The COVID-19 pandemic has upended many aspects of our economy, and the housing market is no exception. In addition to realtors, many rental property owners have been affected. If you own a rental property that has been recently vacated, consider the following steps for preparing it to go back on the market. Read more

Your air conditioner is designed to keep your home cool during the summer, but like any system, it requires ongoing maintenance to sustain peak operating efficiency. While some maintenance steps are best left to an HVAC professional (such as handling refrigerant), there are others you can perform yourself. Here are four DIY air conditioning maintenance steps: Read more

With spring in full swing and summer on the horizon, it’s a good time to survey your home and property and undertake some seasonal maintenance tasks. Here are some things to consider: Read more

I was looking up at some cobwebs in the ceiling corners of my living room and they’re always a good reminder that it’s time for a deep clean. Many of us get motivated to do spring cleaning when the flowers start blooming, the days warm up and the sunlight lasts longer. In fact, one survey found that more than 70% of us do some form of spring cleaning every year. So, take our quiz to see how prepared you are for the job at hand. Good luck! Read more

Like most Bay Area residents, you’re probably looking forward to spending lots of time outside this summer. If that’s the case, you’ll want your outdoor living space to be ready—particularly your backyard patio. While most homes have patios, few are as comfortable or attractive as they could be. If you’re feeling underwhelmed by your patio’s current state, consider investing some time and money into helping it reach its full potential. Read more

During the shelter-in-place orders, so many of us are spending more time at home than ever before. This has brought on a home improvement and decorating boom, along with another rather mixed blessing: the opportunity to uncover hidden problems. In my case, it was a slow water leak from a skylight.

For months, I’ve been ignoring some cracks and small bubbles in my bathroom ceiling near the skylight. After one of the recent rainstorms, the problem became more noticeable. I decided to poke a broom handle around the area and it was spongy. As my husband and I tore out the ceiling, we discovered mold in an area that extended several feet in all directions. Read more

A new carpet is an expensive investment, one that requires ongoing maintenance to sustain both appearance and performance. That’s why it’s wise to take proactive steps to protect your carpet from premature wear and tear. Consider these five tips for maximizing your carpet’s lifespan: Read more