Home Ownership

Does Soaking Dishes Expose You to Pathogens?

We’ve all done it: left a sink full of dishes soaking in soapy water because we were too tired to finish cleaning or because some had hardened food stuck to them. But is that soaking dish generating a biohazard? The short answer is yes, but don’t let that scare you. There are ways to clean without getting sick. ...

Soaking dishes are havens for germs.

Though most people may think another room in the house has the most pathogens, the real danger lies in the kitchen sink. Also, dish rags and sponges play host to colonies of bacterial predators. Salmonella, E. coli, and other illness-causing bacteria thrive in sinks and on surfaces like cutting boards because food has been prepped there. Raw meat and eggs are the most likely to contaminate countertops and other areas. ...

When you leave dirty dishes in the sink after food prep—and after eating—bacteria can explode on plates, glasses, and silverware. Crusty food, even when soaking in hot water to soften it, creates an ideal breeding ground for pathogens. ...

It gets worse. Unattended soaking dishes attract insects like ants and roaches, which can spread germs throughout the kitchen as they roam....

Germ warfare

The best thing you can do is wash up the dishes right after dinner, put them in the dishwasher, and turn it on. Immediate cleanup interrupts the bacterial breeding cycle.
If time doesn’t allow you to do a complete cleanup, do as much as you can. If you have dishes and silverware with caked-on food, place them in hot, soapy water, preferably with antibacterial soap.
After all dishes are cleaned, scrub the sink thoroughly with a dish sponge soaked in antibacterial soap. Allow the antibacterial soapy water to remain on surfaces for at least 5 minutes (known as “dwell time”) to kill germs.
Run the dishes in the dishwasher on high heat to thoroughly sanitize them. Some dishes and cutting boards are not dishwasher-safe, so hand-scrub them with antibacterial soap, then set them out to dry. Do not put them away until they’re completely dry.
Finally, either put your dish sponge in the dishwasher with the dishes or zap it in the microwave for about 30 seconds, until the water is saturated with scalds.
Be sure to wash and rinse your hands thoroughly at the end.

Building a Home, Buying,

Why You Need Your Own Real Estate Agent for New Construction

Buying a shiny new home straight from the builder’s sales office might feel as simple as buying a new car, but you should have your own real estate agent for new construction. Of course, the model home is beautiful, the salesperson is friendly, and the price is right there on the flyer. So, do you really need your own agent? Yes, you do, and here’s why it can save you time, money, and future headaches....

The builder’s agent works for the builder.

Those smiling sales agents in the model home office? They work for the builder. Their job is to represent the builder’s interests, not yours. That means everything—from pricing to upgrades and contract terms—is designed to benefit the builder....

By contrast, your own agent is your advocate. She’s in your corner to protect your investment, negotiate better terms, and walk you through the process from dirt lot to closing day....

Having a real estate agent for new construction helps the buyer.

A skilled real estate agent brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, including:...

Builder reputation: They know which builders are known for quality—and which ones cut corners.
Contract expertise: Builder contracts are often lengthy and packed with legal jargon. Your agent can review them to make sure you’re protected.
Negotiation power: From price to upgrades, your agent may be able to negotiate perks like free countertops or better fixtures—things the builder’s agent won’t volunteer.
Knowledge of the area: Agents offer insights on schools, traffic plans, future development, and all things that affect your home’s long-term value.
Lender advice: Builders often push their preferred lender. Your agent can help you compare options and make the best choice.
Construction oversight: An agent monitors the build, flags potential issues, and helps you ask the right questions.
Final walk-throughs and inspections: Your agent can advocate for an independent inspection, even on new homes, and help ensure issues are fixed before closing.

What will it cost you?

Here’s the kicker: It typically costs you nothing! The builder pays your agent’s commission, not you. But you must register your agent on your first visit to the builder’s office or model home. If you show up alone and don’t list your agent, the builder may deny your agent’s involvement later, and you’ll lose the right to that representation....

Investment, Money,

Looking for a Creative Way to Pay the Mortgage? Consider Rental Income

Have you considered generating rental income? What if someone else could help make your mortgage payment while you earn all the equity? Many homeowners rely on others to handle the heavy lifting through various rental strategies. Here’s what you can do....

How can rental income help pay your mortgage?

One method is to rent out part of your home and use the rental income to supplement your mortgage payments. Here’s how: ...

Today, a very popular option is to offer guest bedrooms for Airbnb rentals. You, of course, sleep in the primary suite, while your other two or three bedrooms host Airbnb guests.
You can go the long-term rental route and lease out a bedroom to a family member or even a close friend.
Instead of a single-family home, purchase a duplex or even a quadplex, then rent out the other units, whether to long-term renters or on a short-term basis via Airbnb.
Buy a house you intend to stay in only part of the year, and list it on VRBO as a vacation rental for the rest of the year.

Short-term rentals, such as Airbnb, can generate higher rental income than long-term rentals, with higher daily rates, provided you can maintain high occupancy in your bedrooms. Short-term rentals entail more work and management, including washing linens, cleaning, and restocking amenities between guests. Still, if you don’t mind the extra responsibility, you can earn good money this way....

Do your homework

If you think you’d be willing to go the rental route, do some due diligence....

First, crunch the numbers to see what your budget allows you to buy in a home without rental income support. How much house can you afford in purchase price, monthly principal and interest payments, plus property taxes and insurance? Stay within a budget you can afford, excluding rental income assistance....

Then check Airbnb to see what comparable homes are renting for in your area and how much income they generate. ...

Calculate how much income that could bring in each month, and apply that against your mortgage payment in your calculations. ...

Don’t assume you’ll rent your bedrooms out every night. Use a conservative figure, such as renting for half the nights in a month, to estimate income potential....

Other important considerations

If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners’ association, read your covenants, restrictions, and bylaws. Your HOA may not permit short-term rentals. Flouting that rule could lead to stiff penalties....

Research local and federal tax laws. Some cities impose a form of hotel-motel tax on short-term home rentals, which adds some bureaucracy to your efforts and cuts into your profits. ...

Likewise, you should study up on the federal income tax rules for renting out part of your home. There are specific rules governing how much of the year you rent and the percentage of your space used when calculating taxes owed....

Buying, Financing a Home,

Dreaming of Owning a Home? Consider Down Payment Assistance

The American dream of homeownership increasingly seems out of reach for many first-time buyers, especially those carrying student loan debt, but down payment assistance programs can help. To purchase a home, a 10%–20% down payment is required, so young homebuyers often feel defeated before they even begin. These programs seek to alleviate the problem. ...

Who is eligible for down payment assistance?

There are thousands of down payment assistance programs available, most offered by state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and lenders. Many are geared toward first-time homeowners, although not all. ...

Most programs require buyers to meet specific criteria:...

The home must be a primary residence, not an investment property.
It must be a single-family home. Multifamily dwellings may be allowed in some circumstances.
Buyers must have an income below the Area Median Income (AMI).
Buyers must work in public service or purchase a home in a specific geographic area.
Buyers must meet the lending requirements for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.

Additionally, many down payment assistance programs require recipients to complete a homebuyer education course. ...

Types of assistance programs

There are several different types of programs nationwide:...

Gifts and grants are monies given to qualified buyers that do not require repayment. There are tax implications associated with receiving this money, so it is recommended that you consult a tax advisor.
A forgivable loan is issued as a mortgage, but if the buyer meets specific criteria during repayment, it need not be repaid; in essence, it acts like a grant.
A low-interest loan for the down payment is a second mortgage. The primary loan on the remaining balance is usually at a higher interest rate.
Deferred payment loans are repaid toward the end of the primary loan payment schedule or upon refinancing.
Individual Development Accounts are matching programs in which the IDA matches the qualified buyer’s down payment.
Lender programs by banks such as Chase, Wells Fargo, and others offer special down payment assistance to qualified buyers.
Homebuyers should begin their search for down payment assistance by exploring their state’s housing assistance programs. Information websites exist in most states.

Money, Mortgage,

Lower Fed Rates Mean Lower Mortgages, Right? Not Exactly

Mortgage rates have been higher since the Federal Reserve began hiking interest rates to combat inflation in 2021, but what is the relationship between mortgage rates and Fed rates? Now that inflation has cooled, the public hopes interest rates will be dialed back, and prospective home buyers hope for lower mortgage rates. But are lower mortgage rates automatically tied to the Fed lowering interest rates?...

The role of the Federal Reserve and Fed rates

The Federal Reserve is not a government agency. It is a private corporation empowered by the government to serve as the nation’s bank, influencing interest rates and the supply of money for the entire U.S. banking system. Banks lend money to each other continually to restore regulatory reserve requirements. The interest rate they charge each other is called the federal funds rate, which is what the Fed raises or lowers. The Federal Reserve influences rates through the purchase and sale of U.S. government bonds and by creating additional money and distributing it into the banking system....

Think of the federal funds rate as being like the wholesale cost of money sold from one bank to another. The retail price for money is the rate banks charge customers for car loans, mortgages, and other lending products. However, between the federal funds rate and the mortgage rate, there are additional layers that influence the cost of car loans, mortgages, and other types of retail lending....

Meet the 10-Year Treasury Note

Between the wholesale federal funds rate and consumer interest rates lies the 10-Year Treasury rate. The 10-Year Treasury is a debt obligation of the U.S. government, its way of borrowing money from investors to fund government spending. The Federal Reserve does not set the rate paid on 10-Year Treasury notes. Instead, the rate rises or falls on the open market just like any other investment. The rate is higher than the federal funds wholesale rate but lower than the 30-year mortgage rate. The spreads between the three different lending rates are affected by expectations of investors:...

The 10-Year Treasury must pay a higher interest rate than competing shorter-term debt investments to make it worthwhile for investors to tie their money up for 10 years.
Investors have confidence that their Treasury investments are secure because the U.S. government backs them.
The spread between the federal funds rate and Treasury rates also includes various lending costs, such as fees, guarantees, and miscellaneous expenses.
Economic conditions, such as inflation, expectations of economic growth, or recession, spur investors to bid rates up or down.
Between the 10-Year Treasury and mortgage rates lie additional costs, including higher fees, investor profits, and compensation for taking on added risk. Mortgages are often bundled into investment products, and since mortgages can be defaulted on, unlike U.S. Treasury securities, investors want part of the spread to be profit that offsets the risk.

So why is it that sometimes the Federal Reserve lowers the federal funds rate, but mortgage rates don’t automatically follow suit? Between the federal funds rate and mortgage rates are the 10-Year Treasury, which is a much better predictor of mortgage rates, plus all the economic conditions that affect consumer and investor confidence. The Fed’s rate cuts are not an automatic guarantee of lower mortgage rates, given the complex relationship between the two....

Home Energy, Ownership,

Ultimate in Comfortable Ambience: Wood-Burning Stoves

As cold weather approaches, it’s a good time to learn the basics of one of life’s great comfort appliances: wood-burning stoves. Harkening back to ancient times, wood-burning stoves offer heat, cooking, and even hot water, but the aesthetic delight of a crackling fire tops all advantages. Here’s what you need to know....

A long, historic legacy

Wood-burning stoves go back to medieval times, even longer in some ancient cultures. Having a contained metal box for burning wood and coal for heat and cooking has served humans for millennia. ...

In America, wood-burning stoves evoke memories of early times, when family life centered on warmth and the aroma of wood smoke....

Benefits of wood-burning stoves

If you have the right space for a wood-burning stove, you can enjoy:...

Cost-effective heating because wood is a cheaper fuel source than oil and gas
Cozy ambience with toasty, snuggly winter nights
No dependence on power companies (staying warm even in power outages)
Up to 80% heating efficiency with modern stoves

Types of wood-burning stoves

There are five types to consider:...

A free-standing model typically has an enclosed firebox and a front door with a glass window. It stands on a brick or other heat-resistant platform and has a “stovepipe” exhaust that rises through the roof or a high wall to the outside. Heat radiates from the door, the small window, and the firebox body.
An insert version is a firebox that fits into a fireplace, with the exhaust rising up the chimney. It has a glass door that radiates heat into the room.
A built-in stove is installed in a wall or on the floor; it heats through a glass front.
A boiler stove includes a water-supply line. The water is heated in a jacket space around the firebox, providing dual use: home heating and hot water for daily living.
A cooking stove provides a place on top (and sometimes in the firebox) for preparing meals.

Shopping for wood-burning stoves

Measure the square footage of the room you want to heat, and select a stove sized appropriately using the guide in the online listing or in-store box. You don’t want an undersized stove that leaves the room too cold, nor an oversized one that makes your home uncomfortably hot. ...

Choose the stove type based on your usage, and have it installed by a professional to ensure safety and warranty coverage....

Indoor Living, Ownership,

Transform Your Bathroom Into a Wellness Retreat

After a long day of work, carpools, errands, and family responsibilities, you deserve a space that restores your energy like a wellness retreat. More homeowners are transforming their primary bathrooms into private oases designed for relaxation, rejuvenation, and even a touch of luxury. From spa-inspired showers to mood-boosting lighting, here’s how to create a bathroom that feels like your personal sanctuary....

The rise of the bathroom wellness retreat

The bath is no longer just a functional space. In modern home design, the primary suite bathroom has evolved. Today’s bathrooms feature spa-like touches, innovative technology, and design elements that create calm and comfort....

Spa-inspired showers and soaking tubs

Therapeutic showers use multiple spray nozzles—from overhead rainfall to side jets—to create a massage-like experience. Handheld wands make it easy to target sore muscles. For those who prefer soaking, deep tubs with whirlpool jets or freestanding designs provide full-body relaxation. Some homeowners even trade bathtubs for oversize steam showers with built-in benches....

Functional luxury with double vanities

Double vanities maximize storage, counter space, and convenience. Pair custom cabinetry with sleek countertops for both style and function. Add light-framed mirrors and dimmer switches to adjust brightness, creating the perfect mood for morning or evening routines....

Lighting, color, and mood enhancement

Wellness bathrooms often use chromotherapy paint colors that enhance mood. Deep blues and muted earth tones encourage calmness, while skylights and natural light boost energy. Combine color with bright, motion-activated lighting for a soothing yet modern touch....

The smart bathroom: comfort meets technology

Welcome to the “smart bath.” Features like heated floors, motion-sensor lighting, built-in speakers, and even self-cleaning toilets make daily routines easier and more enjoyable. These tech upgrades combine convenience with comfort, elevating the wellness retreat experience....

Easy-care design for stress-free living

Wellness extends to maintenance. Choose easy-to-clean surfaces, tile with minimal grout lines, and fixtures that are easy to clean. A bathroom that looks good and is easy to maintain will genuinely feel like a sanctuary....

Cost of creating a wellness retreat bathroom

A luxury bathroom remodel doesn’t come cheap. Depending on size and location, expect to invest between $30,000 and $60,000 for a turnkey remodel. Always work with an experienced bath designer, not just a general contractor, to ensure your new space is both stylish and functional....

Budget-friendly ways to create a bathroom wellness retreat

Not ready for a complete remodel? You can still bring a spa-like feel to your bathroom without spending tens of thousands of dollars. Try these affordable upgrades:...

Add a rainfall shower. For less than $100, you can swap your old showerhead for a rainfall model that mimics a spa shower.
Invest in plush towels and bath mats. High-quality textiles instantly add comfort and luxury.
Use calming paint colors. A fresh coat of soft blue, sage green, or warm earth tones can transform your bathroom mood.
Upgrade your lighting. Install a dimmer switch or add LED candles for a relaxing ambience.
Bring in greenery. Plants like aloe vera, peace lilies, or bamboo thrive in bathroom humidity and create a natural spa vibe.
Add an essential oil diffuser. Aromatherapy can help you relax while you’re soaking in the tub or showering.
Declutter and organize. A clutter-free bathroom instantly feels more serene. Use baskets, trays, or floating shelves to keep things tidy.

Even with small touches, you can create a calming environment that feels like your own retreat....

Related – Is a Bathroom Redo In Your Future?...

Outdoor Living, Ownership,

Keep Your Engines Purring With Fuel Stabilizers

Today’s engines are more efficiently engineered than ever before, but you should still protect them with fuel stabilizers. Engines run on gasoline containing some percentage of ethanol. But gasoline left unused for more than a month in a gas tank degrades, burns poorly, and can eventually even cause engine failure. There is a way to protect your yard equipment and seldom-driven vehicles so those engines keep running smoothly....

How gasoline degrades

Fresh gasoline begins to degrade in as little as three weeks. Gas stored in jugs or in machine tanks for long periods can turn to varnish. This is particularly true of any gasoline with ethanol, which is found in most gasoline in use today. ...

Fuel stabilizers are bottled additives that can be measured and poured into jugs of stored gasoline, as well as into the tanks of yard machines and seldom-driven vehicles. ...

These additives slow—but do not entirely prevent—the degradation of gasoline. There are also stabilizers for diesel fuel....

How to use fuel stabilizers

When adding stabilizer to stored gasoline, read the specified mixture ratio per gallon and pour that amount into the storage jug. Then fill the jug with gas. ...

If you’re adding it directly to the machine’s tank, pour in the stabilizer required for the tank’s capacity, then fill the tank. Start and run the engine for 10 minutes to distribute the stabilizer throughout the engine, carburetor, or injection system. ...

One more tip

For machines that go for long periods without use, such as lawn mowers, tractors, and weed trimmers during the winter months, it is a good idea to start them every few weeks and let them run for about 10 minutes. This keeps the system from building up varnish during dormancy. For vehicles, start them up and drive them around for 20 to 30 minutes. Not only does this keep the fuel system clean, but it also lubricates seals as engine oil flows through. ...

Brands of fuel stabilizers

There are several brands of stabilizers on the market, with Sta-Bil being the most well-known. Products are available at any auto parts store or big-box home-improvement center....

Home Technology, Ownership,

Don’t Send a Personal Invitation to Home Burglars

Many security articles focus on obvious steps to protect against home burglars, such as installing alarm systems. But there are also ways to keep your property safe by avoiding specific actions. Here are 10 things you can do to ensure you aren’t inviting the bad actors to your home....

Don’t make it easy for home burglars.

In addition to installing a monitored alarm system, simple prevention goes a long way. There are several practices you can follow that will encourage home burglars to move on....

10 preventative steps to protect your home:

Don’t hide a house key outside, especially in easy-to-guess places like under the doormat or in the mailbox. Believe it or not, some people think that no burglar would consider looking in those places. Really.
Keep shrubs cut low enough to reduce cover that burglars could use during a break-in.
Say no to on-all-night flood lights, and put them on motion detectors instead. These lights deter prowlers while reducing electricity costs.
Outdoor cameras should be positioned to avoid blind spots near bushes, trees, and outdoor structures.
Don’t leave window shades and blinds open at night, as they reveal your expensive home theater electronics or other valuables. Thieves could case your home from the street at night, then return during the day when you’re away at work.
Don’t leave a ladder outside, even in the backyard, where a thief can use it to climb to an upstairs window.
Lock upstairs windows. Don’t assume a burglar won’t try to access them.
When you get that new big-screen TV, don’t put the box at the curb beside the trash bin. You may as well say, “Come and get it!” Cut the box into smaller pieces and place them in the bin.
Wait to post your vacation beach photos on social media until after you return. Or set your page to “private.”
Eliminate most paper mail by switching to electronic statements. Otherwise, notify the post office to hold your mail while you are gone, or have a neighbor clear your box a couple of times during your week away.

Home Technology, Ownership,

Tech Devices for Emergencies – Must-Have Gadgets for Your Emergency Kit

Each year brings its share of natural disasters—from severe storms and floods to wildfires—often leaving families without power, cell service, or reliable communication. It’s essential to be prepared with the right tech devices for emergencies. These can be a lifeline, keeping you connected, safe, and informed when it matters most. From backup power supplies to emergency radios, here are the essential gadgets every household should include in an emergency preparedness kit....

Tech devices for emergencies: what to keep on hand

A backup power supply keeps your mobile phone charged. A backup battery or power bank charger with at least 10,000 mAh is good for two cell phone recharges before it needs recharging.
A solar-powered battery charger is a good backup when there is adequate sunshine.
Have plenty of charging cords with a variety of plug types, USB, and USB-C.
A hand-crank-powered radio with AM, FM, and NOAA weather bands can keep you informed indefinitely when there is no power.
A portable generator can power larger devices such as refrigerators, space heaters, or portable air conditioners. A dual-fuel generator runs on gasoline or propane.
Google Maps offers downloadable versions of specific maps that you can save. This comes in handy if cell service is down. Or you can go retro and order a hard-copy paper map online to keep in your emergency kit.

Other important tips for emergency preparedness

FEMA will send you emergency information specific to your area if you text keywords such as “Prepare” and “Shelter” to 43362....

Many metro and county governments offer mobile phone emergency alert services that you can sign up for. You will receive push notifications whenever severe conditions are possible. ...

It is important to keep devices dry and store them at the right temperature. A cell phone operates properly within a range of 32º to 95º Fahrenheit. If your cell phone gets wet, place it in a sealed Ziploc bag filled with rice to dry it out....

Store backup batteries and charger devices during non-emergency times in a cool, dry place, protected within a plastic storage container....

The American Red Cross offers a downloadable app that continues to operate even when cellular service is down. It contains potentially life-saving information....

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