OCTOBER 23, 2019 • Volume 14 • Issue 43
RE WEEKLY RESIDENTIAL • ACREAGE • FARM • COMMERCIAL • AREA DEVELOPMENT 515-233-3299 • 317 5th Street, Ames • All REALTOR® ads within are REALTORS® licensed in the State of Iowa
Online at www.AmesTrib.com/realestateweekly
Page RE2 • REAL ESTATE WEEKLY • Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Clean machine
By Laura Firszt More Content Now
I
s this the mark of a veteran homeowner (or a true grownup): you finally know how to keep your washing machine clean? Seems like I, personally, have been doing it all wrong. Since I “graduated” from the corner laundromat to a washer of my own, I swipe it down with a damp cloth once in a blue moon, but apparently there’s more to good machine hygiene than that. Forget the old rumors about cellphones being a major source of germs; your washing machine (especially a front loader) has got them beat, unless you take proper care. In fact, to achieve clean, fresh, hygienic clothes, you have to relearn how to keep your washing machine clean … the right way. Here’s what I learned:
How to keep your washing machine clean: 7 essential do’s and don’ts 1. DON’T overstuff your washing machine. Overloading does not permit
How to keep your washer free of smells, mold and germs
them temporarily in a laundry basket. This simple step will keep both your washer and your clothes fresher and pleasanter-smelling. 4. DO let your washer air out between loads. Wipe the gasket to dry it and
remove any pet hair or other gunk. Then leave the door or lid open. (If you have curious small children or pets, use one of the cute little gadgets available to prop open the machine partially or install a lock on your laundry room.) For a front loading machine, pull out the detergent dispenser drawer halfway. 5. DO clean your washer regularly. Every 40
loads, run your machine on SANITIZE or a special setting such as Samsung’s PURE. Add bleach, white vinegar*, or hydrogen peroxide as recommended, but DON’T mix these chemicals and DON’T add soiled clothing. This is “me time” for your washer, a long-cycle, high temperature soak. Alternatively, use a washing machine cleanser like Affresh. You might also need to pull out and scrub the detergent compartment.
clothes to tumble freely throughout the wash and spin cycles, leaving your laundry wet to the touch (not just damp) once it has done spinning. This will tend to result in moisture buildup in the washing machine drum, creating a humid environment which can foster mold growth.
kill germs in your washing machine after you’ve done a laundry load of clothes for a sick housemate. Wash your hands well, too - both after loading the washer and after transferring wet clothing to the dryer.
2. DON’T overdo it with detergent and softener, either. For a high efficiency
7. DON’T forget to keep your laundry area dry. A small, cramped
washer, use HE laundry detergent; follow the manufacturer’s directions for recommended type and amount. Avoid liquid fabric softener; instead, add a softener sheet to your dryer or better yet, an eco-friendly wool or rubber dryer ball. Overloads of both detergent and fabric softener can result in a moldfriendly residue on the washing machine interior. 3. DON’T leave wet clothes sitting in the machine. No matter how busy you
are, either transfer clothes to the dryer — or clothesline — right away or stash
6. DO take special care when someone is ill. Run the SANITIZE cycle to
laundry room, particularly one without a window, is likely to need some extra ventilation. Find a reliable handyman to install an exhaust fan (and possibly a dehumidifier as well) to pull out moist air. *CAVEAT: White vinegar, especially in undiluted form, has been known to damage some synthetic rubber gaskets. Always check your washing machine user manual to see whether it is safe.
Laura Firszt writes for networx.com.
REAL ESTATE WEEKLY • Wednesday, Oct ober 23, 2019 • Page RE3
DEAR MONTY Will a geothermal system increase the value of my home?
RICHARD MONTGOMERY
R
eader question: Would a geother-
mal HVAC system installed at my home increase the value? I don’t want to sell, but before I have this expense, what will it do to the value of my house? Monty’s answer: There is a considerable amount of information that is required to assess individual property accurately.
As with any high-cost product, seek three estimates. Here are some of the major factors a well-trained and ethical installer will study in a geothermal evaluation of an existing home. Soil conditions: The different characteristics of different types of soil are a factor in determining operating costs and installation costs. If you live in a rocky area with minimal soil coverage, it will affect the installation cost and may change the efficiency of the system. Hydrology: Water availability is another factor that can affect the cost of a geothermal installation as water quality, the volume of water and the source of the water, play a role in the evaluation. Land availability: The size of your lot and the location of utilities, sprinkler systems, invisible fences and more play
a role in determining the least costly type of installation. Water regulation: Every state regulates the use of water. If other conditions make a groundwater system the only option, can a permit be obtained to drill a well into the aquifer? Climate: Moderate climates that do not experience wide temperature variances may not consume enough energy to justify the expense of a geothermal system. Home size: The more significant the home, the larger the unit required, which translates to a higher cost to install. Construction quality: Not all building materials nor contractors are created equal. Insulation and other components may make a difference in the type of system installation. Ductwork: Some electric heating systems and hydronic heating systems do
not utilize ducts for circulating airflow. Will additional costs be required to install ductwork?
A simple calculation One method that helps in determining the value of replacing a furnace is to calculate the anticipated energy cost savings over five years. If one cannot recover the cost of installation during those five years, there is a school of thought that believes the furnace may not be a good investment. Richard Montgomery is the author of “House Money - An Insider’s Secrets to Saving ThousandsWhen You Buy or Sell a Home.” He advocates industry reform and offers readers unbiased real estateadvice. Follow him on Twitter at @ dearmonty, or at DearMonty.com.
Page RE4 • REAL ESTATE WEEKLY • Wednesday, October 23, 2019
2018 Marketing Plan
2019 Marketing Plan
Because hope is not a marketing plan. Start your year oǺ strong with a guided plan from ThriveHive. 515-232-2160 | www.amestrib.thrivehive.com
515 432 6694 | www newsrepublican thrivehive com
REAL ESTATE WEEKLY • Wednesday, October 23, 2019 • Page RE5
TIPS OF THE WEEK TIP OF THE WEEK
GARDENING
HOME RENOVATION
DIY STEPS FOR PAINTING OVER WALLPAPER
REAP THE BENEFITS OF BONUS CABBAGE IN THE FALL
COMPLETING PROJECTS BOOSTS HAPPINESS
Removing wallpaper can be a hassle, especially when dealing with multiple layers. According to BobVila.com, homeowners in need of a quick fix can get good results by simply painting over wallpaper. To successfully paint over wallpaper, you will need to first clean it with diluted trisodium phosphate, or TSP, with a sponge or paintbrush. Follow the instructions closely and wear protective gear. When the TSP has dried, remove the chemical from the wall with a damp rag — any left on the wall might affect the paint’s ability to adhere.
Gardeners who grew cabbage this year, cut the head off over the summer, but left the plant in the ground can sometimes see rewards with smaller cabbages. According to John Fischer, of KLCC’s Good Gardening, leaving the plant in the ground can produce three to five “single serving” heads of cabbage. He recommends using them for sauerkraut, which ferments better and lasts longer as the colder months approach.
Next, apply additional adhesive to the wallpaper seams at the ceiling and floor. This will prevent the paper from peeling. Then, prime the wall using a oil-based primer-sealer. The primer will help the paint adhere and help keep the paper from peeling.
The National Association of Realtors recently reported that taking on and successfully completing remodeling projects increases homeowners’ happiness. According to Forbes, the NAR calculated a “joy score,” between 0 and 10, of various home improvement projects. At the top of the list, a full kitchen renovation received a joy score of 10, with 95% of polled homeowners reporting increased joy at home. Upgrading home closets also received a score of 10, and a full interior paint job scored a 9.8. — More Content Now
When the primer is completely dry, apply the first coat of oil-based paint. Use a paint brush at the edges and corners, and a roller everywhere else. You will likely need multiple coats. Be sure to let the first coat dry completely before applying the second. Sanding the painted wall, by hand or with a power sander, can reduce imperfections and can improve the finished appearance.
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