Articles Tagged "healthy living"

Spring is coming. Homeowners are looking for ways to get the house spring cleaned and ready for prospective buyers. Where to start is often the challenge. Depending on how routine maintenance and cleaning have been, this may be an easy or difficult task. A thorough cleaning makes the home stand out more than one that only looks good on the surface. People can usually tell a deep clean from surface clean. Prospective buyers need to envision themselves in the home. 

Clean Up and Ship Out

The best rule of thumb when spring cleaning is to get rid of things that don't belong. This may be old clothes that have not been worn or old furniture that won't be going to the new place. Reduce the amount of clutter and donate to a good cause at the same time. It is well worth the investment to stage the house for prospective buyers by taking time to bag up clothes, toys, papers, and documents that can be shredded. It also helps to put things in storage so they are out of the common areas where people might see them (like too many books, DVDs, or personal items).

Outside Clutter

Nothing is less appealing to prospective buyers than a home's exterior that has not been maintained. The outside of a home is important as a first impression. Curb appeal is important because house hunters go off first glance to request a showing. Some key tips to consider:

• Lawn maintenance matters. Keep the lawn free and clear of clutter and long grass in spring or summer. Keep it free of leaves and make sure the hedges are trimmed
• Clean up gutters and downspouts of debris to make sure it is flowing well
• Spruce up flower beds, add additional plants, or trim some hedges to clean up landscaping
• Put out a new mat that welcomes prospective home buyers to the property
• Add a few touch-ups to paint or exterior siding that will help make it look more presentable

Windows

Make sure all the windows are clean. Homes are better with blinds and curtains pointing up. A clean window still gives more light into a room and gives buyers a chance to get a clear picture of the interior of the home. Make sure to clean and get rid of streaks. Check sliding doors, large windows, and outside doors, too.

Little Things Matter

Look at all the little pieces of the home from the perspective of a potential buyer. When looking around, think of it as whether someone will think a quirk is just a quirk or if it needs work. Things that are loose and squeaky may need extra love for the moment. If knobs are missing or loose, it is best to replace them.

A small amount of cleaning goes a long way. Don't hesitate to speak to a real estate professional about getting your home spring cleaned and ready for sale. It takes a village to get it done right. Be sure to put in the time and effort now. It will pay dividends in the future.

Even if cleaning is not your favorite part of the sale process, we can help make the rest easier. Our goal is to support you as you search for that perfect property and sell your current home. We help you navigate the home inspection process, spring cleaning, and everything in-between. Let us know how Choice Properties can help you through the process. 

Families who live in better neighborhoods may find some residual health benefits. Moving families out of low-income neighborhoods does not necessarily increase wealth or job status but may offer a boost in a different way which supports long-term health and increased happiness.

Health Benefits

A recent study published in the journal Science focused on data analyzed from a study called Moving to Opportunity, a federal housing mobility experiment from the 1990s. Approximately 4,600 low-income families living in poor neighborhoods in five major cities across America were analyzed. About 2,000 families received housing vouchers which allowed the families to move into mixed-income neighborhoods, while others stayed behind. The goal was to determine how much a person's living environment impacts his or her success. Scientists noted families who moved reported significant boosts in physical and psychological health, even while job status or educational opportunities may not have changed.

Health and Happiness

Compared with families who did not move, families who switched neighborhoods experienced lower rates of the following conditions:

• Diabetes

• Obesity

• Anxiety

• Stress

• Depression

Rates of depression decreased while the overall satisfaction with life rose to that of a person whose annual income was $13,000 more a year. The significant findings of this report demonstrate money does not necessarily equate to happiness. Helping poor families is about more than just increasing income, but also providing a safe, lower stress environment in which to live, raise kids and work.

Looking for Clues

Researchers were not sure why moving to a new neighborhood made people feel happier but the focus shifted to how people feel more safe and less stressed in different neighborhoods. Some families received mental health benefits in less violent and impoverished communities while some were no better off. Racial segregation did not seem to change the statistics of overall happiness for people, in fact even if it the new neighborhood was as racially segregated, people were significantly happier. The reality is people experience health and happiness in different contexts so it is an individual experience whether or not moving will bring greater happiness, contentment and overall health benefits.

More research is needed to understand what supports families in creating more health benefits and happiness. It is not just from where a family lives, works and attends school but also dependent on other factors including family, community and other unknown variables. As researchers continue to work at understanding the human condition, health and happiness it will be necessary to learn more about the connection between poverty and happiness for future generations.  Firm understanding of how these factors work together can provide greater insight into how healthy communities develop, and maintain, overall wellness and happiness.

Moving can be just what the family needs.

Let our award-winning real estate agents help your family find the perfect neighborhood for a fresh start.