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/
As the holiday season winds down and the Christmas decorations are packed away, the start of the new year presents the perfect opportunity to refresh your home and set it up for a successful sale in the coming months. With the holidays behind us, now is the time to focus on creating a space that not only feels fresh and organized but is also ready to attract potential buyers when the spring market rolls around.
Many of us make resolutions to declutter, reorganize, and simplify our lives in the new year. Why not apply that same mindset to your home? By tackling these tasks early, you’ll not only enjoy a more organized and peaceful living space, but you’ll also be positioning your home for success when it’s time to list. Whether it’s addressing clutter, or making small improvements, taking advantage of this quieter time of year will allow you to prepare your home at a comfortable pace — without the stress of last-minute rushes.
Here are some practical tips on what you can do now to get your home ready for sale:
Boost Curb Appeal The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see, so make a great first impression. Keep your lawn well-mowed, power wash siding and walkways, and add fresh flowers or greenery near the entrance for a welcoming feel.
Make Necessary Repairs Address visible issues like leaky faucets, broken appliances, or faulty wiring before listing. Buyers will appreciate a well-maintained home, and small repairs can prevent them from asking for price reductions or walking away.
Consider Cosmetic Upgrades If you’re on a budget, focus on simple upgrades like a fresh coat of paint, especially in high-traffic areas such as entryways or kitchens. These small changes can make your home feel more modern and move-in ready.
Declutter and Depersonalize Clear out personal items like family photos and excess furniture to help buyers envision themselves in the space. A clean, neutral environment with minimal distractions allows potential buyers to focus on the home itself.
Do a Deep Clean A thorough cleaning can make a big difference. Wash windows, clean carpets, and pay attention to the kitchen and bathrooms—these areas can make or break a sale. A spotless home gives the impression of being well-cared-for.
Stage Your Home Staging can help buyers imagine the full potential of a space, possibly leading to higher offers and a quicker sale. Avoid using seasonal decor, which can date the listing, and opt for timeless, neutral touches to keep the home appealing year-round.
By following these simple steps, you’ll increase your chances of a quick, profitable sale in the competitive spring market.
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
Real Estate Outlook for 2025: Key Trends and Predictions
The housing market has faced challenges in recent years, but brighter days may be ahead. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), shared an optimistic forecast for 2025 and 2026, predicting an uptick in home sales and more stable mortgage rates. Check out the link to find out more: https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/whats-next-for-the-2025-housing-market
Rising Home Sales
Yun expects home sales to rise in the next few years. He predicts existing home sales will increase by 9% in 2025 and 13% in 2026, with new home sales also seeing growth. The improving economy, job gains, and increasing home inventory are all contributing factors to the positive outlook.
Mortgage Rates to Stabilize
Mortgage rates are expected to moderate, though not drop drastically. While recent Fed rate cuts may offer some relief, Yun cautioned that high budget deficits could prevent mortgage rates from returning to low levels seen in previous years. However, the “locked-in” effect of homeowners with low mortgage rates will gradually ease over time, creating opportunities for buyers and sellers.
Home Price Increases to Slow
After years of rapid price growth, home prices are predicted to rise slowly in the next few years. The NAR forecasts a 2% increase in median home prices for both 2025 and 2026. While home equity gains have benefited current homeowners, affordability remains a challenge for many buyers.
Changing Buyer Demographics
The profile of homebuyers is shifting. All-cash buyers have become more common, accounting for 26% of home sales in the past year. First-time homebuyers are older, with a median age of 38, and many are relying on financial help from family or drawing from savings and assets. Multigenerational households are also on the rise, driven by cost-saving efforts and the need to care for aging parents. Additionally, single women buyers outpace single men, with women making up 24% of the home-purchase market.
Looking Ahead
Overall, while challenges persist, the outlook for the housing market is improving. With rising job numbers, moderating mortgage rates, and changing buyer trends, 2025 could be a year of recovery and growth for the real estate market. Real estate professionals should prepare for a busy year ahead, as more Americans may be ready to make a move.
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.
Taking Care of Your Pets During Bonfire Night the 5th of November
Bonfire Night- 5th of November
Bonfire Night, while exciting for many, can be a traumatic experience for pets, particularly dogs. With fireworks lighting up the sky, the loud noises, sudden bursts, and flashes of light can be overwhelming for animals, causing stress, anxiety, and even physical harm. As pet owners, especially those close to Disney, we have a responsibility to create a safe and comforting environment to protect our furry friends from these potential hazards.
Understanding the Impact of Fireworks on Dogs
According to Dr. Karen Overall, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, dogs have heightened sensory perception, which can make sudden, loud noises exceptionally distressing for them. Fireworks are particularly stressful because they are unpredictable; the random timing, intensity, and variation in sound and light can cause a pet’s anxiety levels to spike rapidly. Dr. Overall explains that dogs often perceive these sounds as threats, triggering a fight-or-flight response which can lead to symptoms like trembling, pacing, whining, and even destructive behavior in severe cases.
Steps to Protect Your Dog During Bonfire Night
To help reduce the stress dogs feel, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) recommends several practical steps for pet owners:
1. Create a Safe Space
Dogs need a quiet, familiar area to retreat to during fireworks. Dr. Huw Stacey, Director of Clinical Services at Vets4Pets, suggests preparing a “den” for your dog in a quiet part of the house. This should be a cozy area with some familiar items, such as blankets and toys, to provide comfort and security.
2. Keep Your Dog Indoors
To prevent any accidental injuries or escape attempts, it’s crucial to keep dogs indoors when fireworks are going off. Dr. Stacey emphasizes that many dogs, when scared, will try to run or hide, which could lead to dangerous situations if they’re outside. Keep doors, windows, and pet doors securely closed.
3. Use Calming Products
There are many pet-safe, calming products available, such as pheromone diffusers and sprays, that can help reduce stress. Dr. Overall also mentions that specific supplements and medications, when prescribed by a vet, may be appropriate for dogs with severe anxiety. However, it’s essential to consult with a qualified vet to determine what is best for your pet.
4. Soundproof the Room if Possible
Lowering the volume of the fireworks can reduce your dog’s anxiety. Drawing curtains, using blankets to cover crates, and playing calm music or white noise can mask some of the noise. Dr. Stacey suggests a classical music playlist, which has been shown to reduce anxiety in some dogs
5. Desensitization Techniques
In the weeks leading up to Bonfire Night, consider training your dog to become accustomed to loud noises gradually. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) suggests playing recorded firework sounds at a low volume and rewarding your dog with treats and praise, gradually increasing the volume over time as your dog becomes more comfortable.
Recognizing Signs of Distress
It’s essential to recognize signs of distress in your dog. Common symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, shaking, or attempts to hide. If your pet shows any of these signs, it’s important to stay calm and reassure them. Avoid overreacting to their behavior, as this can unintentionally reinforce their anxiety. Instead, provide quiet, gentle support and stay close to them.
Seek Professional Help if Needed
For some dogs, anxiety around fireworks can be severe. In such cases, consulting with a veterinarian or a qualified animal behaviorist can be beneficial. With professional help, you may find additional techniques or treatments suited to your dog’s specific needs.
By taking these simple precautions and creating a calming environment for our pets, we can help them feel safe and secure on Bonfire Night, ensuring it’s a positive experience for everyone.
