Getting rid of clutter in your Orlando homes can be a challenge for anyone. We are overwhelmed with junk mail, paper from our children’s school, bills, magazines, trinkets, toys and clothes. It can be difficult to sort through the mess to determine what we really need. Even when the clutter is all sorted, new clutter seems to replace it overnight. There are several ways that you can get rid of the mess in your home.
• Start in one room and finish it. It can be overwhelming to try to organize a whole house. Start in one room and go through it. Discard things that you have not used in the last six months. If you have not worn it or used it in that time, then you don’t need it. Discard all broken or stained items. You aren’t going to fix them, or you would already have done it.
• Throw things away. Don’t set things aside to sort later, just in case you may need it. When sorting, make a bin of items to keep and a bin of things to throw away. Getting in the habit of discarding unneeded items can be difficult at first, but it will drastically cut down on clutter in your Orlando homes.
• Give things away. Get rid of clutter and help those in need by donating items that you're no longer using.
• Label your storage bins. Many times clutter develops because there is no set place to put things. For instance, in the toy room, have individual storage bins for toy cars, railroad tracks, dolls and crayons. Each bin should be clearly labeled so that all family members can participate in putting things where they’re supposed to go. With young children, it may be helpful to take a picture of the items that go in the bin, and tape it to the front of the container.
It’s easy to have clutter free Orlando homes using these organizing tips.
If your home is already organized, but you still don't have enough room, it may be time to buy a larger home. we can help. Call us today at 407-876-5771 for more information.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Stay Safe When Working With Electricity In Your Orlando Home
Chances are you’ll have to work with electricity in your Orlando home at least once. You might have to replace a broken ceiling fan or install a garbage disposal. Always keep these things in mind when with working with electricity:
• Turn off the power at the main panel box. If you only flip off the switch, you’re in danger of receiving an electrical shock that could prove fatal.
• Use a voltmeter to test the wires after you shut off the power.
• Thoroughly read all the instructions, including the safety information, that come with the item you’re going to install.
• Wear protective equipment like goggles and use only materials intended specifically for that purpose.
• Have an inspector out to look at your work. It’s better to err on the side of caution with electricity. For some projects, you may need to hire a licensed electrician.
After you finish the project, it’s a good time to inspect the electrical system in your Orlando home for safety. You’ll want to look it over each time the seasons change to ensure that the system is in good working order.
• Look for any frayed or discolored wiring on the cords to your electrical appliances. If you see anything unusual, you may need to call an electrician to further evaluate the situation.
• Inspect your home’s power outlets for cracks or loose plates.
• Make sure that extension cords and other plug-ins aren’t overloading the outlet.
• Always run extension cords along the side of the wall, taking care not to place the cord across a doorway, causing a walking hazard.
• Keep all heat-producing appliances, like lamps, away from combustible materials like drapes.
You can work with electricity safely by following these guidelines.
Get more home maintenance tips like this delivered free to your email inbox by subscribing to this blog.
• Turn off the power at the main panel box. If you only flip off the switch, you’re in danger of receiving an electrical shock that could prove fatal.
• Use a voltmeter to test the wires after you shut off the power.
• Thoroughly read all the instructions, including the safety information, that come with the item you’re going to install.
• Wear protective equipment like goggles and use only materials intended specifically for that purpose.
• Have an inspector out to look at your work. It’s better to err on the side of caution with electricity. For some projects, you may need to hire a licensed electrician.
After you finish the project, it’s a good time to inspect the electrical system in your Orlando home for safety. You’ll want to look it over each time the seasons change to ensure that the system is in good working order.
• Look for any frayed or discolored wiring on the cords to your electrical appliances. If you see anything unusual, you may need to call an electrician to further evaluate the situation.
• Inspect your home’s power outlets for cracks or loose plates.
• Make sure that extension cords and other plug-ins aren’t overloading the outlet.
• Always run extension cords along the side of the wall, taking care not to place the cord across a doorway, causing a walking hazard.
• Keep all heat-producing appliances, like lamps, away from combustible materials like drapes.
You can work with electricity safely by following these guidelines.
Get more home maintenance tips like this delivered free to your email inbox by subscribing to this blog.
The Clock is Ticking on that Home for Sale in Orlando – Again
Once again, the clock is ticking for first-time home buyers to get a home for sale in Orlando before the tax credit runs out. Extended in November, 2009, the first-time buyers’ tax credit is set to expire in April, 2010, and there are no plans for another extension.
What does this mean for you? If you’re a home seller, it’s time to look over your home for sale in Orlando, make sure all your t’s are crossed, i’s are dotted and that you’ve done everything you can to put your home at the front of the buying line. If you’re a first-time or repeat buyer hoping to take advantage of the credit, it’s time to start looking for your new home; the binding sales contract has to be signed by April 30, 2010.
Making the Buying Process Easier
Many times, the buying process can take forever. Red tape, failing negotiations and more has caused several possible sales to fall through. So, what can you do to make the buying process easier? Here are a few tips:
1. Find out if you qualify for the first-time or repeat buyer tax credit. The home buyer requirements are many. If you can’t afford to buy a home without the tax credit, make sure you qualify.
2. Shop for lenders before hand. Choosing a mortgage lender can be a lengthy process, so finding one you want to use before you start looking for a home will cut down on the time it takes to buy the house.
3. Get pre-approved. Getting pre-qualified is the first step in the loan process, but it’s based on an estimate, not verified facts. By getting pre-approved for a mortgage, you know exactly how much you qualify for, and how much house you can afford. Because this is a large part of the buying process, once you’re pre-approved, the lender can expedite the rest of the deal for a quicker closing.
4. Negotiate wisely. Remember that you’re on a time-line and try not to let negotiations with the seller turn into a contest of wills. Yes, negotiate, but make sure your counteroffer on the home is realistic.
Buying a great home for sale in Orlando before the tax credit expires is definitely possible, even with only four months to go. Following the tips outlined above can make the sale go as smoothly and quickly as possible.
Have questions about the home buyer tax credit? We can help. Call us now at 407-876-5771.
What does this mean for you? If you’re a home seller, it’s time to look over your home for sale in Orlando, make sure all your t’s are crossed, i’s are dotted and that you’ve done everything you can to put your home at the front of the buying line. If you’re a first-time or repeat buyer hoping to take advantage of the credit, it’s time to start looking for your new home; the binding sales contract has to be signed by April 30, 2010.
Making the Buying Process Easier
Many times, the buying process can take forever. Red tape, failing negotiations and more has caused several possible sales to fall through. So, what can you do to make the buying process easier? Here are a few tips:
1. Find out if you qualify for the first-time or repeat buyer tax credit. The home buyer requirements are many. If you can’t afford to buy a home without the tax credit, make sure you qualify.
2. Shop for lenders before hand. Choosing a mortgage lender can be a lengthy process, so finding one you want to use before you start looking for a home will cut down on the time it takes to buy the house.
3. Get pre-approved. Getting pre-qualified is the first step in the loan process, but it’s based on an estimate, not verified facts. By getting pre-approved for a mortgage, you know exactly how much you qualify for, and how much house you can afford. Because this is a large part of the buying process, once you’re pre-approved, the lender can expedite the rest of the deal for a quicker closing.
4. Negotiate wisely. Remember that you’re on a time-line and try not to let negotiations with the seller turn into a contest of wills. Yes, negotiate, but make sure your counteroffer on the home is realistic.
Buying a great home for sale in Orlando before the tax credit expires is definitely possible, even with only four months to go. Following the tips outlined above can make the sale go as smoothly and quickly as possible.
Have questions about the home buyer tax credit? We can help. Call us now at 407-876-5771.
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