Articles to Share – Page 16 – The Real Estate Beat

Home Maintenance for Your Hardwood Floors

One of the best and biggestest investments in your home – is the flooring. Take care of your hardwood today and it will last generations. If you have any updating questions – curious which updates bring more vaule to your home? Contact The Caton Team – we’re happy to help! -Sabrina

How To Care for Your Hardwood Floors

Hardwood is one of the oldest flooring materials and is still considered one of the best. Hardwood floors are natural, beautiful, and durable, especially if you maintain them. With good maintenance, they will last longer, look better, and add value to your home.

Make daily dusting and sweeping, with a scratch-free cloth or broom, part of your daily maintenance routine. When you need to vacuum hardwood, be sure to use the soft brush attachment, never the rotating brush roll, or as it’s known in older vacuums, the beater bar. Then, as needed, mop with the wood floor cleaning product recommended for your floor’s type and finish.

Wood floors need a protective finish. Unfinished wood floors require finishing with a protective sealer immediately after installation. Factory-finished floors are sanded, sealed, and ready to use right out of the box. If you have solid hardwood, you may need to add a finishing coat every few years, or eventually sand and refinish decades down the road. If you have engineered hardwood, which is a veneer, sanding and refinishing may be an option one-time only, depending on the thickness of the veneer.

Tips for Cleaning Your Hardwood Floors

Use only wood floor care products; never use vinyl or tile cleaning products.
If you prefer a natural cleaner, like vinegar and water, do your research. Your floors must be well sealed, and the vinegar-to-water pH balance can’t be too acidic, and you must wipe the floors dry immediately.
Most experts advise that you don’t use water to wet or steam mop wood floors.

Tips for Protecting Hardwood Floors

Use felt or rubber protectors on the bottom of furniture legs and never drag furniture on wood flooring.
Use area rugs in high traffic areas, in front of exterior doorways, as well as in front of the kitchen sink.
Remove shoes at the door, especially high heels or cleats.
Slow down fading by keeping direct sunlight off your floors. Use window coverings to redirect, diffuse, or block UV light. UV resistant finishes are also available.
Keep dogs’ nails trimmed, or restrict from hardwood areas.
Wipe up spills immediately; standing liquid can damage wood floors.

Tips for Scratches and Squeaks

For deep or surface scratches, touch-up using a stain stick for wood that matches your floor’s finish.
For squeaky floors, if possible, it’s best to repair from underneath and may need to be done by a professional. There are products that include a combination of lubricant and powder, which you can try using on the surface between the planks, but effectiveness may be limited.

Homeowner Tips

Did you know that hardwood floors are among the many home improvements that will pay homeowners back over the long run?
Wondering about other remodeling projects to add value to your home? Learn about the best remodeling investments you can make.
On a budget? Try these inexpensive, DIY home improvement projects to give your home a fresh look.

I read this article at: HERE

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

We strive to be more than just Realtors – we are also your home resource. If you have any real estate questions, concerns, need a referral or some guidance – we are here for you. Contact us at your convenience – we are but a call, text or click away!

The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.

A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – would’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Plumbing Maintenance Tips

Performing basic maintenance for the plumbing systems in your home can go a long way to preventing bigger issues from erupting. Here are eight DIY maintenance tips that can help minimize the number of trips to your house from your plumber, particularly if your home has experienced plumbing problems in the past.

Eight Essentials to Good Plumbing Maintenance

Fix leaks and clogs immediately. Plumbing issues like these can quickly turn simple repairs into expensive ones and/or lead to water damage and unhealthy mold or mildew buildup.
Use non-toxic drain cleaners. A solution of baking soda and vinegar can clear most minor drain clogs.
Keep drains object-free. Install properly fitting drain screens and sink stoppers to prevent food, hair, and other things that can stop up pipes from going down the drain.
Learn what your disposal can eat. Not everything can be chewed up by the kitchen disposal. Check your manufacturer’s manual for specifics, but as a general rule, never put cooking grease, coffee grinds, egg shells, pasta or rice in your disposal.
Buy the right tools. Be sure you have a plumber’s wrench in your toolbox as well as a sturdy plunger.
Know locations for all shut-off valves. Your home’s washing machine, sink, toilet, and water heater all have shut-off valves. Know where they are as well as your home’s main water shut-off valve and any outside clean-outs.
Prepare for the season. Before winter, inspect the insulation around the pipes under your house, in the basement, and in the garage. Proper insulation helps keep your pipes from freezing and bursting.
Schedule regular plumbing checkups. Consult with your plumber about a schedule for the routine maintenance needs for your home’s HVAC system and water heater. Also schedule a snake of your sewer lines via your home’s clean-out at least every two years to keep pipes free of clogs and buildup.

Remember: your home’s plumbing has a tell. When you spot one of its tics, like a leaky faucet, water on the floor around a dishwasher or refrigerator, or mildew around a sink, shower, or tub, don’t hesitate to act. It’s a sign that you have some maintenance to do.

I read this article at: HERE

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

10 Household Uses for Vinegar

My folks came from the old country and with it came their old traditions. Vinegar was one of them. Before all the fancy, pretty smelling cleaners – vinegar – was your go to. So when I came across this article about vinegar – well you know the drill – I had to share. Thanks for reading – Sabrina

10 Household Uses for Vinegar

Many of us use bleach as the be-all-end-all of cleaners. While it’s true that bleach will disinfect virtually anything, it can be quite hazardous if not handled properly. Did you know that distilled white vinegar can be used as a substitute to bleach in many instances? Here are 10 places you can use vinegar to help you around your home.

1. Dishwasher

Does your glassware come out of the dishwasher with a thin milky or hard water stains? Add ½ cup of distilled white vinegar to a small glass on the top shelf of your dishwasher. Run the cycle normally with the glass upright and your glassware should sparkle!

2. Toilet

Vinegar is a great substitute for bleach in your toilet. Pour 1 cup of vinegar in your toilet and let sit about 5 minutes before flushing. It can also help remove toilet rings with light scrubbing.

3. Bathtub

Remove everything from your shower and rinse it down. Then, use a sponge soaked in vinegar to clean the tub. Rinse again.

4. Shower Curtain

While you’re cleaning your bathtub, you might as well disinfect your shower curtain. Using a spray bottle, spray vinegar to remove soapy, discolored, or mildew filth from your curtain. Wipe clean then rinse with water.

5. Ants

Vinegar is a natural ant repellent. Use a spray bottle filled with vinegar to spray down problem ant areas. Learn more about natural bug repellents.

6. Grease

Vinegar cuts through grease. Use a sponge soaked in vinegar to scrub off new messes or soak items in a bath of vinegar for at least 20 minutes for tougher ones.

7. Weeds

Vinegar kills many types of grass and weeds. If you have unwanted plants growing out of your sidewalk or driveway, try dousing them with vinegar before resorting to harmful weed killers.

8. Chrome and Stainless Steel

Just as vinegar can help make your glassware shine, it can also be a chrome and stainless steel polisher. Dip a soft cloth in vinegar and wipe clean.

9. Coffee Maker

If your coffee is tasting stale, fill your reservoir with vinegar and run it through a cycle. Once finished, run 2 cycles of just water to rinse.

10. Washing Machine

To clean and deodorize your washing machine, pour two cups of distilled white vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda into your machine and run it empty on the hottest cycle. Use a toothbrush dipped in vinegar to scrub away any grime from your machine.

I read this article at: HERE

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Roof Maintenance and Inspection Tips for Your Home

Do you regularly inspect your roof and perform needed maintenance? Or have you hired a roof inspector to check for problems in recent years? If the answer is no and your roof is more than ten years old, it’s time to give it a thorough inspection. You should also get some essential roof maintenance done to help it last.

Roof safety first

If you don’t have the balance of a mountain goat, we recommend you never go up on your roof. But if you are the DIY type and you take the proper precautions, you may be able to safely inspect your roof, perform necessary roof maintenance, and make any minor repairs. However, if your roof is steep (a slope of more than 35 degrees), or your home is two-story or higher, do not attempt to climb up there. The pros are used to working at heights and it’s best to call them in these circumstances. Some basic safety precautions every person working up on a roof needs to follow:

Check the weather first. Do not attempt to get up on a roof when it’s wet or rain is in the forecast.
Use a heavy-duty, sturdy extension ladder or a ladder that reaches past the gutter level by at least a foot.
Set up the ladder on firm, level ground.
Wear non-slip or soft-sole shoes.
Never work on your roof alone. Always work with a buddy.* You need someone to steady the ladder as you climb up and down.
Watch where you walk on the roof. If the roof is older, tiles or shingles could give way, and where you step also could cause more damage.
Know when to get down. If you feel unsteady or uncomfortable once you are on a roof, don’t hesitate to climb back down immediately and hire a pro.

*Be sure your buddy has a cell phone handy to call 911 if an accident occurs. Be smart. If you cannot follow all of these safety precautions, hire a professional to do the job.

Roof inspection

If you have taken the recommended safety steps, and prefer to do an inspection yourself, there are specific things to look for to get a basic idea of the condition of your roof and to spot any potential repairs needed. Be sure to carry your cell phone to photograph any potential problems you see.

Carefully walk around the roof in a grid pattern, inspecting shingles or tiles to see if they are in good condition. If you spot any curling, warped, or blistered shingles, it may be time to replace the roof. For a tile roof, look for cracks or large chips. These may be signs that you need to replace your roof. Replacement is expensive, but if either shingles or tiles are missing or broken, you should either get them repaired immediately, or replace the roof.
Inspect the caulk around the flashing for cracks or signs of rust.
Check around the base of the chimney for any cracks or visible problems.
If your home has skylights, nspect the seal around them for cracking or rust.
Look for any moss buildup. This can be a sign that the roof underlayment is failing.
Inspect gutters, including connection points and edges for signs of wear or rust. For shingle roofs, check the base of gutters for excess asphalt grit. That’s a sign your roof may be wearing out and need replacing.

Roof maintenance

If your roof inspection does not turn up any problems, then breathe a sigh of relief and follow these roof maintenance tips. Or you can hire a pro to do the work for you.

Carefully and gently sweep the roof clean of leaves, sticks, and other debris. It’s best to use a broom with soft bristles. Use care as you sweep to avoid damaging the shingles or tiles. The asphalt can easily come off asphalt shingles, which can cause damage to the shingles.
Use a garden hose as needed to spray off dirt and bird droppings. Be sure to spray off the roof on a sunny, warm day so it can dry thoroughly. Never use a power washer on a roof.
If you have a moss buildup, you may be able to sit down in those areas and use a bristle brush to carefully sweep the moss away. Use caution to avoid damage. If the buildup is too great to remove gently, it may be time to replace the roof.
Cut back any overhanging tree branches. You don’t want them falling on your roof. This also prevents leaf debris buildup, keeps the roof dry, and inhibits roof mold. Often tree limbs can block the sun from properly drying your roof leading to mold.
Clean out the gutters.

Perform these roof maintenance tips at least two times a year, and more often depending on the proximity of trees to the roof of your home.

I read this article at: HERE

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Grill Maintenance 101 for a Better Barbecue

Grill maintenance isn’t hard or expensive, but it matters. Otherwise, your next grillin’ might be less than thrillin’. Why? A poorly maintained grill can lead to food sticking to grates, weak or uneven heating, sticky igniters, and more. Regularly maintaining your barbecue also helps keeps you, your family, and pets safe. Whether you only use a top-of-the-line gas grill or prefer an old-school charcoal kettle drum, here’s what you need to know to keep on cooking great barbecue:

Grill Maintenance for Gas Barbecues

Disconnect gas line from tank for cleaning
Check hose connecting gas to grill for signs of wear and tear
Clean while grill is still warm
Use warm soapy soft sponge for all stainless steel parts, including underside and top of lid, then rinse with garden hose
Scrub grates with wire brush, water, and dish soap
After cleaning, reconnect gas and turn on burners to burn off any soapy residue
Check that flame color is mostly blue
Coat grates with cooking or vegetable oil

Pro tip: Want to avoid having to clean drip pan after each use? Add new layer of heavy-duty foil to drip pan before each use.

Grill Maintenance for Charcoal Barbecues

Use a stiff brush for cleaning grates
Use a soft sponge for outside kettle to avoid scratching enamel
Scrub grease buildup inside kettle with soapy steel wool pad, and wire brush, rinse well with garden hose
Clean vents; clear blocked vents
Check and tighten joints connecting kettle to legs
Coat grates with cooking oil to season them

Pro tip: Always have a fitted BBQ cover for your kettle and keep it covered when not in use.

Yearly Gas Grill Maintenance

Thoroughly clean your grill at the beginning of each new season by following the applicable steps above. In addition, once per year you should also clean the burners on a gas grill.

Turn on all of the burners and let the grill heat for at least 15 minutes to warm any leftover grease and food bits. This makes grill and grate easier to clean.
Turn off the burners and disconnect the grill from gas line.
Do not get burned. Wait for grill to cool to a warm temp, use a wire brush, and gently clean around the burners.
Straighten a paper clip and use the end to scrap inside the burner holes to remove any potential blockages.

Pro tip: If you can easily remove the burners do so. Cleaning out the burner holes will be easier and you can more thoroughly clean the area.

When to Replace Your Grill

Regular barbecue grill maintenance also helps you detect signs that you need to replace your grill.

Replace the gas grill when you see:

Rust around lid, hinges, or firebox
A yellow flame upon ignition (the flame should always be mostly blue)
Cracks in connector hose
Regular igniter issues

Replace the charcoal grill when you see:

Any signs of rust
Enamel paint that starts flaking off
Vents that don’t easily open or close, or are missing
Wobbly legs (obviously, a wobbly grill is dangerous)

I read this article at: HERE

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

How to Clear Clogged Drains

Raise your hand if your drains are draining you! My hand is raised. My long hair is my worst enemy for my drains – so when I read this article – I had to share. Thanks for reading – Sabrina.

Have standing water in your shower or a clogged sink drain? It could be a lot easier than you think to get the water draining again. Here are a few things to try (besides harsh chemicals) to unclog a drain before you call the plumber.

Clearing a Clogged Kitchen Drain

If you’ve got a clogged kitchen sink, chances are, it’s caused by grease or food particles, or a combination of both.

1. Start by Boiling Water

If you’ve got a partially clogged sink, wait until all of the water drains and then carefully pour at least two quarts of very hot or boiling water (hot tap water won’t do it) down the drain. Repeat if it doesn’t work the first time.

2. Get out the Plunger

If hot water doesn’t work, it’s time to try a plunger–a standard cup plunger works best. If you have a double kitchen sink, seal the second drain with a stopper or wet cloth. Otherwise, the plunger will simply send the water up into the second sink instead of down the drain pipe.

If necessary, fill the sink with enough water to cover the bottom of the plunger. Place the plunger over the drain, and make sure there is a good seal against the sink. Work plunger straight up down and up in quick strokes to clear the clog.

Clearing a Clogged Bathroom Drain

Your bathroom sink, tub, or shower drain is typically clogged by hair, along with residue from soap and personal care products like shaving cream. Before you try to clear the clog, first check if the drain has a pop-up stopper. If it does, you will likely need to remove it.

Start with the same steps as clearing a kitchen sink drain: use very hot water, and then a plunger. If the sink is still clogged or drains slowly, you might want to try a “hair snare” type of drain-cleaning tool. These inexpensive plastic tools are long (about 20”) thin strips with teeth or barbs that you can use to snag clogged debris or hair.

Drain Still Clogged?

If all else fails, it may be time to call the plumber.

Keep Drains Clog Free

As with many home maintenance tasks, a little prevention can go a long way to help keep your drains clog free.

For Kitchen Sinks

Never put fats, oil, or grease down the drain.
Wipe or scrape excess fat or grease from pots and pans into the garbage.
Don’t put food waste down the drain.
Pouring very hot water down your sink several times a month can help reduce build-up.
Know what’s OK to put in the garbage disposal.

For Bathroom Sink and Showers

Use a hair filter or drain catcher in bathroom drains. They are inexpensive and really work to keep hair out of the drain. There are numerous types that will fit different tub and shower drains and covers.

I read this article at: Home Warranty by FirstAm

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Budget-friendly Bathroom Refresh

Do you have a bathroom with a case of the blahs? Maybe it’s a bit dingy and uninspiring, or born in a design era long gone? If you’re not able to spring for a remodel, don’t worry, a budget-friendly refresh can do the trick.

Make a prioritized list of what needs updating and/or refreshing. Next, tackle necessary repairs such as leaks, recaulking, and wall patching. Give your bathroom space a good cleaning, including the grout, walls, ceilings, and so on. You may find the exhaust fan’s annoying rattle and underperformance was because of dust and debris buildup and doesn’t need replacing after all.

Now you’ve literally got a clean slate ready for adding the brilliance.

Bathroom Refresh Ideas

Accessories

Area Rugs New floor coverings offer a great opportunity to add texture and color. Whether you choose area rugs for their soft and spongy comfort, or for their non-skid, highly absorbent style, it’s more than looks that count here—be sure to factor in function.
Art The right piece of art can be the inspiration and palette for your bathroom design, whether you prefer bold, tranquil, or anything in-between. If moisture is an issue, consider your choices carefully; a sealed metal wall sculpture or unframed acrylic canvas may hold up better than framed prints under glass.
Shower Curtain This simple change can make a big impact. If the selection available doesn’t fit your taste, look for a “non-shower” curtain and hang together with a clear shower curtain liner. If you’ve got an unattractive glass shower door, artfully cover it with a decorative curtain on the outside.
Soap Dispenser or Dish Step it up with an attractive, refillable dispenser instead of the one-use, disposable plastic bottle. When you have limited countertop space, consider a chic, wall-mounted dispenser or soap dish.
Towels Quality counts. Luxurious feel and great colors don’t have to be expensive if you shop around. Quality saves money in the long run, too. Low-quality towels lose their shape and softness through multiple washings and will need to be replaced more often.

Storage

Baskets and Crates Solve storage needs for small accessories or large towels with baskets and crates that can be hung on walls, set on shelves, or placed on the floor. Update crates with paint, a distressed look, or leave natural to fit your style.
Shelves Take advantage of your bathroom’s vertical space. Strategically placed floating shelves add a clean, modern look and offer space to display artful items or essentials. A hanging cabinet or ladder shelving over the toilet is a great use of otherwise wasted space.
Towel Hangers Explore the design opportunities beyond the traditional towel bar and ring, such as metal stands, heated bars, mounted hooks or knobs, in-cabinet pull-outs, and wall-mounted swing-outs.

Walls

Paint Painting is one of the easiest and most affordable bathroom updates. For a high-humidity area, use a mold-resistant primer and paint. Do you have an accent tile that’s unattractive or outdated? Check out a DIY painting kit (but be sure to check that it’s recommended for areas with humidity).
Accent Wall Create an accent wall or add wainscoting with materials like tile, shiplap, beadboard, or reclaimed wood.
Mirrors Visually open up and brighten your space. Ornate or simple, framed or unframed, a mirror is an essential décor element. For added function, consider a mirror-front cabinet, or a swing-arm, magnifying mirror.

Hardware/Fixtures

Cabinet Hardware There’s a seemingly endless variety of materials and finishes to choose from to update cabinet knobs and pulls. If you have exposed hinges, and it’s not a character feature you like, switch them to concealed hinges for a cleaner, updated look.
Faucets, Showerhead, and Drain Cover The bathroom faucet is an impactful design element. Limit your choices to styles that fit existing sink, shower, and tub if you’re not replacing those items.
Lighting Update fixtures with the right type of bulbs for the specific task area. For vanity lighting, do a little research on proper positioning and brightness to create even lighting that doesn’t cast shadows. Add dimmers if possible for adjustability and ambiance.

Miscellaneous

Exhaust Fan Choose quality and check the sound rating. Be sure it’s installed properly and vents to the outside.
Toilet Seat Looking for the latest? Get a new toilet seat offering features such as lights, auto-cleansing, heat, or deodorizing. Seriously.
Seating If you’ve got the space and a need, add a unique vanity stool or teak shower bench as a practical accessory.
Switch Plates Many colors and styles of switch plates are available. Most switch plate covers can be painted. Look up online tutorials for proper steps to get a quality finish. Outlets can be painted as well. Follow directions carefully regarding cutting power and application instructions.

I read this article at: Homewarranty by FirstAm

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Summer To-Do Checklist

Have the best summer ever. Take advantage of the warm weather and enjoy the fun summertime activities we wait for all year, like barbecues and pool parties. But don’t forget to check off these important home maintenance tasks to spruce up your home and keep it well maintained all year.

I read this article at: HERE

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Which Smart Home Devices Help Lower Energy Bills

The little things you do often add up to big change. You’ll find few better examples of big change (monetarily speaking) coming from little things than what happens to your energy bill when you implement smart tech into your home. That’s because many of these little devices have the power to lower your energy bill by replacing the electricity-hogging devices you’re currently using.

How Smart Devices Save

Before we get to the smartness of these devices, here’s a quick question: if you were to walk around your home right now and count how many items in each room currently have an item plugged into an electrical outlet, what do you think that number would be? It’s likely higher than you think.

A study by the National Resource Defense Council (NRDC) found that U.S. households now plug an average of 65 devices into outlets around the home. Each one of those devices sucks up kilowatts whenever it’s in use. Many even suck up kilowatts when not in use—look up vampire power—it’s a thing! The same NRDC study found that “25% of all residential energy consumption is used on devices in idle power mode.” Your utility company charges you based on the number of kilowatts you use over time, so when you switch to a smart device designed to use electricity only when YOU want it to, you can lower your bill.

Using These Smarts Can Help You Save

Here are eight smart home devices with potential to lower your utility bill.

Glow Bowl

Ditch the plug-in nightlight for this motion-activated, battery operated light for late-night bathroom visits.

Casper Glow Light

Prefer to light up the path all the way to the bathroom at night? This nightlight is not only portable, it also helps you sleep. It can sync with your circadian rhythms and slowly darken the room as you fall asleep.

Smart Brew

Wake up after a restful sleep to a cup of Joe when you want it. Smart coffee makers let you set coffee to brew using a timer on your smartphone.

Smart Plugs

Now that you know vampire power sucks, it’s time to try smart power plugs. These devices let you control all those electronics drawing energy while in idle power mode. Simply insert a smart plug into an outlet and plug electronics or appliances into it. You can either set a timer to turn off those power hogs, or use a remote control to turn them off while away from your house.

Smart Thermostats

A.K.A., programmable thermostats, these devices allow you to set the temperature in your home based on season, whether you’re absent or present, while you sleep, and so on. Studies show they can save homeowners up to 25% on cooling or heating costs.

Smart Lights

After you switch to LED bulbs, switch to a smart lighting system next. Smart lighting allows you to control when lights are on, off, or dimmed from anywhere. No more realizing you left the lights on all day while away or at work.

Motion Sensors

Smart motion sensors can work with smart lighting or as standalone devices. You configure the sensors to turn lights on when you walk into a room and off when you leave.

Smart Blinds

On winter days, you likely keep the blinds open to let sunshine in, while in summer you close them to keep the heat out. Now you can control when they are open and closed with motorized blinds you work with a remote.

I read this article at: https://homewarranty.firstam.com/blog/smart-devices-that-save-money

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Which Way Should Your Ceiling Fan Turn?

You’ve likely heard that you should change which way your home’s ceiling fans rotate when the season’s change, but if you’re wondering which direction is correct for summer or winter, here are the answers.

Stay Cooler in the Summer

By default, your ceiling fan will turn to the left (counterclockwise) and push air down. This is the direction ceiling fans should turn during summer months. Even though pushing cooler air down won’t actually cool the room, it will create a breeze that helps evaporate moisture from your skin and makes you feel cooler. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “If you use a ceiling fan and air conditioning unit simultaneously, you can raise your thermostat setting by 4 degrees without a change in comfort.” Just that small difference in your thermostat setting can help lower your energy use in the warmer months.

Circulate Warmer Air in the Winter

In the winter, you can reverse the direction of your ceiling fan and run it on low. Because warm air rises, your ceiling fan will now pull cooler air up to mix with and push down the warmer air trapped at the ceiling. This can help you save on heating costs and keep your house more comfortable when it’s cold.

How to Change the Direction Your Fan Rotates

Not sure which direction your fan is moving? Stand directly underneath it and if you feel a breeze, its turning in the counterclockwise (default) direction. If you don’t feel a breeze, the fan is rotating in reverse mode (clockwise).

If you have a remote control for your ceiling fan, check to see if it has a reverse button. If so, problem solved! If not, almost all fans have a switch on the side of the motor housing that allows you to change the direction it rotates.

I read this article at: First Am Home Warranty

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

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