Blog - Month: May 2020
Month: May 2020
Eight Lazy Housekeeping Hacks for Homeowners in Northeast Ohio
It’s a known fact — heat makes you feel lazy. Hotter days are on the horizon in Northeast Ohio as May comes to a close and the Summer Solstice is just a few weeks away. But don’t worry. We have eight housekeeping hacks for happy, lazy homeowners to keep their spaces neat, clean and organized without really trying. Washing Machine Tablets Keep your clothes washing clean by keeping the washing machine clean. No elbow grease required — just drop a tablet in your machine and hit “start.” Pro tip: cleaning packets from Tide work in any washer — including High Efficiency. The TubShroom Never ever, ever, ever snake your drain again. TubShroom stops hair from getting clogged in your drain is literally the best thing to ever happen to bathtubs since wine and candles. Quick Stain Removers The most famous? The Tide to-go stick. If you don’t have a spot stain remover in one of your kitchen drawers… well… we’re judging you. Steaming Microwave Cleaner Ever go to pop a bag of popcorn and change your mind because nobody has cleaned the microwave in five months? Don’t lie. You need a microwave steam cleaner — just fill with water and vinegar and hit “start.” Washable Keyboard A waterproof and dishwasher safe typing apparatus that makes WFH a clean freak’s dream. Non-Stick Oven Liners Has the smoke detector started to g
First Time Home Buying Tips for Veterans in Northeast Ohio
Buying a home is a big milestone for anyone, and that’s especially true for veterans who are looking for a place to settle down and call their own. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers a range of programs in Northeast Ohio that can help first-time military home buyers get the best value from this process. If you or someone you know is a veteran and first-time home buyer, here are three essential tips to take full advantage of all the benefits available! Study Up on VA Loans A VA home loan is a mortgage available to military individuals and families from a private lender that is backed by the department of veteran affairs. This is one of the best ways to purchase a home in the United States and should be explored. One of the best features of this benefit is that nearly any credit situation is eligible for the benefit, and the loan terms include $0 down payments without having to invest in Private Mortgage Insurance — a fee most private loan shoppers would pay for a $0 loan. New in 2020, there is no limit on the size of a VA loan. Use a Real Estate Agent Who Knows the VA A real estate agent is your primary guide through the home buying process, and working with someone who doesn’t know your unique needs and benefit options is never a good idea. Most veteran homebuyers use the VA home loan program to finance their first home, and with that loan comes a list of property requirements unique to the program. Ask y
Four Small Bathroom Projects You Can Do Right Now
Do you have some extra time on your hands? Most of us do, and there are only so many coloring book pages you can fill out before it’s time to be productive. But where to get started? Well, why not start by giving a little extra love to a room in your home you visit frequently but rarely think about — the bathroom. You don’t have to take on a big project like gutting the tub to refresh the porcelain throne room, though. These four projects are some easy, quick and affordable improvements to make a visual impact and bring a little “fresh air” to your next pitstop. Toss Out or Recycle Old Linen Plenty of people have a favorite comfy old blanket or hoodie, but there’s nothing cozy about tattered old towels! Are your bathroom linens starting to show their age? Do you have half a dozen different colored washcloths in your closet? This is a good time to weed out threaded linens and order some matching, fresh bath towels, washcloths and hand towels. Even a set of new, inexpensive linens can make a big impact! Work the Accessories Again, you don’t need a new bathtub or tile floor to make a design update. Adding color and personality with simple bathroom accessories is an easy way to change up the look and feel of the room. Consider shopping for new basics like a shower curtain, soap dispenser or even some flowers to set on the back of the toilet. Want to take it a step further? Pick a