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Some improvements have limited appeal to home buyers, and may even affect your sale price when you go to sell. One of the best things about owning a home is the ability to change things up, whether it’s knocking down a kitchen wall to open up space or filling your backyard with your favorite fruit trees. That freedom also offers unlimited opportunities to make mistakes, at least when it comes to spending money on home improvements that don't add the value you’d hoped for. Of course not all home improvements are made with an eye toward adding value. Your home is your castle to enjoy as you please. If, however, you’re planning to sell soon , it might be a good idea to consider whether the improvement projects you’re considering will pencil out when you’re ready to move on. Don’t expect a dollar-for-dollar return Modest home improvements that tend to make the home cleaner, safer and more functional are good bets for sellers, according to Zillow® research. However, big-ticket items, such as pools, major kitchen and bath remodels and extensive landscaping undertaken for the sole reason of adding value might not bring the return you hoped for. According to the Remodeling 2023 Cost vs. Value Report , which estimated the return on investment on some common home improvement projects, only four improvements boosted value on resale: electric heating and air conditioning conversion, garage door replacement, manufactured stone veneer and replacing a steel entry door.* What’s more, Zillow research into home features that help homes sell for more — or less — than expected shows that buyer preferences change over time. So a trendy home update made today for the sole purpose of adding value can seem dated — or even detract from the value — in five or 10 years. With that in mind, here are 11 home improvements that might not pay off when you sell your home. 1. Turning your kitchen into a white wonderland According to Zillow research into the paint color preferences of home buyers, a white kitchen can hurt a home’s sales price by more than $600. Instead, today’s buyers tend to prefer dark gray tones such as charcoal and graphite. If you don’t care about the trends at the time of resale or if you plan to repaint prior to selling, you might consider how you want to feel in any given room and paint accordingly. Or you can just go wild. 2. Adding a walk-in closet Zillow’s 2024 research into home listings shows that walk-in closets can hurt a home’s value by 0.7%, a relatively small amount but an indication that it might not be worth the cost to add a space where you can see all your clothes. If you’re tempted to turn a small bedroom into a closet, think twice before doing so. Home shoppers usually search for homes based on the number of bedrooms, and a homes’ value is derived in part from the number of bedrooms it has. Bottom line: a bedroom is going to be more valuable to most buyers than a walk-in closet. 3. Adding a deck A wood deck costs about $17,051, but this home improvement does not add value overall — it only adds $8,553 at the time of sale, a return of about half what you’ll spend, according to the Cost vs. Value report. The cost is even higher for composite materials, and the return even lower: just under 40%. This is one of those features, though, that might transcend costs considerations. If you love a good deck for entertaining, it could be worth it to build it for your own enjoyment, without worrying about whether you’ll get a full return on your investment down the road. And if the deck improves the view from the property, it could make the home more attractive to buyers while allowing you to enjoy a better view in the meantime. Also, home buyers’ enthusiasm for outdoor features remains high, so anything that enriches home life outdoors could be a win. 4. Turning your garage into a bedroom While bedrooms are certainly important, you might not want to sacrifice a garage to create one. Listings that mention garages are associated with a slight sales premium: 0.3%, according to Zillow’s 2024 analysis of listings data. Parking is often tight in urban areas, and with the high price of cars, homes that allow for safe parking could have an edge over homes without a garage that can also serve as a handy storage space. An exception could be if you converted the space into an Accessory Dwelling Unit , also known as an ADU, casita or mother-in-law unit. Zillow research shows that growing numbers of buyers want the ability to rent out all or some of their home . Additional Zillow research suggests that private spaces are growing in demand, and sellers are mentioning “privacy” or “private spaces” in their listings more frequently than in the past. If your home is short on private spaces, it could make sense to convert the garage. If you’re trying to gauge whether a garage is a must-have for most buyers in your local market, consult a local real estate agent . As for that extra usable space that was a must-have during the peak of the COVID pandemic, when people who could work from home did so, it’s possible the return to office work will see a slowdown in listings that mention private space. 5. Installing an in-ground swimming pool This one is a mixed bag. Whether the pool becomes an asset or a liability depends on a number of things, including the pool’s size, age, condition, location on the property and housing market. The main drawback is the cost, and the fact that other projects would be a greater return for the same money. An in-ground pool can set you back about $23,370, according to the home services website Thumbtack, which calculated the national average cost of installing a pool over the last four years. Add in fencing and landscaping, and you’re looking at an investment of nearly $30,000, according to Thumbtack. If you’re a pool person, that is money well-spent. If you’re not, you’re not likely to recoup the cost of building one. A Zillow analysis of 2023 home sales found that homes with saltwater pools sell nearly three days faster and sell for about $5,238 more than comparable homes without one. But depending on the climate, prospective buyers might not want to spend the time and money and vigilance it takes to keep a pool clean and safe. This could translate into fewer views and offers when you go to sell. 6. DIY — done badly We love DIY , and there are plenty of projects you can do yourself to improve your surroundings. But there’s also a reason skilled tradespeople command high prices. Their expertise helps ensure beautiful outcomes that a new buyer isn’t going to have to spend money to redo. When you’re DIYing something for the first time – tiling a bathroom, for example, or installing a hardwood floor – there’s a learning curve that you should account for. If you have a hankering for a feature, and want to see what you can pull off with your own labors, make sure you have the skill to tackle it. Spending big money on materials isn’t going to feel too good if the outcome is poor. 7. Creating a luxury bathroom Bathroom remodels are some of the most expensive improvements you can undertake. Even a simple bathroom remodel can set you back more than $20,000, and won’t necessarily pay for itself when you go to sell. But the more luxury bells and whistles you add, the lower your return on investment. For example, the cost report estimates a $24,000 mid range bathroom remodel would provide about a 67% return on investment, but an upscale one would return only about 37% of the $77,000 such a remodel could cost. 8. Wall-to-wall carpeting Carpet has a lot of upsides, especially when it comes to warmth, and there are a ton of new styles and textures to spice up any space. But carpeting isn’t as popular as some other flooring options. For-sale listings that mentioned new carpet sold for slightly less (0.4% less) than comparable homes without it. Buyers, however, are willing to pay a small premium (1.2%) for luxury vinyl flooring. So if you’re thinking of floor coverings, and you like the feel of carpet on your feet, consider whether you’ll get the same enjoyment from an area rug. 9. Bamboo flooring Bamboo is a relatively inexpensive and more sustainable form of flooring, but it, too, has fallen in popularity. Listings that mentioned bamboo floors sold for 0.8% less than comparable homes. 10. Laminate countertops Changing up countertops can transform a kitchen or bath, but one material never seems to make it to the list of trendy or popular materials, and that’s laminate. Although there are some attractive options that mimic natural and made-made stone for a fraction of the price, homes sold in 2023 that mentioned laminate sold for 1.1% less than comparable homes. 11. High end fixtures If you’ve got the money and derive pleasure from eye-catching fixtures, go for it. But it’s unlikely someone is going to buy your home because they’ve fallen in love with your $3,000 chrome faucet or light fixture. Consider choosing cost-efficient, attractive, well-made fixtures for updates instead. Home maintenance has a big impact on home values A well-maintained home can sell for about 10% more than a similar home in average condition, according to Thumbtack research . So while improvements can add value to your home, regular maintenance will keep your home in better condition so that there are fewer improvements to tackle when you do decide to sell. Some things to keep an eye on: cleaning gutters, resealing grout in the kitchen and bath and having heating and air conditioning systems serviced regularly. Source: Zillow
Property values fluctuate as a result of many factors, and as a homeowner, it’s important to be aware of factors that can drive home value down. Some of these factors are out of your control, such as market conditions, interest rates, and the economy, while others are very much in your control. From unappealing renovations to neglecting maintenance on your home, some projects, or lack thereof, can negatively impact your property value. It’s best to be aware of what hurts property value so you can protect your home and get the most ROI when it comes time to sell. 1) DIY projects gone wrong Many homeowners take on home improvement projects to not only make their space more livable and enjoyable but to also add value to their greatest investment. Whether it be a bathroom addition, adding a deck, or purchasing a fixer-upper with the promise of profit for flipping it – most people start a project with the idea that it will increase the value of the home. As exciting as the projects may be, they can sometimes turn out not as expected and hurt your property value. Are you wanting to build a deck, extend the kitchen, or remodel the bathroom? Even if you’re an expert at smaller DIY projects, it’s better to leave the bigger remodels and renovations to a professional. If not executed properly, they can hurt your property value. 2) Lack of curb appeal First impressions make a difference when selling a home. So, your curb appeal should entice prospective buyers and help your home sell faster. If you’ve noticed the exterior paint is chipping off or your trees and shrubs have seen better days, chances are potential buyers will notice too. Luckily, you can achieve great curb appeal with some minor adjustments. Update the exterior paint. The color of your home is oftentimes one of the first things a buyer will notice. Faded, chipped, and flaking paint can dramatically decrease your curb appeal and hurt your property value. Update the exterior lighting. If the pathway leading to your front door is dimly lit or your fixtures are outdated, now is the time to update the exterior lighting. Exterior lighting helps your home feel more inviting and complements your landscaping. From post lights, LED lights, solar lights, and wall mounts, the options are endless. Switch out your old fence. Worn fences are an eye-sore and can take the attention away from your home and hurt your property value. Replacing your fence for a new one can give your yard the boost it needs by enhancing the greenery, and showing prospective buyers that you care. Fencing comes in a variety of different options such as wood, vinyl, aluminum, wrought iron, and composite. Consult with professionals to determine what material is best for you. Landscaping. When selling your home, it’s best to go with an easy-to-care-for and clean landscape design to appeal to buyers, and increase the property value of your house. Simply edging the beds, mulching the garden, and pruning the trees and hedges can transform any landscape. Wash the windows and the siding. It doesn’t take long for your house and windows to form a layer of dust, dirt, fingerprints, or even algae. This can leave your house looking dingy and gray and hurting your property value. Replace your front door. It’s no surprise that front doors quickly begin to look worn and tired with daily use and harsh weather. Replacing your front door is a quick and cost-effective way to add curb appeal or add a pop of color to your home. 3) Unsightly interior wall paint Just like exterior house paint, streaky, chipped, or low-quality paint could discourage potential homebuyers and hurt your property value. A fresh coat of neutral paint on the cabinets, walls, and trim can make all the difference. Busy and bright wallpaper, tiles, or flooring can also divert the attention of the buyers away from your home. The best rule of thumb is to always choose neutral options for permanent items. Then incorporate color with your décor and furnishings. 4) Lack of upkeep It’s important and necessary to keep your home in great condition and regularly perform general home maintenance chores. Letting your home fall into disarray and neglecting it will hurt your property value and could have consequences on your list price. Buyers will want to negotiate repairs to avoid any major expenses following the sale. This is why most buyers require an inspection contingency in their contract. If something breaks, be sure to fix it. And if you don’t know how to fix it, hire someone who does. This will prevent any issues from getting out of hand. It’s often more expensive to remedy any problems the longer you wait. Keep an eye out for any problems with your roof, foundation, HVAC system, gutters, and if a rodent or pest infestation emerges. If you develop any of these issues it’s important to hire a professional immediately. 5) Carpet everywhere Your carpet will be in great condition during the first few years of owning your home, but will quickly begin to show signs of use, start retaining odors, and can be difficult to keep clean. Not only will buyers be wary of wall to wall carpeting because it can be expensive to replace, but it can also collect indoor allergens . If possible, it’s best to stray away from carpet and opt for hardwood, laminate, or tile flooring. 6) Excessive clutter Every home manages to accumulate belongings throughout the years, and you usually don’t realize just how much clutter you’ve collected until you’re about to list your home. Just as dirt and grime build-up, so can clutter. If your room is overcrowded with stuff, it’s a good idea to clear some of your belongings out. Donate items you no longer need or want, and find hidden, permanent homes for the items you use just once in a while. Decluttering is an inexpensive way to add value. 7) Unpleasant smells Not only do offensive smells leave a bad and lasting impression, but they can also hurt your property value. Whether the lingering odor is cigarette smoke, pet odor, or mold, it’s best to identify the root of the smell and eliminate it. Avoid masking the smell with a strong perfume or fragrance. To avoid unpleasant smells altogether, it’s best to keep your home clean. Routine cleaning includes vacuuming and dusting regularly, wiping down countertops and surfaces, and cleaning the bathroom and kitchen. Source: Redfin Blog
Loan officers break down what you need to know about student debt and owning a home. Student loans are undoubtedly a daunting financial obstacle, so it’s only natural to feel like they’re holding you back from owning a home. But buying a house with student loan debt is possible. Whether or not you should get a mortgage with student loans will depend on the amount of debt you have and what your personal financial situation looks like, including factors like your income, savings and credit score. Steven Park and Kathy Argento , mortgage loan officers with Zillow Home Loans, both say owning a home while paying off student loan debt is far more common than many might think. “If you have a stable source of income and can manage your finances, student loan debt shouldn’t stop you from home ownership,” Park says. Minimum payments for student loans can be very manageable alongside a mortgage payment, Park adds, depending on how much you owe. And while being debt averse and wanting to pay everything off might seem like the responsible thing to do, it may ultimately lead to missed opportunities. We asked Park and Argento some of the biggest questions about buying a home while paying off student debt. Can you get a mortgage with student loans? It’s not uncommon for a first-time home buyer to have anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000 in student loan debt and still qualify for a mortgage, Park says. “We approve people with student loan debt all the time,” Argento adds. Like any other kind of debt, the student loans will simply be part of an applicant’s total debt obligations and credit profile for qualifying purposes. The same considerations apply to car payments, credit card payments and any other personal loans. “It just simply must be counted into their debts,” Argento says, “whether or not they are currently deferred.” Argento emphasizes, carrying student loan debt should not prevent you from considering buying a home. Instead, talk to your loan officer about how your student loan payments may factor into your application. Factors that impact buying a house with student loans Here are some important factors your loan officer may review with you. Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio A debt-to-income ratio is the percentage that compares your monthly debt payments to your monthly gross income, giving you a realistic perspective on what you can and can’t afford. A DTI ratio of 36% or less is generally considered ideal because it will show your lender that you’re not overstretched financially. That said, many lenders will lend with DTI ratios higher than 36%, depending on the borrower’s credit profile, desired loan amount, and other factors. You can use Zillow’s DTI calculator to get a realistic estimate of your personal debt-to-income ratio. Argento says outstanding student loans have the potential to reduce your purchasing power, depending on the broader financial situation you’re facing. “You should consider paying off your student loans if your debt-to-income ratios are so high, they prevent you from buying a home at your desired price point,” she says. But they also might not be hurting your purchasing power at all. It depends on your income, the actual purchase price of the home, any other debts you might have on your credit report and the cost of your new monthly house payment. Your credit score Loan officers will consider your credit score when you apply for a mortgage. Paying student loans on time can affect your credit score, which is why it’s important to make timely payments to keep your score strong . Your savings When money that you would normally put into savings is going to your monthly debt payments, it can be harder to save for other things — like a down payment or closing costs on a home. Some mortgages do require as little as 3% for a down payment — or even 0% down with a VA loan — but the more you have saved, the more flexibility you’ll have when it comes to purchasing power. While it may not seem that way, saving for a down payment can still be an option while you’re paying off student loans. Budget and allocate money to buckets that make sense for your lifestyle, so that you can pay down your student loan debt and also reach your home buying goal. Here are 21 creative ways to save . How to buy a house with student loan debt Before diving into the process, do yourself a favor and get pre-qualified so you can see exactly how your student debt might affect which loans you do and don’t qualify for. Once you’ve done this, there are other steps you can take to move the process along. Check your credit score and work on improving it if needed Your credit score is an important part of whether or not you’ll be eligible to buy a home. If you went through a period of time where you weren’t able to pay off your loans and they’re damaging your credit score, look for additional ways to improve your score. For example, focus on paying your credit card bills on time. If you want more information on how your credit score affects qualifying for a mortgage, check out these Zillow resources that outline how your credit score is calculated and exactly what kind of credit score you’ll need if you’re considering buying a house. Aim to decrease the number of debts you owe Say goodbye to as much debt as you can. This will help improve your DTI, which ultimately affects which homes you will and won’t be able to afford. Pay off any manageable outstanding debts — like small credit card bills, medical bills or outstanding car payments. Tackling other debt before you take on a mortgage will help set you up for homeownership success. Learn about more ways to pay off debt . Gut check your financial situation and assess if you can afford to buy a home Zoom out and take a look at your current budget and projected monthly and annual income before you decide to add a mortgage and other homeownership costs to your spreadsheet. If you don’t know where to begin, Zillow’s affordability calculator can be a good starting point. Looking at your bank accounts, your current pay and your projected pay is a helpful way to indicate whether or not owning a home will feel manageable to you. Consider first-time home buyer or DPA programs There are first-time home buyer programs, including down payment assistance (DPA) programs, that may help make financing a home more attainable, especially if you’re managing paying off student loans. Zillow’s guide to first-time home buyer programs will help give you more information on resources you should look into as you explore your options. Can I buy a house with more than $100K in student loan debt? Whether or not you can buy a house with more than $100K in student loan debt will depend on your total financial picture. Debt is all relative to the stability and size of your income, Park says. “Luckily, the mortgage industry will prevent someone from overburdening themselves with payments that are too high relative to their income,” he adds. To decide whether you qualify for a mortgage, lenders will determine your student loan payment based on your credit report and then factor that into your DTI. Your DTI will help determine the maximum loan amount you would qualify for. Once you take a look at what you can afford based on your current income and monthly student loan payments, you can decide if there’s an alternative path that might help you achieve your home buying goal. Mortgage loan officers won’t be able to give you financial advice, so you should consider speaking to a financial advisor for some clarity on your options. For example, financial experts might point to income-driven repayment plans to help you optimize your income and monthly student loan debt — and ultimately, your DTI — in a way that may benefit you when you apply for a mortgage. You might actually be paying more towards your student loan than you need to be, based on how much money you’re making and how much you owe, and an income-driven repayment plan can help resolve that, ultimately making your payments more manageable and an ideal mortgage within reach. Should you pay off student loans before buying a house? When considering whether to buy a house or pay off student loans, it’s important to look at where you live and where you stand financially. “Home ownership is not for everyone at every stage of their lives,” Park says. If you’re able to afford it, buying a home in today’s rising market is still a favorable investment as homes continue to increase in value, Argento says. “Why pay rent at 100% interest when you can buy a home which will increase in value over time?” she explains. “I have never heard of anyone saying they wish they did not buy a home when they did. Homes continually increase in value over time and will always be a solid investment.” You have to ask yourself: Do I have what it takes to pay the down payment? Can I afford the monthly payment? Will I be able to continue to make the same payment for the next 10 years? “If you can answer yes to all of these questions, you will most likely benefit from owning a home, and you should start looking for a house,” Park says. Source: Zillow Porchlight Blog
Possibly deeper than you wanted, but hey. Can’t say we’re not thorough. So you’re here to get your deep clean on, eh? We commend you. The deep clean is a massive undertaking. One must be brave and stay vigilant, dodging distractions and resisting the urge to bail and play outside or eat snacks instead. There will be many challenges on your deep clean journey, but stay strong. Harness the power and determination to extinguish dust bunnies and soap scum, banish bacteria and grease, descale and unclog! You can’t possibly fail with this ridiculously long, comprehensive list of all the things you ought to clean in your house. Clear your schedule, you’re about to embark on a hero’s quest for cleanliness. Godspeed. Deep clean the bathroom Dust from top to bottom. We recommend Swiffer Dusters , which trap and lock in dust and hair particles. Plus, you can toss the dust pad when you’re done. Be sure to get all ceiling fans and vents. Don’t skip the walls and baseboards. Sweep, dry mop and/or vacuum the floors. We love the Swiffer Sweeper Floor Mop , which can be used for both dry and wet mopping. Plus, the disposable pads are just great. And no mop bucket! Disinfect and sanitize door knobs, light switches, hard surfaces and high-touch areas. We like Microban 24 Bathroom Cleaner , which initially kills 99.9% of germs, including cold and flu viruses* Scrub your shower, bathtub and sink. Scrub the grout. Clean the showerhead . Clean shower doors. Clean faucets, handles, hardware and drains. Clean mirrors using store-bought cleaner or DIY glass cleaner solution . Clean window treatments. Dust and wash your blinds. Wash the windows. Don’t forget the window sills and ledges. Organize the medicine cabinet, shelves, drawers and closets. Trash expired makeup. Wipe out shelves and inside drawers. Vacuum linen closet floor. Throw in a load of laundry. Wash your: shower curtain towels bathmats Make sure to read the care instructions on the respective labels. Deep clean the toilet. Sanitize: the nearby floor toilet seat back of toilet/shelf hinges flusher attachments Replace your toothbrush, if necessary. Wash out toothbrush caddy. (Just throw it in the dishwasher.) Wipe down baseboards. Take out trash and sanitize trash can. Clean light fixtures. Replace any dead bulbs. Deep Clean The Kitchen Clean the stovetop. Remove and soak stove grates in a bath of gentle dish soap, like Dawn , and water. Break out the beloved Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to get rid of grease and burnt-on food. Clean the oven. Before you run your oven’s self-cleaning mode, wipe or scrape out any caked-on burnt stuff in there, or you risk starting a fire. Clean your microwave. The inside and outside, plus the door and handle. Clean and descale your coffee maker. Pot Basket and filter Outside Clean out your fridge and freezer. Throw out expired food and freezer items that are over six months old. Wipe: shelves drawers handles Vacuum beneath refrigerator. Vacuum fridge coils and vent. Degrease cabinets and wash the walls . Clean both the inside and outside of cabinets, doors and shelves. Clean out and organize your pantry. Throw away expired items. Empty the toast tray in your toaster. Disinfect high-touch areas: cabinet handles light switches sinks countertops sink faucet handles refrigerator handle Wipe down countertops. Clean and sanitize sink: basin faucets hardware surrounding areas drain Clean your garbage disposal. Toss a few fresh lemon peels down the drain to freshen its smell. Ice cubes in the garbage disposal help knock bits of clinging-on food from the blades. Sweep, dry mop and/or vacuum the floors. Clean your dishwasher filter. Wash your dishwasher. Run an empty cycle with Cascade Dishwasher Cleaner to eliminate limescale, grease or odors. Clean stainless steel appliances. Mr. Clean Clean Freak Mist works great to eliminate fingerprints and grease from stainless steel. Clean your kitchen blinds. Wash the windows. Wipe down walls and baseboards. Take out trash and recycling. Sanitize trash and recycling receptacles. Deep clean bedrooms Dust everything from top to bottom: dressers lamps bedside tables artwork knickknacks headboard shelves frames Vacuum your curtains and/or wash the blinds. Check the label, but you can usually wash your curtains in the washing machine. Sweep, dry mop and/or vacuum the floors. Clean the floor. Wash windows, window sills and ledges. Vacuum curtains with upholstery attachment. Wash your dirty clothes. Put laundry away when it’s done (that’s the hard part). Clean out your closet. Donate clothes that no longer fit to a thrift store or friend. Take shoes out of the closet, and sweep and vacuum closet floor. Wash all of your bedding: sheets pillow cases duvet covers shams (if they’re washable) Be sure to read and follow the care and cleaning instructions on the labels. Make your bed (with the clean sheets). Rotate your mattress. Clean out and organize bedside table drawers. Trash expired prescriptions, old receipts, dead batteries, etc. Shampoo any rugs or carpets, especially if you’ve got pets. Deep clean living spaces Dust everything from top to bottom. Swiffer Dusters are good for reaching all those hard-to-reach areas, plus the dust pads actually trap and lock dust particles instead of spreading them around. ceiling fan blades vents bookshelves artwork frames light fixtures screens (including your TV) plants speakers record player or stereo system Wash the windows, window sills and ledges. Dust and wash doors. Wash the walls and baseboards. Walls actually absorb and trap all sorts of smells. Sweep, vacuum and mop. Then run a wet mop across the hard floors. We like the Swiffer Sweeper , which takes care of the dry and wet mopping—no mop bucket required. Vacuum everything: couches chairs curtains love seats chaise longues pet beds anything that’s upholstered Shampoo rugs or carpets with a steam cleaner. Or, if you’re feeling lazy, sprinkle baking soda all over your carpet, let it sit overnight to neutralize any smells and vacuum it up in the morning. We’ll give you a hall pass on this one. Wash cushions and throw pillow covers. Be sure to read the care instructions first. If you can’t wash them, hit them with some Febreze Fabric to freshen them up a bit. Disinfect: remote controls high-touch items doorknobs light switches Clean your screens: televisions laptops tablets Organize your stuff! Declutter items on your tables and shelves. Bring unused cups into the kitchen. Put your darn shoes away. At least for today. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries, if necessary. Deep clean the garage, yard, and outdoor spaces Clean out gutters and downspouts. Sweep and power wash: decks porches patios Check weather strips and caulking: doors windows Clean your grill. Clean patio furniture and outdoor pillows. Yard maintenance: Rake leaves. Mow the lawn. Tend to the garden. Fill the bird feeders. Clean out and organize the garage. Sweep. Replace furnace filter. This should be done every three months. Sweep out the chimney. Clean out and wash cars. Deep clean kid areas and playrooms Move furniture and vacuum beneath: playpens beds kiddie tables crafting stations Use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on any wall stains (crayons, anyone?) Sanitize plastic toys. Add a couple drops of bleach to a gallon of water, soak them overnight and let them air dry. Hand wash soft plushies. You can use a hair dryer to fluff their fur back up afterward. Donate stuff that’s no longer being used or doesn’t fit: clothes books toys Organize: clothes books toys Deep clean pet stuff Vacuum: carpet couches pet bed Run a dry mop, like the Swiffer Heavy Duty Pet Dry Sweeper , on your hard floors to collect and trap loose hair and dander. Wet mop the floor, especially those corners where the dog hangs out and/or around the litter box and food bowls. Make this easier on yourself with the Swiffer Heavy Duty Pet Wet Mop . Launder the pet beds. If they’re really ratty, toss them, and buy new ones. Clean and sanitize hard plastic pet toys. Throw out any disgusting, torn up toys, and replace them with fresh ones. Neutralize potent pet smells. Sprinkle baking soda on everything, let it sit overnight and vacuum it up in the morning. It works great on upholstery, pet beds, soft toys, etc. Spray Febreze Fabric Pet Odor Eliminator around the pet zones for a burst of freshness. Wow, you made it to the bottom! You must have the cleanest house ever. Now can you come over and do ours? *When used as directed and within 60 seconds, effective against bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella enterica and viruses including human coronavirus, Influenza A H1N1, and respiratory syncytial virus. Microban does not provide 24-hour residual virus protection. Source: Home Made Simple
My wife and I have been visiting Myrtle Beach since 1985 and this was the best condo we have stayed in. The kitchen featured granite counter tops and new stainless appliances; and is well stocked with dishes, silverware, etc. The entire condo was nicely decorated, the beds were comfortable and the view from the 9th floor balcony is stunning! Great location central to the all the activities along the boardwalk within easy walking distance like the Skywheel, Pier 14 restaurant (Great food, service and watching the waves roll in while you eat!) and the Bowery. Also had a really nice pool area and lazy river. Thanks to Dusty who stayed in contact in case we needed anything. But we didn't. Everything worked fine. We will be back on our next vacation!
Ken A.
Dusty you the man. We were able to get all are questions answered with your help. You will be the person that we look for when we make another purchase in the Myrtle Beach area. If we here about anyone looking for property in the Myrtle Beach area, we will send them your way.
Todd S.
Dusty was a pleasure to work with. He was very professional, knowledgeable and informative! He spent hours at times talking to me and explaining things so I could understand. He was always willing to answer my questions and help me through the whole process on the sale of my father's condo. He was always honest with his advice and made sure to keep me informed from the day we listed until the day we closed. I highly recommend Dusty and his firm!
Lauren R.
"Dusty holds such a strong passion for what he does, and is always a joy to work with. If you are looking for a new property, Dusty is by far the best guy to contact!"
Jake S.
We do everything in our power to help you find the home of your dreams. With experience, expertise, and passion, we are the perfect partner for you in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Call us:
1.843.455.4433
Dusty Rhodes Properties
Affiliated with
RealtyOneGroup Dockside
1700 N Ocean Blvd Unit 956
Myrtle Beach SC 29577
info@dustyrhodesproperties.com