you didn’t really wear this year or are pretty worn out will most likely get replaced by next summer anyway.  While prioritizing your fall wardrobe in your closet, make space for new clothing by tossing or donating old shirts, shorts, bathing suits, flip flops, etc.

Beach/Pool Toys

These toys get a lot of use throughout the summer, so if they’re beat up, throw them out.  Any old pool noodles, broken shovels, deflating rafts and rusty beach chairs are easy to throw in storage and forget about them until next year, so throw them out! 

Running Shoes

Most sneakers get about 400-600 miles of walking or running before they’re spent. Look for signs like worn-down tread, ripped toes or thin sock-liners, and make the call if it’s time for them to go. Check out various recycling programs that will gladly take an old pair of your hands in order to help others who need them.

Plastic Tupperware
After so many uses, plastic containers can get discolored or warped.  They can also be easy to over-collect to the point where they’re just cluttering your kitchen. 

AC Filter
Your AC has been running all summer, so now it’s time to check and replace the filters for the upcoming year. The hot summer days of heavy AC use are over, so swap them out now.

Outdated Electronics
You may be hesitant to get rid of that tangled mess of old headphone wires and chargers, but when’s the last time you’ve really used them? If it’s been more than 6 months, it’s time to let go.  Same with old iPods, phones and other electronics that you have since replaced with newer models.

Why wait for a fresh start by putting off the inevitable. As the season changes and everyone is getting back into their busy routines, there’s no better time to say goodbye to the junk. So what are you waiting for?

So it's Time to Make the Big Move!

The thought of owning your own home may have always seemed like something for the distant future. As one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, it’s easy to find reasons why the timing just isn’t quite right.  Despite the hesitation you may have, owning your own home can add incredible value not only in the future, but right now too! Here’s why it’s time to make the big move.

First Off, You CAN Afford It. In all but two of the top 100 biggest US housing markets was it cheaper to buy than rent a home. In fact, buying a home is currently about 23% cheaper for millennials than renting one.  Interest rates are nearing record lows, and homes are more affordable than ever. You may have felt like renting is a safer bet, but really, you’re getting a lot more mileage for your dollar when you buy. How?

You Build Equity. In a sense, paying your mortgage is a form of savings.  With each payment, a portion goes toward reducing the amount you owe, increasing your equity as a result.  It also increases as your home appreciates over time.  With sound equity, you can qualify for home equity loans, which can be used to help pay off medical, educational and other expenses you may have.

You Enjoy Added Tax Deductions. Unlike renting where your hard earned dollar simply disappears into your landlord’s pocket, your home expenses can actually reduce the amount you pay in income taxes.  Mortgage interest, property taxes and even certain closing costs may all be tax deductible, and in the first couple of years when interests are a big part of your mortgage payments, this could mean a lot more money back in your wallet.

You Can Build Strong Credit.  As long as you’re paying your monthly loan payments on time, you’re proving to other lenders that you’re low risk.  In the future, when other large purchases or expenses arise, you’ll have a better case for getting that loan.  It’s important to plan for the future, but remember you can’t predict everything…

Don’t Try and Time it Perfectly.  Waiting for the “right” season or timing isn’t a guarantee.  For starters, despite there typically being more homes on the market in the spring, competition can be lower in the fall and winter months. If you’re building a home, starting the process now can get you a nice spring time move in.  A fall start can also be an advantage because builders can work through cold and snow, while heavy rain is a different story. 

In terms of value, you can’t predict where the market will be in a couple of years, but you can do the research and ask the right questions to make a smart decision now.  And when you do, you’ll enjoy the greatest benefit of all…

Creating the Perfect Home for YOU. Say no more to staring at that horrible floral wallpaper or bright pink bathroom tile your landlord couldn’t care less about.  But more importantly, owning a home means you can create a place that reflects your own unique personality and needs.  By taking advantage of all the freedom homeownership offers, it’s not just an investment, but also something much more meaningful.

Keeping your Pet Calm During the Move

So you’re moving into a new home – what an exciting time! Your pet(s) may need some extra love and attention to keep them safe, comfortable and happy. Relocating pets takes understanding, care and an investment of time that starts long before moving day!

Before the move

-Pack gradually, so your pet will get accustomed to change. Choose one room in your house, and fill it with items your pet loves. On moving day, keep your pet in this room until you're ready to leave.  

-Take a trial run. If your pet is not used to traveling by car, make short trips with it a week or two in advance. Cats are often frightened by car travel, but they usually adjust quickly.

-Pack a bag for your pet, filled with fresh food, treats, water, two bowls, toys, a leash and some long-lasting edible or durable chew toys.

On the road

-Plan to make a few stops. This will allow your pet to get a drink, stretch their legs and take a restroom break. (Remember your pet is very excited about the change in scenery and may need to potty more frequently.)

-Not all moves are done in one day. If you are on the road, call pet-friendly hotels along your route and verify individual pet policies. 

If you’re flying…

-Call the professionals. If possible, use a certified pet carrier service to relocate your pet to ensure that the pet’s travel will go smoothly.

-Check with the airline. If traveling by air, check the airline requirements so you can take steps to keep your pet safe. Some airlines allow pets in the cabin, depending on the animal’s size.

New home sweet home

-Food and water first. Once your pet is in the new location, make sure that he or she gets food and water. Place the bowls several feet from each other, though, so that your pet pet doesn’t gulp down the water too fast. 

-Once you are in the new location, keep your pet in a quiet place of your home, during the unpacking. Introduce him or her gradually to their new surroundings. 

-Settle in to your new home. Once your pet is home, be sure to spend time with him or her. They’ve earned it, and it’s also important that your pet feels comfortable before letting them roam the house or walk off the leash!

It’s Almost Spring… Time To Spruce Things Up A Little!

It’s been a long, weird winter in Louisville, so we’ve decided to spruce things up by getting some spring cleaning done.  (Did you ever notice how spring cleaning puts a smile on your face?  Maybe it’s because we know that summer is right around the corner.)

Anyway, here are a few helpful tips on cleaning your home up for Spring.

1.     Safety first! Change the batteries in ALL of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  And make sure the unit is free of dust.

2.     Light fixtures can be full of dust. Take a minute or two to clean easily accessible light fixtures, lamps and ceiling fixtures. Don’t be surprised if everything looks a bit brighter when you’re finished!

3.     Take your area rugs outside for a good shake down and maybe a few hours of airing out. Your wall-to-wall carpeting could probably use a good cleaning too, so break out the steam cleaner! It may help with those seasonal allergies, too.

4.     While you’re in cleaning mode, wash down your walls. Dust and dirt sticks to vertical surfaces, too. The easiest way to clean your walls is with a good soft sponge and warm, mild, soapy water. On flat painted walls, try using a dry microfiber cloth. It will work well on removing dust.

5.     Your windows and blinds could probably use a good scrubbing, too. Take down your heavy curtains/drapes and send them to the cleaner. Let the sun shine in!

6.     What about your furniture? During the winter months, it collects dust, dirt, body oils, and germs. (And if you have a pet, it has also collected pet hair and dander.) Time to haul out the vacuum cleaner. You can steam clean furniture as well. Just make sure you test an unobtrusive spot to make sure that the detergent from the steam cleaner doesn’t fade the color or ruin your upholstery.

7.     Head for the kitchen! When was the last time you gave your fridge a good scrub down? Go ahead and throw out those leftovers that you’ll never actually use. Check out your condiments. Bet you have a few that have expired. Now that your fridge looks like it has been raided by a horde of teenage boys, get cleaning. A magic eraser or a sponge and hot soapy water will get the stuck-on grime. Clean the outside too. And don’t forget a fresh box of baking soda to help absorb any odors that may be lingering.

8.     While you’re in the kitchen, give the stove, cabinets, walls and counters a going over with a grease-cutting cleaner. You’ll be amazed at how nice they feel when they aren’t sticky anymore!

9.     Embrace your OCD tendencies! Organize that closet that doesn’t close, or those shelves that have been making you twitch. Throw out, donate or repurpose as much as possible.

10. Don’t forget the outside chores! If you don’t have them, add extensions to your gutter downspouts to keep water flowing away from your foundation. Clean out the gutters in case there is debris leftover from fall. Blow out the air conditioning condenser with a leaf blower to clean the filter. Call your sprinkler installer to get your system set up for warm Louisville weather.