The Real Estate Beat

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.

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.

Happy 4th of July

Nothing like a 4th of July BBQ in the backyard to celebrate the birth of our nation. Need a back yard? Contact The Caton Team – we connect sellers and buyers on the San Francisco Peninsula.

How can The Caton Team help you?

Have a fun weekend!

Sabrina & Susan

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.

Wire Fraud in Real Estate

Sharing this article on Wire Fraud in the Real Estate Industry because it scares me to death and it is more than just cyber security. Hackers are making COPY CAT emails – emails that look and feel like legitimate but perhaps one or several characters are different. Hackers are sending these fake emails to clients with alternate wire instructions. Meaning the client wires their hard-earned money to the scammer and not the title company. They wait till the client is in the thick of – it the middle of deadlines to send the email – in hopes the client misses the fact the email is NOT from their actual Realtor or Escrow team.

A few idea on how to stay aware of Copy Cat Emails.

SAVE ALL CONTACTS into your data base with their name, phone and CORRECT EMAIL. When any new emails come in that are not coming from YOUR CONTACT LIST – double-check it. CALL THEM! In fact, always double-check your reply emails or start a new email from YOUR Contact List.

Remove or Question any NEW NAMES in the From or CC portion of the email. KNOW AND SAVE ALL THE NAMES and contact info of all the various parties to YOUR Real Estate transaction. Your Realtor, lender, title and escrow officers, assistants etc.

ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT WIRE FRAUD. We as your agents DID NOT send you that email nor are we aware you received it. I try to over communicate with all parties to know when money is being sent, how wire info is obtained and when it is received. However these scammers are pretending to be us – and unless our clients are diligent they too can lose their hard-earned money.

Wire Fraud can happen at any time during the real estate process. So be diligent and double-check any emails with verbal communication. It if feels off – it is! Listen to your gut. Slow down. Take the time to be present when responding to emails. Hackers are feeding off our nonstop lives knowing we’ll miss the small details. As hurried as any Real Estate transaction can feel – nothing is worth rushing through the most important transaction of your financial life.

The more you know – the more we can prevent wire fraud.

I read this article at: Realtor Magazine – WIRE FRAUD Article

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.

Testimonial of the Day – From Caitlin

“The Caton team has helped me find my perfect condo within a month of looking! And then later found me great tenants to rent it out. They work quickly and are very professional. Plus, these are just a pair of wonderful women to be around. They are very trustworthy and have their Clients’ best interest in mind. I will be using them again for all my real estate needs, and I recommend them to everyone else! Thank you so much!”

– Caitlin G.

Caitlin and Sabrina go way back. So you can imagine the joy to represent Caitlin in the purchase, lease and sale of her first home. We appreciate earning your trust. Thank You for working with The Caton Team for all your real estate needs.

To read all our testimonials visit The Caton Team Testimonials and Yelp!

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

Call | Text 650-799-4333

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.

Elderlife Financial – A Move for the Better

Elderlife Financial – A Move for the Better

I am proud to announce that The Caton Team along with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has partnered with Elderlife to make the transition from home to senior living easier for the whole family.

Elderlife Financial (https://elderlifefinancial.com) is a helpful service but not to be confused with a placement service. Elderlife Financial is a step in the right direction and works with seniors who need full time, part time or memory care. Elderlife works directly with families to help them find long-term, sound financial solutions to help elderly parents in need of care who already own their own home.

Elderlife can help a family with a Bridge Loan, to close the gap between moving into a care facility and deciding what to do with the family home. If selling a parents home is the best solution – Elderlife with partner our San Mateo County residence with The Caton Team to aid in the preparation and sale of the family home. Elderlife will also help Veterans maneuver through all the paperwork and help each Vet attain the most benefits they can in order to get the care they need and deserve. Elderlife can also help with insurance, reverse mortgages if selling the home isn’t wise at the moment and has aligned themselves with a CPA firm to aid clients with taxes and programs that could be of help.

Elderlife is a wonderful, free resource created from need to help those in need. If you have any questions – feel free to contact The Caton Team by call or text at 650.799.4333, email info@TheCatonTeam.com or check out Elderlife Financial at https://elderlifefinancial.com.

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.

Tips and Tech That Help Create a Welcoming Home

When I read this article – I was blown away by our day in age. Sure – I knew all these gadets exsisted but when you read it all at once – well – it’s science fiction irl.

You can have a more stress-free home and save time on tasks and chores. Here are some great time-saving tips and technology that help make your daily routine more efficient and create a welcoming home for you and your family.

20 Time-Saving Tips That Say “Welcome”

In the manor homes of old, you might have been greeted with a “Welcome home” by the butler. Now you can be welcomed home by a home assistant. Home assistants and other modern smart devices can do a lot of time-saving tasks that help make a more welcoming home.

Techy Efficiency

Voice-controlled home assistant – Who doesn’t need an assistant? Use your home assistant for simple things like checking weather, traffic, ordering food, or daily reminders. You can also program it for bigger tasks like controlling smart home gadgets for lights, thermostats, and locks.

Charging pads – If your phone/tablet chargers seem to travel and disappear throughout the house, get a few charging pads and place in convenient areas of the house to save time and frustration.

Grocery lists – Add an app to your smart phone to create lists, scan bar codes, and even keep track of your food inventory. Or get an electronic voice recognition grocery organizer. They’re a little larger than smart phones, and have an internal printer to print your list.

Trackers – If you commonly misplace your keys, wallet, or other important items, don’t waste time looking for them any longer. Simply attach a tracker and then check the app for location.

Smart locks – Not sure you locked your front door when you left? Now with smart locks you can lock and unlock your door remotely and even give guests easy access to your home. There are also similar controls and monitoring for your garage door.

Cozy Comfort and Lighting

Smart light bulbs – These new LED bulbs let you use an app not only to turn lights on and off, but also to change bulb colors and dim or brighten the light. Some bulbs even have built-in speakers.

Programmable timers – Never come home to a dark house again. Set your lights on timers that come on at dusk for convenience and security. Choose from manual or digital wall switches, power strips, Wi-Fi-enabled timers, and more.

Programmable battery candles – Set timers to come on at dusk and enjoy the welcome home feeling of a soft flickering light, indoors or out.

Smart or programmable thermostats – Use program settings to keep temperatures comfy year round, and save money, too. Or go “smart” and use an app to monitor and make changes remotely. Smart thermostats will also work with your home assistant.

Kitchen Easy

Coffee and tea – Set your coffee pot timer to auto-brew and wake up to freshly brewed coffee. Or, for French press or tea drinkers, use an electric kettle to quickly and efficiently heat water. Step it up and go for a Wi-Fi-enabled coffee maker or electric kettle and operate from your computer, phone, or voice-controlled home assistant device.

Crock pot – Prep food for crock-pot recipes when you have time, then freeze. Thaw overnight in fridge, place in crock pot in the morning and slow cook all day. Nothing says “Welcome home” like “Dinner’s ready!”

Bread machine – Few things compare to the smell and taste of fresh, warm, bread. Let the machine do the mixing, kneading, proving, and baking.

Pressure cooker – Reduce cooking times for many recipes by as much as 70%. You can cook medium-size artichokes in about 10 minutes. Less time to cook means more time to do what you enjoy.

Digital cooking thermometer – Bluetooth models allow you to monitor the internal temp of food without having to keep checking it. Cuts down on how often you open the oven door, too.

Chore Friendly

Robot vacuums – Automatic vacuums save time and are a big help staying on top of pet hair and other allergens.

Indoor plant care – Keep your plants happy and spend less time maintaining. Use fertilizer spikes or time-release fertilizers. Try watering globes for those extra thirsty plants that need watering often.

Self-cleaning litter box – Cut down on cleaning time and help reduce odors.

Programmable pet feeders – Save time feeding pets. Great if you’re out for long periods or have pets with restricted intake diets.

Grooming de-shedding glove – While relaxing and petting your pet, you’ll be multi-tasking by getting rid of the dog and cat hair before it covers your clothes, furniture, and floors.

Paper shredder – Go through your mail next to the paper shredder, it’s a quick way to deal with junk mail and paperwork, and no chance of it piling up. Your time is precious. Using modern tech can help you save time at home. You’ll also feel like you’re creating a more welcoming home, giving you the enjoyable down time you need, rather than scrambling to finish daily tasks.

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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