Mold loves heat and humidity. Since Florida is both, homes and condos in Florida are at increased risk for mold growth. The EPA reports that indoor air can be two to five times more toxic than outdoor air, with mold being a major contributor. Mold often grows unnoticed in damp areas like bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and HVAC systems, where it can cause respiratory issues, asthma, and even severe health problems.
Mold thrives in warm, humid environments (77-87°F, 62-93% humidity) and feeds on organic materials. Summer is particularly conducive to mold growth, with common types including Alternaria, Aspergillus, and the toxic black mold, Stachybotrys chartarum. To prevent mold, it’s essential to keep your home dry, control moisture, and take proactive steps to maintain clean, dry environments.
5 Tips to Prevent Mold and Mildew in Your Home
Keep Humidity Levels in Check – Mold thrives in humid environments, so controlling moisture is key. Use vent fans in high-moisture areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, or install them if needed. Consider using dehumidifiers or whole-home humidification systems to maintain ideal humidity levels. HVAC systems can also help with moisture control, especially during the summer months. Choose air conditioners with high moisture removal for better results.
Let in Fresh Air – Ventilating your home by opening windows daily can reduce carbon dioxide levels, improve air quality, and help dry out damp areas. Even just 5-15 minutes a day can significantly improve the indoor environment and reduce mold risks.
Use Green Cleaning Products – Avoid harsh chemical cleaners that can add VOCs to the air. Opt for water-based, non-toxic cleaners that are effective at removing mold and mildew without introducing harmful substances.
Dry Wet Areas Immediately – Mold needs moisture to grow, so dry wet areas like bathroom surfaces, carpets, and towels within 24 hours. Fix leaks quickly and ensure your home is waterproofed by maintaining gutters, sump pumps, and drainage systems.
Incorporate Indoor Plants – Houseplants not only brighten your space but also help improve air quality by absorbing harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene. Consider adding plants that specifically improve indoor air quality.
Additional Tips
Use a HEPA filter vacuum to remove mold spores from carpets and floors.
Consider installing ultraviolet (UV) lights in damp areas or HVAC systems to reduce mold growth.
Regularly inspect and repair plumbing and HVAC systems to prevent moisture issues.
If you have a severe mold problem, call a professional mold remediation service. For small infestations, natural solutions like tea tree oil, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide can be effective.
By staying proactive and maintaining a dry, well-ventilated home, you can keep mold and mildew at bay, ensuring a healthier indoor environment for you and your family.
For more information: https://happyhiller.com/blog/how-to-clean-prevent-mold-mildew/
Owning a vacation home can be a dream, but it requires proper maintenance and care to avoid costly issues. Unlike primary residences, vacation homes often remain vacant for extended periods, which can lead to problems if not properly managed. Plumbing failures, storm damage, and pest infestations are just a few of the potential issues.
To ensure a hassle-free experience, it’s important for vacation homeowners, especially first-time buyers, to consider key maintenance tasks. Here are some essential tips for keeping your vacation property in top shape:
Work from a Checklist Use a detailed checklist to manage home maintenance. Having local service professionals who can check on the home during inclement weather is vital. For example, in snowy areas, a service can clear ice dams and plow driveways, while in hurricane-prone regions, shutters and furniture can be secured. Key systems like heating and water should be turned off when the home is unoccupied.
Embrace Smart Home Technology Smart devices can help monitor your property remotely. Apps like Nest and Arlo allow you to track temperatures and security, while tools like MyCentriq simplify home maintenance management. These technologies ensure you can stay on top of potential issues, even when you’re away.
Hire a Property Manager Consider hiring a property manager to oversee routine maintenance and check-ups, especially after storms. Many property management services offer packages that include security checks, appliance monitoring, and even concierge services, giving homeowners peace of mind.
Review Insurance Coverage Insurance for vacation homes is similar to primary residences, but coverage may differ due to the increased risks of vacancy. Vacation homes are more prone to damage, vandalism, and long-term issues that go unnoticed. It’s crucial to understand your policy and consider additional measures like automatic water shutoff alarms.
Plan Before Buying Before purchasing a vacation home, it’s wise to rent first and explore the area to understand the upkeep involved. If you plan to rent out your property, make sure to check for any HOA or local restrictions regarding rentals.
With these preventive measures, vacation homeowners can enjoy their property without the stress of unexpected problems, ensuring their investment remains a source of relaxation, not headaches.
For more information: https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/home-and-design/help-homeowners-maintain-their-vacation-homes
Property Management Spotlight: Tips for Extending the Lifespan of your garbage disposal
Keeping up with your home’s garbage disposal might seem like a small task, but it has huge benefits. As our property expert Lucy Hinson explains, regular upkeep of this important kitchen appliance has huge benefits.
While it might not cross your mind often, your garbage disposal is an essential appliance in your kitchen that deserves some care and attention. While not overly expensive, preventative care of your disposal can save you from costly plumbing issues in the future. After all, your garbage disposal is connected to your home’s plumbing system. When you grind food waste, it travels through a network of pipes—so it’s important to ensure your disposal is functioning properly to avoid clogging or damage.
Here are some key tips to help keep your garbage disposal running smoothly:
Run it Regularly
Using your garbage disposal frequently helps keep it in good working order. A well-used disposal is less likely to develop issues, as it keeps food waste moving through the system.
Use Cold Water
Always run cold water while using your disposal. Cold water helps solidify any fats or oils, making it easier for the disposal to grind them up without causing clogs in the pipes.
Avoid Large Food Chunks
To prevent overworking the motor, avoid putting large food pieces into the disposal. Cut larger items into smaller pieces before grinding.
Clean it Every Two Weeks
Regular cleaning prevents buildup that can cause odors and reduce efficiency. Clean your disposal at least once every two weeks to maintain its performance.
Grind Thoroughly
Always ensure that the disposal has ground the food completely before turning it off. This prevents leftover debris from clogging the pipes.
Keep Fibrous Foods Out
Certain foods like celery, corn husks, and potato peels can cause blockages because they tangle around the blades. Avoid putting these fibrous materials downthe disposal.
Skip the Bones and Eggshells
While it might seem tempting, bones and eggshells can damage the blades or cause clogs. They should never be put in the disposal.
By following these simple tips, you’ll help ensure your garbage disposal works efficiently for years to come, avoiding unnecessary plumbing headaches and costly repairs.
If you have any questions about your rental properties or questions about rental homes, how to get your homes listed to ReMax Heritage, feel free to reach out to our amazing Property Manager, Lucy Hinson, at lucy@bardellrealestate.com.
Sprucing Up Your Home for the Fall Season: Simple, Elegant Touches to Embrace Autumn
Sprucing Up Your Home for The Fall Season
As the cooler temperatures approach in our sunny Four Corners, now is the perfect time to refresh your home with decor that captures the warmth and coziness of fall. You don’t need a major overhaul or a big budget to create a space that feels inviting—small, thoughtful changes can make a world of difference.
From rich seasonal colors to natural elements, here are some simple yet impactful ways to transform your home into a fall-inspired haven:
1. Embrace Fall Colors and Textures
One of the easiest ways to refresh your home for the season is by introducing warm, autumnal hues. Think deep oranges, muted yellows, and rich browns that reflect the colors of falling leaves. Pair these shades with soft textures like wool, faux fur, or cozy knit throws to instantly add warmth and comfort to any room. Swapping out lighter summer fabrics for heavier textiles can make your space feel more intimate and welcoming.
2. Bring Nature Indoors
Incorporating natural elements like pumpkins, pinecones, and fall foliage can add a seasonal touch without being too overwhelming. Consider creating a centerpiece using a mix of pumpkins, gourds, and eucalyptus for your dining table, or decorate your mantel with a simple garland made of autumn leaves and acorns. These natural accents bring the beauty of the outdoors inside, creating a connection with the season in a subtle yet stylish way.
3. Light It Up with Candles and Lanterns
Candles and lanterns can instantly create a cozy atmosphere, especially during the cooler evenings. Opt for warm scents like cinnamon, apple, or pumpkin spice to add an extra layer of comfort. A few well-placed lanterns or candles in varying heights can create a charming glow that enhances the autumnal feel in any room.
4. Layer Your Decor
Layering is key to creating a cozy, lived-in space. Start with your base pieces—such as sofas and chairs—and add layers of pillows, throws, and area rugs to build texture and warmth. Mixing patterns, like plaid and herringbone, can also create visual interest and a more inviting feel. Don’t be afraid to play with different textures and colors to make your space uniquely yours.
5. Keep It Simple
You don’t need to go overboard to make an impact. Sometimes, less is more. A simple fall wreath on your front door or a few well-placed seasonal accents, such as decorative pumpkins or a bowl of fresh apples, can set the tone without feeling cluttered.
How Our Partnership with Motto Mortgage Makes Homebuying Easier
At RE/MAX Heritage, we’ve spent over two decades guiding clients through the complexities of real estate, from buying and selling to investing. One of the most challenging aspects of any transaction is securing the right mortgage. That’s why our partnership with Motto Mortgage Homewise is such a valuable asset and we know how you, our clients, can take advantage of this partnership. We didn’t partner with just any lender—we teamed up with Motto Mortgage because they bring real solutions that simplify the mortgage process, offering clarity and efficiency for our clients.
What This Partnership Means for You
Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, having a trusted mortgage partner is key to a smoother transaction. Here’s how our partnership with Motto Mortgage makes all the difference.
For Buyers: Simplifying the Path to Homeownership
As a buyer, navigating the mortgage process can feel overwhelming. With questions about affordability, borrowing limits, and timing, it’s easy to feel uncertain. But with RE/MAX Heritage and Motto Mortgage working together, we help take the guesswork out of securing a mortgage.
Fast Loan Estimates: In just 15 minutes, you can receive a loan estimate without affecting your credit score, giving you immediate insight into how much home you can afford.
A Variety of Loan Options: Whether you need an FHA, VA, or a flexible down payment assistance loan, Motto Mortgage offers diverse solutions tailored to your financial situation.
Quick Closings: Once you find the right home, there’s no need for delays. With Motto Mortgage, we aim to close loans in 14 days or less, ensuring a fast and efficient process from start to finish.
For Sellers: Faster Closings with Confident Buyers
As a seller, having financially prepared buyers means fewer delays and smoother transactions. Our partnership with Motto Mortgage allows us to ensure that potential buyers are pre-qualified quickly, so you can sell with confidence knowing your buyer is ready to close.
Imagine showing your property to a buyer who has already secured their financing. This peace of mind minimizes uncertainty and helps facilitate quicker sales, giving sellers the advantage in today’s competitive market.
For Investors: Optimizing Your Financial Strategy
Investors know that timing is everything, and having the right financing options can make or break your next move. Motto Mortgage specializes in creative loan solutions tailored for investors, including:
Bridge Loans for buying before selling.
Investment Loans with only 15% down, allowing you to leverage your capital more effectively.
Foreign National Loans that can close in under three weeks.
These flexible financing options give investors the edge they need to make strategic decisions and maximize their returns.
A Partnership Built on Experience and Results
Our partnership with Motto Mortgage Homewise isn’t just about convenience—it’s about trust and expertise. With decades of experience in real estate, we know how crucial strong partnerships are to ensuring successful transactions. Motto Mortgage shares our commitment to clear communication, realistic solutions, and fast results.
We’ve built a relationship that empowers our clients to navigate the mortgage process with confidence, ensuring that the entire experience—from offer to closing—is as seamless as possible.
Why Now Is the Time to Act
With interest rates still favorable compared to historical trends, now is a great time to buy, sell, or invest. Having a reliable mortgage partner like Motto Mortgage makes it easier to take advantage of these opportunities. Whether you’re locking in a great rate or exploring new possibilities, we’re here to help you make the most of today’s market.
What’s Next? Let’s Get Started
At RE/MAX Heritage, we pride ourselves on being trusted advisors to our clients. Our partnership with Motto Mortgage ensures that we’re not just finding the right homes—we’re securing the right financing as well. From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
The real estate market is showing signs of promise, even amid a cautious buying environment, as reported by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Inventory levels are finally rising, giving buyers more options and time to make decisions—important shifts after years of tight supply. The cooling in home price appreciation is another positive, as wages are now growing faster than home prices, signaling improved affordability for future buyers. Additionally, mortgage rates, though higher than recent years, have moderated compared to earlier in 2023, potentially setting the stage for more favorable financing conditions in the coming months.