How To Handle Downsizing

Moving itself always has the tendency to sound stressful, but adding downsizing to the mix can seem daunting. There are certain challenges that come with downsizing, but that doesn’t mean it has to be more stressful. By changing the way you approach downsizing and moving, the experience can actually be a positive one. Downsizing gives you the freedom to get rid of things that no longer have a place in your life, freeing up room for what you love and what brings you happiness. Here are the steps to follow to downsizing your property and keeping your sanity.

1. Take an inventory of what you own.

Often, we don’t realize what we have. It is easy to feel like we don’t have a lot of ‘things’ when those items all have a place in our current home, but many of those items may just be filler. Taking an inventory of what you have will force you to look at a list of what all you own, helping to you reflect on what you actually care about keeping. Using this inventory as a master sheet will also help you keep track of what you’re moving once you’ve gotten rid of items that you no longer love or need.

2. Get the floor plan of your new home.

Being able to visualize where your items will go can be extremely helpful when downsizing. Will that old dresser fit in the guest bedroom? Will you have room for that pool table? If you can’t find space for it when looking at your floor plan, it is probably time to donate or recycle those items.

3. Consider the details of your new home.

Are you moving to a different climate? If you’re heading to Florida or somewhere known for the weather, you may not need those full boxes of winter gear or that snow blower already collecting dust in your garage. Will the items you are on the fence about keeping be practical and useful in your new home when your situation changes? Keep in mind what your life will look like in your new home and take the time to decide where the items you want to keep will fit in.

4. Create a keep/donate/toss system when sorting through your items.

Designate a room in your house for each category. Boxes in the living room are ‘keep’, the dining room has your ‘donate’ items, and so on. This way, there will be no mix up and you will be able to have visual idea of what you are hanging onto and what you are letting go.

Danesha Ritzberg
RitzbergRealty.com
(404) 793-0610

Organize Your Junk Drawer

Have you been looking for a budget-friendly way to organize that pesky junk drawer in your home? Instead of heading to the store and spending money on organizers, take a look around your home first. Do you have any old egg cartons waiting to be recycled? Small jars, bowls, or lid-less Tupperware waiting to be used? Gather up those items and get ready to turn your drawer from chaos to coordination.

The first thing you’ll need to do after grabbing your tools is pulling everything out of your drawer. Once you have your items laid out, create a toss/donate pile so you can get rid of items you no longer use. Then, strategically place the organizing items you’ve collected in your empty drawer. Try to fill the drawer so there won’t be any shifting when the drawer opens and closes.

Now you’ve got separation spaces to place what you had in the drawer! Put batteries in one jar, pens in another container, and so on. When you open your drawer, there will be a designated space for each item, so now you won’t need to dig through old sauce packets to find a paperclip! While it may seem like a small accomplishment, starting small can create the catalyst that makes you want to organize the rest of your home!

Danesha Ritzberg
RitzbergRealty.com
(404) 793-0610

5 MUST-HAVE TECH ITEMS FOR YOUR KITCHEN

Technology advances are constantly happening all around us and it can be hard to keep up. While you may be eyeing that new iPhone set to release, keep in mind that there is plenty of tech out there that can help make your day-to-day life so much easier. When it comes to kitchen tech, it seems like something new is being announced everywhere you turn. Here are some great new tech items that can make life in the kitchen just a little bit easier.

The Range Thermometer

Always checking temperatures when trying to make a big meal can become overwhelming. Avoid the headache and pick up a Range Thermometer. You can insert the thermometer portion into the deepest part of whatever you’re cooking, and from an app, you can set up an alert for whenever your meal reaches that temperature. Remove the guessing and find comfort in being able to leave the oven and actually enjoy the time while you have guests in the house.

Smarter Kettle

Are you an avid tea drinker? If you feel like you’re wasting time waiting for your water to boil, the Smarter Kettle would be a great addition to your kitchen. With wi-fi capabilities, you can pick a temperature and turn your kettle on right from your phone, so you’ve got boiling water for tea whenever you need it!

Quirky Egg Minder

If eggs are a big part of your daily meals, this may be a great tool for you. This egg minder sends you notifications when you need to buy eggs, and it has LED lights to alert you when your eggs are going bag.

Taylor Digital Measuring Cup

Is baking one of your favorite activities? If so, precision is probably a big deal to you. This measuring cup will weigh your items while also indicating the volume and it can convert from ounces to grams for you!

DaysAgo

Tend to forget how long it has been since you opened that jar in the fridge or pantry? DaysAgo is suction cup digital tracker that will allow you to keep track of how long it has been since you opened a container, so you can avoid eating something that has gone bad.

Danesha Ritzberg
RitzbergRealty.com
(404) 793-0610

The How-To of Buying a Ceiling Fan

Just like other details of your home, sometimes fans (and their light fixtures) can make or break a room. While their appearance is important, keep in mind there are other factors you should consider. Different fans offer different amounts of breeze, and depending on where you live, that range can make a difference when it gets hot. Finding the right fan can keep you cool while also reducing your monthly utility costs by letting your air conditioning unit take a little break. Consider these questions and you will be able to choose a ceiling fan that can meet all of your needs.

SIZE MATTERS

The size of your fan will be a major determinant of the amount of air it can move. The length of your blades and how many there are both play a part in the power of your fan. If you have an average bedroom, around 12’ x 12’, the standard 42” four-blade fan will likely be the best fit. If your room is smaller, opt for slimmer, shorter blades. If you have a larger room, go for a wider and longer blade, like the 52”. A standard fan will have 4 blades, but more blades will help with better air movement. Increasing blades usually increases price, but it will help if increased circulation is your goal.

CEILING TO FLOOR SPACE

The goal is to have a minimum of 7 feet between the fan blades and your floor. Because of the variance in ceiling heights, many manufacturers take this into consideration and offer two different fan configurations, which are the standard model and the ceiling-hugger model. If you have ceilings that are 8+ feet, the standard model with the 6-8” down-rod is perfect for you. If your ceiling is much taller than 8 feet, you may need an additional extension rod. If your home has lower ceilings, you’ll likely need a ceiling-hugger to make sure no one is bumping into your fan while walking around your home.

LOWERING UTILITY COSTS

If your main goal for adding or replacing a ceiling fan is lowering your monthly costs, find a fan with an Energy Star label. These fans are created to use less energy, operating 60% more efficiently than a standard model. They typically feature blade direction switches to use with the changing seasons, adding more functionality to the fan.

DON’T FORGET LIGHTS

If you want to have a light with your fan, make sure one is included or able to be added to the fixture you choose. Not all fans come with lighting functionality, so consider that when making the final choice!

Danesha Ritzberg
RitzbergRealty.com
(404) 793-0610

The Right Window Treatments For You

Window treatments can often be an afterthought. The stress of finding the right blinds or curtains to cover your naked windows can make you just forget to cover them altogether. There are so many options that the choices can be overwhelming, and the idea of installing them can be daunting if you’ve never done it before. Instead of stressing out and leaving your windows open to passing neighbors, follow these guidelines to find the perfect window treatments for you.

CHOOSING BLINDS OR CURTAINS

Deciding what you need can be difficult. Instead of making that decision on a whim, ask yourself a few of these questions and you can get a clear idea of what you need. What is your design vision? If you want to be able to easily control the light coming in with a clean look, go for blinds. Does the room you’re worried about allow for easy peeping from the outside? Consider using both blinds and curtains. Do you want to be able to choose from more colors, textures, and designs? Curtains are probably best for you.

DECIDING ON A STYLE

Both curtains and blinds have different styles, even if curtains have a wider range. Depending on which treatment you choose, you’ll have choices to make. For blinds, your options are fairly limited. Most blinds are neutral and can typically either be plastic or wood. If you want modern contemporary, consider wide wooden slat blinds. If you want something more traditional, you can opt for plantation shutters. For curtains, try to decide what aesthetic your room already has. What color or pattern would tie it together? Also keep in mind how much light you want to let in. If you want a light and airy room, consider sheer curtains. Select colors that won’t stick out but rather, compliment the room, and you will love your new window treatments.

Danesha Ritzberg
RitzbergRealty.com
(404) 793-0610

Tricks For Hard-To-Paint Areas

While some DIY projects seem like they should be left for the pros, painting doesn’t have to be one of them. Basic painting seems easy enough, but sometimes we run into those hard-to-paint areas and regret not hiring a professional. Instead of hanging up the towel, try out these tricks for those spots and see if you can finish your project all on your own (and save some money in the process!)

Painting Window Trim

Painting the wood diving panes and sashes on windows can seem daunting at first. Most people think that lining your windows with painters tape will help, but that is usually just a waste of time. Instead, just paint away! This is the one time it is okay to get a little paint outside of your target area. When paint gets on the glass, just allow it to dry and as soon as it does, scrape it off with a razor blade. Try not to let the paint set for longer than a day.

Painting Behind Toilets

Sometimes, the hardest places to paint are the tight spaces where we can’t really do much to make that space bigger. This is where you will need a “hot dog” roller. They’re smaller than regular rollers and when attached to a longer handle, can make painting in tight spaces a breeze. You can use this roller for other small spaces, like behind radiators or other fixtures.

Painting High Ceilings

If you’ve got a high ceiling or a tall wall where a ladder can’t safely reach, like above a staircase, you’ve usually got a challenge on your hands. This is where a paintbrush extension tool comes in. Rather than attaching a roller to a pole and losing stability, an extension tool is more like an extension of your arm. Make sure to avoid dripping paint by loading less paint on the brush that you typically would for a wall right in front of you.

Danesha Ritzberg
RitzbergRealty.com
(404) 793-0610

Deciding To Buy A Fixer-Upper

If you are a fan of HGTV, you have probably seen your fair share of fixer-uppers. TV shows tend to make everything look easy, especially home flipping or updating. So how do you decide if a fixer upper is worth your time? Here are a few scenarios where diving in usually pays off.

1. The upgrades are simple.

First, you need to find out what types of issues are going to need updated and recognize your personal skills. If a home has foundation, electrical, or plumbing issues, chances are those aren’t easy fixes unless you are a contractor yourself. When it comes to cosmetic fixes, there is usually less of a safety risk so if you’re willing to do the work, those are the houses for you.

2. When the numbers pencil out.

You need to ask yourself if all the work you will put in is going to make the property worth as much or more after you’re finished. Sit down and run the numbers, and decide if you are willing and able to stick to a budget. If you’re handy and willing to put in the hours, your budget may be much smaller than what you would spend on a move-in ready home. 

3. You have the time and resources.

Sometimes when investing in a fixer-upper, there will be work that needs done where you may not be able to be in the house. Do you have a friend of family member close by where you can crash while the house is getting rewired, or the insulation is getting installed? If not, is there wiggle room in your budget for a night or two in a hotel when there’s a small emergency with the water pipes? It is important to recognize where you are in life and if you are mentally, physically, and fiscally able to invest in a fixer-upper.

Danesha Ritzberg
RitzbergRealty.com
(404) 793-0610

Fall Leaves Bring Sold Signs

Summer has come to an end! You are probably thinking you’ve lost the opportunity to sell and need to wait until next summer, but that’s far from the truth! Although it is not as hectic and crazy with the swarm of buyers on the market, the fall season brings out the most serious of lookers. They are the pool of buyers that waited out the summer frenzy to find their perfect home in the fall, and you don’t want to miss these buyers! They are ready to make a move, today! Don’t worry, selling in a slower period does not equate to less money. That is a misconception based on untrue data that floats around. With the right agent and a correct price for your home, you can get a great deal selling during the fall season. You might actually prefer it. Here are the top 3 benefits to listing during the fall season.

1. Serious Buyers – Let’s be honest, if buyers are out during the slow season looking for homes, they are serious and ready to buy. Although the summer brings in a large crowd, that crowd contains a lot of people that are excited by the season, and fall into the “trend” of house hunting. These people end up being less serious about the process, and tend to hold off for another time. If people are investing time to look during the fall season, they are more likely to be interested in actually buying your home, instead of just touring it.
2. Less Competition – Selling in the fall isn’t something many families can accomplish due to busy personal schedules. That is why a significant amount of homes get listed during the summer season. This means that summer time brings in a lot of competition. Selling in the fall means the potential house next door that has slightly more perks that was listed during the summer doesn’t make your home sit stagnant. It also doesn’t devalue your home because of the house that could go up next door that is under-priced in your neighborhood, drawing all of the attention.
   With a slower season, you get dedicated attention to your property, which increases the chance of a sale.
3. Easier to Find Your Dream Home – Not only do you get to benefit from a slower season during the selling process, but you can also benefit on the buying side. With less competition on your dream house, you can get a better deal. The summer brings a lot of missed opportunities for buyers on their dream homes, because they go off the market instantly. This will give you the opportunity to get your home on the market and take your time to find the right one to resize into. A much calmer pace to the transaction will make it less stressful, and everyone all around happier. Don’t feel rushed into buying a home overnight during the summer, it could turn into a headache. If you want a far more peaceful transaction, that has calmer pace, then selling during the fall is perfect for you.

Danesha Ritzberg
RitzbergRealty.com
(404) 793-0610

Finding The Right Home For You

If you’re a first time home buyer, the stress of choosing the perfect house for your family can feel overwhelming at first. While that stress may seem very real, it is often unnecessary. Instead of entering the market trying to find a house that is perfect in every way, keep an open mind. Approach the situation with a willingness to hear ideas and you are much more likely to find a home that you and your family will love. The process can be long and require work, but it will be worth it in the end – and i doesn’t have to drive you crazy. Here are some tips to guide you when you are trying to find potential new homes and how to know if it is the right one for you.

DECIDE ON DEAL BREAKERS

The easiest way to narrow down the right house for you is to start by deciding what you either can’t live without or cannot tolerate. If two bedrooms will never work for you, or you must have a large backyard for your pets, create a list of those things so that you can rule out properties that just aren’t worth your time. 

TRUST YOUR GUT

There may be times when you walk into a home and it seems like it may fit what you need, but there is just something off that you can’t shake. On that same note, if you tour a home and you instantly fall in love, don’t doubt your feelings. Sleeping on a house you love for too long can end up in you losing that home to someone else. Trust your instincts and you will end up in the home that is perfect for you.

TRY TO VISUALIZE

Can you see yourself in this home? Can you imagine your children playing in the backyard and doing homework in the kitchen? If you are touring a home and can already picture what it would be like for your family to live there, you are heading in the right direction.

KEEP LOCATION IN MIND

While a house may check most of your boxes, don’t forget to consider the neighborhood. Are things that are important to your family close by? Are you close enough to good schools or your place of employment? Make sure that you consider location factors so that you don’t end up in a home that becomes an inconvenience.

TRUST YOUR AGENT

While it is important to know what you want and trust your gut in the process, don’t forget that your agent has your best interest in mind. They want to find you the perfect home, and they have worked hard to do that for many others before you. They know the ins and outs of the real estate world, and are there to help you if you are willing to trust them! 

Danesha Ritzberg
RitzbergRealty.com
(404) 793-0610

Back-to-School Home Organization Tips

After a few months of having your kids at home throughout the day, sometimes organization and order go out the window. On top of the other stresses that come with a new school year, a messy house adds just another kink in the transition from summer break to school time. Instead of trying to manage the chaos while school shopping and preparing for the new year, tackle these home organization steps now so that you can stress a little less when you drop them off on their first day back!

1. Clean out the fridge, clear it off, and restock!

Get your fridge ready for the new year. Instead of scrambling that first week back, clear out any expired foods now and get lunch supplies. Clear off all of the summer projects and invitations for events that have passed, and put any helpful information for the school year up on the fridge.

2. Inventory the kids’ closets.

Back-to-school shopping is often the best part of the process for your children. But before you head out, take an inventory of what they already have. Get rid of anything that doesn’t fit and see what they may need instead of guessing while you are out shopping. Once you’ve made room for new items, organize what is left so adding new clothes and finding that first day outfit will be a breeze.

3. Create your own mission control center.

Take advantage of that wall you’ve been struggling to decorate and create a mission control center for your family. Add a calendar, a folder for each child, notepads, writing tools, and anything else that will help keep your entire family on the same page.

4. Work on making a menu.

Even when lunches are handled, dinners can be overwhelming during the school year. Between sports, activities, and everything in between, sometimes making sure a well-rounded meal is on the table every night can be a headache. Create a menu and meal prep as much as possible every Sunday to save yourself the stress of meal planning every day.

Danesha Ritzberg
RitzbergRealty.com
(404) 793-0610