Everything Home - Real Estate & Home Services Guide October 2023

How to get the cottagecore look at home

love wildflowers, crafting, embroidery, plants and a fairy esthetic, the cottagelook may be right for you. trendy style evokes the atmosphere, lifestyle and romanEnglish country houFortunately, you don’t have a literal cottage to get look. Here’s how to bring design style into your home.

WALLS

create a dreamy and poetic atmosphere, paint the walls in tones. Alternatively, apply flowery wallpaper. Just make print isn’t too busy, as overwhelm the space.

FLOOR

it’s wood or ceramic, flooring is a good fit for the cottagecore look. add a rug, consider choosing a white or beige model.

FURNITURE

wicker, rattan and other natural materials conto a country esthetic. Look for chairs, tables, other furniture made of these materials. Vinantique pieces are also on theme.

THE ACCENTS

Floral prints and botanical fabrics will set the right tone. Plants are a must, but consider incorporating dried or fresh flowers into the space as well. Handmade items, vintage dishware and folk art pieces are also a good fit.

To create the cottagecore look in your home, visit shops and antique dealers in your area.

3 tips for savvier furniture shopping

When furnishing a room, a little planning goes long way. Most importantly, it helps you avoid making impulse purchases and selecting furniture that’s the wrong size. Here are some tips help you make the right home decor choices.

IDENTIFY YOUR PRIORITIES

Before you start furniture shopping, list everying you need in order of importance. This will help you determine how much of your budto put toward each item. For instance, if you have trouble sleeping, you may decide to splurge on your mattress rather than on a dresor vanity. Or, if you work from home, you may want to spend a little extra on an ergonomic office chair.

LOOK FOR DEALS

Once you’ve planned your purchases, it’s time

6 tips for setting up a small kitchen

Do you need more room in your cramped kitchen? Here are six smart ideas to make the most of a small space.

1. Mount a rail to the wall. Use a support bar and hooks to hang utensils, measuring cups, pots, pans, oven mitts, cutting boards and anything else you want keep handy.

2. Hang shelves. Install them above the stove, fridge, countertop and doorway. Shelves provide an easy sto rage solution for spices, bins of pasta, candy containers, fresh herbs and more.

3. Opt for integrated design features. Built-in appliances or a trash chute incorporated into the countertop can help you make the most of a small space. Similarly, slide-out shelf can extend your countertop surface.

to bargain hunt. Be on the lookout for sales and promotions, but keep in mind that sometimes you need to be patient to take advantage of the best discounts. If the item you’ve set your sights on is unlikely to drop in price, see if your local retailers can suggest solutions. For example, you may be able to get a deal on display models or pieces that have slight imperfections.

3. THINK LONG-TERM

Make smart investments by choosing styles that have a timeless look and don’t merely reflect the current fad. If you want to indulge in a few trendy pieces, opt for inexpensive items that you can sell or donate in a few years.

Finally, consider making an effort to buy locally. You don’t have to go far to find talented furniture makers and well-curated furniture stores.

4. Get two-in-one appliances. A combination oven, which acts as both an oven and a microwave, allows you have a single appliance that can bake, grill and reheat food. A microwave with a built-in hood is also a great option.

5. Install cabinets close to the ceiling Build them high to maximize storage space, and use the top shelves

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159S.2ndStreet

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570-286-8594 (Office)

570-274-7544 (Cell)

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How to handle selling a home when moving into an assisted living facility

Families must make a number of important decisions when an aging relative decides the time is right to move into an assisted living facility. Such facilities help older individuals who are having troubling living independently. In addition to finding the right facility for a loved one, many families have to decide what to do with their aging loved one's home.

Aging individuals with companions such as a spouse or a live-in partner may not need to sell their house if that person will not be moving to the assisted living facility with them. However, many partners choose to move as well, and family members may need to sell their current home in order to pay for their loved one to stay at an assisted living facility. The senior care experts at Caring. com note that selling a home when a loved one decides to move into an assisted living facility can present some emotional aspects that will not necessarily be present when selling one's own home. In recognition of that and some additional difficulties associated with this unique situation, Caring.com offers the following tips to help families navigate the process as smoothly as possible.

· Consider assigning someone power of attorney. Individuals move into assisted living facilities for a number of reasons, so not everyone will do so because of diminishing cognitive abilities. However, Caring. com notes that selling the home of a loved one diagnosed with dementia can present unique challenges, as only a homeowner can transfer a home to a new owner. In such instances, someone may need to step in and assume power of attorney. Contact an elder law attorney to facilitate that process, if necessary. Such professionals also can provide insight into laws that can help families

determine if it's best to sell the home or hold onto it if proceeds from a potential sale are not needed to pay for a facility. Arrange for power of attorney or even a guardianship prior to putting a home on the market.

· Discuss the situation and the sale. Aging individuals should be given ample time to process the idea of selling their homes before moving into an assisted living facility. Homeowners make untold sacrifices to buy and maintain their homes, so the decision to sell could elicit a range of emotions that aging individuals have a right to process before a "For Sale" sign is erected in the front yard. Caring.com recommends maintaining an open and honest dialogue about what can be achieved by selling the home and how their quality of life will benefit from moving to the assisted living facility.

· Sort through belongings. Caring. com notes the significance of allowing aging relatives to take special items with them into the assisted living

facility. It will be impossible to take a lifetime's worth of possessions into such a facility, but sort through belongings with your aging family member and do everything possible to ensure that especially meaningful items can make the move. Remaining items can be donated, sold, given to younger loved ones, or discarded.

· Make sure all relevant parties remain in the loop. If one person accepts power of attorney or a similar level of responsibility, that person should ensure all interested parties remain in the loop about the sale process. Aging adults without diminished mental faculties should be routinely updated on the sale process. Keeping all interested parties in the loop reduces the risk of objections or other problems when the sale is set to go through.

Selling a home before moving into an assisted living facility presents some unique challenges that families can tackle together to ensure the process goes smoothly.

What to know about replacing gutters

Certain home renovation projects are more glamorous than others. A remodeled kitchen is sure to garner its share of "oohs and aahs," while a newly paved driveway is much less likely to dazzle guests.

A gutter replacement is another job that might not have the wow factor. But fully functioning gutters are a must and can help to prevent potentially expensive roof damage. Gutters rarely draw attention, but homeowners can keep an eye out for signs that indicate gutters need to be replaced.

Signs gutters should be replaced

Various signs indicate it's time to replace existing gutters. Homeowners should act promptly if any of the following signs arise, as poorly functioning gutters can make it hard for water to get into the downspouts, ultimately pushing it backward and likely underneath roof shingles, where the result can be costly water damage.

· Peeling paint

· Cracks

· Pooling water in the gutter

· Mildew in the gutter, which can sometimes be seen even from the ground

· Water damage: Water damage on the gutter can be limited to certain spots and will be noticeable on the underside of the gutter

· Soffit damage

· Sagging gutters

· Detached gutters, which can be detached from other pieces or the house

· Rust

Who should replace gutters?

Many home improvements can be completed successfully by skilled do-it-yourselfers, but a gutter replacement is best left to the professionals. Homeowners who live in single-story homes may be able to replace gutters on their own, but the issues that can arise when gutters are not functioning at optimal capacity make this a job best suited to professionals, even in residences without high roofs.

Some gutters may be under a manufacturer's warranty, so

homeowners can check to see if their gutters qualify for a free upgrade. Experience is one of the best reasons to work with a professional gutter installation team. Experienced professionals can identify which gutters are the best fit based on a host of factors, including the pitch of the roof, local conditions and the size of the house. In addition, gutter installation requires the use of various tools that many DIYers may not have on hand, which can cut into the cost savings of doing the project yourself.

Homeowners also should not underestimate the challenges of working on ladders that are high up off the ground. Professionals are accustomed to such challenges, while DIYers may not be comfortable or used to climbing ladders with materials and tools in hand.

A gutter replacement is a worthwhile investment that can ensure rain water efficiently and effectively runs through gutters and away from the roof. Leaving this task to the professionals can ensure the job is done right.

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Decorating homes for Halloween

Drive through a suburban neighborhood in October and it's likely you will find yards filled with inflatable witches, animatronic grim reapers and makeshift graveyards bearing witty sayings on tombstone and bony hands reaching out from the soil. Decorating for Halloween has become big business, with consumers spending a collective $10.6 billion in this category in the United States in 2022, according to a survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics and the National Retail Federation. In fact, decorations, particularly outdoor decorations, were the second most popular way to celebrate Halloween (candy still reigns supreme).

Halloween is an opportunity to pull out all the stops for this fun fall celebration. The following tips

can help to turn any home into a Halloween haunt to remember.

· Decide on a theme. Most people fall into one of two camps when decorating for Halloween. There are those who want their homes to be frightening and full of horrific details, and others who prefer more of a fall harvest look. Identify your preferences and then gather decorative items accordingly.

· Shop early/late. Ideally, the best time to buy Halloween decorations is the day after the holiday when prices get slashed (pun intended). This is the time to stock up on items for next year. You can save anywhere from 50 to 70 percent when buying late in the season. For those who need new items for this year's Halloween, closeout retailers like HomeGoods and TJ

Maxx start putting out Halloween products in the middle of summer. Stock up as soon as you see items, as they're not likely to remain on shelves for long. By the time October rolls around, decorations may be gone.

· Wait on the carved pumpkins. Halloween seldom is complete without jack-o'-lanterns. But pumpkins often begin to degrade shortly after they're first carved. Use artificial pumpkins if you plan to decorate early; otherwise, wait until a day or two before Halloween to add freshly carved pumpkins to the Halloween scape. Children can come up with the design, but ensure only adults cut into the pumpkins.

Homeowners can quickly and easily transform their homes into spooky haunts this Halloween.

Happy Halloween!

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How to get through hurricanes and power outages

Hurricanes are powerful storms that can rip through areas and leave substantial damage and devastation in their wake. Hurricanes produce very strong winds that can cause power outages by knocking down electrical poles or even individual lines running to homes and businesses. Power outages can disrupt communications, water supplies and transportation, and many an individual has lost a refrigerator full of food when the power goes out for an extended period of time. Anyone living in an area that could be affected by a hurricane should include measures to get through power outages in their preparation efforts. Ready.gov and

FEMA recommend these strategies.

· Ensure you have batteries and alternative power sources on hand to tide you over until the power can be restored. Cell phones can be charged using USB ports in vehicles. Some devices may work with solar chargers or power sources designed for camping and outdoor use. A back-up portable or whole-house generator also may be a consideration for individuals in areas prone to hurricanes.

· Disconnect power strips and unplug appliances to avoid damage from electrical surges.

· Stock up on ice to use in refrigerators and freezers to help prevent food spoilage. Well-insulated coolers can be used to refrigerate foods and medicines. Food that has been exposed to temperatures of 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more may be spoiled and should be discarded.

· Keep alternative entertainment handy, such as print books, board games, puzzles, and non-electronic toys.

· Power outages can affect ATMs as well, so always keep some cash on hand and store it in a secure, dry spot.

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The important role played by bees in lawns and gardens

A colorful garden in full bloom is an aesthetically appealing sight each spring and summer. The pleasant aromas emanating from such spaces only add to their appeal.

Many variables contribute to a thriving garden, and perhaps none is more important than bees. North America is home to thousands of species of beers, but many of those species are experiencing dwindling populations. According to Scott McArt, an assistant professor of pollinator health in the Department of Entomology at Cornell University, 53 bee species have experienced population declines or range contractions over the last several decades. Individuals accustomed to seeing bees as unwanted guests may wonder why that's a problem. Though declining bee populations pose a number of problems, perhaps none is more relatable than the link between bees and food production. A recent study

published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences noted that declines in both managed and wild bee populations raise significant concerns about long-term food security. Authors of the study noted that crop production would be higher if crop flowers received more pollination. That's a significant benefit as the global population continues to increase, but it's also a notable benefit in the present-day from both a food security and economic perspective. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that commercial production of more than 90 crops relies on roughly 3,600 bee species. Declining bee populations could put that production in serious jeopardy and create a domino effect that impacts food security and individuals' livelihoods.

But all is not lost in the fight to restore bee populations. In fact, McArt indicated in a 2019 report that bee populations are thriving in agricultural and natural areas. But bee populations also must thrive in suburban and urban areas. Planting a pollinator-friendly garden is one step McArt suggested gardening hobbyists can take to help restore bee populations. When planting to combat declining bee populations, homeowners should always look for native plants, as they are well-adapted to local climates and unlikely to upset local ecosystems. Local garden centers can be great resources for anyone looking to plant native species. According to HGTV, the following are just a handful of the many bee-friendly garden flowers and plants homeowners can consider for their gardens:

· Bee balm

· Honeysuckle

· Sunflower

· Cosmos

· Strawberries

· Dahlia

· Butterfly bush

· Crocus

· Pot marigold

· Geraniums

Bee populations are in decline. If efforts to restore those populations are not embraced, the consequences for future generations could be dire. Homeowners can do their part by planting bee-friendly flowers and plants on their properties.

Did you know?

Formal dining rooms were once a must-have in homes, but that popularity has waned in recent decades. Dining rooms were the spaces to host holiday dinners or family birthday parties. Slowly but surely, dining rooms became obsolete in modern homes that favored open-concept layouts. And in those homes that had formal dining areas, the need for home office spaces or playrooms for children saw many dining rooms repurposed. According to the National Association of Home Builders, 43 percent of millennials prefer the look and feel of an open-concept layout and casual dinner parties. However, even though dining rooms may no longer be de rigueur, designers are noticing an increase in clients requesting formal dining spaces, according to a report in Southern Living. Perhaps it's a matter of open-concept fatigue. After spending a year or more during the height of the pandemic at home with few to no barriers between rooms, homeowners may be looking for homes that carve out niches for specific tasks (and privacy) once more. It may not be long until homes come back to including more traditional layouts with separate dining spaces to make hosting a little more intimate.

Tips for pet-proofing a home

Expecting parents realize that as their child grows and becomes mobile, certain safety precautions must be made around the house. The term "baby-proofing" refers to making modifications that prevent little ones from getting into trouble and causing injury. Measures include bolting tall furniture to walls, using special inserts to make outlets inaccessible, installing locks to prevent cabinet access, and using gates to block access to dangerous rooms or areas.

Even though pets may not require the same level of home modification, some measure of pet-proofing is necessary to safeguard companion animals. Any animal that is given free rein of the house, whether it's a puppy, rabbit or kitten, can get into trouble. These tips can help pet parents ensure the safety of their pets at home.

Get down to business

It may seem silly, but pet owners can get down on all fours and crawl around spaces to see just where their new companions might get into trouble. Put those "downward dog" yoga moves to work and try to see where electrical cords may generate

curiosity or if any low-level cabinets are accessible. Utilize locks and covers to keep pets away from these hazards.

Lock away chemicals

Certain cleansers, automotive fluids, paints, and even some foods and beverages can be toxic to pets if ingested. Animals often seek things with their noses first. Products such as antifreeze can smell sweet and appealing. The pet resource Porch suggests researching which foods, beverages, plants, and other items can be harmful. Keep those items away from pets - even under lock and key, if necessary.

Keep a neat home

Any item within reach is fair game for pets. Even something as seemingly innocuous as a sock can cause intestinal blockage if a puppy ingests it. Top Dog Tips suggests keeping up with the tidying by storing toys, clothes, shoes, tissues, sanitary products, diapers, knickknacks, and other objects out of sight.

Garages are no-gos

Make the garage off-limits to pets. There are too many potential

hazards in there, from chemicals to sharp tools, according to American Humane. Cats may want to snuggle up against the warm car engine under the hood, and can be injured or killed when a car is started. There also are too many places to hide and get stuck in the garage.

Don't forget the yard

Pets that spend time outdoors need to be watched carefully, especially when they are young. In addition to wild animals and potential predators, fertilizers and herbicides used on lawns can be toxic. Outside dogs may consume mushrooms or sticks. Pets could get into animal or insect nests. Conduct a sweep of the yard to see where the pet may be able to escape and how other animals might be able to get in. Blocking access to pools or spas to reduce drowning risk also is a smart idea. Pet-proofing often involves installing fencing.

Caring for a pet bears some similarity to caring for a child. Much like parents take measures to protect young children, certain safetyproofing measures should be taken to keep animals from getting hurt or sick around the house as well.

Is your desk getting you sick?

Winter is a time of year when colds and the flu tend to spread more easily. People know that door handles and commonly shared items like remote controls and even mobile phones can be hot spots for various bacteria and viruses, but what about your desk? According to WebMD, more than 10 million bacteria are on a typical office desk, which is 400 times more bacteria than is found on the average toilet seat. NBC News investigative correspondent Vicky Nguyen tested her own desk, computer and mouse with a specialized swab

in 2021. Her desk scored 7,506, a numerical score given to calculate how soiled the area is. That figure was 75 times higher than what high-touch hospital surfaces are expected to be for cleanliness. Other coworkers scored much higher. Routinely wiping down desks and computer equipment with recommended disinfecting wipes can help to corral germs. In addition, do not to eat at your desk and keep pets away from workspaces to tame bacteria.