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Get Organized In The New Year
Out with the old and in with the new. The start of a new year often prompts us to consider this age-old saying and then do something about it. Having trouble getting motivated or not sure where to start when it comes to getting organized? Try a few suggestions below to begin putting your house in order.
Netflix Offers Motivation
Grab a comfy spot on your couch, your remote and browse these Netflix shows to help spur your imagination and transform your cluttered space into something more useable.
- The Minimalist – Less Is Now, offering practical ways to find order without an outrageous process
- Get Organized with The Home Edit, where professional organizers aid in straightening up any space
- Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, where Marie’s ideas help you declutter your home and your lives
Store Sales On Storage Items
Take advantage of store promotions on storage solutions in January while you’re indoors and available to tackle organization projects. Check with your local hardware stores for their bargains of the month to help you get started. Many big box stores, like Home Depot or Menards, also offer savings up to 40% off of items to help organize your belongings. Take the time to search for sales to make the most of your dollar.
Selling and Donating
If you’re ready to part with the gently used couch or rocking chair that you aren’t using, consider donating the items through a local Facebook marketplace group. You can search these groups easily to find one nearby. If you list your item free with pick up, it becomes less hassle and you don’t need a truck if you have larger furniture pieces. If you no longer love it, need it or use it, there is likely someone else who would really benefit from it. Other local organizations like Bethany for Children and Families or Humility Homes and Services welcome most items for families in need.
If you’re getting organized to prepare to sell, connect with a Mel Foster Co. agent to help.
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How to manage a Difficult Neighbor
Dealing with a neighbor who isn’t cooperative or respectful can be challenging and should be managed carefully. Consider efforts listed below in order to help keep the peace.
Look At Your Behaviors First
Before you decide that the neighbor next door and their annoying behaviors must be addressed, take a moment to evaluate the kind of neighbor you are first. Ask yourself a few questions and decide if your answers qualify you as a thoughtful, model neighbor before you decide to criticize your neighbor’s bothersome actions.
- What’s your typical noise level? Do you mow the lawn too early or have kids screaming all day?
- Are your pets contained in your yard and reasonably quiet and kind?
- Do you respect the property line when caring for the lawn or adding structures?
Attempt Friendship And Assume Good Intentions
Make the effort to get to know your neighbor. Establishing a friendship can alleviate issues because both parties might be willing to respectfully discuss conflicts as they arise and work together to find solutions. Are you planning an outdoor gathering where the party’s music will extend into late night hours? Share your party plans with your neighbor in advance so he or she is aware and can plan accordingly. Assume that most people have good intentions and aren’t deliberately creating problems, until you learn differently.
Document Everything
While you may not ever need to involve a third-party during conflicts, it’s always a good idea to take good notes when disputes arise. Be sure to document date and time in your notes, list what witnesses may have been nearby or involved and take photos if any property damage has occurred. Keep relevant emails or texts in the event you have to involve your HOA, or Homeowner’s Association, or lawyers or police.
Call Proper Authorities For The Circumstance
If you’ve genuinely tried to address concerns with peaceful resolution in mind and this is not working out, take the steps necessary to get the proper authorities involved. Contacting the police should be a last resort. For instance, if your neighbor continues to throw trash in your yard after repeated requests to stop, you can probably resolve the issue with the city’s code enforcement department. A noisy or frequently loose dog might warrant a call to your HOA before the police or animal control.
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Preparing to Put Your Home on the Market
Taking Care of a Wood Burning Fireplace
Chilly nights have returned and you’re ready to make the most of the wood-burning fireplace in your home. Consider a few suggestions to ensure the safety of your fireplace. You’ll be well on your way to relaxing comfortably in front of the crackling, glowing blaze.
Call In A Professional
Call a licensed professional to have your chimney inspected. Homeowners should expect chimney inspectors to be certified by the Chimney Institute of America or the National Fireplace Institute. It’s common practice to insist on seeing the inspector’s credentials, proof of insurance and references before hiring. Choose a certified, experienced professional for peace of mind that your fireplace is safe to use.
The Inspection Is Recommended
A thorough chimney inspection identifies physical defects in the firebox or flue, any build-up of creosote, the blackened remnants formed from burned wood, or the presence of any other blockages. Chimney inspections can also reveal leaks and cracks in the structure than can affect the stability of the stack. There are three inspection levels, so be sure to ask for the one that fits your needs when making the appointment. A level one inspection includes a visual check of the fireplace and chimney without any special equipment or climbing on the roof. This initial visit will determine if you need a chimney sweep or if your fireplace is ready to use.
You’ll Need A Chimney Sweep
The role of the chimney sweep, also known as chimney technician, is to clear the ash and soot that collects inside the fireplace unit. They also perform masonry and relining work when needed. A chimney sweep does not play any role in the inspection of the chimney. Because soot and ash build up over time, it can hinder proper air flow and become a fire hazard. Cleaning out the chimney should be done once a year.
Gather The Wood And Light It Up
Use hardwood that has been split and dried for at least six months to a year. Seasoned hardwood logs should be dark and cracked at the ends, and they should make a hollow sound when knocked together. Gather kindling like expired newspapers or remnant mailings to lay beneath the logs. Light the kindling, fan the flame until the wood catches on fire and have a metal poker nearby to shift the wood around as needed.
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Handling Multiple Home Offers
Your home is on the market and you are suddenly handling multiple offers from interested buyers. While this may feel like an ideal scenario, you may not be sure where to begin. To keep it simple, consider selecting from one of three courses of action for best results.
Accept The Best Offer And Reject The Others
Determine what best offer means to you first. Typically best offer means getting the most money for your home. But some sellers need to move quickly due to personal circumstances, so their best offer may be the cash deal today without waiting on pending loan approvals or contingency sales. Once you know what you need most from your sale, narrow it down to the best offer for a quick and easy sale.
The Secret In Multiple Offers
You can ask your buyers to present their final offer upfront, also called highest and best offer. This method of cutting to the chase is an assertive way to weed out buyers who may be on the fence or not quite serious about their offer. Buyers would have to present a purchase agreement with a highest offer addendum, which allows for an increase in purchase price not to exceed a certain dollar amount of the next competing offer. The other buyers would not know any details of the other offers being put forth.
Counter The Best Offer And Reject The Rest
If one offer is the clear favorite, you might simply want to counter that offer to see if you can get the terms you want. While other potential buyers are waiting, you may choose to negotiate with your top candidate and then decide to reintroduce other buyers back into the equation if your first option falls through.
Talk with your Mel Foster Co. REALTOR®, they can help you navigate this decision.