Laura Anderson Realtor

How to Maintain a Good Credit Score

Achieving a good credit score is often considered the hardest part of the credit process, however, once you reach a solid number, many people struggle to maintain their momentum.

To keep your credit score high, you need to be aware of how the credit score system works, and how your active spending influences the data.

Today we will explain the main factors which affect your credit score, methods to maintain your credit score, and tips to help you move from good to excellent.

Each of our suggestions can take a while to master, so remember that good financial security isn’t a race. Take your time, and be consistent.5 Factors That Affect Your Credit How Lenders Use Your Credit Score What is a Good Credit Score?How to Maintain A Good Credit Score

7 Benefits of Having A Good Credit Score Tips to Help Increase Your Credit Score Monitoring Your Credit Report Credit Score FAQ’s

5 Factors That Affect Your Credit

There are 5 main factors that affect your credit score. They are your payment history, the amount you owe, the length of your credit history, your new credit lines, and the mixture of credit lines.

This may sound like jargon, but we will explain what these terms mean.

Payment History

Your payment history is often the biggest factor in determining your credit score. This category refers to your positive and negative payment history.

If you always pay your repayments on time, then your payment history will be positive. If you have fallen behind and were charged late payment fees, then this negative history will be remembered.

If you have filed for bankruptcy or collections, your payment history will show this record. After 6 years, your payment history expunges your record, meaning black marks against your name may be removed.

However, it can take 10 years for a bankruptcy notifier to be removed.

Balance

The second-largest factor is the amount you currently owe. If you are using all of your credit or going over your credit, then lenders will assume you are a risk.

This risk will lower your credit score. Most lenders will use a credit utilization rate to consider how much of a risk you are. They tend to want a rate of 30% or less.

They calculate the rate by adding up all of your credit lines (credit cards, loans, etc), and dividing them by the total credit limit currently offered to you (credit card max, overdraft max, etc).

They then multiply this number by 100 to create a percentage. You can figure out your own credit utilization rate using this method and see if you are under 30%.

Length of Credit History

The longer your credit history is, the more weight your claim of financial stability is. If you have never made a late payment in 20 years, your history shows you are capable of paying your monthly bills.

Whereas someone who has a 2-year long credit history still shows a possibility of risk. This is one reason why maintaining an old credit card is important to keep your score high.

New Credit Lines

Every time you apply for a new credit line (like a credit card or a loan), your credit score drops. This is because you are showing the need for more financial support.

People who apply for credit cards often receive a 0% ARP. Those in large debts often switch to these low APR rates so they can pay back their debt without interest.

Although this is a great way to reduce your debt, the credit score system recognizes that this is a sign of financial pressure.

Before you apply for a new credit card, ask yourself if the inevitable drop in your credit score is worth it.

Credit Mix

If you can show that you can successfully handle different types of credit lines (such as a mortgage, auto loan, student loan, credit card, store card, etc), then you are showing your ability to handle different financial responsibilities.

This concept is often the least important in the credit score process but is still a factor nonetheless.

How Lenders Use Your Credit Score

Lenders will use the score and the information above to consider how likely you are to pay back their credit. Although there are multiple different scoring systems, they all use this information but prioritizing different aspects of your credit history.

Each lender will use their own version of the calculation process, to show them how stable your financial situation is in comparison to their idea of importance.

What is a Good Credit Score?

Because each credit reference agency (the companies which score your credit) has a different method, there isn’t one number that indicates a good credit score.

Generally speaking, most agencies will rate you between 300 and 850. In this system, less than 580 is considered bad. 580 to 669 is often considered fair, meaning you aren’t in a great financial situation but you can keep on top of your finances.

670 to 739 often means you are doing well, but there is still a risk. 740 to 799 generally means you are doing very well but have the occasional negative impact (like applying for more credit).

Lastly, 800 and above is considered excellent. To be excellent you need to be stable financially, be living within your means, have a long history of good financial management, and aren’t considered a real risk.

How to Maintain A Good Credit Score

To maintain your credit score, you need to consider the factors above and keep showing lenders that you are not a risk. However, it is one thing to know that your credit utilization rate should be below 30%, but it’s another to understand how that works in your daily life.

To help you, we have created some tips and thinking points to help you maintain your good credit score.

Keep Credit Card Balances As Low As Possible

Although a 30% or less credit utilization rate is the goal, it will be easier to manage your rate if you keep your credit card debts as low as possible.

This simplified method will help you remember that as long as your credit card balance is low then your rate should be low too. Getting as close to $0 as possible will allow you to keep a high credit score.

Ideally, your credit card should be paid off every month. You could do this by paying off little bits every week and then clearing the debt at the end of the month, or you can ensure your credit only gets used to pay for things that you can afford to pay back instantly.

Pay Your Bills on Time

Because your payment history is the biggest factor in most credit scores, you need to pay your bills on top to maintain your good rating.

To make this task easier, we recommend automating your bills. Set your payment date for the second of each month (or the day after you get paid).

This way your bills will be taken out of your account before you have a chance to spend the money. As the payment will be automatic, you don’t have to worry about manually sending each company your money either – reducing your stress.

Some people find it easier to set up a bank account solely to pay their bills. They send the correct amount to this additional account, knowing they cannot accidentally spend the money.

The companies then take money from that account automatically on whichever date you can set up for them.

Do Not Close Old Credit Accounts

The longer we stay with a credit account, the more likely the APR will grow. New credit cards offer the best APR deals, but after a couple of years, the rates increase.

A lot of people close down their accounts when this change happens and search for a new account to get the best APR deals again.

Although this might seem like a smart move, when you close down an account you are closing the good payment history you have gathered.

We mentioned before that the length of your payment history is a key factor in your credit score. If you close down an account, that 20-year history which makes you look low-risk is closed down too – the data goes with it.

As long as keeping the account doesn’t harm your spending ability, you should keep your old accounts open to show off your payment history.

Limit Applications for New Credit Accounts

Following the same train of thought as our last point, you shouldn’t open a new account simply for the APR rate. Yes, you might want a lower interest rate, but ideally, you should be paying off your credit card debt at the end of the month. If you do this, you will not be charged.

This means it doesn’t matter what the interest rates are, if you are keeping your money under control, then you don’t need to look for the best rates.

As we said before, opening new credit lines suggests you need more financial support. It doesn’t matter if you are closing some down at the same time, as the rating system doesn’t take that into account.

You have to consider what is more important to you, maintaining a good credit score or having lower interest rates.

Check Your Credit Report Regularly

It can be easy to miss key information, especially when your life doesn’t revolve around your financial situation. If someone hacks your account, it can be a while before you realize the gravity of your situation.

Checking on your credit report regularly can help you spot unusual activity and question the situation before things take a turn for the worse.

You can then call up the company which has shown the fraudulent activity and explain the situation, saving your finances and your credit score at the same time.

Keep Track of Your Spending

For some people the bills aren’t the problem, it’s the small transactions that quickly start taking over their credit cards. Small transactions are just as significant as big ones, as they can seem like a non-issue that is easy to forget, but in reality, they take up your whole credit card bill.

Monitoring your own spending will allow you to see how much money you actually have left to spend, and can stop you from accidentally buying more than you can pay back.

We suggest figuring out how much money you half left after bills and then dividing that amount by how many weeks you have left until your next payday.

This amount becomes your weekly allowance. Count every dime you spend, and when a new week begins, you will have a new allowance to start over with.

Having small goals can help you manage your money and track your spending without too much pressure.

Do Not Exceed Your Credit Limits

As a general rule of thumb, you should never spend more than your credit limit. Although your lender may allow the transactions to go through, you will be charged for going over your maximum limit, and you will be telling your lender that you cannot follow their lending agreement.

This will show in your credit report, telling other lending companies that you cannot handle your finances.

Have An Emergency Fund

We used to say that everyone should have 3 months’ worth of their pay in their emergency fund. That way if they unexpectedly lose their job, they have 3 months to find a new one.

However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, we now know that 3 months isn’t long enough. The new goal is to have enough pay to sustain you for 6 months or more.

Not only does this show lenders that you have the financial security to pay them back, but it also protects you should you lose your job.

Pay What You Owe As Soon As You Can

Although you need to pay the minimum amount asked for by your lender before their due date, there is a better way to show you are good with money.

Paying little and often means that when the request comes, you’ll have already paid off their minimum requirement and then some.

Using the weekly allowance we discussed before, you could use any money not spent in the week to pay off your credit card.

Seeing as you will receive a new allowance in a few days’ time, paying off your credit card should not affect your plans in the weeks to come, but it will make reducing your debt easier.

7 Benefits of Having A Good Credit Score

Reading about the work you need to put in, might make you wonder if a good credit score is even worth it. To anyone kicking their feet and ready to give up, we want to show you how life can be easier and cheaper if you manage your credit score property.

Save Money on Insurance

When insurance companies consider your request, they look at your credit history. If they see that you struggle to pay your bills on time, they might charge you extra.

This is because you are seen as a financial risk, and so more money is needed to make sure that they have enough to cover your claims.

If your credit history and credit score show that you can pay your premiums on time, they will see you as a reliable customer. They will invest in your long-term membership with them, by lowering your charges.

Basically, if you can prove you can pay them on time, they won’t have to worry about receiving enough money, so they can afford to charge you less.

Save Money on Security Deposits

Some loans (like a mortgage) require a deposit before a lender will agree to the terms. The upfront payment ensures the lender still has some of their money, if you cannot keep up with the loan.

However, sometimes finding enough money to put down a deposit is too difficult. This in turn stops people from getting the mortgages or loans they need.

If you have a good credit score, you are showing the lender that you can keep up with your payments. This adds a level of stability to your application, suggesting that you are not at risk of financial instability.

Because of this, the lender may choose to offer a lower deposit request.

Save Money on Utilities

Just like insurance companies, utility companies consider your credit score when they offer you a fixed rate. A good credit score shows the company that you can pay them monthly, on time, and without issue.

Because you are less risky, they can charge you a lower amount knowing they don’t have to consider banking money for a possible future late payment incident.

Save Money on Cell Phone Services

Some cell phone companies require a deposit before agreeing to a phone contract. However, if you have a good credit score, you can avoid this large down payment and get a contract that doesn’t involve pre-paying.

Help Save Money on Interest and Fees

Interest rates on your credit cards are created using your credit score. Depending on what your score is, you may be entitled to a lower APR (annual percentage rate).

Just like with mortgages, and phone contracts, the lender is less worried that you won’t pay the money back and so doesn’t need to charge you as much.

As you are less likely to fall into a bad financial situation, the lender needs to create less of a safety blanket through the interest charges.

Get Approved for Higher Credit Limits

Because you have proved yourself capable of managing your finances, you are more likely to be approved for higher credit limits.

The better your credit score is, the easier it will be to apply for big loans, credit cards, and mortgages.

More Housing Options

Because you will be approved for higher credit limits and don’t need to pay as much in your deposit, your good credit score can help open your world to more housing options.

Although your income hasn’t changed, you have proven to the lenders that you can handle your current financial situation. With less money to pay upfront, larger loans to apply for, and lower interest rates, it all adds up to a larger home for you to purchase.

Tips to Help Increase Your Credit Score

If your credit score is good, but you want it to be excellent, or perhaps you are just a couple of numbers behind the green banner, then we have some tips to push you into the next credit score bracket.

Be Organized

The best way to increase your credit score is to be on top of your financial situation. This means knowing your monthly income, knowing when your bills are due, and tracking your spending habits.

You may need to cancel some subscriptions to keep yourself inside your spending limit, but if you can get to the point where you are saving every month instead of adding to your debts, then you are on the right track.

To go one step further, you can try and pay back your credit card debts strategically. The best method is to pay back every credit card’s minimum payment, but pay more to the least expensive account.

Once the least expensive account has been completely paid off, don’t add that monthly cost to your free-spending or savings account; instead, use it to pay off your larger debts.

This will create a snowball effect, allowing you to reduce your debts faster and faster with every credit account reduced to $0.

Consider A Credit-Builder Loan

A credit-builder loan is a small loan. The idea is to apply for the loan and to add a new credit line to your credit history. As we said before, one of the best ways to improve your credit score is to prove you can handle different types of financial borrowings, or “credit mix”.

Applying for a small loan, which you pay off in a couple of months, will add “loan” to the list of credit lines you can safely manage.

Which in turn, will make your credit history look even stronger.

Get A Credit Card

If you haven’t got a credit card already, we suggest that you get one. Although they may seem daunting, there is a simple way to use them without getting yourself into financial hardship.

Just as we discussed a weekly allowance earlier, you could use your credit card instead of your debit card to pay for your allowed spending.

Then when the week comes to a close, you can pay off the credit card using your debit card.

Become An Authorized User

If you need a quick boost to your credit score, then we suggest talking to a trusted friend or family member about becoming an authorized user.

Authorized users are people who have permission to use another person’s account but aren’t legally responsible for paying for the bill. This privilege is often given to children, spouses, and family members.

The original account holder has to agree to your authorization, and you can be removed at any time. If you are connected to someone’s account like this, you can benefit from their high credit score, as their credit line connects to yours.

You can buy authorized user credit lines online, but because of the intimate connection you will have with the other person’s financial details, we suggest asking a friend or family member first.

If you use the person’s credit card, or if they start to decline financially, then you will both see a dip in your credit score. If the authorized user doesn’t pay their bills and starts developing late payment fees, then the original card holder’s credit score will suffer.

Although this type of connection can be very helpful in increasing your credit score, both you and the original account holder have to think seriously about the commitment you are making before signing any contracts.

Get Credit For Rent

Despite rent being one of the biggest expenses in most people’s monthly budget, it isn’t rated highly on your credit score.

To make that big payment mean something to your credit history, you should pay the bill using a credit card and then pay the card back using your debit card.

The large payment to your credit card will show you using the credit line and being able to pay back a large sum of money with ease.

Make rent work for you.

Get Credit For Utility Bills

If you don’t pay for rent, then we suggest following the same logic with utility bills. Utility bills are counted in your credit score, which is why we wouldn’t suggest it normally, however they are another large payment you need to make.

Paying through your credit card, just like with rent, will show how you can pay back large sums of money with ease. Again remember that you should pay your credit card back almost immediately.

We suggest creating an automatic payment to the bill from the credit card, and another to the credit card from the debit card; always allowing for a couple of days’ wiggle room in case the banks take their time to make the payments.

Monitoring Your Credit Report

To maintain your good credit score, you need to know how credit scores are calculated. When you are aware of the 5 factors (payment history, amount owed, length of credit history, new credit lines, and credit mixes) you can use that knowledge to understand how your finances will be read.

If you monitor these credit details, you can manipulate your credit score into reflecting your best financial habits. Paying your bills on time, keeping your old credit cards, and keeping your credit balances as low as possible are all reachable goals to keep your credit score high.

Keeping an eye on your credit lines and credit report will help you notice when elements are slipping.

Neighbors Started Summer with Free Jeni’s Ice Cream

Original Article – https://www.larchmontbuzz.com/featured-stories-larchmont-village/neighbors-started-summer-with-free-jenis-ice-cream/

Neighbors enjoyed free ice cream scoops at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams on Larchmont Blvd. (all photos by Jade Ikeda)

Lots of neighbors celebrated the first official day of summer with free ice cream from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams on Larchmont. Well, to be totally accurate, it wasn’t completely free, but it didn’t cost any money. The free scoops were a promotion for Jeni’s Splendid Rewards loyalty program. If you were willing to join the program, you got free ice cream last night. But it was easy to join and staffers were happy to scan a code at checkout. Buzz contributor Jade Ikeda also told us that Jeni’s staff announced the requirement well in advance, so everyone seemed to have the “scoop,” as it were.

There was a time when Jeni’s summer celebration scoops were completely free, but times have changed. Still it’s not a bad deal. For every dollar you spend, you get a point and you get a $5 reward for every 100 points. And if you’re like me and my family, that adds up fairly quickly. So you do get something for sharing your information and the money you already spent. (I also joined the loyalty program at La Brea Bakery and love getting a free loaf of bread every now and then!)

Jade said customers got to select up to two flavors in a waffle cone or cup with a waffle wafer. She chose a cone of Wildberry Lavender and Pineapple Upside Down Cake, and her husband enjoyed a cone of Sweet Cream Biscuits & Peach Jam and Powdered Jelly Donut. Sounds like a delicious way to start the summer!

Design secrets and decorating tricks to create a happy home

The secret to a happy home? You heard it here first…

Original Article – https://www.loveproperty.com/gallerylist/134962/design-secrets-and-decorating-tricks-to-create-a-happy-home

Oliver BonasPost-pandemic, our happiness at home has become more important, whether it’s because we’re continuing to spend more time indoors, or simply because we’re looking to create a sense of calm. Either way, self-care and mindfulness have shot to the top of the agenda, and we’re enveloping ourselves in spaces that bust our stress and boost our mood. Here, Nicky Rampley-Clarke looks at the clever ways we’re incorporating joy into our interiors, from colour to décor and everything in between…

Be loud (and proud) with dopamine décor

Dulux

In their latest influential trend report, Pinterest Predicts declared that dopamine dressing would be makings strides this year with vibrant outfits and colourful palettes. It’s not hard to see how feel-good colours might extend into our homes, as suggested by Dulux in its round-up of interiors trends for 2022. Think electric blues, peacock purples and fuchsia pinks – used as cheery statements by themselves or combined to kaleidoscopic effect.

Pick a pet project

Casa.Curated

It’s been proven that people with pets are generally happier and healthier. That’s because interacting with animals is thought to decrease stress levels and reduce blood pressure. So why not repay your four-legged friend by making their sleeping (or eating) area a stylish part of your home? Dedicated boot rooms for mucky hounds are on the rise here in the UK, but even small zoned areas such as this by interiors influencer Casa.Curated can make our furry companions feel right at home.

Power-up with plants

Patch Plants

Biophilic design – an approach that prioritises our human need to connect with nature – is big news. Not only do plants soften a space, bringing texture and colour, but they offer health benefits: absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Patch Plants has been making it easy with gorgeous greenery delivered to your door. Its ‘plant doctor’, Richard Cheshire, explains: “Studies have shown that being around nature makes us feel more relaxed. Our brain finds green soothing, so bringing plants into a room can make it a nicer place to be.”

Make space for ‘you-time’

Snug Sofa

From working up a sweat to chilling out with mediation, ‘you-time’ is different for everyone. Luckily, you don’t need a dedicated home gym or yoga studio to practise self-care at home. Simply zone your space with paint: a designated spot for crunches and weights next to your desk; a marked-out area for stretches and mindfulness beside your bed; or a colourful corner for simply curling up with a good book.

Nip the niggles in the bud

Task Rabbit

There’s always something that will annoy you about your house. A creaky step or a dripping tap, perhaps? Separately, these are insignificant, but collectively they contribute to stress. So, if you’re not happy with the niggles, change them – or pay someone to sort them for you. Begüm Zarmann, managing director at TaskRabbit Europe, says: “One in 10 couples has broken up due to a DIY-related dispute, so outsource to a skilled handy person to maintain a happy home!”

Style up a ‘spa-throom’

Soho Home

A spa experience massages away all the stresses and strains of everyday life. So why not recreate the style and splendour of a five-star facility from the comfort of your own bathroom? Spa bathrooms (‘spa-throoms’) are a hot bathroom trend this year, equipped with everything from hot tubs to saunas and power-showers – plus scented candles and mood lighting to boot. It’s the ultimate escapism for destressing more regularly without leaving home.

Tap into textures

Cult Furniture

Enjoy the feeling of clean sheets as you slip into bed or a freshly-vacuumed carpet underfoot? You’re not alone. Harnessing the same principles of ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response – a tingling sensation triggered by placid sights, sounds and sensations), textures can offer a simple yet undeniable pleasure. Create spaces brimming with tactility for sensory enjoyment in everyday living: soft furnishings in boucle, velvet and brushed cotton; textured surfaces in marble, granite and sandstone. It’s a small way to add joy to every day…

Optimise your bedroom for sleep

DFS

Make your bedroom a place conducive to quality slumber: decorating the space in colours such as relaxed lavenders, soothing blues and serene greens is a good start, while investing in a brilliant bed topped with the right mattress and decent sheets will certainly help. Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of lighting to set the scene: curtains and blinds with blackout lining and dimmers, table lights and sconces.

Declutter your décor

Furniture and Choice

Unless you’ve been living under a pile of clutter, you’ll know that tidying has become a major trend (Marie Kondo, The Home Edit). Interiors stylist Sam Griggs explains: “Everything in your home should be there because you love it or it is useful! To declutter, think about your style and colours: if you’re drawn to muted shades, don’t hold onto the bright orange cushion you bought years ago! Our tastes evolve as we get older, so we shouldn’t be held hostage by anything that no longer suits.”

Personalise your space

Oliver Bonas

Sure, a stylish home makes for good Instagram fodder, but perfect pictures aren’t getting traction. That’s because people tend to resonate more with real homes that are full of personality. Add photos of loved ones to celebrate relationships; and personal treasures collected from travels to recall memories. Sam Griggs, interiors stylist, says: “Don’t be distracted by trends. See yourself as a collector when filling your home. [Create] a space that feels personal to you and reflects your tastes. It’s your nest, after all!”

Lean into ‘broken-plan’ living

www.johnlewis.com

While open-plan living was big in the 90s and 00s, 2022 sees us moving towards ‘broken-plan’ living. The concept is a kind of halfway-house, separating out spaces more while keeping a sense of flow, as using our homes for both work and play during Covid has us seeking a compromise. Try zoning with colour, adding dividing screens, experimenting with different levels, transitioning through flooring and positioning furniture cleverly.

Create a space that soothes

DuluxEvery home should have a space to fully relax and shut out the rest of the world. Using calm colours like lavender or a powdery blue, make it soft and comfortable with fluffy rugs, cushions and soft drapes and try to keep it clutter-free. Bring in home scents that calm like lavender and geranium, and use it for doing things that bring you joy whether that’s reading, crosswords, crafting, watching your favourite shows or just taking a nap.

Understand colour psychology

Wren Kitchens

Colour is one of the simplest ways to lift your mood at home. Whether it’s a piece of furniture you’ve upcycled with a pop of leftover paint, or a corner you’ve got creative with using colour saturation, bright and beautiful shades can raise your spirits. Dulux Heritage advises mellow yellow in the breakfast room for putting a spring in your step; natural green in a living room to invigorate; and deep blue in a bedroom for lulling you to sleep. Makes sense, right?

Consider slick storage solutions

Orthex Group

From larder units that hide away mismatched jars and tins (see Khloe Kardashian’s take on the trend), to laundry cupboards that conceal baskets of dirty clothing, clever organisation systems don’t only look chic, but also make finding things quicker and easier – resulting in an efficient and happy household. There are lots of clever tricks to help you get organised, but creating a place for everything is the only real way to declutter your home for good.

Look to ambient lighting

Pooky

Soft, warm lighting isn’t just flattering, but it’s calming, too. Create a mood at home with adjustable dimmer switches and lots of lamps to control the level of lighting in different rooms. Jo Plant, head of design at Pooky, adds: “Incorporate localised lamps and accent wall lighting. It’s the perfect way to introduce a layered lighting scheme into your home that can create ambient and atmospheric levels of light to suit the occasion.”

Create a statement loo

Divine Savages

The downstairs bathroom provides a blank canvas for creativity, so why not go a little wild? First, choose a busy or colourful wall covering. Jamie Watkins, co-founder of Divine Savages, says: “Guests will usually see your loo, so it’s your chance to have a bit of fun!” Next, layer with an eclectic gallery wall of artworks. Finally, finish with a cheeky touch, such as a novelty loo-roll holder or anything that makes you smile when you see it.

Let there be (natural) light

247 Blinds

Like plants, we need natural light to grow and flourish, so ensure it’s maximised everywhere at home to banish the blues. Lots of homes lack natural light – blame the weather, or simply the way they’re built – so position furniture near windows (or beneath skylights), hang mirrors opposite them and choose dressings that don’t conceal essential rays by day. Small changes, big impact. If you have old fashioned leaded windows, replacing them with clear glass will make a huge difference.

Style up an outdoor sanctuary

Dobbies Garden Centres

From the vibrancy of a Moroccan souk to the calm of a Caribbean beach, it’s not hard to see how recreating your favourite holiday destination at home can cheer you up. This year, we’re not only going big on décor inspired by far-flung places – think rattan and wicker; tropical prints and palm motifs – but we’re also turning our gardens into resort-style oases complete with garden bars and hot tubs. It’s all the happiness of a holiday, but no passport required…

Spring-clean your space

Walton and Co

Arguably, it was Mrs Hinch – with 4.3-million followers – who sparked our obsession with cleaning. Her best-selling book sings its praises for the positive impact it can have on your mental health. For many, it’s nigh-on impossible to relax knowing there’s a sink full of dishes, or a pile of laundry stacking up. Tackling these daily tasks not only feels satisfying, but it creates a real sense of achievement, especially when they’re things you’ve been putting off for a while. But also make the most of a new season with a spring clean to give your home a reset. Clean the windows, change winter bedding for summer, swap up cosy throws for lighter soft furnishings. Clean yourself cheery!

Make sustainable choices

Dunelm

Sustainable choices can start at home, whether it’s eco-friendly paint or ethical furniture brands. When it comes to materials, think along the lines of wood, stone or wicker, both natural and trendy. And come up with a stylish system that easily separates out rubbish from recycling. While these solutions are small in the grand scheme of things, surrounding yourself with sustainable style certainly helps you sleep at night, and creates a chic home with a conscience.

What $1M gets in 5 California real estate markets

Original Article – https://ktla.com/news/california/what-1m-gets-in-5-california-real-estate-markets/

California is known for many things: the beaches, theme parks and famous landmarks. And, one less popular aspect: the price.

House hunters may find properties in the $1 million range in Bakersfield, Fresno and even San Diego. But in San Francisco or Los Angeles, you may find less than what you bargained for.

Here’s a look at what you might get for $1 million in Bakersfield, Fresno, San Francisco, San Diego and Los Angeles.

Bakersfield

Bakersfield is considered one of the most affordable of the bunch. One million dollars encompasses many of the city’s top-tier homes. There are only a few houses on the market in the $1 million price range.

Generally, you can get over 3,000 square feet with four bedrooms. As of early June, there were only about four homes listed in that price range.

For example, there is a 3,587-square-foot house with four bedrooms and three bathrooms located in the gated community Masterpiece Estates, according to the Zillow website.

Aside from the few $1 million houses, there are also empty lots available to build new homes on.

Fresno

Fresno is very much the same. Generally, that price tag can get you over 3,000 square feet with four bedrooms as well as empty lots for new construction.

For example, there is a 3,695-square-foot house with four bedrooms and four bathrooms near the Golden State Highway, according to Zillow.

Bonus: This house features six attached garage spaces, according to Zillow.

San Diego

In San Diego, buyers can generally find homes in the 2,000-square-foot range for $1 million.

For example, there is a 2,121-square-foot house with five bedrooms and three bathrooms located near the San Carlos area, according to Zillow.

This home features a fireplace and stainless steel appliances, according to the Zillow website.

In San Diego, the lots go for around $1.1 million and are mainly marketed for multi-family construction, according to the Zillow website.

Los Angeles

In the busy City of Angels, house hunters can find slightly smaller houses and condos in the $1 million price range.

From an 868-square-foot home with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a one-car garage deep in the Hollywood Hills to a 1,144-square-foot condo with two bedrooms and two bathrooms near South Park, buyers will find the square footage in Los Angeles a bit pricier than the Central Valley, according to Zillow.

The condo also features a view of the city and has shared building amenities including a hot tub, pool, movie room and a fitness center, according to Zillow.

Similar to San Diego, the empty lots range from $1 to $1.2 million and are marketed for multi-family construction, according to the Zillow website.

San Francisco

San Francisco is considered one of the most expensive places to live in the U.S. There, buyers can generally find homes and condos in the 1,000-square-foot range and below depending on location.

Starting with a 876-square-foot condo in the East Cut part of San Francisco, featuring one bedroom and one bathroom. The condo also comes with an in-unit washer, dryer and dishwasher, according to Zillow.

Buyers can find a house near Bernal Heights for slightly above $1 million. For example, a 1,221-square-foot house with two bedrooms and one bathroom near a BART station and San Francisco Muni is listed or $1.1 million, but it is “a fixer in need of major repair,” according to the Zillow listing.

So, the real question is: What would you rather spend $1 million on, space or location?

Raised beds can take a garden to the next level. Here’s what to know.

Original Article – https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2022/06/08/tips-choosing-raised-beds-gardening/

One of the first lessons I learned as a gardener is that if you don’t have high-quality soil, the greenest thumb in the world isn’t going to save your plants. When we moved into our home half a dozen years ago, I soon realized that the dirt in our backyard was not viable for growing. Thick with clay, it was intersected by so many roots that it was impossible to push the shovel into the earth without hitting one.

I needed raised beds to fill with garden-level soil before I could sow my first season’s plantings. I purchased a few kits made with untreated wood — they were cheap and easy to assemble — and packed them with a combination of bagged soil and composted kitchen scraps.

It only took me a couple of years to regret my choice. The side planks buckled, and those resting on the ground rotted away. The rich loam inside began spilling out onto the white pebble pathways around the beds, an eyesore and a waste. This spring, I ripped them out and replaced them with a trio of new raised beds and an herb garden on wheels, but first I spoke with three gardening experts and spent a lot of time researching my options.

Here are the five factors they say you should consider when choosing raised-bed kits.

Materials. Kevin Espiritu, founder of Epic Gardening, generally recommends buying metal raised beds over those made of wood. “When you do the calculation on longevity of metal versus wood, metal beats out wood,” he says. “And during the pandemic, the cost for wood has skyrocketed, so sometimes wood is even more expensive than metal.” He notes that good metal beds will last more than a decade with proper care, which includes ensuring the bed doesn’t flood often or consistently sit in moisture. And line it with geotextile fabric or landscape fabric if you’re growing crops requiring acidic soil, which will corrode the metal.

Size. Beds should be at least a foot tall, says Josh Singer, a community garden specialist with the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation. “Bigger crops, such as tomatoes and squash, need at least that much room for their roots to grow,” he says, adding that you can even dig up another foot of ground below the bed to give plants space to expand. To ensure that you can easily reach across the entire bed — and that it won’t be so long that the sides bow out — he advises keeping beds two to four feet wide and four to eight feet long.

Beauty. “In urban and suburban areas, you probably only have a patio or small yard, so you’re probably going to want to like what you’re looking at out there,” says Tim Williams, operations manager of Greenstreet Gardens, a landscaping and design company. “But if pretty isn’t a factor for you, don’t worry about it. No one is going to judge you.”

Assembly. “It’s smart to have gloves on hand,” Espiritu says. “I always assemble kits using a drill with a screwdriver bit on it — set to a low torque, so you’re not over-screwing the bolt or stripping it out — because it’s faster. And have someone with you to help with the build. It’ll just be easier.” Don’t forget to ensure that your bed is on even ground, because a raised bed on a slope will get unbalanced moisture distribution and may leak soil. (Have a level handy if you don’t feel comfortable eyeballing it.)

Cost. Last, but never least, consider your budget. A metal raised-bed kit can cost several hundred dollars, plus shipping fees if it’s not available locally. The good news, though, is that by this time of year, many kits will be on sale or on clearance in the D.C. area. “But don’t wait too long, because they will become unavailable, and it will be too late to plant most things,” Williams says.

Here are four raised-bed kits the experts recommend.

Vego Garden’s 17-inch six-in-one modular metal raised bed. If you’ve been browsing raised-bed options on Instagram, you’ve probably seen these eye-catching beds with rounded corners. Williams is a fan. “It’s fantastic how much surface area you can get and the large soil volume for deep root systems,” he says. The 10-piece kit with 17-inch-tall sides can be built into six configurations, both square and rectangular, including 2 by 2 feet and 5 by 3½ feet. It takes about 35 minutes to put together. When attaching the panels in this kit and the others, check that the tops and bottoms are aligned; simply flip the panel if not.

Birdies’ tall modular raised bed. The OG of corrugated raised beds, Australia-based Birdies has been producing them for more than 13 years. Made of galvanized steel with an Aluzinc coating, the bed can be built into nine setups, rectangular and square, such as 40 by 24 inches and 66 by 40 inches. It’s 29 inches tall, so you don’t have to bend over to reach your plants, Espiritu says, “which is great for gardeners who are elderly or who have accessibility issues.” Set aside about 45 minutes to build and install it.

Olle’s 17-inch 12-in-1 galvanized raised bed. The panels are made of galvanized steel and coated with Aluzinc, designed to reflect the sun and maintain a consistent soil temperature. The 12-piece kit of 17-inch-tall panels can be transformed into a dozen configurations, both rectangular and square, including 80 by 40 inches and 44 by 24 inches; it should take about 35 minutes to assemble. Singer likes this kit because of its durability and height. When it comes to filling it, he recommends a blend of 90 percent topsoil and 10 percent compost; the latter will decompose over the year. “Dump a couple of bags of compost into the bed at the start of each year to refresh the organic matter,” he says. “And since the soil compacts, you really have to till it well every year.”

Forever raised beds. “If you want a bed that isn’t wood but will last a long time and looks like wood, this is the way to go,” Espiritu says. Designed to look like they’re built with cedar planks, these beds are made from a composite of recycled wood and plastic. They are available in configurations of 3 by 3 feet or 3 by 6 feet, making them great for smaller backyard gardens. Expect it to take about 15 to 20 minutes to assemble.

Martell is a writer based in Silver Spring, Md. His website is nevinmartell.com. Find him on Twitter and Instagram: @nevinmartell.

LA Animal Services Issues Plea for Dog and Cat Adoptions from Crowded Shelters

Original Article – https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/la-animal-services-issues-plea-for-dog-and-cat-adoptions-from-crowded-shelters/2904315/

L.A. Animal Services is asking Angelenos to open their hearts, and their homes, to dogs and cats in need of adoption — offering reduced fees at the agency’s six locations Saturday and Sunday.

“Our shelters are full and need YOU to help dogs find homes,” according to an agency statement issued Friday.

As National Pet Month comes to a close, L.A. Animal Services officials said adoption fees for all dogs will be $51, not including license, and $75 for puppies on Saturday and Sunday.

Adoption fees for cats and kittens will be waived entirely thanks to a grant from the ASPCA.

L.A. Animal Services also urged people who might not be able to adopt to consider fostering a pet “to give them a temporary break from kennel life.”

A list of adoptable pets can be found at laanimalservices.com/adopt/.

Dogs and cats adopted from the agency join their new families already spayed or neutered, vaccinated, licensed and microchipped, according to the agency.

Local

6 hidden costs of home remodeling

Original Article – https://www.bankrate.com/homeownership/hidden-home-remodeling-costs/

If you’re thinking about remodeling your home, you’re not alone. Annual homeowner spending on improvements and renovations has clocked double-digit growth since the pandemic, and could reach $430 billion by the second half of 2022, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. Even as the coronavirus crisis eases, part-time and hybrid work schedules are keeping many closer to home — making them decide to spruce up their residences.

Whatever project you have in mind, be advised: Its price tag isn’t limited to the materials you’ll need or the contractors you’ll hire. Home remodeling jobs tend to carry hidden costs. As you look ahead to cooking in that new state-of-the-art kitchen or turning that spare bedroom into an office, be sure to budget for these six often-overlooked expenses.

1. Securing permits

Many remodeling projects require a work permit from city or county authorities before the job commences. According to Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi, these generally range from $424 to $2,291, with the national average being $1,330. It depends on the municipality and the nature of the work.

“Most renovations call for permits, especially if you’re updating electrical or plumbing [systems],” Hicks says. “In big cities, permits can cost up to $7,500, while in small towns they may be as low as $100.”

It may seem at times like the permitting process is an unnecessary impediment to your progress but don’t even consider skipping this step — or letting your contractor skip it (contractors are generally in charge of obtaining permits). Additional costs and fees in the form of penalties and fines will be imposed and you risk a work stoppage and invalidating insurance coverage if you don’t obtain the necessary permissions from your municipality.

Speaking of sign-offs: Many construction jobs also require post-project inspections by a municipal authority, and there could be a fee for that too, in addition to the original permit’s.

2. Installing appliances

A lot of major home appliances aren’t simply plug-in-and-go. You have to get them up and running — and that often costs money. This particularly pertains to “appliances that require complex wiring or plumbing labor, such as dishwashers” or washing machines, Hicks says. Even if you’re an advanced DIY-er, it’s often advisable to have a licensed electrician or plumber do the work. If the retailer you’re buying from offers an installation package, springing for it is not the worst idea in the world; just be sure to factor it into your final bill.

Bear in mind that the store installation only applies to the appliance. So before the appliance arrives, make sure your current HVAC, power and plumbing systems can handle it; if not, you’ll have to call in your own pro to upgrade them in advance.

“Switching a gas stove over to electric, or vice versa, bumps up appliance installation cost. Running a new gas line, adding a new circuit and breaker and refrigerators with ice makers, which need a water hookup, can all raise the cost of your renovation,” Hicks says.

3. Being dispossessed

Consider how the work might impact your routine, and for how long. If your home is enveloped in a cloud of dust during the demo or construction phases of the project, for instance, you’re not going to be able to prepare meals there, or potentially even be able to sleep there. A few weeks of eating at restaurants, or renting a space to live in, can add up quickly.

4. Encountering complications

Tearing up your home can also reveal some issues you didn’t know existed, Hicks notes, which will undoubtedly increase your costs as you pay to remedy them.

“Damage to areas not visible until the project begins; plumbing or wiring that needs to be updated to meet current building codes; termites, lead, mold, radon and other circumstances can easily move a home remodeling project beyond budget,” Hicks says. “Many contractors recommend adding an additional 10 percent to 20 percent buffer to your project’s overall cost to be prepared to deal with these types of issues.”

There may be ways to protect yourself from covering all of these “surprise” costs yourself. Construction contingency clauses in contracts can be negotiated to hold the contractor at least partially responsible for the added expense to remedy a complication, especially if it’s one that could have been avoided or anticipated.

5. Cleaning up

“Construction leaves a lot of dust and debris, so you’ll want the job to be thorough,” Hicks says. “It includes everything from ridding the walls of scuff marks and smudges to waxing floors and scrubbing windows.”

Some of these costs can also be anticipated upfront and you should make the effort to have your contractor provide a fixed price for initial demolition and debris removal costs — or at least, a price estimate for these services; you can also request a later adjustment if actual costs are less.

Finally, consider spending a bit more to have the impacted area of your home swept, vacuumed, washed and polished by a professional after all work is completed, to make it “broom clean” and fully habitable. A good housekeeping or maid service can do the job quicker and more thoroughly than you can, probably, and their price will typically not exceed a few hundred dollars — between $275 and $650., according to Hicks.

6. Expanding your homeowners insurance coverage

Your dream remodel is finished, but now, it’s time to make sure it’s protected. Since a renovation can increase the worth of your home, you might find you need to pay more in premiums to bring your coverage up to an appropriate level. Some common home improvements that can affect your homeowners insurance, both in terms of replacement values and liability, include room additions and swimming pools.

Final word on hidden costs of home remodels

It’s easy to overlook certain costs when renovating a home. And since some prices can still surprise you, even after you plan ahead, it’s always best to budget a bit extra for any home improvement project. That way, the final bill won’t destroy any joy you have in your remodeled room or spiffy new space.

9TH ANNUAL PAPER SHREDDING EVENT

Clients, Friends & Neighbors, we would like to personally invite you to our 11th Annual Paper Shredding Event. We want to give back to our community by helping you get rid of unwanted documents. We are sponsoring File Keepers Shredding Company and Raffle prizes for our neighborhood. So Bring all of your documents to have the Disappear (shred) before your very eyes!

I look forward to seeing you there.

Conserve Water on Your Spring/Summer Landscaping

Now is the time of year when lawns come out of dormancy – a time many gardeners eagerly await. This is also the time of year that we trade large heating bills for sometimes equally large water bills. As you consider your gardening plan this spring, why not resolve to use less water?

We use a lot of water
The US Environmental Protection Agency claims that, across the country, watering our landscaping accounts for nearly one-third of all residential water use, totaling nearly 9 billion gallons per day. In addition, some experts estimate that as much as 50 percent of water used for irrigation is wasted due to evaporation, wind, or runoff caused by inefficient irrigation methods and systems.

Start with the lawn
Sure, a lush, green lawn can increase a home’s curb appeal, but if you plan to stay put for a while, you can consider reducing your lawn’s size by replacing some areas with mulch or hardscaping. To maintain size, but reduce water usage, you can replant with a less thirsty variety of turfgrass and/or not cut your grass so short. Longer grass promotes deeper root growth, resulting in a more drought-resistant lawn, reduced evaporation, and fewer weeds.

Water more efficiently
Water your lawn before 10 a.m. for max efficiency. ThisOldHouse.comrecommends watering between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. “At this cool time of day, it’s less likely the moisture will evaporate before your grassroots can absorb it from the soil,” they explain.

Plant early
Planting new plants in spring (vs. summer) gives them numerous advantages. Milder conditions are less harsh on the young leaves and buds, and lower temperatures require less water for the plants to get established.

Go native
Choosing plants native to your area is another way to save effort and water. Native, drought-resistant plants require less maintenance and less water once established and have the added benefit of providing habitats to beneficial pollinators and soil organisms.

Conserving water doesn’t mean you have to convert your yard into a rock quarry. Making some minor changes can reduce landscape water use but still leave your property looking beautiful and alive.

Amazon expands in SoCal

The Water Garden office complex in Santa Monica

Amazon is significantly expanding its white-collar presence in Southern California, announcing office leases to accommodate 2,500 new corporate and technology jobs in Santa Monica, Irvine and San Diego.

The e-commerce giant said it has signed three leases, for a combined 439,000 square feet, for what it described as “tech hubs” in the three cities. The leases bring Amazon’s office footprint in Southern California to more than 1.5 million square feet, representing an increase of more than 40%, according to real estate brokerage data.

The Seattle company said it plans to recruit locally for jobs in various areas, including retail, operations, gaming and web services. Specific roles include software development engineers, game designers and user experience designers.

The three offices are the latest in a flurry of sites Amazon has opened over the last two years to handle the surge in demand from homebound consumers during the pandemic. Last week, the company acknowledged that the hiring spree has left it with too many workers and too much warehouse space as it reported a $3.8-billion quarterly loss.

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