[wpcol_2third id=”” class=”” style=””]JULY NEWS YOU CAN USE
Housing Stats ∙ Home Hacks That Make Maintenance Easier
HOUSTON HOUSING INVENTORY INCREASING & SALES VOLUME UNCHANGED
The Houston housing market is gaining inventory as new listings are being put on the market. Home sales volume was unchanged year-over-year and most of the homes being purchased are priced in the $150,000 to $500,000 range.
In June, single-famly homes sales were flat compared to a year earlier, and sales of all property types were down 0.9 percent. Inventory has grown from a 3.2 months supply to 3.7 months.
According to the latest monthly report prepared by the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR):
“I selected Leslie to broker the sale of my home in the Museum district of Houston due to her reputation, presentation and not least of all her flat rate business model. The reality is that most home buyers shop via the internet where there is all the information needed to locate best matched homes at the right price. So why pay 3% of the selling price to your broker?
What was most remarkable for me was the outstanding level of care and service that Leslie offered. Compared to other “full price” brokers I have worked with, Leslie was the most attentive, responsive and professional that I have experienced. She was available on short notice via phone, text and e-mail to guide me through all phases of the selling process. She provided advice when I asked for it but primarily acted as a trusted partner collaborating with me to make key decisions in the sale of my home. Her bias is to act with integrity first in all matters relating to the sale, not to be safe, but to do the “right thing”. I always felt that Leslie was working with me out of a passion for service rather than to “make a buck”.
Typically, I don’t write recommendations due to my busy schedule. However, I believe that with Leslie a home seller or buyer will find someone who values the right relationship with people with deep experience and technical knowledge about real estate transactions and can save you money in the process. Truly an unbeatable combination. A real pleasure to work with her.”
– Erik M.
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HOME HACKS THAT MAKE MAINTENANCE EASIER
1. Tuck Chalk in Your Toolbox to Stop Rust & Mustiness
You can keep the metal tools and hardware in your toolbox rust-free with blackboard chalk. How so? Chalk is a moisture sucking material that traps dampness. When you place several pieces throughout your toolbox, its porous nature will protect items prone to rusting.
Got a musty closet? Fill up a small muslin or cheesecloth bag with chalk and then hang it inside. It will absorb the dampness and stinky odor.
2. Cooking Spray for Lawn Mowers and Freezer
If you have a lawn, mowing is one of those must-do drudgeries. Fortunately, cooking spray can make the chore problem-free. When applied to a mower’s undercarriage and blades, it can help prevent grass clippings from sticking.
Additionally, you can prevent ice from building up in your freezer with cooking spray. Just spray a thick layer over spots prone to icing, and let it sit for five minutes. Afterwards, use a towel to wipe up the oil.
3. Use a Tennis Ball to Clean Pool Water and Floors
Suntan lotions, moisturizers, and body oils will leave a greasy slick on pool water. To clean, toss in a fresh tennis ball. Its fuzzy surface will soak up the oils your guests left behind.
A tennis ball can also buff scuff marks off floors. To avoid stooping while cleaning, cut an X into the ball and place on the end of a mop or broom handle.
4. Use Painter’s Tape for a Perfect Caulk Job
Applying caulk in clean, straight lines seems like an impossible task, but it’s actually very easy if you use painter’s tape. You’ll need to thoroughly clean the area you’re caulking first. When it’s dry, apply medium adhesion painter’s tape, such as Frog Tape, above and below the area you’ll be caulking and then caulk. Be sure to peel off the tape while the caulk is still wet.
5. Grab a Makeup Sponge or Baking Soda and Glue to Repair Drywall Holes and Cracks
Typically mesh or paper tape is used to fill small holes in drywall. But a cosmetic sponge will get the job done, too. Just stuff it into the hole (you may need to cut it down to size) and spackle. You’ll find the entire tutorial here.
A little baking soda added to a dollop of strong, fast-acting glue, such as Krazy Glue, will fix a small wall crack. When the mixture is dry, it forms a hard plastic that can easily be sanded down to a smooth surface.
6. Use Your Drill to Clean a Grimy Tub
It takes a lot of elbow grease to deep clean a dirty bathtub — unless you use a cordless drill with a foam ball polishing attachment (found in the automotive section of most big box stores). Attachments like these were designed to be tough on grime without scratching surfaces.
Another automotive store item that saves cleaning time is rain repellent windshield sealant. Apply it to clean glass shower doors to reduce soap scum buildup.
7. Apply Nail Polish to Fill a Hole in Your Window
Found a tiny hole in your glass window? Repair it with clear nail polish. Apply a coat then wait for it dry. Repeat those steps until the layers of clear nail polish are flush with the glass surface.
Clear nail polish can also fix torn window screens. You’ll need to apply multiple layers until you create a substantial barrier. You’ll find the tutorial here.
Information found on HouseLogic.
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LESLIE LERNER PROPERTIES WILL:
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If you think it is time to buy or sell a home, remember to call Leslie Lerner Properties at 713.489.9900. Leslie Lerner Properties is the Home of Flat Fee Listings and Rebated Commissions. A great amount of information can be found at www.LeslieLernerProperties.com. Leslie Lerner Properties offers all of the service for less money, when buying or selling a home.
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