10 Tips from the Pros 

Taking action now will save yourself from unnecessary hardships during future tenancies. Reduce future headaches now and make your home “Tenant Proof”. These tips from the Pros will save you time and money in the long run!

1.     Glossy Paint- Flat paint is cheaper and looks nice…at first. During a yearof tenancy, however, every scuff mark and handprint will remain, leaving few options to clean. Glossy paint, on the other hand, can easily be wiped down to remove those unsightly marks. Your total investment may add to your budget but it’s definitely worth it when you find that you don’t need to repaint in between each tenant and a single paint job could last up to 2 or 3 tenancies.

2.     Door Stoppers and Wall Bumpers- Practically a no brainer. Each and every door needs a stopper or wall bumper behind it, otherwise you will end up with doorknob shaped holes in the walls, behind every door.

3.     Hard surface flooring-Choose your flooring carefully, avoiding carpet if you can. Do some research for the most durable flooring to fit your budget. If you install hardwood floors, make sure and provide instructions to tenant for proper care.  

4.     Light Fixtures with pull chains- It’s easy for these types of fixtures to break by being pulled straight from the fixture or stripping it from the inside. Using a fixture with a wall switch is your best option.

5.     Proper Insulation- Adding this important energy saver reduces the chance of tenants trying to add insulation themselves and causing undue damage. Proper insulation also saves you money on heating and cooling costs in between tenants.

6.     Towel Bars and Shelving- Take that extra time to find a stud and attach it properly using wall anchors and longer screws, otherwise, the chance of it falling or being pulled down might leave unsightly and costly holes in the walls.

7.     Landscaping- While curb appeal is important, rental properties do not need complicated landscaping. Choose low maintenance shrubs and greenery and make sure their lease reflects their responsibility to maintain. Don’t spend too much extra money to make the yard beautiful. Many tenants tend to neglect this aspect of tenancy so you could be left with dead flowers and shrubs.

8.     Shoe Racks- Set a precedence. A shoe rack stationed at the front door during showing appointments relays the message that “This home is nice, we take our shoes off on the way in”. Keep it there after move in and of course, while you can’t make them take their shoes off while they live there, they may be more likely to use the shoe rack if it’s available to them.

9.     Countertops and  Cabinets- Heavy duty is always best. Installing good Formica countertops and real wood cabinets stand the test of time and hold up well with the daily wear and tear from your tenants. 

10.   Doors and Windows- Make sure all the entry and exit points work properly and all failsafes should be checked to make sure they won't break if a tenant starts messing with them. Window locks, springs, and all door handles should lock properly and ideally, not be flimsy. 

"Tenant Proof" rentals not only help you save time and money but they also offer tenants the ability to keep the home in good condition with less maintenance calls and less hassle for you, the owner. If you have questions about preparing your rental home, we are here to help so give us a call, we’d love to chat!  

When prepping to sell your home, the bathroom can be tricky. It is important to keep each restroom ready for showings. You don't want buyers feeling like they're violating your privacy by looking at your bathroom. You also don't want them leaving the room quickly because it's musty and humid. Rather, you want buyers walking into the bathroom blown away by it's cleanliness and spa-like atmosphere. Whether or not you're living in the home you're selling, you can stage the bathroom to make it more attractive to buyers. This room is a bit easier to stage than some of the other areas we've focused on in previous blogs. Read below to find out what it takes to successfully stage a bathroom!

 1. Clean-up

As always, the first step to staging is cleaning up. The bathroom, much like the kitchen, may take some extra time and elbow grease. You will want to eliminate any sign of mildew and make it sparkle for buyers. Scrub the sink, shower, and floors. Clear off the vanity and counters. Remove the trash, rugs, and shower products. Dust light fixtures and deep clean the toilet. Getting a new shower curtain can really help here. We recommend a soft or neutral color. If you're living in your home while it's on the market, keep frequently used bathroom items in baskets that can easily be stowed away for showings. Run fans or open the window while showering. Keep it as dry and clean as possible. Make sure it is smelling great and looking stylish!

2. Towels

Towels are quite possibly your greatest tool when staging your bathroom. Use clean, attractive towels. If possible, purchase new ones solely for staging. Again, neutral colors will serve you best. You cannot go wrong with fresh, white towels. Fold a larger towel and hang it on the bar or hook. Fold a smaller sized towel -- choose the same color or an accent color that will complement the look --  and hang it on top of the larger one. If you have extra counter space, roll a few hand towels to stack or place them in a wicker basket. Too add some flair, tie towels with ribbons or decorative twine. Another way to use towels is on the edge of the tub. If space allows, fold a couple of small towels and place them on the edge of the bathtub. Stick a new bar of soap on top to add a sense of luxury.

3. Accessories

 Show buyers aesthetically pleasing accessories rather than toothpaste and shampoo. You will want to keep the accessories simple. Don't over do it and create a cluttered look. What you use will depend on the amount of space you have. Accessories common to bathroom staging are candles, sea sponges, bath salts, and small plants*. Glass jars filled with bathroom-related items are also common. Fill a jar with cotton balls, q-tips, or simply toss in a few sea shells. The easiest way to display your accessories is to put them in a wicker basket or a tray. The key is to keep it simple and subtle.

*Note: When choosing plants for the bathroom, go for smaller rather than bulky. Your goal with plants and flowers should be to add a splash of contrasting color that will attract the eye to an area of interest. Orchids and succulents are awesome for this!

4. Art

When picking art for the bathroom, look for pieces that will enhance the look of the entire room. Avoid wild or chaotic colors. This is another area in which you will want to keep things simple. Choose to display either one large piece of art or a few smaller ones. If choosing more than one, stick to designs or frames that match one another. This will help tie the whole room together.

Statistics show that staged homes are more appealing to buyers and typically spend less time on the market. If you have questions about the market or what it takes to sell, contact a local expert for advice. Our team is always happy to hear from you! Whether you want to share an experience, ask questions, or find a contractor, we want to help. It is important to us that you understand the selling process and find confidence when hitting the market!

The kitchen, designed simply for cooking, has become what seems to be the most important room in the house. It is not simply for cooking up a meal. An incredible amount of living happens in the kitchen. Whether small or large, it plays a huge role in our daily lives. To many buyers, the kitchen can make or break the deal. You don't have to entirely overhaul your kitchen to make it attractive to buyers. There are small things that can be done to enhance the entire room and flaunt all that your kitchen has to offer. Below you will find our favorite ways to stage your kitchen. Once you get started, you will likely find you already have everything you need to turn your cooking space into a buyer's dream kitchen! 

1. Clean-up

If you've read our previous blogs on staging, you know that cleaning up and getting organized is the first step to staging any room. Prepping your kitchen for staging is a whole new ball game. This is one area of the home you really want to shine -- literally! Take the time to deep clean the entire kitchen. Leave behind no food or grease residue. Clear off the counters as much as you can. Consider storing small appliances like toasters and coffeepots elsewhere for showings. Put away the soap and sponges as well. Scrub the sink, countertops, walls, floor, and appliances. You want the kitchen looking pristine when buyers walk in.

 2. Organize

If you're living in your home while it's on the market, of course you're going to have food in the kitchen. That is completely acceptable! Do your best to keep the cupboards and pantry organized. Buyers will likely open cupboards to check out the storage space. Showcase the space by keeping food items tidy and organized. The same goes for the fridge. Make sure there is no spoiled food hiding in there. Frequently wipe it down to make it shine. Keep your space ready for those last-minute showings.

3. Accessorize

Now that your kitchen is beaming, put out some accessories that one would expect to see in the kitchen. The options are just about endless here; we often see bowls of fruit, decorative canisters, a cookbook on display, a small plant, or a bottle of wine next to a couple of glasses. Choose simple, sleek items that complement the overall style of the kitchen. Your goal here is to draw attention to the best areas of the kitchen, while not distracting from the space available.

 4. Set the Bar

If you have a breakfast bar, show it off! This is an awesome feature you don't want buyers to miss. Place a pair of bar stools beneath the bar and create a place setting for each. Go all out here with a place mat, plate charger, plate, bowl, and silverware! If really want to get fancy with it, throw a piece of fruit or a cloth napkin in the mix. With these place settings, you can't do too much! Do what you can to make sure the breakfast bar isn't overlooked.

5. Emphasize the Dining Area

If you have an eat-in kitchen, choose a size appropriate table for the space. You will want to emphasize the dining area without creating a cramped kitchen. If you have a separate dining area, a larger set of tables and chairs works great. Create a place setting for each chair as described above. Tie it all together by placing a decorative vase or plant in the center. If space allows and it makes sense, you might complete the look by hanging a print or two on the wall.

Home staging is a fantastic way to get buyers inside your home. Statistics show that staged homes are more appealing to buyers and typically spend less time on the market. If you're feeling too busy to take on staging your home, there are a number of local designers who can help. If you have questions about home staging professionals, what it takes to sell, or the local market, give us a call! Our team is always happy to chat and answer your questions!

This is the second post in a series of blogs providing home staging tips. Home staging is a way of maximizing your home's potential while making it more attractive to buyers. Additionally, it makes it easier for buyers to picture themselves in your home. Statistics show that staged homes often spend less time on the market and are more appealing to most buyers. Continue reading for ways to prepare your living room for potential buyers!

1. Remove Clutter

If you're still living in your home, you will likely be keeping larger furniture pieces around during the process. These are the pieces you will want to work around. Remove as many other items from your living room as you can while still feeling comfortable with the result. It is best to take down family photos, store knickknacks, minimize items on built-in shelving, and remove smaller furniture pieces. The goal here is to show off as much of your living room as possible. This will help buyers see your home rather than just the things inside of it.

2. Furniture & Seating

Ideally, the larger furniture that you have chosen to keep in the room will consist of a sofa, coffee table, an accent chair or two, and possibly an end table. Play around with different ways to arrange these pieces. Don't be afraid to group the furniture in the center of the living room! Try to set it up in a way that creates obvious traffic flow as well as a cozy conversation area.

3. Accent Pieces

If you have a larger living room, you can put accent pieces to great use! Consider filling extra space with small furniture to draw positive attention to it. A small chair next to an accent table is a great combination. Place a small plant or vase on the table, and you have created a lovely sitting area. If you don't have an accent chair and don't want to buy one, you can create the same vibe by placing a small dining room table or writing desk against the wall. Place buffer lamps or a couple of small plants on either side of the table. The symmetry will draw attention to the extra space. This trick works great for large hallways, too!

4. Art

Don't clutter or cover the walls entirely, but hang art! Adding some art to the living room will complete the staged look. Avoid hanging it in a straight line across the room. Instead, get creative with placement. Symmetry is an awesome tool, but don't get too stuck on it here. Pieces of the same size or similar design can be grouped together on the wall or hung below one another. As long as you create a simple, balanced look, adding art will brighten up any space.

5. Lighting

Open up drapes and show off your windows! Nothing beats the warm look of natural lighting. You want as much light coming in as possible. If you're living room is lacking in natural light sources, bring in a lamp. The conversation area you created earlier is the perfect place for a stand-alone light source. An end table with a lamp can easily replace an accent chair or plant and work just as well to provide that comfortable look.

Staging is a great way to prepare your home for showings. Be sure to keep your home clean to help with each showing. If you are feeling overwhelmed by prepping for the market, talk to a local expert about what it takes to sell! Our team is available to offer suggestions and answer questions. We want you feeling confident when you list your home!

Often times, buyers have a difficult time picturing themselves in your home. It can be just as hard to look passed vacant space as it is to look beyond stacks of boxes. Home staging is a way of appealing to buyers and showing off your home’s potential. Statistics show staged homes are more attractive to most prospective buyers. There are a number of local designers available for hire, but there also steps you can be taking yourself. If you are planning on staging your entire home, you may as well start where the buyer will start: the front porch.

1. Clean It Up

Your first step should be getting it the porch tidied up. If you’ve been using your porch for extra storage, it may be time to remove items cluttering the area. Sweep away leaves, cobwebs, and dust. If you have access to a pressure washer, it can be a fantastic starting point. Once cleaned up, take the time each week to make sure things are still in order.

2. Use Color

Make your house stand out by adding color to the front porch. If time allows, a fresh coat of paint on the front door is a sure way to make your house pop! Choose a bold color to attract buyers. You can also throw in color with flowers, patio furniture pillows, or an outdoor rug. Bright colors may not be as attractive on the inside of your home, but they can do wonders for the front porch.

3. Buy Plants

Potted plants and flowers can be used to add color as well as symmetry. It is said that we are naturally attracted to symmetry, which is why it is a great tool in staging. If you find a plant you like, consider getting two and placing one on each side of the door. If room does not allow, you can fill corners with or even hang plants. Make sure they are watered and kept alive. Dead plants may defeat the purpose.

4. Swap Out Address Numbers

New address numbers will not only make your home easier to find, but it will immensely increase the look of the porch. Get rid of faded or rusted numbers, and install something that will spruce things up.

5. Replace Welcome Mat

A new door mat will add to the appeal of your entryway. Choose something that matches the theme of your porch. Note that simplicity in design can go a long way here.

6. Update Light Fixtures

Modern light fixtures will enhance the look of the entire porch. Choose something that matches or complements your door to tie things together. Keep the fixture cobweb free and turn the light on for showings.

7. Add Seating

When choosing furniture, be aware of how much space you have to work with. You don’t want to create a crowded atmosphere with too many chairs or a table that’s too large. If you’re working with a small space, adding a single rocking or wicker chair can be enough. If you have the room to add more, go for it!

8. Know Your View

If your porch offers an astounding view, do not block it! If, on the other hand, the view next door is less than pleasing, take measures to distract from it. Blinds, shutters, or hanging plants can ensure buyers are not distracted from your home while creating a cozy, private feel.

Your front porch is typically the first thing buyers see. You want it to be inviting and polished. If done well, your front porch can get buyers even more excited to see the inside. For more on improving the exterior of your home, check out our previous blog on curb appeal. For staging ideas or recommendations, give us a call. Keep an eye on our blog as well, as we will be posting more staging tips!

For so many, this magical month is filled with festivities and tradition. Perhaps one of the most loved Christmas traditions is decorating for the season. When it comes to decorating, there are a few noteworthy tools that, if used, can really help out. As a homeowner or renter, there are things you should know before decking your halls. Nails, screws, tape, and more can cause lasting damage to your home. Below are some great tips for going all-out at Christmas without causing damage.

1. Command Products

Avoid harming walls with nails and tape by using Command Strips and Hooks. These stick-on products come off easily and leave no residue behind. Poster putty is also a good alternative to putting holes in walls.

2. Brick Clips & Hangers

If you have brick siding or a brick fireplace mantle, you know how hard it can be to hang anything off of it. It is important not to nail or screw into brick, as it can cause permanent damage. Brick clips simply snap onto bricks and allow you to hang things off the clip. They are small, easy to install, and some can hold up to 25 pounds. These types of hangers can be purchased at most hardware stores.

3. Quality Tree Stand

When setting up your tree, be sure the tree stand is balanced and not wobbling. If your decorated tree falls, there is huge potential for damage of all kinds, not to mention it becomes a fire hazard. Most stores sell weighted tree stands that will keep your tree in place. If you have an older tree stand and do not want to replace it, you can discretely place sandbags on the legs to help ensure it doesn’t tip. Bonus tip: keep your tree well- watered to lessen fallen needles and fire danger.

4. Light Clips

Light clips are a fantastic way to avoid damaging the exterior of your home, and they make hanging lights easier than ever. Even if using clips, take caution when hanging lights along the roof. Be sure you do not pull up or put holes in shingles. Damaged shingles will let moisture in, immensely increasing the chances of water damage and mold.

5. Chimney

Keep decorations away from chimney. If you live in Colorado Springs, you know that the wind can pick up quickly. Make sure decorations, inflatable ones in particular, are secured and kept away from the chimney.

6. Gutters

Hanging lights and other decorations off of gutters is pretty much standard practice at Christmastime. The key here is moderation. Be extra careful not to add too much weight to your gutters. Any damage to gutters will increase the potential for future water problems, especially if that damage goes undetected for a period of time.

7. Decoration Removal

Patience is crucial. As tempting as it is to tear down lights with a quick pull, doing so can cause damage to your roof, gutters, and siding. Removing decorations should be done with the same amount of care as hanging decorations.

Now that you’re prepared, go crazy with those decorations! Comment below and tell us what some of your favorite Christmas traditions are. Our team loves hearing from you!

The bathroom is one of the busiest rooms in the house. It is probably safe to say you use it every day, and it might be safe to say that it is frequently used by guests, as well. A room seen by so many and visited so often should be welcoming attractive. If you feel like your bathroom is dull, outdated, or falling apart, check out some of the best ways to get it looking updated and stylish!

1. Accessories

Replacing cabinet hardware, towel bars, and towel hooks goes a long way to give the bathroom an overall updated look. Choose pieces that match each other as well as your showerhead, faucet, and toilet paper holder.

2. Showerhead & Faucet

Add new showerheads and faucets to improve both the look and functionality of your bathroom. Pick fixtures that match the rest of your bathroom. Having a consistent look throughout will help make your bathroom look and feel more complete.

3. Walls

When it comes to updating, a fresh coat of paint can be like magic! Opt for soft, cool, or neutral colors in the bathroom. Another affordable option is a beadboard wainscot. Install beadboard paneling on the bottom half of the walls and paint the area above a color that complements the rest of the room. This will give your bathroom a sophisticated look without taking a huge toll on your wallet.

4. Vanity

Taking on the bathroom vanity may seem like a daunting task, but it is a do-it-yourself project well within reach. If you like the size of your vanity and the storage it offers, try painting or refinishing it to give it a new look. Replacing even just the top of the vanity can transform the entire room. If you're ready for a new vanity altogether, installing a new one may be your best option. If you're in the mood for a big project, a repurposed dresser or table can make a breathtaking vanity with a story!

5. Lighting

New light fixtures are a fantastic way to upgrade your bathroom. While you're at it, replace lightbulbs with energy efficient LED bulbs. LED lights use much less electricity and last longer than incandescent bulbs. With this tip, improve the look of your bathroom and save money!

6. Shower Curtain

For a quick way to spruce things up, hand a fabric shower curtain. Choose a color or pattern that complements the other work you've done or the existing decor. Use a plastic liner on the inside to protect the curtain and floor from water.

7. Mirror

Medicine cabinets are great for extra storage. If your is looking old or rusted, get a new one in there! If you have a simple hanging mirror, framing it can give it a finished, updated look.

8. Toilet

Installing a new toilet can make a huge impact in your bathroom! Choose a water-saving, low-flow toilet to save a little on your utility bill each month. If this is too big a task for the time being, simply adding a new toilet seat can do the trick.

If you're looking for someone who can help you update any room in your house, don't hesitate to give us a call! We are always happy to give suggestions, recommend contractors, and help in any way that we can.

Even the largest of homes can feel cramped every once in a while. Getting rid of things is one way to decrease clutter and increase your living area, but there are other options, too! Try getting creative to maximize your home’s potential. Use your space wisely to enhance the comfort level and functionality of your home.

1.    Storage Bed

Beds with built-in storage are a brilliant way to increase bedroom space. Many different styles of these beds are available in furniture stores and online. Some incorporate cubbies or drawers, and some lift your bed in order to free up the space beneath. If you’re feeling crafty, you can even build your own!

2.    Double Closet Bar

Double your hanging space by adding a second closet bar below the original one. You can purchase double hanging closet rods, or you can install a tension rod at the desired height.

 3.    Corner Closet

Similarly, we suggest making the most of space that often goes unused. Install a pipe or tension rod in the corner of your room for extra hanging space.

4.    Extra Shelving

Take advantage of bare walls by installing shelving. Corner shelves are a fun and practical way to create additional space. A shelf above the closet can work well for storing extra blankets or other winter items. Shelving can be installed 9-12 inches below the ceiling for extra storage without cluttering the walls – perfect for storing books, games, or movies. You can even add small shelves to the sides of cabinets for extra kitchen storage.

5.    Hooks & Magnets

Hooks are great for saving space! Hang your keys, hats, scarves, jackets, and more. Get creative with it and put hooks under your kitchen cabinets for coffee mugs or measuring spoons. You can also install hooks on the outside of cabinets for hanging kitchen utensils. You can do the same on the inside of cabinet doors to give yourself some extra hidden storage. Magnets work great for this too!

6.    Hanging Closet

Solve your small closet troubles with a hanging closet. These innovative storage solutions essentially just hang from the ceiling, taking up no floor space. You can install a hanging closet by putting screws directly into the ceiling or by stringing rope, wire, or chain through a pipe and hang it from the ceiling. Copper pipes are great for this. PVC piping works well too, and you can paint it to match your décor!

7.    Cubbies

Cubbies are an aesthetically pleasing way to get organized make good use of space. Freestanding cubbies are awesome, but may not be for you if you’re lacking floor space. Mountable cubbies, or box shelves, can be installed under cabinets, in closets, or along any open wall for added storage space.

8.    Slide-Out Pantry

If you have a few inches between your fridge and the wall or counter, put that space to use! Make a slide-out pantry to store spices and canned foods. This will free up your cabinets for storing dishes, pots, pans, and more!

Try a few of these tricks to make the most of your space. If that doesn’t do it for you and you are looking to upsize or downsize, call us today! We can help you find your dream home.

When selling your home, prepping for the market is a huge part of the process. What exactly that entails can be confusing. It's not always easy to know which repairs and upgrades will increase your chances of selling. You may not want to risk putting a lot of time and money into a project only to find it did not increase the value of your home. If you are hesitant or feeling uncertain, that’s okay. We can help! Before taking action, take a look at some of our favorite ways to get your home market-ready.

1.    Remove Clutter

The goal here is to increase the look of space in your home and create a welcoming environment. Get rid of things you don’t use, clear off all countertops, and organize storage spaces. Shoot for cleanliness and simplicity. Clutter is hard to look past, and it’s a turn-off for most buyers. Help them to see the house itself rather than just the stuff in it.  

2.    De-Personalize

Family photos and knickknacks are distracting. Removing personal items from your home makes it easier for potential buyers to imagine themselves in the house.

3.    Deep Clean

Spend time deep cleaning each room. Clean kitchen appliances, dust ceiling fans and vents, clean bathroom grout, wash windows, and vacuum closets. Focus on areas that have been neglected or forgotten about. Make the house as clean as possible, and keep it looking fresh throughout the selling process.

4.    Make Repairs

It’s not always necessary to go crazy with repairs, but fixing a few things throughout the house can make a huge difference. Replace cracked tiles, check lightbulbs and smoke detectors, and fix doors or cabinets that don’t shut properly. Know that a fresh coat of paint can quickly enhance a room’s look. Replacing old door knobs and cabinet hardware can help give your home an updated look, as well.

5.    Up Curb Appeal

The outside of your home is each buyer’s first impression. You don’t want them walking up the steps hoping that the inside of the house is better than the outside. Keep things tidy and neat. As a general rule, keep the sidewalk cleared, the lawn mowed, and the cobwebs swept. Check out Solid Rock Realty’s previous blog post on to how to increase your curb appeal for even more ideas.

6.    Downplay Pet Presence

Minimize buyer exposure to pets. Keep in mind that not all people are animal lovers and many are allergic to them. If you can send your animals to a pet-sitter or keep them kenneled for showings, you might find more success. If nothing else, keep pet hair vacuumed and food dishes put away during showings.

7.    Bring in Outside Perspective
If you are not sure where to start or what to make a priority, invite a friend, family member, or real estate agent over. A fresh pair of eyes will see things that you have grown used to and no longer notice. Have someone come over and walk through your home, evaluating each room, the yard, and the exterior of the house itself. Ask them what changes they would like to see if they were going to buy the house for themselves.   

Once you have your home ready for showings, do your best to keep it that way. Make sure dishes are clean and put away, place fresh towels in the bathroom after each use, and don’t allow clutter to pile up. A buyer could request a showing at any time, and you want to be ready to say yes!

If you are considering selling and don’t know where to start, our team is always more than happy to provide guidance. If you are wondering what your home is worth, you can give us a call or head to our website and find out for free! Solid Rock Realty will go the extra mile to ensure you are confident hitting the market.

Picture yourself arriving home from a day at the office or a trip to the store, walking inside, and getting hit in the face with a sour smell. You're sure your house didn't smell so badly when you left. Maybe it's a smell from last night's trash that decided to stick around. Perhaps it's a pet-caused stink. Whatever the source, there are easy ways to rid your home of lingering odors. We have chosen five ways to bring freshness and sweet aromas back into your house. 

1. Stovetop Potpourri

Add a mixture of spices, citrus peels, essential oils, and/or herbs to a saucepan of water. Bring it to a boil, and let the steam carry the delicious scent throughout your house. This is a fast and fun way to get your home smelling great. For a fall themed scent, mix apple slices, an orange peel, and cinnamon cloves. There are a lot these simmer recipes out there. If you’re feeling creative, you can even make up your own!

2. Stashed Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets don’t have to be for the dryer! Linen closets and dressers are the perfect places to stash a dryer sheet or two. This will keep linens smelling fresh despite sitting in storage.

3. Scented Lightbulbs

When lightbulbs are not in use and have cooled, drip a small amount of essential oil or vanilla extract onto the outer surface of the bulb. Let it dry. When you turn your lights on, the bulb will warm the oil and fill the room with its fragrance. Incandescent bulbs are best for this, as they tend to run hotter than others. Note that this only takes a small amount. Be sure the light is off when applying the oil.

 4. Microwave Air Freshener

For a quick way to freshen up your home, put about a tablespoon of vanilla extract in a bowl and microwave it for one minute. This will leave your home smelling sweet.

 5. Carpet Powder

Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil or a tablespoon of cinnamon powder to about a cup of baking soda. Sprinkle this mixture on your carpet and let it sit up to an hour. Vacuum the carpet as you usually would. The baking soda will help clean and the oil or cinnamon will leave behind a pleasant scent.

Household smells can often be eliminated with tricks like those listed above. A lot of the time, simply airing out the house can do the trick. For stubborn odors that you cannot seem to get rid of, a professional will likely be able to help. If you have lost your patience for a certain stench, don't hesitate to give us a call. We are more than happy to help you find the right professionals for your specific situation.