Create a healthy space

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Air purifiers offer several benefits that can improve your health. By removing pollutants and other harmful particles from the air, air purifiers can help you breathe easier, sleep better, and feel more energetic and focused. It seems air purifiers were so big and took up so much space we love because they are so much smaller.

Buy here: LEVOIT Air Purifiers for Bedroom Home HEPA Filter Cleaner with Fragrance Sponge for Better Sleep Filters Smoke Allergies Pet Dander Odor Dust Office Desktop Portable Core Mini

  • REFRESH & RELAX: If you struggle with allergies, low-quality sleep, congestion, or symptoms caused by pet dander, the Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier is ready to help you create a healthy space
  • MATTER OF MINUTES: Breathe freely and sleep better as the air purifier uses 360° VortexAir Technology 3.0 and 3-stage filtration to ensure top-notch air purification
  • QUIET OPERATION: Sleep soundly without loud rattling coming from your air purifier. This little air purifier keeps noise levels as low as 25dB while keeping your space fresh
  • AROMATHERAPY: Struggling with pet odors or musty smells, Add a few drops of fragrant essential oils to the aroma pad to keep your space smelling great
  • SAVE SPACE: Tired of dragging a bulky purifier back and forth, Light, travel-friendly, and compact, the Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier (6.5 × 6.5 × 10.4 in) easily fits in any bedroom, office, or living room, creating less clutter and more fresh air

We used these all summer to help keep the Mosquito’s away and were helpful for fun family BBQ’s outside

Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller

  • EFFECTIVE MOSQUITO PROTECTION: Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Patio Shield creates a 15-foot zone of protection against mosquitoes. Use this sleek repeller on patios, decks, pools, and more. Turn It On… Mosquitoes Gone.
  • HEAT-ACTIVATED TECHNOLOGY: No cords or batteries. Powered by a safe and compact 12-hour fuel cartridge. Emits scent-free repellent that drives away mosquitoes. Unscented repellent mats last up to 4 hours each and change color when time to replace.
  • EFFECTIVELY REPEL WITHOUT SPRAY OR SCENT: Repel mosquitoes without DEET sprays or lotions on your skin. No smoke, flames, or harsh odors like citronella. Enjoy max protection in 15 minutes. Device is compatible with all mat and fuel refills, including multi-insect repellent

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The Kitchen Triangle

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The kitchen triangle is a concept used in kitchen design to optimize the layout and functionality of the space. The triangle refers to the three key work areas in the kitchen: the sink, the refrigerator, and the stove. These areas are the most frequently used in the kitchen and should be positioned in a way that makes it easy and efficient to move between them.

The concept of the kitchen triangle suggests that these three areas should be arranged in a triangular shape, with each side of the triangle measuring between 4 and 9 feet. This layout creates an efficient flow and allows the cook to move easily between the work areas without encountering obstacles.

The sink is typically located on one side of the triangle, with the refrigerator on another and the stove or cooktop on the third. The idea is that the cook can easily move between these three areas to wash, prepare, and cook food. This layout also helps to prevent traffic jams and ensures that the cook has enough space to move around comfortably.

KRAUS Kitchen Soap Dispenser

KRAUS Sellette Kitchen Bar Faucet

Kraus Sellette Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet

Pot Filler

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Getting the job done

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Sometimes it feels really great to do a deep cleaning at your house. A clean house is more than just a visual pleasure. It can also have a significant impact on your mental and emotional well-being.

These tools have helped make the job easier:

BISSELL SteamShot Deluxe Hard Surface Steam Cleaner with Natural Sanitization

  • Every BISSELL purchase helps save pets. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets..Automatic Cord Rewind: No
  • Powerful High-Pressure Steam Cleaner With Easy-To-Press Trigger
  • Completely Chemical-Free With No Harmful Fumes Or Residue
  • 1000-Watt Power Rating, Power Cord Length Is 20 Feet
  • Includes Accessory Nozzle, Extension Hose, Flat Scraping Tool, Grout Brush, Fabric Steamer, Window Squeegee, Angle Concentrator, And Detail Brush. Bristles on brushes may deform over time with the combination of high-heat and friction.
  • Tank Capacity: 6. 6 Ounce. Heater Warm-Up Time: 30 Seconds. Ships In Certified Frustration-Free Packaging
  • Always unplug your steam shot before filling-refilling. Press trigger until steamer depressurizes, Wait 5 minutes before removing cap. Be sure to use an oven mitt in case the cap is still hot.

BISSELL SpotClean Pet Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner

  • Every Bissell purchase helps save pets. Bissell proudly supports Bissell pet foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets..Power Rating 5.7 Amps
  • Our most powerful portable spot and stain cleaner for carpets, stairs, upholstery, auto interiors, and more.
  • Combines superior suction, scrubbing action and professional cleaning solution to remove stubborn pet stains, embedded dirt and more.
  • Provides a deep clean that leaves you with professional-style results.
  • Permanently removes tough pet stains with the power of OXY.
  • Includes a stain trapper tool to catch the dirtiest pet messes. Also comes with a 3″ tough stain tool and two trial-size pet pro oxy urine eliminator formulas.

Windex Outdoor Glass and Patio Concentrated Cleaner

  • Windex Outdoor Concentrated Cleaner is perfect for cleaning outdoor windows, patio furniture, decks, play sets, brick, siding and more
  • The specially-designed spray bottle conveniently attaches directly to your garden hose leaves behind a streak-free shine
  • Removes dirt, grime, smudges and smears
  • Works without wiping, just attach hose, spray, and rinse
  • Won’t harm plants, siding, grills, plastics or synthetic decks

Smart Vacuum

We recently purchased a smart vacuum, and it’s been great! Do you have one? We have loved ours for convenience, improved and customized cleaning, and the time it saves. A smart vacuum can be programmed to clean your home at specific times, or you can control it with your voice or a smartphone app, making it easier to keep your home tidy without having to lift a finger. Many smart vacuums are equipped with advanced sensors, navigation systems, and mapping technology that enable them to clean more effectively and efficiently than traditional vacuums.

Since we are in the middle of construction, how fun would it be to add a garage for your smart vacuum?!

There are many different models of smart vacuums on the market.

Shark AI Robot Vacuum with HEPA Self Empty Base

  • INCREDIBLE SUCTION: Powerful Shark suction picks up dirt and debris on all floor types—tackling even the toughest of messes in your home.
  • NO SPOTS MISSED: With Matrix Clean Navigation, the vacuum cleans in a precise matrix grid taking multiple passes over dirt and debris for whole home, deep cleaning coverage.
  • IT EMPTIES ITSELF: The bagless, self-emptying base holds up to 30 days of dirt and debris while its true HEPA filtration captures and traps 99.97%* of dust and allergens (*down to .3 microns).
  • PRECISION HOME MAPPING: 360° LiDAR vision quickly and accurately maps your home so your robot can methodically clean detecting and avoiding objects in its path, day or night, adapting to everyday changes in the home.
  • PERFECT FOR HOMES WITH PETS: With powerful vacuum suction, Shark’s self-cleaning brushroll, and HEPA filtration system the robot captures pet hair, dust, dander and allergens with ease.
  • HANDS-FREE CONTROL: Set a cleaning schedule, initiate on-demand cleaning, or activate cleans all with sound of your voice using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
  • EXTENDED RUNTIME: Up to 120 minutes of runtime for whole-home cleaning. And with Recharge and Resume, the robot will return to the dock, recharge, and can pick up where it left off.

Shark AI Robot Vacuum with XL HEPA Self-Empty Base

  • INCREDIBLE SUCTION: Powerful Shark suction picks up dirt and debris on all floor types—tackling even the toughest of messes in your home.
  • NO SPOTS MISSED: With Matrix Clean Navigation, the vacuum cleans in a precise matrix grid taking multiple passes over dirt and debris for whole home, deep cleaning coverage.
  • IT EMPTIES ITSELF: The bagless, self-emptying base holds up to 60 days of dirt and debris while its true HEPA filtration captures and traps 99.97%* of dust and allergens (*down to .3 microns).
  • PRECISION HOME MAPPING: 360° LiDAR vision quickly and accurately maps your home so your robot can methodically clean detecting and avoiding objects in its path, day or night, adapting to everyday changes in the home.
  • PERFECT FOR HOMES WITH PETS: With powerful vacuum suction, Shark’s self-cleaning brushroll, and HEPA filtration system the robot captures pet hair, dust, dander and allergens with ease.
  • HANDS-FREE CONTROL: Set a cleaning schedule, initiate on-demand cleaning, or activate cleans all with sound of your voice using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
  • EXTENDED RUNTIME: Up to 120 minutes of runtime for whole-home cleaning. And with Recharge and Resume, the robot will return to the dock, recharge, and can pick up where it left off.

iRobot Roomba Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum

  • POWERFUL CLEANING—SCHEDULED AROUND YOUR LIFE – Roomba i3+ EVO takes care of dirt and messes with a Premium 3-Stage Cleaning System and 10x the Power-Lifting Suction. Compared to Roomba 600 series.Runtime : 75 minutes
  • CLEAN BY ROOM, YOU’RE IN CONTROL – Roomba i3+ EVO learns your home and creates an Imprint Smart Map so you can direct it to clean any room you want, any time you want—either on a set schedule or in the moment
  • DON’T LIFT A FINGER FOR MONTHS- The Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal allows the i3+ EVO to empty itself into an enclosed bag that captures 99% of particles as small as .7 microns and holds up to 60 days of cleanings. The Roomba i3+ is designed to work simply with the press of the Clean button.
  • CLEANING IN TIDY ROWS – Cleans intelligently in straight lines back and forth, to thoroughly clean your floors while navigating around furniture. When the i3+ EVO needs to recharge, it will resume right where it left off ensuring a complete clean
  • FOCUSED CLEANING – Patented Dirt Detect Technology allows the Roomba i3+ EVO to detect dirtier areas of your home and clean them more thoroughly. Integrated sensors tell the robot where it can and can’t fit, so it doesn’t get stuck under furniture
  • PERFECT FOR HOMES WITH PETS – Instead of using a single bristle brush, Roomba i3+ EVO uses Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes that flex to adjust to different floor types and avoid getting tangled with pet hair

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Smart Thermostat

One of the first things we upgraded when we bought our home that was built in the 90’s was the thermostat. We have liked our Nest for the following reasons:

  1. Energy Savings: Smart thermostats can automatically adjust to our schedule and habits, reducing energy consumption when we aren’t at home or when we’re asleep. This can help lower energy bills.
  2. Remote Control: With a smart thermostat, we can adjust our home’s temperature from anywhere, using a smartphone app or web browser. This means we can turn up the heat or air conditioning before arriving home, for example so that we arrive to a comfortable temperature.
  3. Improved Comfort: Smart thermostats can learn our preferences and adjust the temperature accordingly. For example, if we like to keep our home cooler at night, the thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature accordingly.
  4. Enhanced User Experience: Many smart thermostats feature intuitive interfaces and offer a range of customization options, such as multiple temperature zones and scheduling options.
  5. Increased Convenience: Smart thermostats can be integrated with other smart home devices, such as smart locks, smart lights, and smart speakers, creating a seamless and convenient user experience.

Buy here: Google Nest Thermostat Smart Thermostat for Home Programmable Wifi Thermostat

Google Nest Learning Thermostat Programmable Smart Thermostat for Home

Google Nest Temperature Sensor 3 Count Pack Nest Thermostat Sensor

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Smart Lighting

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We have been doing some home improvement projects and we started with upgrading some lighting. We have been really impressed with the Lutron Caseta System. My favorite part is how easy it is to dim the lights and turn them on and off.

This is what the app looks like- so easy to use

Other reasons why we have been really impressed:

  1. Easy installation: The system is designed to be easy to install, making it a popular choice for DIYers and professionals alike.
  2. Wide compatibility: Lutron Caséta works with a wide range of devices, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and more, making it a versatile choice for many smart home setups.
  3. Reliability: Lutron Caséta is known for being a reliable and well-made system that provides consistent performance.
  4. Energy efficiency: The system is designed to save energy and reduce electricity costs

Buy here: Lutron Caseta Smart Home Dimmer Switch and Pico Remote Kit

Buy here: Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch for Wall and Ceiling Lights with Wall Plate

Buy here: Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Lighting Switch for All Bulb Types or Fans

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Why didn’t I think of that…

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Ever use a product and wonder why you didn’t think of that?! Here is one- the air shim. Have you ever tried to hang a door- they are heavy and awkward and need to hang perfectly. The air shim is awesome because:

  1. Precise leveling: An air shim allows you to make small, precise adjustments to the height of the door, ensuring that it is level and swings properly.
  2. Easy installation: Air shims are easy to install and require no special tools. They can be inflated to the desired thickness with a manual or battery-powered pump, allowing you to make adjustments in real-time as you hang the door.
  3. Better insulation: Air shims provide a tight and secure fit between the door and door jamb, improving insulation and reducing air infiltration.

Overall, air shims offer several benefits over traditional shimming methods and are a highly recommended tool for anyone hanging a door.

  • CONTRACTOR-GRADE inflatable air wedges for window, door and cabinet installations; replaces damaging pry bars and wooden shims
  • 300 LB LOAD RATING safely handles full size installations with just a single installer; saving time and labor costs

Buy here: Air Shim Inflatable Pry Bar and Leveling Tool

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Paint like a pro at home

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Fresh paint can give your home a new look and feel, but it also requires careful preparation and attention to detail to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish. Before you start, you should clean and repair surfaces, cover floors and furniture, and select the right paint and tools for the job. It’s also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application, including proper ventilation and drying time.

We have used these Stak Racks to paint doors- they are FANTASTIC! We painted three doors at the same time and made the job so much easier.

  • INNOVATIVE DESIGN: Stak Rack is a revolutionary tool that allows you to paint and stack doors and trim with ease. Utilizing an innovative triangular design, Stak Racks are the ultimate compact painting system; saving you time, space and the hassle of trying to avoid drips, runs and smudges from too much project handling. This is the perfect tool for tackling multiple projects at one time, resulting in increased productivity. Proudly designed and manufactured in the USA.
  • USER FRIENDLY: Stak Rack’s are extremely easy to set-up and operate. Once attached you can proceed in preparing your doors for painting. Start by removing all hardware such as the door hinges and handle or knobs. You can then start repairing any imperfections and prep the surface with a sander or loose sand paper. Use masking tape to cover any surface you want to protect. Setup and operation is simple enough that it can be accomplished with just one person

Stak Rack 4 in 1 Painters Accessory Tool Stacking Design Paint Interior or Exterior Doors Trim and Kitchen Cabinet Doors for Contractors and Homeowners

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Hiring Your Next Real Estate TEAM

Here are five reasons why someone might choose a smart and trusted real estate sales team:

 1 Expertise: A smart and trusted real estate sales team should have a deep understanding of the local market and be able to provide valuable insights and guidance to buyers and sellers.

 2 Network: A good real estate sales team will have a wide network of contacts, including other real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and home inspectors, that can help make the buying or selling process go more smoothly.

 3 Reputation: A team with a positive reputation in the community can help give buyers and sellers confidence in their decision to work with them.

 4 Communication: A smart and trusted real estate team will be proactive in communicating with clients, keeping them informed and addressing any concerns or issues that arise during the process.

 5 Negotiation Skills: A skilled negotiation is a key attribute of a good real estate sales team. They can help buyers to purchase a property at a fair price and sellers to secure the best possible price for their property.

It’s always recommended to do some research, read reviews and ask for references before choosing a real estate sales team to ensure they have a good track record, will represent your best interest, and are honest and trustworthy.

Hospitality

What can we learn from this Chick-fil-A video about hospitality we could incorporate into the real estate business? I think more than you think. It not about serving a chicken sandwich, it’s about creating enduring human connections we call hospitality.

Real estate agents and brokers think they are in the real estate business. They are not. They are in the people business. Real estate professionals solve human predicaments by adjusting their space-time dilemma.

Enjoy the video.  Write down the highlights.  Incorporate at least two highlights into your business today. Always be improving your dynamic personal interaction with people.  In a free society, people do business with people they like and trust.