House & Home: October 23, 2022

T H E U L T I M A T E C E N T R A L C O A S T R E A L E S T A T E S O U R C E

Cover home presented by Bruce Venturelli Coldwell Banker

&HOUSE HOME Publishing LLC

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Wendy McCaw

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note from

By Bob Walsmith, Jr. President of the Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS®

6Tasks That Every Smart Homeowner Does in October

The temps are starting to drop, and the smell of wood smoke is in the air. That’s when veteran homeowners know it’s time to do these six things if they want to avoid trouble or overspending.

#1 Buy Appliances

Whisper to them. Do a rain dance. Whatever it takes to get your old ap pliances to wait until fall to go on the fritz. Manufacturers bring out their latest models during the fall, and store owners offer big sales on appliances they want to move out — like last year’s most popular dishwasher. So September, October, and November are great months to buy.

But October is right in the middle, when there’s still plenty of selection and retailers might be more willing to hag gle.

Refrigerators are the exception be cause new models don’t come out until spring.

#2 Switch the Direction of Ceiling Fans

Most have a switch to allow the ceil ing fan blades to rotate either clockwise or counterclockwise. One way pushes air down to create a nice breeze, and the other sucks air up, helping to distribute the heat. Think counterclockwise when it’s warm and clockwise when it’s cool.

#3 Clean Windows

Daylight is about to dwindle so why not get as much of it as you can? Clean off all the bugs, dust, and grime from your windows while the weather is still warm enough to do so. For streak-free windows, combine ¼-cup of white vine gar with ¼ to ½ teaspoon of eco-friendly dish detergent and 2 cups of water.

If window cleaning isn’t a DIY job at your home, schedule a professional window cleaner (who, unlike most of us, is able to do it even when temperatures plummet) before the end of the month. The closer it gets to the holidays, the bus ier they get. Bright sunshine on winter’s darkest days makes it totally worthwhile.

#4 Schedule a Heating Unit Checkup

To ensure your family will be able to feel their toes all winter, schedule early in the month for your heating unit to be serviced. As temperatures drop, service companies get busier.

Whether you hire your heating com pany’s technician or a contractor to do it, they’ll clean soot and corrosion from the combustion chamber, replace filters, and check the whole system for leaks, clogs, and damage. Nothing pairs with a pend ing blizzard better than the assurance that you’ll be weathering the storm with warm air piping through the vents and cocoa in hand.

#5 Get a Chimney Sweep to Inspect the Fireplace

It’s time to dust off and clean the chimney! Best to hire someone who knows wood-burning fireplaces. A pro fessional chimney sweep will ensure your wood-burning fireplace burns more efficiently and will help prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning during the winter. So, yeah, it’s pretty important.

Tip: If you don’t already have a chim ney cap, this is also the time to add one to stop wild outdoor critters from crawling down it — and (yikes!) into your house.

#6 Insulate Exposed Pipes

If you’ve ever dealt with a burst pipe, you know it’s a sad, wet disaster worth preventing. To avoid the stressful (not to mention, expensive) ordeal, prep your home’s exposed pipes with foam or heat tape — choosing which one will work best with your climate. Remember: The most at-risk pipes are often those in un heated areas such as an attics, crawl spac es, and garages, so secure those first.

Please contact your local trusted Re altor® for suggestions of professionals to take care of these items for you, if you are not DIY person.

Bob Walsmith, Jr. can be reached at 805-720-5362 or emailed at Bob@BobWalsmithJr.com

HOA Homefront Reader Questions

Who Does the HOA Attorney Represent?

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq. CCAL

Dear Mr. Richardson:

Does the HOA attorney represent the board or the HOA? If there is a conflict in different CC&Rs sections regarding HOA or homeowner’s responsibility to maintain an item and the HOA attorney is consulted who is their client?

– P.G.

Dear Kelly:

Dear Mr. Richardson:

Can the general counsel of an HOA represent one HOA member against an other HOA member on a personal mat ter, unrelated to the rules, regulations or CC&Rs of that HOA? In doing so, the attorney utilized information and witness testimony from the management compa ny which arguably would not have been available for other community members.

– R.S.

Recently our Board decided to restate the CCRs and bylaws, and drafts were sent to owners. Management announced that any questions to the attorney were to be submitted four days prior to the ‘Town Meeting’. Owners would not be allowed to ask any questions nor make any com ments at the meeting.

The draft documents were boiler plate and half of the items added were not applicable to our type of building or not applicable to our HOA. During the ‘Town Meeting’ it was obvious that the board was surprised and questioned why the attorney had included the irrelevant sections. At the ‘Town Hall’ the attorney refused to address any questions directed to him and said that such questions were covered by attorney-client privilege.

Dear P.G. and R.S.:

The HOA attorney represents the HOA, not the board or the president, al though the HOA speaks and acts through its board. HOA attorneys should not be simultaneously advising the HOA and in dividual HOA members, the management company, or any entities doing business with the HOA. The HOA’s lawyer should be able to be completely loyal to the HOA at all times. When the occasional dispute arises between the HOA and its manage ment, the lawyer must only consider the HOA’s interests, even though they know many of their client referrals come from managers. Bluntly, that is where the ethical rubber meets the road, and most reputable companies recognize that and do not hold it against the attorney. Some times, if the HOA is sued along with its manager or directors, the HOA’s attorney will defend them along with the HOA. However, aside from those situations, the HOA attorney should only represent and advise the HOA.

– Best, Kelly.

It was my understanding that the at torney worked for the HOA not the board members as individuals. Please clarify the attorney client privilege between the HOA attorney and the HOA members.

– Thank you, H.S. Dear H.S.:

Is this HOA forgetting that the pur pose of a town hall meeting is to answer questions, take suggestions, and gain member support for the documents? Without the lawyer answering questions, how do the members obtain any confi dence in voting for the proposed docu ments? As to the “privilege” claim, I dis agree — you are members and the lawyer is not advising you each individually but is explaining the rationale as to how the draft new governing documents are in the association’s best interests (which is different than your individual interests).

“Town hall” meetings are designed to provide members information and foster discussion. Some wires are crossed here and I hope your community gets those wires straightened out.

– Sincerely, Kelly.

Kelly G. Richardson, Esq. is a Fellow of the College of Community Association Lawyers and Partner of Richardson Ober LLP, a California law firm known for community association expertise. Submit column questions to Kelly@roattorneys.com. Past columns at www.HOAHomefront.com. All rights reserved®.

Santa BarB ara County SaleS

This is a partial list of all recorded residential sales in Santa Barbara County from October 11 thru October 14, 2022. While these recordings are public record, the News-Press receives this information from an outside source. This list does not represent all sales that occurred over this time period. Consult your REALTOR® for further information regarding home sales in your area of interest.

AREA ADDRESS

BUELLTON / SOLVANG 1246 PETERSEN AVE

925 NYSTED DR

CUYAMA 4780 CEBRIAN AVE

SELLER

CAVE SHERYL EA

BUYER

WILLIAMS JEFF EU

PRICE DATE

$1,300,000 10/12/2022

BARTSCH CATHERINE EA INMAN GENISE $1,300,000 10/11/2022

HEDLUND BRET EU

SADIQ ZAHID EU

GOLETA 5071 RHOADS AVE A HOWELL MARK EA

BARAJAS JOSE $288,500 10/12/2022

BRUNELLE NOELLE $227,000 10/13/2022 HWY 166

VALMORES RYAN EU $990,000 10/14/2022

715 AVENIDA PEQUENA MEISSNER NANCY EA BROWN MORRIS EA $1,330,000 10/12/2022

GUADALUPE 5184 SURFBIRD LN

LOMPOC 310 N M ST

FREDRIKS ROBERT EU

APPEL JESSICA EA $555,000 10/13/2022

GARCIA RUBEN EU $370,000 10/14/2022 1204 E PEACH AVE

VARGAS GERALDINE EU

HERRERA JAQUELINE EA $430,000 10/14/2022 308 S U ST

CATON LAWRENCE EA

COOKS MONICA

STRAHAN JOHN EU

1137 BELLFLOWER LN YOHO PATRICIA

ARREGUIN RICARDO $499,000 10/11/2022

LINNEMAN AUSTIN EU $465,000 10/13/2022 1021 N ORCHID ST

AMEZQUITA NORMA EA $520,000 10/13/2022

1105 N POPPY ST

925 N H ST

SANTA BARBARA 56 BARRANCA AVE 6

RENAUD MYRA EA

STRONG DALE EU

GOMEZ NEFTALY

BARRY VOGEL ENTERPRISES

BENITEZ REYNALDO EU $541,000 10/13/2022

FACUNDUS ROBERT EA $540,000 10/14/2022 436 S J ST

CVP-LOMPOC EPL LLC $950,000 10/12/2022

LORELEI INVESTMENTS $1,100,000 10/12/2022

51 LA CUMBRE CIR MARCHESOTTI HEIDI EA SPEAKE GEORGE EA $1,152,500 10/13/2022

3846 CENTER AVE BARENS KRISTIN EA

2721 VERDE VISTA DR

2926 FOOTHILL RD

GILMAN NANCY EA

BABADOGAN AHMET EU $1,350,000 10/13/2022

BRUCE NICHOLAS EA $1,425,000 10/14/2022

CRENSHAW ANTHONY EA ROSENTHAL DAVID $1,750,000 10/12/2022

3706 MODENA WAY YOUNG ELIZABETH EA

FARMER GEORGE EU $1,810,000 10/12/2022

671 DEL PARQUE DR B BATTEY GEORGE EA ANGEL JOHN EA $1,900,000 10/11/2022

2500 CALLE MONTILLA CLARKE KATHERINE

JONES CRAIG EU $2,100,000 10/12/2022

1435 OLIVE ST BIRCH KEVIN EA CHIU MICHAEL EA $2,525,000 10/11/2022

1618 GRAND AVE DEMPSEY BRIAN EA

REDMOND DEVIN EU $2,850,000 10/12/2022

1410 LA CIMA RD ZIEMER DAWN EA TYLER SUSAN EA $3,000,000 10/14/2022

320 E ISLAY ST TYLER SUSAN EA

DEMPSEY BRIAN EA $3,825,000 10/14/2022 2446 GARDEN ST HENRY JAMES EA TROXEL DEBORAH EA $4,300,000 10/14/2022

856 CENTINELA LN BRUSS WENDEL EA

GHEORGHITA MARIUS $4,350,000 10/11/2022

1919 STATE ST STATE STREET II LP 1919 UNO EA $9,275,000 10/14/2022 2840 DE LA VINA ST STORCH BERND & MIYAKO TRUST GRANITE PEAK INTEGRAL EA $14,400,000 10/13/2022

SANTA MARIA 135 REGAL DR

173 HIGHLAND DR

BURNS GLORIA

LEWIS GEORGE EA

1422 OAK KNOLL RD HARDY MICHAEL EA

2305 S EASTBURY WY

N BRADLEY RD

SANTA BARBARA

THOMPSON ADRIANA $368,000 10/13/2022

MOVAHEDI SOHRAB $460,000 10/12/2022

BRECKENRIDGE PROPERTY FUND $495,000 10/12/2022

MAYNARD FAMILY TRUST 12/1/93 BURTON STEVEN EU $549,000 10/14/2022

SILL VICKI EA LARA CECILIO EA $569,000 10/14/2022

Santa BarBara County SaleS

AREA ADDRESS SELLER BUYER PRICE DATE

714 SPYGLASS DR

W NARTATEZ CT

3120 S BUNFILL DR

LUIS SCOTT EA

GALLAGHER JAMES EU

ENDY CECILIA

ZEIMIS WYATT EU

$575,000 10/12/2022

PRADO-RANGEL MARIA EA $595,000 10/12/2022

LOPEZ MARTIN EU

1535 HEATHERWOOD LN PACKARD DAVID EU LUIS SCOTT EA

LOS PADRES RD PHILLEY CORY EU TEAGUE ROSE

SILER LN

N LINCOLN ST

VENTURA LAVERNE EA PHILLEY CORY EU

ANDERSON ROGER EU MJS EQUIPMENT LLC

SUMMERLAND 2347 EAST VALLEY RD REEKIE BRIAN EA

SANTA YNEZ 3903 BLUEBIRD LN

2347 EAST VALLEY LLC

$660,000 10/14/2022

$680,000 10/13/2022

$732,000 10/12/2022

$850,000 10/12/2022

$1,200,000 10/14/2022

$5,600,000 10/12/2022

KARAS KENNETH EA ST GEORGE EDWARD EA $1,500,000 10/13/2022 3965 EDGEHILL LN MILLER MICHAEL EA MCKEE ROBERT EU $1,625,000 10/11/2022

UNICORP 321 E INGER DR F51

$335,000 10/14/2022 679 E NEWLOVE DR

RECOVERY GROUP INVESTMENTS ROBLES JESUS EU

LANGSEV TERILYNN EA KIMBELL PATRICK $475,000 10/12/2022 1314 E CRESTON ST LOPEZ MARTIN CORTES ARMANDO EU $500,000 10/14/2022 681 E NEWLOVE DR

LANGSEV TERILYNN EA CASTANEDA CARLOS $575,000 10/12/2022 2276 N JOHNSON DRIVE SAELY WALLACE

ANDASOL YONY EU $585,000 10/14/2022 150 SECOND ST

HERZOG ALBERT EU ROJAS ALVARO $885,000 10/14/2022

HOUSTON DONALD EA OROZCO EDUARDO EU $800,000 10/13/2022 4845 GLENN RD

Plumber:

New homeowner wanting a wall-hung toilet

By Ed Del Grande

Wall-hung toilets offer some practical advantages when installed in a home bathroom. Photo courtesy Kohler/TNS

Question:

Hi Ed: We’re planning our new home and for the bathrooms I would like wall-hung toilets. I know installing wall-hung toilets could stretch my bathroom budgets, but I like the look. Aside from the cool look, what advantages can I expect?

– Don

Answer:

Wall-hung toilets have been around a long time. In the past they were mostly found in commercial bathrooms, but with some new design changes they’ve now become trendy for residential use.

Aside from looking cool, they do offer some nice practical advantages when installed in a home bathroom.

First, since they hang on the wall, many wall-hung toilets offer adjustable height of the bowl. This can give you a little extra custom comfort as long as you stay within your local codes.

Next, having a little open area under the bowl allows for some extra foot space. Many wall-hung toilet models offer concealed tanks inside the wall to open up even more bathroom space.

Finally, with smooth sides and extra access all around the bowl, a wall-hung toilet can be easily cleaned.

Bonus tip: Wall-hung toilets can also be a nice choice for special needs bathrooms, proving once more that an off-thefloor toilet is not such an off-the-wall idea.

Master Contractor/Plumber Ed Del Grande is known internationally as the author of the book “Ed Del Grande’s House Call,” the host of TV and Internet shows, and a LEED green associate. Visit eddelgrande.com or write eadelg@cs.com. Always consult local contractors and codes.

©2022 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Style at Home: Halloween details

By Katie Laughridge

The days are getting cooler, and the great Pumpkin Spice Latte finally made its debut weeks ago. It’s officially fall, y’all. It’s tempting to redecorate your home — inside and out — to welcome the autumnal season. For the truly motivated among us, the planning may start even earlier. And that includes planning for the spookiest holiday of them all: Halloween.

I’ve always loved Halloween and have fond memories of my dad littering our yard with dry ice to create an eerie fog for the little witches and mummies that came to our house to trick or treat. I still adore the opportunity to dress up, though there aren’t as many socially acceptable occasions to do so as a grown-up. Luckily for me, my older son doesn’t complain when I play along, like the year we all dressed as paleontologists (per his request). And although I’m not decking out my yard every year, my family and I still treasure our time walking from house to house, and of course seeing who (or what) arrives on our doorstep for candy.

A bashful pumpkin is tucked among seasonal foliage for a fun addition to the holidays. A whimsical pumpkin-headed figure sits atop an orange gourd, surrounded by Halloween decor. A Halloween-inspired tabletop features black and gold without leaning too far into the spookiness of the holiday.

SANTA

Photos courtesy Handout/TNS

Create your Halloween ‘shelfie’

Halloween figures and details are the perfect way to dress up any shelf for the season. My first tip when creating your perfect vignette is to take the opportunity to undecorate before you decorate. I know it seems like a lot of work, but making way for these beauties on your shelf can sometimes mean clearing out the distractions. Take your normal picture frames off the walls and decorations off all surfaces including tables, counters and shelves. When you add Halloween decorations on top of your normal decor, the result can look a bit cluttered and confused. Put all the focus on your Halloween decorations by making them the center of attention.

Focus on your color scheme

There is more than one way to decorate for Halloween, and it definitely doesn’t have to be solely orange and black. A black-and-white color scheme can feel just as seasonal. Or you can make it creepy with black, green and purple, or lend an air of sophistication with silver and black. Our tip? Try to keep it to three main colors. This will keep your house looking put-together and polished even if it is full of whimsy.

Leave no room unhaunted

Spooky decor isn’t just for your living room. Don’t forget about those often overlooked but frequently used spaces, like the bathroom and kitchen. Another tip: Don’t forget to hide those pesky cords from light-up decorations to really elevate your design. Using paint er’s tape to secure cords to the back of your furniture keeps them within reach but out of sight.

Bring Halloween to your tabletop

This seasonal tabletop is a great example of decorating for Halloween ... without re ally decorating for Halloween. Not a fan of the camp of the season? Autumnal blooms and some black linens and soup tureens lend to the season without going all-in. Bringing Halloween to your tabletop is an unexpected way to celebrate, and it’s sure to wow your friends and family this spooky season. We just hope none of your guests find an eyeball in their soup!

These Halloween design tips are tame enough that the younger ghouls and goblins among us can get into the swing of the season without feeling creeped out by all the gory details. I hope these tips and tricks inspire you to get out the pumpkins and into the spirit of Halloween.

Adapted from nellhills.com.

Katie Laughridge is the owner of Kansas City interior design destination Nell Hill’s. ©2022 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

If you’re feeling inspired by the change in the air, it’s not too early to show a little seasonal appreciation. Do so with these Halloween decorating tips.

A candelabra and black wicker tree add spooky supporting design elements to this seasonal display.

Figurines and seasonal favorites like skulls and spiderwebs are featured on this shelf display.

Carpinteria

3375 Foothill Rd 134

1-4

Walk through the front door, and you are greeted with stunning views from this 3rd floor Penthouse condo.

Village Properties Lynda Bohnett 805-637-6407

Carpinteria

1112 Linden Ave

01268751

12-3 $1,055,000

Newly remodeled 3 bed 2 bath condo just blocks to the beach, shops and restaurants

Village Properties Jena Harris 805-331-3683

Carpinteria

1114 Linden Ave

01930435

1/1

12-3 $835,000

Newly remodeled condo just blocks to the beach , shops and restaurants

Village Properties Jena Harris 805-331-3683

Carpinteria

1116 Linden Ave

01930435

1/1.5

12-3 $815,000

Newly remodeled single level condo just blocks to the beach ,shops and restaurants

Village Properties Jena Harris 805-331-3683

Carpinteria

1118 Linden Ave

01930435

$980,000

Newly remodeled condo with views ,just blocks to the beach , shops, and restaurants

Village Properties Jena Harris 805-331-3683

Carpinteria

1112-1118 Linden Ave

01930435

$3,595,000

Rare opportunity to purchase 4 newly remodeled condos just blocks to the beach

Village Properties Jena Harris 805-331-3683

Carpinteria

1025 Palmetto Way I

01930435

$749,000

Welcome to this extensively renovated coastal para dise retreat at Villa del Mar!

Zia Group | eXp Realty California

Rockwell 805-698-8848

Carpinteria

Properties

Bath St

townhome in a four unit complex located in a central area of downtown Santa Barbara.

Village Properties

Swan

Downtown

E Pedregosa St

02049218

$5,495,000

This iconic home, designed by award winning green architect Michelle Kaufman, seamlessly blurs the line between house and garden.

Village Properties Spencer Cole 805-689-6673

Downtown

1701 Anacapa St 26

02115510

01482947

$899,750

Enjoy life in the vibrant Downtown Santa Barbara area in this treetop home offering a very bright 3rd floor location with elevator access,

Village Properties Dianne & Brianna Johnson 805-450-6078

ast siDe Upper

E Pedregosa St

00947199 & 01943572

$5,495,000

This iconic home, designed by award winning green architect Michelle Kaufman, seamlessly blurs the line between house and garden.

Village Properties Susan Jordano

Goleta north

N. San Marcos Rd. B

01775462

Nicely updated San Antonio Village townhome with fresh paint, new LVP floors, all new appliances, gas fireplace, laundry area, fenced patio & carport.

Goleta north

Goleta north

Hope RancH

710 Monte Drive

5/5

1-4 $4,450,000

GREAT VALUE. Panoramic Views. On La Cumbre Golf Course. Private Beach Access. 4,000 SqFt. Main House. 800 SqFt Detached Guest House. Private 1.5 Acres Lot. 5 Fireplaces, Hardwood Floors, Cathedral Ceilings.

COLDWELL BANKER BRUCE VENTURELLI 805-448-3644 # 00683076

Mesa

626 Meigs Rd.

3/2

10-1 $1,395,000

Premier Mesa location! Beautifully updated kitchen + fabulous bonus room! Single level, great outdoor spaces, 2 car garage, Washington school.

Village Properties Cimme Eordanidis 805-722-8480 # 01745878

Mesa

626 Meigs Rd.

3/2

1-4 $1,395,000

Beautifully remodeled single-story 3bed/2bath,open floorplan & large bonus room.Near Washington School, shops,restaurants, Shoreline Park & the beach.

Village Properties Pat Saraca 805-886-7426 # 01080801

Mission canyon

Real Estate Q&A:

Can the board hire an iguana removal company without residents’ input?

By Gary M. Singer

Question

Recently, our condominium’s board announced that our maintenance dues would go up next year. A week later, we received a newsletter stating that our community had hired a company to remove iguanas from the common areas. There was no mention of this cost, and we feel it’s an issue that should’ve been discussed and voted on by the homeowners. Can the board make costly decisions on behalf of the residents without their input for non-critical things like this?

– Susan

1493 Sycamore Cyn Rd. REDUCED! Luxurious, tropical and spacious Spanish Oasis. Entertainers dream home. Gated and private resort like experience.

5/6

12-2 $5,450,000

Home Realty and Investments Ben Rivera 805-452-6447 # 01367001

saMaRkand

Answer

Yes. In many ways, the role of community association board members is much like local government elected officials. In other ways, it is more like running a business.

Their job is to ensure the community is well maintained and control the association budget. They hire and manage vendors and association employees. Homeowners elect board members to use their discretion and do their best to make good decisions about how the community is run.

2706 Cuesta Road

Incredible, unobstructed, ocean & city views, rarely available in Samarkand! Exquisite approved plans included to build on this majestic lot! Last chance to make an offer before property is withdrawn.

1-3 $1,995,000 Coldwell Banker Realty Nancy

solvang

If everyone in the community had to vote on every maintenance con tract, employment decision, and budget item, very little would get ac complished. Instead, people volunteer to be elected to represent their neighbors’ interests and help manage the community.

This does not mean that the board’s authority is absolute.

The full membership must vote on significant issues and renovations. Board members have a “fiduciary duty,” meaning they must put the com munity’s goals before their own. They must act prudently and in the best interest of the community.

If community members feel that board members are not doing a good job, they can vote them out in the next election and, in rare cases, recall them.

That said, as long as their decisions are reasonable and within their authority under the association’s governing documents, they will be pro tected from liability.

This is known as the “business judgment rule” and allows board mem bers to use their judgment when managing your association.

Gary M. Singer is a Florida attorney and board-certified as an expert in real estate law by the Florida Bar. He practices real estate, business litigation and contract law from his office in Sunrise, Fla. He is the chairman of the Real Estate Section of the Broward County Bar Association and is a co-host of the weekly radio show Legal News and Review. He frequently consults on general real estate matters and trends in Florida with various companies across the nation. Follow him on Twitter @GarySingerLaw.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Ask Angi:

How can I prep my home for the holidays?

By Paul F. P. Pogue

Nothing says “festive” like creating a warm and welcoming home for guests and visitors during the upcoming busy holiday season. The influx of people and activity provides you with an excellent opportunity to put your home’s best face forward. Read on for insights on making a guest-friendly space that will impress friends and family this year.

CreAte A guest-Friendly home

Here are some tips on how to quick ly prep your home for maximum com fort and give your guests a great experi ence. Even if you’re short on time, fear not; you can accomplish more cleaning than you think in a hurry if you follow a few tips.

Give all guest linens a good wash and freshly make the beds.

Bathrooms, in particular, make a big impression on guests. Wipe down each bathroom thoroughly, paying spe cial attention to the sink, fixtures, floor, shower, tub, and toilet.

You can relieve some of the pressure by hiring a professional cleaner. A onetime cleaning costs between $90 and $500, depending on home size and can help make your home guest-ready in a hurry. Keep in mind that if you don’t already have a regular house cleaner, hiring one on short notice during the season could be tricky.

Give your house a walkthrough from a visitor’s perspective, especially guest rooms, bathrooms, and common areas. What might seem out of place? What things do you notice first?

Check to ensure supplies are up to date. Get rid of expired medicine, and stock the cabinets with fresh shampoo, conditioner, soap, towels, and a hair dryer. Also, consider keeping extras of common items for guests, such as ra zors, over-the-counter medications, feminine products, toothpaste and brushes, and cotton swabs.

Inspect your light bulbs, both in side and outdoors. You can easily miss a single burned-out bulb in an area you often walk through.

Pay particular attention to cleaning surfaces that get touched a lot, such as light switches, countertops, and door knobs. A two-step process is best to eliminate germs and viruses. First clean with soap and water, then use an alco hol or bleach solution to disinfect.

Your refrigerator and oven tend to get a good workout during the holi days. Scrub your oven thoroughly to give it a good starting point. Clean and disinfect your fridge’s surfaces. Throw away outdated food, so you have room for leftovers.

Give your guests space for their stuff. At least one surface should be empty in guest bathrooms to allow room for guests’ personal toiletries.

Rethink your kitchen

The kitchen has become a major social center of the home, and cooking has become a social event and a time to gather in and of itself. To that end, make your kitchen a focal point of this holiday season.

“The kitchen has become the home’s new parlor or living room,” says Angi Home Interior Expert Rachel Zepernick. “Whether you completely redesign it or just move around furniture, think about ways you can make it as guest-friendly as possible.”

ISLAND

Adding a permanent kitchen island will cost you about $4,000, but it can create many new options for entertaining, such as additional seating for people to gather around during food prep. A rolling island will cost less, $100 to $2,500, and serve the same purpose.

IMPROVED LIGHTING

Don’t overlook how much lighting can create mood and ambiance, as well as serve a more practical use. A central light, such as a chandelier, can make a striking statement, while task lighting in specific areas will help make measuring ingredients a breeze.

ADD EXTRA STORAGE

“One big complaint people have about kitchens is storage, so the more you can add that’s both functional and fun, the better your kitchen is for entertaining pur poses,” Zepernick says. “Open or pull-out shelves, rolling carts, and turntables work wonders for a busy kitchen.”

REMODEL FOR A NEW LAYOUT

Giving your kitchen a fresh new look can help you entertain with ease. Redesign ing your kitchen will cost between $4,300 and $25,000, depending on the scope.

“The sky is the limit when it comes to rethinking your kitchen, and a pro can help you consider all your options, based on your vision and budget,” Zepernick says.

Ask Angi. Visit at angi.com. • Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

A kitchen island is an excellent social center that will serve you well during both the holidays and everyday life. Photo courtesy Dreamstime/TNS

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