Upstate Real Estate May 2018

Real Estate UPSTATE

& HOME SERVICES

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HOME OF THE MONTH Morningside Set on 92 acres of meadows and forest, this dynamic contemporary home provides sweeping 100 mile views of the Susquehanna Valley. 4 bedroom, 3 bath.

Listing Price: $749,000

Coldwell Banker Timberland Properties 607-547-1884 www.coldwellbanker.com

PHOTO BY FRANZ EDLINGER

Terms you need to know when applying for a mortgage Page 6

Acclimating to a new neighborhood Page 8 VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 5 | MAY, 2018

Design the perfect outdoor lounge area!

Page 13

Real Estate UPSTATE

& HOME SERVICES

A Publication of The Daily Star

102 Chestnut Street Oneonta, NY 13820 607-432-1000 www.thedailystar.com PUBLISHER Fred Scheller fscheller@thedailystar.com (607) 441-7214

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Valerie Secor vsecor@thedailystar.com (607) 441-7235

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tracy Bender

A day in the life: Responsibilties of a real estate agent................. 4 Avoid these five common mistakes when moving....................... 5 Terms you need to know when applying for a mortgage............... 6 Discover new things when you explore your new neighborhood!...... 7 Acclimating to a new neighborhood....................................... 8 Add a summery touch to your home decor............................... 9

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May, 2018

What’s the first step toward buying your own home?.................. 10 How to remove stains from leather furniture............................ 12 Design the perfect outdoor lounge area!.................. ................ 13 How to safely transport your fragile belongings........................ 14 Three ways to avoid mistakes on closing day........................... 16 Awnings can make outdoor spaces more comfortable.................. 17

FIVE MILE POINT LUXURY HOMES IN COOPERSTOWN NY

THE TOP DOG IN REGIONAL REAL ESTATE TIMBERLANDPROPERTIES.COM | CATSKILLPREMIER.COM

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L SO

Lakefront Estate Listed at: $2,500,000

Luxury Log Home on OTSEGO LAKE, Cooperstown

Cooperstown Landmark at Five-Mile Point

$1,678,000 (Listing #36907 )

$2,750,000 (Listing #37464 )

2 Magnificent LAKE FRONT Acres!

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Incredible Otsego Lakefront Estate on 5 Acres Historic Victorian Home Fully Restored and Updated Private Lakefront Setting Large Barn with Seasonal Apartment Spectacular Lake Views

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Otsego Lake Gem Listed at: $948,000

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE AND OTHER FINE COLDWELL BANKER TIMBERLAND PROPERTIES LISTINGS CALL ROBERT SCHNEIDER, ASSOC. R.E. BROKER

607-547-1884d | RSCHNEIDER@TIMBERLANDPROPERTIES.NET

A day in the life:

Responsibilities of a real estate agent

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o, you’ve decided to buy a house? Congratulations! While it might seem attractive to not have to pay that commission to a real estate agent, these professionals are essential to ensuring that you get the right price on a purchase that suits your needs. With that in mind, you’re probably wondering what your real estate agent actually does with their time when it comes to finding your new home. The following is a list of responsibilities your real estate agent has when finding you the house of your dreams:

means your real estate agent is always “on” and working to find you a home.

Responding to listings

Any offer you want to make will go through your real estate agent first. Once an offer is made, negotiations begin. This can be a back-and-forth process that goes on for weeks at a time. Your real estate agent will make sure that you get a price that works for you on a home that you want.

One of the primary responsibilities of a real estate agent is to be constantly inquiring about and responding to listings of homes that might interest you on the market. In this age of constant interconnectivity, people in the industry won’t wait long for a response. That

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May, 2018

Organizing showings Real estate agents are responsible for scheduling showings for houses that you want to visit. If you want to buy in a certain area, this means coordinating a number of different showings for any given day. It takes careful planning and immense attention to detail.

Negotiations

the big move

Avoid using big boxes to transport books or other heavy objects on moving day.

Avoid these five common mistakes when moving

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Planning a big move? To ensure everything goes smoothly, avoid making these five common mistakes:

1. Hiring the wrong movers. Make sure to do business with a reputable moving company. Avoid movers who only provide one phone number, for example.

2. Bringing everything. Moving is the perfect opportunity to

sort through your belongings and get rid of anything unnecessary.

You’ll save so much time if you don’t have to pack and unpack a bunch of things you no longer use.

3. Using big boxes. This might seem like a good idea, but

don’t forget that a big box filled with pots or books will be heavy and hard to carry — a good way to get hurt on moving day.

4. Forgoing the survival kit. Seeing as you most likely won’t have time to unpack everything the day you move into your new place, assemble a box of handy items you’ll want to keep within reach (scissors, screwdriver, notepad, toilet paper, cleaning products, bedsheets, etc.).

5. Being lazy with labels. To avoid having to haul boxes

from one room to another and back again (or opening 22 of them before finding what you need), clearly (and accurately!) label each box according to its contents and the room it’s destined for.

UPSTATE Real Estate & Home Services

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May, 2018 | 5

Terms you need to know when applying for a mortgage

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hen it comes time to shop for a house, you’ll almost certainly have to apply for a mort­gage (unless you have hundreds of thousands of dollars stuffed in a briefcase somewhere). Negotiating your mortgage can be difficult, so it’s important to understand the terms that go along with it. The following are a few key words you’ll want to familiarize yourself with before going out to buy a house: • Principal: the principal is the initial amount of money you owe on the balance of your mortgage.

• Amortization period: this term refers to the number of years you will take to pay down the principal balance of your mortgage.

• Appraised value: this is the value of a piece of property as appraised by a qualified professional.

• Open mortgage: an open mortgage is one that has no fixed term. You can pay off the balance any time you want without suffering a penalty. While that does seem attractive, these types of mortgages tend to have higher interest rates to compensate.

House GettinG out of Control?

• Closed mortgage: a closed mortgage is one with fixed terms.

That means a fixed rate over a set period of time. Breaking the terms will generally result in having to pay an amount equivalent to three months of interest. The most common term is five years. This type of mortgage generally comes with lower interest rates.

• Default: a word that nobody ever wants to think about. Defaulting on your mortgage means failure to pay your agreed upon rate.

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May, 2018

P.O. Box 96 Gilbertsville, NY 13776

607-783-2289 www.gilbertph.com

• New Gas, Oil & Electric • Water Heater Installation Heating System Installation & Service

• Septic System Installation & Repairs

• Heating System Repairs & Cleanings

• AC Installation & Repairs

• Service Contracts Available • Kitchen & Bath Renovations • All Aspects of Plumbing

it’s all brand new

Discover new things when you explore your new neighborhood!

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hen you move to a new home, you’re also relocating to a brand new environment. As soon as you’ve settled in (or at least nearly) take a little trip around the neighborhood. Your goal?

To find your bearings, soak up the atmosphere—in short, to explore your new universe!

During your stroll, notice in particular where all the essential services are. Are there hospitals, pharmacies, dental clinics, gas stations, grocery stores, or vets in the area (if you need them)? Find out where the city hall, fire station, police station and even the bus stops and mechanics are. All this information will come in handy soon enough. You may also want to take note of more

fun destinations, like hair salons or day spas.

Your tour of the neighborhood is also an ideal opportunity to find the places where you can feed your passions and pursue your hobbies and recreational activities. Art galleries, restaurants, ice cream parlors, cafés, parks, sports fields, all kinds of boutiques, pools, ice rinks, schools (dance, karate, music, etc.) — whatever strikes your fancy!

When you return home, take a few minutes to visit the websites and Facebook pages of your city, local organizations, and community groups. That way you’ll learn all about your new world. Happy exploring!

UPSTATE Real Estate & Home Services

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May, 2018 | 7

Acclimating to a new neighborhood

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new year means plenty of exciting opportunities on the horizon. For a number of people, this may be the year they relocate to a new home or apartment. The moving rate in the United States has remained steady since 2008, with roughly 12 percent of the population relocating each year according to reports from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Movement to the suburbs continues to be high, and renters tend to move more frequently than others. People who move cite a new job or a job transfer as one of the primary motivators to relocate.

Acclimating to a new home and neighborhood after a move can be challenging. Even after boxes have been unpacked and items put away, some people still feel unsettled. It could be because one of the most important parts of being in a new house is feeling at home. That involves meeting neighbors, having friends over for dinner and knowing all of the local haunts that help solidify a homeowner as a true member of his or her new neighborhood. It can take time to establish feeings of belonging, but here’s a way to speed up settling in.

Host your own welcome party Rather than waiting around for others to welcome you to the neighborhood, take the bull by the horns and introduce yourself to your neighbors in a fun way. Host an open house party and invite your new neighbors. What better way to converse with others than with food, bever-

ages and a festive atmosphere? Plus, your party may lead to reciprocation from others.

Scout out the neighborhood Use mobile phone apps to see where the locals tend to congregate and plan trips to these restaurants and other shops. Over time, you probably will start to see some familiar faces. Drive around town and get a feel for side streets instead of the main thoroughfares. It’s often off the beaten path where you happen upon the greatest finds.

Get involved If you have children, you may have the advantage of meeting people at school functions or at the bus stop.

Volunteer with the PTA/PTO or sign up to coach youth sports or serve as a scout leader. These opportunities will help expand the number of people you meet in your new community.

Find people with similar interests Let your hobbies and other interests open up connections. Explore the opportunities in the area that cater to your interests. Find a local gaming shop and discuss the latest video game offerings, or check out a local band if indie music is your thing. Converse with others who are participating in the event or are in groups meeting in your area.

After moving, getting acclimated to a new neighborhood and making new friends is one way to feel at home.

Once you’ve settled in, why not introduce yourself to the neighbors? It’s a surefire way to get your relationship off to a good start—and get the inside scoop on great things to do around the neighborhood!

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May, 2018

Add a summery touch to your home decor

Have the warm days of summer inspired you to add a splash of sun to your interior?

Here are some tips.

Summer goes hand in hand with sunny weather. Let as much natural light as possible into your home by replacing heavy curtains with light, flowy materials. Add some greenery to the mix by placing houseplants and cut flowers throughout your interior.

In the living room, add some throw cushions featuring bright, warm colors (orange, yellow, coral) or summery prints (tropical flowers, birds, nautical patterns, seashells).

You could also display some photos of your latest beach vacation.

Use various accessories to give your kitchen and bathrooms a summery feel. Floral centerpieces, colorful tableware, a bright shower curtain, citrus-scented candles — the options are endless!

UPSTATE Real Estate & Home Services

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May, 2018 | 9

What’s the first step toward buying your own home?

There are many things that can motivate someone to buy a home. Maybe you and your spouse have decided it’s time to start a family and you need a little

more space. Maybe you’d like to make an investment you know will appreciate.

Or, you may just want to get out of the crowded city.

Whatever your reason,

homeownership is a great choice for many people, but it can be complicated.

Can I afford a home?

Many people make the

mistake of checking online for house listings right away. You might be setting yourself up for disappointment, however, if you immediately start looking

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for your dream house. The first thing you should do is figure out what range of homes is realistic given your budget.

The best way to start is to visit your local bank or mortgage company to find out what kind of mortgage makes sense for someone in your situation. If you don’t have a lot of cash now but are quickly moving up the ladder at your company, you’ll be in a different financial position than someone who has been saving for a home for a decade.

Before visiting your local real estate agency, consult with a mortgage expert. Once you know exactly what you’re able to afford, you can sit down with your agent and do a much more precise search for a dream house that’s right for you.

$425,000 - 3000+ sq ft home on 92+ acres with Goodyear Lake Views MLS 115801 4 beds, 3 bath. Open light floor plan, 3 floors of living space. Hardwood floors, European 2 sided soap stone fireplace, Library, 35X22 family room, Master bath has jacuzzi tub with panoramic views.

Land has 3 streams, variety of hardwoods and pines. Would be amazing camp ground, family compound, B&B. You decide.

$219,900 - Ravine Pkway, Oneonta, NY MLS 115483

$175,000 Sidney Commercial Property MLS 114730 6 units with combination of retail, office and apartments. New roof, updated apartments.

New paint, energy efficient windows, each unit has separate utilities.

Convenient location to downtown.

$335,000 - East River Rd., Walton, NY MLS 115963

A secluded road flanked by 2 ponds and babbling brooks nestled in the middle of paradise leads to 3 bedroom, 3 bath Custom Built Ranch. Updated a quaint country home on 13.44 acres that border kitchen, expansive dining room with glass front state land - a hunters dream. The home has a stone built-in cabinetry. 3 window walls with plenty of fireplace in living room, an airtight stove in family natural light. Open floor plan, multiple custom built room, 5 bedrooms, 2 with walk in closets and 3 ins. 11 closets give ample storage for all your baths. 2 bedrooms with baths on first floor accomthings. Master suite plus 2 additional beds, plus modating 1 floor living. Sweet meadows surround additional area for home office, work out room. the home insuring privacy. Stonewalls, fruit trees, All this plus heated sunroom. Fenced in yard, perennials and even a paddle boat on the stocked attached 2 car garage located on dead end road. pond add charm and serenity to the property.

UPSTATE Real Estate & Home Services

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May, 2018 | 11

stubborn stains

Remember to always dab, not scrub, a stained leather surface.

How to remove stains from leather furniture

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id your kids scribble all over your leather sofas with markers? Has the blue dye from your new pair of jeans bled onto your couch? Did someone spill a glass of red wine on your favorite armchair?

Don’t panic! There are several ways to remove stains from leather furniture.

First and foremost, it’s important to note that most non-greasy stains easily disappear when lightly dabbed at with a moist cloth. Act quickly and make sure to use a light-colored fabric to clean with—certain colors bleed, which would only make things worse.

Still seeing the stain? Trade in your cloth for a cotton ball dipped in makeup remover and lightly dab that pesky spot. If you’re trying to get rid of an alcohol or a soot stain, add a few drops of vinegar to your cotton ball. As for coffee, tea, dye and ink, a drop of rubbing alcohol should do the trick.

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May, 2018

Common mistakes to avoid Leather reacts poorly to moisture.

For this reason, don’t let it get too wet during the stain removal process, and make sure to dry the surface thoroughly with a clean cloth after you’ve dealt with the stain. It’s also important

to avoid scrubbing at all costs, opting instead for a delicate dabbing technique. Lastly, always spot test stain removal products on a non-visible area before using them to avoid accidental damage.

When in doubt, call upon a professional cleaner who’ll know how to remove even the most stubborn of stains from your leather furniture.

What’s more, you can always contact the manufacturer for personalized cleaning advice.

the outdoors

Design the perfect outdoor lounge area!

A festive touch To create lasting memories under a starlit sky, don’t forget to buy plenty of skewers for roasting sausages and marshmallows. And why not bring out your bongo drums, harmonica or guitar to sing around the crackling fire?

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h, how great it feels to relax around a cozy fire. Do you own an outdoor fireplace?

Perhaps you’re thinking of investing in one? First of all, make sure that your fireplace complies with your local bylaws. All set? Here are several tips for designing the perfect outdoor lounge area.

First, make sure you’ve dedicated enough space for your guests to relax comfortably. Adirondack chairs,

swings, wooden benches, wicker loungers, hammocks — opt for variety! And don’t forget to include enough blankets and cushions to create a soft, cozy environment.

Next, place one or more side tables around the seating area so that you and your guests can set down glasses, plates, phones and any other objects you prefer to keep close at hand.

Finally, hang garlands of twinkling lights in your trees, and line the path between your house and your lounge area with decorative lanterns. This way, you’ll create a space that’s not only warm but also safe to enjoy at night!

UPSTATE Real Estate & Home Services

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How to safely transport your fragile belongings Transporting a garment bag is simple. Transporting houseplants, an aquarium or a piano, on the other hand, is a different story entirely. Here are some tips to ensure your fragile belongings arrive safe and sound on moving day.

Houseplants Before the big move, water your plants as usual, trim them, examine them for parasites and transplant them, if needed, in durable pots. Ideally, you’ll want to pack them up individually in perforated boxes the morning of the move. Use tissue paper to

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May, 2018

protect the branches and foliage. Finally, pack your plants last in the passenger compartment of your car and unpack them first, paying careful attention not to expose them too quickly to the sunlight.

Aquarium As soon as you’ve booked a moving company, let them know that you have an aquarium to transport. Several weeks before the big move, reduce the amount of food you give to your fish, and stop feeding them altogether two days before your departure.

Don’t clean the filter, but continue to replenish the

water supply. On moving day, unplug the aquarium and transfer a portion of the water into travel crates (or bags) to preserve bacterial culture. Gather the fish, place them in the crates and add an oxygenating tablet. Uproot any aquatic plants and preserve them in a container filled with water. Remove the sand and wrap the aquarium. Transport your fish in the car, making sure they don’t get too shaken up along the way. Upon arrival, reassemble the aquarium without delay, acclimatize the fish and wait two days before

Before the move, carefully inspect the piano and make note of any defects. If it comes equipped with a humidity regulator, unplug it, empty the reservoir and secure it inside the piano.

When moving day rolls around, make sure to have the instrument’s assessment form in hand and inspect the piano with the moving company’s supervisor, who’ll document any existing flaws. Furthermore, make sure to specify the piano’s value in the contract before signing it.

feeding them again.

Piano When it comes to moving something as valuable as a piano, it’s always best to entrust the job to a team of professional movers specialized in the transport of heavy items.

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May, 2018 | 15

be prepared

Three ways to avoid

MISTAKES ON CLOSING DAY Whether you’re buying or selling a home, closing day is the culmination of a lot of hard work by you, your lawyers, your real estate agents and many more.

It should be a time to celebrate and look forward to a new future. That doesn’t mean that you should simply assume that nothing could go wrong. Here are just three ways to avoid closing day mistakes: Be sure to bring ID Whether you rushed out of the house that day without your wallet or just forgot to renew your driver’s license last week, there are many things that can go wrong with your ID. If either the buyer or the seller is unable to produce valid identification, the entire closing process will quickly grind to a halt.

Have the money in the appropriate form

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By the time you sit down at the table, you’ll have hopefully gone over the terms of payment with your agents and lawyers. Know, however, that getting details right is essential in this transaction. If you’ve agreed to wire the money, don’t arrive at the table with a personal check.

Know what the closing costs are Along with paying the fees for all those who have helped you, there will be additional fees for processing the large amounts of paperwork that go along with buying a house.

For many people, buying a house is the biggest purchase of their lives. Be sure to consult with your lawyers and agents beforehand so you don’t end up making a mistake just before you’re done.

Awnings can make outdoor spaces more comfortable

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any homeowners are eager to step outdoors upon the return of warm weather. Outdoor living spaces have grown in popularity as more and more homeowners embrace opportunities to entertain and lounge around in their yards.

Outdoor entertaining areas can be great, but such spaces may go unused when summer sun makes it uncomfortable to spend time outdoors. But a retractable awning can change all that. Homeowners often find awnings can be worthwhile investments that can be beneficial both inside and outside of the home.

helping to reduce the chances for discoloration or fading.

Awnings can create privacy and establish boundaries for outdoor living areas. Place an awning over a deck, tables and chairs, or an entire patio area. Some people like to install awnings over a portion of their pools to provide shade for those who want to escape the sun’s rays. Motorized awnings can be retracted with the push of a button, which can help homeowners with physical limitations.

Add value for buyers

Increase usable yard space

Protect against sun damage

Awnings provide excellent protection against sun damage, as they can shield outdoor furniture from direct sunlight,

Reduce air conditioning costs

In addition to shading outdoor living areas, smaller awnings can be placed over southern- and western-facing windows, shielding interiors against the sun’s rays. In turn, this may reduce reliance on air conditioners.

Expand gardening possibilities

Some plants require very specific light conditions to grow.

Awnings can protect shade-loving plants from harsh sunlight and filter the sun for plants that require indirect light.

They can be placed over a patio container garden or permanent garden structure.

For those who may be selling their homes soon, awning may help them receive top dollar. Today’s buyers want houses that have attractive and functional exteriors, and an awning can provide that competitive advantage over similar homes in the neighborhood.

When renovating outdoor areas, homeowners should not overlook awnings that can make outdoor living spaces more livable.

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May, 2018 | 17

How to tame indoor home odors A clean home interior can make a strong first impression on prospective buyers, but only if that home is accompanied by pleasant scents. Odors can make a strong impact on buyers’ perceptions of a home, including its level of cleanliness and upkeep.

Although dirt and other grime can contribute to the odor of a home, additional culprits can contribute to foul smells as well. Everything from pets to the foods cooked in the kitchen to the hidden presence of mold can impact air quality and odor inside a home.

Fortunately, there are ways to remedy stinky problems and come away with sweet-smelling solutions.

It’s important for homeowners to realize that foul air inside a home can be the result of poor indoor air quality — which can be a health hazard.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency ranks indoor air quality as a top five environmental risk to public health. EPA studies found indoor air pollutants were generally two to five times greater than outdoor pollution levels. In some cases, indoor air pollution was 100 times greater.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission says the following can contribute to poor indoor air quality and also to some interior odors: combustion sources; tobacco products;

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building materials and furnishings; wet or damp carpet; cabinetry or furniture made of certain pressed wood products; products for household cleaning and maintenance and even outdoor sources such as radon, pesticides and outdoor air pollution.

So how does one remedy poor indoor air quality and odors inside a home?

These tips can improve conditions.

• Ensure adequate ventilation.

Open windows and doors when weather permits to eliminate the concentration of pollutants and help air out odors. Use exhaust fans in kitchens and baths to pull indoor air to the outside.

• Invest in an air filter. A high-efficiency particulate air filter will force air through a fine mesh and trap harmful particles, such as pet dander, smoke, pollen, and dust mites, that can build up in a home. Remember to change the filter regularly.

• Increase the number of plants.

Plants can brighten interior spaces, and they’re also remarkable at cleaning indoor air. The Clean Air Study conducted by NASA set out to find out the best way to clean the air in space stations.

The association found that the Boston fern, spider plant, Chinese evergreen, weeping fig, variegated snake plant, and English ivy, among many other

May, 2018

plants, were ideal for filtering air and removing harmful contaminants.

• Ditch disposal odors. Food can become trapped and decompose in garbage disposals. Cut citrus fruit into chunks and drop them into a running disposal to remove many odors.

• Air out the washer. New washing machines have tight seals and gaskets that do not allow air to penetrate (or water to leak out). Mildew can grow as a result. Leave the washer door open after a round of laundry to let things dry and air out.

• Tame pet odors. Pets contribute heavily to odor in a home. Wet dog smells are prevalent on rainy days, while cat litter boxes can pack a pungent punch. Cleanliness can cut down on smells. Use activated charcoal in litter products to tame smells and empty the litter box frequently. Make sure dogs are dried off thoroughly when coming in from the rain, and use a deodorizing spray on pet fur. Regular grooming can help as well.

Odors in a home can be embarrassing and set a poor tone when inviting company over or showcasing a home for prospective buyers. Keep odors at bay by identifying the sources of smells and taking action.

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