Oh, those cold toes. Hard surface flooring can feel downright uncomfortable under bare feet on cold mornings. You can toss down area rugs and get some cozy slippers. Or you could install in-floor radiant heat, and never fear your floors again.

Heated flooring systems come in two varieties—electric coil and tubes of heated water. Both options come with their own set of pros and cons. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of radiant floor heating will help ensure that you’re making the right decision when it comes to this cold-floor solution.

Benefits

In-floor radiant heat systems are durable and reliable, capable of outlasting your home furnace. With proper care and maintenance, a floor heating system can last up to 35 years. It can save money, too. Radiant floor heating warms a room from the floor up. As a result, most people will feel more comfortable with their thermostat set at a lower temperature. In-floor radiant heat does not use a blower, so it doesn’t create extra noise. Minimizing use of a central air heating system, which can push dust, dirt, pollen and other allergens through the vents, is also better for allergy sufferers. Electric radiant floor systems, which come as mats that can be easily installed underneath the flooring from below. They are a good solution if you only want heated floors in certain rooms.

Drawbacks

Heated floors don’t come cheap. You’ll pay a lot to install the system—more than the cost of replacing a furnace—and hydronic systems are more expensive than electric ones. Because the coils or pipes go underneath the floor, you’ll likely have to rip up existing flooring to install them. The easiest way to install them is during a remodel, or when you are building a house—some systems, in a bathroom for example, involve laying pipe in a concrete floor. This also means repairs to heated floors can be costly. And because the heating elements are out of sight, it can be hard to find trouble spots if problems arise. In-floor radiant heat systems can also be slow to warm up the house. This is especially true with water systems, which sometimes need a few hours to circulate enough hot water to warm a room’s flooring. Of course, on the flip side, the flooring retains heat well, so homeowners can benefit from using the system during off-peak hours rather than peak times, when the utility rates are higher.

As with all home improvements, installing a heated floor requires plenty of consideration before you decide for or against it. Be sure to consult with an expert before moving forward.

Laurel Jonas- REALTOR®

Northwest Realty Group

2022 N. Government Way Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

208-758-9000

208homesforsale@gmail.com

208homesforsale.com

Need to declutter?  Anytime is the perfect time for getting rid of all the unnecessary stuff that accumulates in your home. How does it manage to pile up? Didn’t you just do this last year? Maybe you should just throw it all away—for good. In fact, that’s what a lot of people are doing now. You’ve probably heard about the trend toward living with less—fewer possessions, less space—whether it’s zero-waste living or the tiny house movement. 

There are two factors driving people toward small homes today: the economy and the environment. They are generally more affordable, and for home buyers, that means smaller mortgages. They are cheaper to maintain as well. Building and maintaining large houses have an impact on the environment. A large house takes more building resources and requires more maintenance than a smaller house. People are willing to go smaller to simplify their lives. 

If you’re squeezed into tight quarters or looking to downsize, here are some top tips to maximize the space and storage:

 Prefer an open plan

When space is limited, you don’t want to carve it up. An open view with clean lines makes a space seem larger.

Make the most of natural light

Abundant natural light makes your home feel larger, so capture as much of it as you can. Don’t have floor-to-ceiling windows? Mirrors expand and reflect light. You can transform a small room into a larger and brighter space by using illusion wisely.

Use a minimalist color palette

You want to avoid excess in a small space—too much stuff, too many frills, too many colors. Stick to one or two similar shades, max, preferably paler ones that help maintain a light feel.

Built-in furniture is key

Built-in furniture is possibly the most efficient furnishing solution for spaces of limited dimensions: it frees up valuable floor area makes the space less cramped and unifies the decor.

Make your furniture work double duty

In a small space, everything has to earn its keep. Furniture can be an effective room divider. It is an excellent solution for studio apartments where different functions share the same space.

 Obsess over your storage

Think about how you are going to use your cabinets so you can choose the right type of hardware. Look into different door hinges and drawer hardware. Custom doesn’t have to be pricey, either. Design your own modular system with crates of different sizes to bring an industrial touch to your home.

Living in a small space doesn’t have to feel cramped and inconvenient. A thoughtful approach to simplifying your lifestyle can make a big difference. But still, keep a watchful eye on your stuff—it can pile up without your noticing. Seriously, how does it do that?

Laurel Jonas- REALTOR®

Northwest Realty Group

2022 N. Government Way Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

208-758-9000

208homesforsale@gmail.com

208homesforsale.com

155 properties were listed for sale. That is down 24% compared to January 2021.

147 properties sold in January

Average Days on Market in January was 81 wish is an increase of 42%

Sellers received an average of 99% of the list price

.3 months of inventory in January

The average sales price in January was $717,592 which is up 32.6% in one year.

Even in a seller's market, there are ways to capture more out of your home's value. Don't leave money on the table. Call me to discuss tips and tricks to prepare your home to capture every cent and get favorable terms.

Laurel Jonas- REALTOR®

Northwest Realty Group

2022 N. Government Way Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

208-758-9000

208homesforsale@gmail.com

208homesforsale.com

Whether you’re just settling into your new rent-free digs, or you’ve been making mortgage payments for decades, every homeowner should be sure their toolbox has the necessary items to handle common problems around the house. That includes leaky faucets, drywall that needs patching, and heavy frames that need hanging. If you don’t already have a well-stocked toolkit, now’s the time to gear up. Even if you’re already handy, it’s not a bad idea to run through the list below and make sure you aren’t missing any of the essentials.

Assortment of hand tools

Screwdrivers, a hammer, a utility knife, pliers, and a tape measure: These make up the bare minimum for every homeowner. Screwdrivers are useful for assembling and disassembling just about everything in your house, from furniture to cabinet hardware.

A multipurpose screwdriver is recommended. Get the kind you can switch out the bits for, and make sure that they have options for those really tiny screws that come with things like the battery compartments on kid’s toys.

You never know when you might need a hammer to secure a nail, and a sharp utility knife is also important to have around the house, even if it’s used only to slice open Amazon delivery boxes. Pliers are also useful in lots of situations, including minor plumbing repairs that you can handle yourself. You could have something leak and tighten up a sink with your pliers, and then you don’t have to call a plumber.

In addition, you may want to have a set of Allen keys for disassembling or repairing common items. These are surprisingly helpful for everything from bikes to fixing your Ikea furniture.

Stud finder

As a homeowner, you wouldn’t be caught dead using tape on your walls and damaging the paint, right? Besides, some decor is too heavy to secure with just 3M Command Strips. But you don’t want to try to hammer a hook for that gilt mirror in drywall, either. Enter: the stud finder. This hand-held tool locates sturdy beams inside the wall where you can safely secure heavy artwork, mirrors, and other decor. A basic stud finder costs less than $10.

You may also want to stock up on drywall anchors for situations when you can’t find a stud in the right spot. These plastic pieces help keep heavy wall decor in place without damaging your drywall.

Level

A level is another useful tool for hanging wall decor, towel bars, and toilet paper holders. The bubble inside the level helps you determine whether your item is straight or crooked. They are a tool that should never be underestimated. It is good to get in the habit of using one to get the job done correctly.

Ladder

Need to change a light bulb or replace the battery in your smoke detector? Or need to knock leaves out of the gutters? Even the tallest among us can use a lift from a ladder on occasion, so be sure to keep one around. A basic 6-foot ladder generally costs $50 to $100. For a more versatile option, splurge for an adjustable multi-position ladder.

Safety equipment

Take a cue from the professionals, and stock up on basic safety equipment. That includes safety glasses, dust masks, work gloves, and chemical-safe gloves. You can use this gear for anything from cleaning with strong chemicals to spray-painting an old piece of furniture. Work gloves also provide traction when moving heavy furniture.

Multitool

A really good tool everyone should have is a multitool. This vibrating tool features an interchangeable head so you can use different blades for different purposes. You can use it to cut a hole in drywall, or—for more advanced DIYers—to cut the jambs off doors when you’re installing flooring. And the list goes on. This versatile tool will set you back about $100, but if you foresee a lot of renovation projects in your future, it’s worth the investment.

 Saws

A reciprocating saw, also known as a Sawzall, is great to have when navigating close quarters. Advanced DIYers should also make sure to have a circular saw, which is better for making straight cuts.

 Sawhorses

Another tip for the handy homeowner or aspiring DIYer: Stock up on plastic sawhorses from the hardware store. They’re more versatile than you might think. You can use these to make your own workbench when space is limited, and you need a large, flat workspace. Buy yourself two 2-by-4s and place them on the ends of each sawhorse, then place a sheet of three-quarter-inch plywood on top—you now have yourself a homemade workbench.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the tools you need, remember this: For big projects with a very specific goal (e.g., tiling your bathroom or installing a deck), you can wait until you get started to stock up on equipment. Don’t stress about buying everything at once.

Laurel Jonas- REALTOR®

Northwest Realty Group

2022 N. Government Way Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

208-758-9000

208homesforsale@gmail.com

208homesforsale.com

Are you selling your home and reviewing several offers? Congratulations! You’re well on your way to getting as much as possible out of what is likely your largest asset. But when it comes to picking an offer, sometimes it’s important to take a step back and recognize that your bottom line shouldn’t be your only consideration. In many instances, the terms a potential buyer includes in the offer also play an important part. They can underscore how many hurdles you’ll have to clear to reach the closing table in a timely manner. So every seller should carefully review an offer—beyond the dollar amount—before settling on a buyer. To help you navigate all this, we’ve outlined four important factors that home sellers should look for in an offer. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the best one.

Research your preferred financing method

As a seller, you probably have an offer amount in mind that you would like the buyer to meet or exceed. But remember, a buyer needs to prove that he can afford to make the purchase—no matter what numbers are thrown around in an offer. If the buyer intends to get a mortgage, there should always be a pre-approval letter included in an offer on their lender’s letterhead. And if a potential buyer makes a cash offer, ask for proof of funds before accepting it. This proof will usually come in the form of a bank or investment account statement. Each should show that the buyer has the funds necessary to complete the transaction.

Need to sell your home in a hurry? Then you may prefer an all-cash offer. This type of offer usually involves less risk and a shorter escrow period as cash eliminates waiting for a buyer’s full mortgage approval. But seller beware: All-cash buyers have negotiation power. And they will generally want something in return for bringing a bag of money to the sale. For instance, they could offer you less than the asking price. So be sure to weigh the cons against the pros before accepting an all-cash offer over a buyer with a mortgage.

 Look for a larger earnest money deposit

Next, you may want to pick an offer with a sizable earnest money deposit, also known as a good-faith deposit. This is a sum of money that a buyer entrusts to the seller’s brokerage firm to prove that he is serious about purchasing the home. A deposit that’s worth 1% to 2% of the sale price is normal, but the higher the deposit, the stronger the offer. The buyer’s earnest money deposit goes toward the down payment if they eventually close on the home. On the other hand, if the buyer breaks the contract and walks away from buying the home, you can potentially keep the deposit as a consolation.

Consider fewer contingencies

In real estate, contingencies are benchmarks buyers set that need to be met for the transaction to continue moving forward. For example, many buyers will want to include an inspection contingency in the purchase contract. This means the buyer will need time to have your home inspected. And if any issues are found, a buyer might ask you to make repairs before he will close on the home. With an appraisal contingency, a satisfactory appraisal of your property must be conducted. If the appraisal doesn’t match the agreed-upon price of the home, you and the buyer will have to reach a new number before settlement. The caveat here is that anytime a contingency can’t be satisfied, the buyer has a chance to walk away from the purchase with his earnest money deposit in hand. Obviously, from a seller’s point of view, the fewer chances the buyer has to exit the transaction, the better. With that in mind, it’s a good idea for you to select an offer that has the fewest contingencies from the start. Choosing an offer with minimal contingencies is just as important as the sale price. That’s why cash offers are often accepted, even at lower sales prices. Sellers see a cash offer as removing a lot of the risk of the transaction falling apart due to a buyer’s inability to get financing or the appraisal value coming in below the sale price.

Opt for an ideal closing timeline

Finally, consider your optimal timeline for heading to the settlement table. Moving out is a lot of work, especially if you’ve lived in the home you’re selling for a while. To that end, you’re going to want to ensure that you choose an offer with a closing date that suits your needs. Timing is everything. While a quick closing is desirable to many sellers, some need more time to move. In that case, even an offer that has a lower sale price may be more desirable if the timing works better for them.

Laurel Jonas- REALTOR®

Northwest Realty Group

2022 N. Government Way Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

208-758-9000

208homesforsale@gmail.com

208homesforsale.com

Wondering how to paint an exterior door? This home improvement task will not only make a great first impression on visitors, but it will also improve your home’s curb appeal with minimal expense and effort. If the front door is structurally sound, it may need only sanding and a coat of paint or varnish, sparing you the expense of buying and installing a new door. You will also enjoy the satisfaction of keeping one more item from heading to the landfill. Once you’ve selected quality paint in a color that works with your home, following the instructions below will help you achieve a professional finish for your front door.

Warnings: Wear safety goggles and a NIOSH-approved respirator with the correct filter. Properly dispose of rags as they can be highly flammable.

Things you need to paint an exterior door:

• Hammer and nails
• Electric sander
• 60- and 100-grit sandpaper
• Two sawhorses
• Mineral spirits or liquid de-glosser
• Masking tape, marker, and plastic bags
• 2-inch paint brush
• Scraper
• Exterior enamel paint
• How to paint an exterior door

Remove the door: Scraping, sanding, and painting the door can be accomplished more easily if you remove it from its hinges and place it on a horizontal surface. Tap hinge pins out with a hammer, starting with the bottom hinge. Raise your door slightly to free it from the hinges, and then place it on a workbench or between two sawhorses. Remove door handles, door shoe or kick plate, and any other hardware.

Scrape and sand the door: Inspect the door and scrape off any paint drips, thickly applied coats of paint, or blistering or flaking paint, if present. Using an electric sander, use 100-grit paper and take off the old paint down to the wood. Wipe with a tack cloth and apply mineral spirits or liquid de-glosser.

Prime the door: Using a primer that matches your finish coat, prime the entire door. When one side is dry, flip the door over and prime the other side. Follow the primer manufacturer’s directions for recommended drying time before applying the first coat of paint.

Paint the door: Choose a premium-quality exterior enamel. You don’t want to go through the effort of sanding only to apply a paint that will fade or flake off. Paneled doors offer a greater challenge than flush doors because of their details. For a paneled entrance door, begin by using a 2-inch brush to paint the center panels. Paint across the grain and follow up by painting with the grain. Paint at a steady and sufficient pace to keep the paint from getting tacky while working to ensure a smooth surface. After the center panels, paint the rails and then the stiles. Protect the paint from dust and the elements while it dries, and after the first coat has dried thoroughly, sand out any drips before applying the second coat.

Reinstall the door: Put all the hardware back on and rehang the door on its hinges. 

Laurel Jonas- REALTOR®

Northwest Realty Group

2022 N. Government Way Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

208-758-9000

208homesforsale@gmail.com

208homesforsale.com

While it might seem a little dramatic to call a seller's mistakes fatal, especially over something as innocuous as selling your home, selling a home is serious business. Not approaching it as such is a surefire way for your home to remain on the market.

Selling your home does not have to be an emotional roller coaster. By preparing yourself ahead of time for all the inevitable things you are going to face and following these essential ideas you increase the chances of having smooth sailing. Avoiding these mistakes will save you money and heartache in the end.

Getting Attached to the Price

Pricing your home is not based on the opinion of the homeowner or even the agent. It is directly related to perceived value. If buyers look at your home and compare it to others in the neighborhood and it doesn't meet their requirements for what they believe should be an adequate price then you will receive no offers. In order to stay in line with a buyers' opinion, you must be willing to base the price of your home on objective and proven research metrics.

Allowing Emotions to Get in the Way

Not allowing emotions into the process of selling your home is much easier said than done. However, don’t let emotions cloud your judgment. Selling your home should be approached like any other large transaction where emotions will not give you the same leverage during negotiations like facts will-after all, you are selling a product, and the more you look at it from that perspective, the easier it will be to keep the emotions at bay.

Refusing to Negotiate

Negotiations need to be an integral strategy when you receive an offer. By approaching everything from a win-win perspective you can ensure you are not losing too much to your bottom line while still making the buyer feel like they have made a sound decision. Like any negotiation, the mentality of win at all cost is a good way to have buyers walk away.

Not Taking Professional or High-Quality Listing Photos

Professional photography is a necessity to getting showings for your home. Why? 90% of buyers start their home buying process by looking at homes online. In order to draw their attention, the photos need to be high-quality and beautiful to compel them to take a closer look at your home. You are not just selling your home; you are also selling a lifestyle and dream. Exceptional photography captures this by communicating to buyers your home is one they want to see in person. This is accomplished by using adequate lighting and proper angles which appeals to a buyer. The great thing is, unfortunately, there are so many homes on the market with poor photos. By doing this, you already position your home fair above the rest.

Thinking you Don’t Need Staging

Great staging is essential to the sale of your home. When a home is beautifully staged, buyers forgo things which normally would have sent them out the door. Proper staging can place your home far above the competition. It is important to note that not all staging is good staging. This is why it is important to hire a stager that understands things like buyer psychology. Colors that elicit the emotions you are trying to get out of the buyer. Trends that are currently in homes that buyers love. Having a stager who knows all these things will ensure your home is placed in the best light possible.

Not Accommodating Showings

Having buyers view your home is absolutely key to receiving offers. I know it may be a huge inconvenience to show your home at off hours or when you're about the sit down and relax for the night but someone is interested in your home. Make the accommodations and allow your home to be shown. Every showing can potentially be an offer. By limited your showings, your limiting the buyers looking, the interest in your home and in turn, money in your pocket.

Not Investing in a Pre-Inspection

If there is anything that will blow up a deal, it is a disagreement over the handling of repairs. How do you avoid this? By paying heed to the old saying, "the best defense is a good offense" and getting a pre-inspection. Having an inspector come out before you put your house on the market will let you know all the things which might concern a buyer. This will give you leverage. When it comes to contracts, any leverage you can get before you place your home on the market is valuable. This also gives you the opportunity to make necessary adjustments before having a contract in front of you.

Not Requiring Proof of Funds

Getting an offer especially when you are on a limited time frame can be exhilarating. Unfortunately, this exhilaration can quickly turn into frustration when you do not require buyers to have a pre-approval or proof of funds in the case of cash buyers. Requiring this saves you wasted time because a buyer is not financially able to buy your home. Time is money and by accepting an offer you are essentially closing the door on all the other offers which may have come afterward. When you do that you want to do everything in your power to ensure the deal goes through and you are not having to start from the beginning again.

Not Seeing Your Home as a Product

Buyers want what they want when they want it. When it comes time to show your home, buyers do not care whether or not you just cleaned your home. Whether you just came back from work and therefore do not want to leave your home. Showing your home, while at times can be totally inconvenient, it is an integral part of getting your home sold and should be approached as such. Your home is no longer a dwelling, it is now a commodity which is being judged every time a buyer walks into it. Not accommodating prospective buyers will turn them off from making you offers.

Not Considering Selling your Home Later in the Year

Selling your home during the fall and winter months is the time most people in the industry advise you not to sell because of all the things people are doing during the holidays. The buyers looking to buy during the fall are going to be the most serious. With most sellers following they should not sell their home during the holidays, this means inventory goes down.

Laurel Jonas- REALTOR®

Northwest Realty Group

2022 N. Government Way Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

208-758-9000

208homesforsale@gmail.com

208homesforsale.com

If you’re a homeowner, you already know that keeping your property in tiptop shape requires dedication and patience for ongoing maintenance. But what if you’re putting your home on the market or even accepted an offer? Perhaps you’re thinking: Not my problem anymore. However, just because you’re selling doesn’t mean you’re off the hook from routine maintenance tasks—and that’s especially true if you’ve already vacated the house. Sure, a well-cared-for house shows better: Small things like broken doorbells and leaky faucets make buyers wonder if your property also has bigger issues elsewhere. But more important, a little routine maintenance can help you avoid a catastrophic problem down the line (e.g., burst pipes, roof leaks, critters moving into your attic) that could devalue your property and derail that sale. To prevent minor issues from escalating into full-blown, money-sucking, sale-killing problems, focus on these six important areas you can’t afford to neglect.

Keep up the yard and walkways

Whether you’re still living in the house or not, you’ll want to make sure to keep your landscaping tidy—remove dead tree limbs, rake leaves, and clean out flower beds. Curb appeal is so important. If your home is already vacant, have someone tend to the yard regularly so that grass and weeds don’t detract from your home’s appearance. If your home does not have a well-maintained exterior, potential buyers will keep driving. Plus, this kind of neglect can be a bull’s-eye for vandals to break into your property. Consider having lights on timers so the house doesn’t look dark all the time, and arrange for driveways and walkways to be plowed weekly in the winter months. And don’t let mail pile up in the mailbox.

Clean the gutters and check the roof

This one’s easy to forget about, even when you don’t plan on going anywhere. But when it comes to gutter and roof issues, neglect can cause a dangerous domino effect. Overflowing gutters can damage your foundation, and also lead to drainage issues. And, of course, you don’t want buyers seeing puddling water as they approach your house. And then there’s the roof. Of course, it’ll be examined during the home inspection, but it would benefit you to do it before putting your home on the market. Small roof cracks can remain undetected for years, causing water to slowly infiltrate your home and damage ceilings and walls.

Service your heating systems

The hidden guts of your home need regular attention, whether you’re still living there or not. That means having your HVAC systems professionally serviced. First up, your furnace: If you get it addressed before you list your home, it won’t smell like dust when you crank up the heat during an open house on a chilly day. While you’re at it, have the duct work and filters cleaned as well. And if you have baseboard heaters, vacuum those out, too.

Speaking of heat, it is suggested to keep the thermostat at 66 degrees Fahrenheit when agents are showing your house so buyers can visit your place comfortably. This will also avoid any issues with pipes freezing or bursting in the colder months.

Have a chimney? Be sure to have it inspected and cleaned as well. You want to make sure there are no cracked flue tiles, and that from the exterior, there are no gaps in the mortar between the bricks. Otherwise, you could potentially have the chimney fall over onto the house, and that’s a very expensive fix.

Keep the critters out

If you don’t want to add “family of raccoons included” to your listing (and pay the hefty tab for getting them out), inspect the inside and outside of your home for any areas that need to be plugged up. Take care of holes from damaged siding or fascia under the roofline—and do it promptly. In a colder climate, squirrels look for somewhere warm to go, and they’ll find their way into your property. Stove and dryer vents, for example, should be covered with wire mesh to deter pests.

Wash your windows

Most people associate sparkling windows with spring-cleaning, But if your house is on the market, it doesn’t matter what time of year it is—you need to get those babies squeaky clean. If buyers walk through your home and all they see is dirty windows, that’ll really mar the showing process. Make sure to wipe them down after a bad storm, when they’re especially likely to show muck and grime buildup.

Check the calendar

Depending on what time of year you bring your house to market, pay attention to any details that scream, “We don’t live here or care anymore.” That means tackling seasonal tasks such as clearing away lawn mowers in the fall and storing shovels in the spring. It is also a good habit to put away patio furniture in the fall and winter. Leaving them out all year long shows deferred maintenance and lack of caring, and can really turn off a potential buyer. Staying on top of these regular tasks will make it easier to sell your home with fewer headaches. Plus, it’ll preserve the value of your property, and potentially, the thickness of your wallet, too.

Laurel Jonas- REALTOR®

Northwest Realty Group

2022 N. Government Way Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

208-758-9000

208homesforsale@gmail.com

208homesforsale.com

Let’s face it—when it comes to laundry rooms, most of us are lucky to have a single shelf to hold detergent and a tiny counter for folding shirts. But because doing laundry is a weekly task that will never, ever end, finding more space to deal with it is a big bonus. Here are six smart ways to squeeze extra storage into your little laundry room. Who knows, maybe these tricks will make laundry a little more enjoyable. Maybe.

Stack the units

Need extra inches to treat stains or store supplies? Investing in a stackable washer-dryer set could be your quickest fix. Vertical units help save space and the cost is comparable to side-by-side versions. For a clever hack, consider jacking up your washer-dryer set onto pedestals. Not only do they raise appliances to an ergonomic level, but you can stash a small hamper, soaps, and other supplies in them without taking up floor space

Get creative with your shelving

Adding more shelves is an obvious storage fix, but there are ways to make these built-ins work harder. Wire or mesh shelves give a unique look and utility. You can gain storage and a place to dry delicates simply by poking hangers into the holes. You should also think vertical: Overhead shelving doesn’t usually extend to the ceiling, so this is an excellent spot for more storage. Adding in custom details can also maximize your space, experts say. Pull-out hampers, U-shelves for sink bases, and roll-out trays make drawers and shelves much more efficient. A large shower caddy also tucks neatly between machines to hold supplies. Or try floating shelves for a clean, airy look. And it doesn’t have to look ugly—you can spruce up your storage space by spray-painting baskets. A single color is trendy and makes your random collection look so much better. Don’t have space for shelves and baskets? Back-of-the-door organizers are also handy. You could install wire, molded plastic, or a hanging shoe holder for supplies.

Lose the doors

Many laundry rooms are made even smaller by doors that don’t open all the way, so remove them to free up your nook. And don’t worry about exposing your appliances for the world to see. The modern washing machine is a thing of beauty. Not OK with no way to hide your machines? Try pocket doors—they’re a space-saving miracle.

Tuck in an ironing board

The iron is likely the biggest item to store in your too-small laundry room. We all struggle with the archaic ironing board, so think about installing an Iron-A-Way to save precious space. Wall-mounted boards or pull-out drawer styles are ideal for a tiny laundry room. It’ll look like a closed drawer, but when it’s open, it expands and rotates as needed.

For drying space, look up

Ceiling space is often underutilized in a small room. Mount a drying rack from hooks for instant storage, air drying, and hanging newly ironed garments. For a clever hack, you can repurpose an old ladder from the garage, which allows you to do away with a conventional drying rack. Another hack is filling overhead space with racks and rods. A pull-down rod allows you to reach up to access hanging clothes and then gently send it back. An adjustable shower rod or a retractable clothesline are cheap, but efficient options. It’s a nice option because it takes up less space and can be hidden away when not in use.

Choose clear storage

Not sure where to put your laundry pods? A wall-mounted fishbowl saves shelf space and looks pretty cool. You can also recycle glass jars to hold detergent and clothespins. Clear jars are practical and decorative in a laundry room. Try placing them on a space-saving Lazy Susan for a hint of style and a smart use of space.

Laurel Jonas- REALTOR®

Northwest Realty Group

2022 N. Government Way Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

208-758-9000

208homesforsale@gmail.com

208homesforsale.com

What is a wet bar and what is a dry bar? Both are designed to make entertaining at home easy by providing an area to prepare beverages for guests, but the big difference is a wet bar has a sink so glasses can be more easily rinsed. The difference between a wet bar and dry bar may seem like a simple concept, but there’s more to it than plain old plumbing. Here’s what homeowners will want to know when they consider having these features in their house.

What is a wet bar, and why would you want one?

Wet bars are convenient if you entertain on a different floor than your kitchen, or outdoors. In the 1970s and 1980s, home bars became popular as people outfitted their basements as rec rooms. Who wants to go all the way back upstairs to mix a batch of frozen margaritas? Or to rinse out the pitcher for another batch, for that matter? Now, as outdoor kitchens become more popular, wet bars are moving alfresco as well. With a little creativity, you can turn your backyard into a miniature resort.

Wet bar ideas: How to entertain in style

Having a sink in your bar means you’ll not only be able to rinse glasses between mixing drinks, you’ll also be better equipped to handle spills and cleanup. As long as you’re going through the trouble, you could optimize that plumbing with a few more add-ons. You could include a prep area for mixing cocktails that either also drains into the sink (to capture spills) or has its own drain. If you’re into beer in a big way, you could install taps with gutters below that capture and direct drips. That said, a wet bar doesn’t have to be large and elaborate. You can fit one into a tiny nook.

Are wet bars outdated?

Many think that wet bars are less popular today than they were in the past. If personal enjoyment is the goal, then it’s worth it, though. However, experts caution homeowners who want to add this amenity only as an investment, since it could make the home seem dated. Particularly in open kitchens and living spaces, it’s usually not worth it to install a second sink when the kitchen sink is within easy reach.

Dry bar ideas: Entertaining made easy

If you aren’t sold on installing a wet bar, a dry bar may be a better alternative. You’ll still have a dedicated spot for barware, spirits, and a beverage refrigerator, but without dealing with plumbing. All you need is a short counter and cabinet space. The trend is leaning toward a dry bar where favorite liquors and glassware are artfully and conveniently displayed. Most people now are just doing a liquor cabinet since space is often an issue, and bars take up a lot of it. Keep in mind that a dry bar can be multifunctional. For example, you could keep party supplies in a cabinet. Another alternative is simply modifying the back of your kitchen island or a counter with some shelves or rollout drawers for easy access.

Laurel Jonas- REALTOR®

Northwest Realty Group

2022 N. Government Way Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

208-758-9000

208homesforsale@gmail.com

208homesforsale.com