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The Things We Do For (Puppy) Love: How Homebuyers Are Accommodating Their Dogs in the House Search

If you own a pet dog, there’s a good chance you’ve: swapped out words in your favorite song with their name, cancelled plans to spend time with them, and filled up your smart phone’s camera roll taking their picture. But, have you bought a home specifically for them?

While dogs aren’t the primary reason many pursue real estate opportunities, they are a factor plenty of homebuyers take into serious consideration during the house search process. This is especially true nowadays with pet ownership on the rise.

The COVID-19 pandemic – and the increased time people spend at home as a result – played a key role in the uptick of pet ownership in the U.S. From 2020 to 2021 alone, nearly one in five households acquired a cat or dog, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

“I do think more people have pets nowadays, but what’s noticeable is the focus on our pets and how they are becoming more involved in society. There are pet-specific cafes, bakeries, boutiques, and specialized food choices, as well as pet-friendly businesses and more,” says Joanne Thomas, an agent with RE/MAX Advantage Plus in Eagan, Minnesota, who is currently working with buyer clients seeking a home specifically for their dog.

In a small neighborhood of Denver, Colorado, for example, you can even spot pup parents stopping by a popular dog treat truck that serves goodies to its drooling patrons. With these cuddly canines having stolen the hearts of so many, it makes sense that plenty of people care deeply about their dog’s well-being at home, too.

Enter “barkitecture” – a popular pet-forward architecture trend where homeowners are making intuitive design choices that strike a balance between function and fabulous, all framed by the needs of their furry friends. The good news? These features are in demand when it’s time to sell the house. A growing number of dog owners looking to move are making pet-friendly features priority items on their list of home criteria.

From wanting a fenced-in yard to a barkitecture-inspired luxury pet spa, here are a few ways that today’s buyers are taking their dog’s needs into consideration when shopping for a new place to call home.

Ensuring proximity to outdoor enrichment

Having easy access to a green, grassy yard means a dog has increased opportunity for fresh air during the daytime and convenient potty breaks at nighttime. This factor makes a direct impact in one’s quality of life, for human and dog alike – and it’s a key characteristic many homebuyers are in search of.

The 2023 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers revealed that 19% of all buyers between 2022 and 2023 saw outdoor space for a pet as an influential factor in their purchase, the same percentage as those who considered lot size and school district. Convenience to outdoor space for pets even topped the quantity of buyers considering factors like proximity to schools (18%), healthcare facilities (16%), and airports (9%).

Outdoor space isn’t just a yard – it can take the shape of other accessible ways to exercise outside.

“People looking to live in urban areas often find it especially important to make sure there’s ample sidewalks for walking the dogs,” says Donna Deaton, Manager of RE/MAX Victory + Affiliates in Liberty Township, Ohio.

Plus, those looking to live in multi-family dwellings have different factors to take into consideration.

“I am in Minnesota and winters can be cold! So, if buyers in my area aren’t looking for a single-family home and prefer the condo lifestyle instead, having a dog-run or dog relief area either covered or indoors is key. If this isn’t an option, then having some green space nearby for their dog to run and play is really important to buyers,” Thomas says.

Not skimping on a fence for safety

Many dog owners have a skilled escape artist on their hands – so a yard isn’t fully functional until it’s been securely enclosed.

“A fenced yard is usually the most requested feature for the dog owners I work with looking to buy a home,” says Ana Duarte Cole, an agent with RE/MAX Advantage in Waynesboro, Virginia.

Other agents agree that a fence is a high priority for many prospective homebuyers. Those who consider a home without a fence have a few extra steps to think about.

“Most of the time, yards with fences are a must have. But they’re not always a deal killer, especially for those who are willing to add in their own,” Deaton shares. “This is when it is important to really study the HOA (homeowners association) rules and regulations, if applicable, as some will not allow a fence or will allow only certain styles, colors, and heights of fences.”

Cost can also be a reason why homebuyers prefer to find a house with a fence already in place. The common types of fencing people choose for residential properties are wood, metal, vinyl, or composite. And the choice of fence type, as well as style and quantity of material needed, can cause price points to greatly differ. According to Forbes, the average cost of installing a new wood fence is roughly $3,300 – but on the upper end of their spectrum, some projects (particularly those on larger properties) can cost over $10,000.

Searching for elements of ‘barkitecture’ (and other design-forward features)

Barkitecture is all about space-savvy, oftentimes luxury features that make humans and dogs alike say (bow) wow. The concept stems from making necessary pet gear – like crates, beds, and kibble storage – blend more seamlessly into a home. For example, some kitchens come with a water bowl fill-up station close to the ground, as well as a hide-away feeding zone.

“A client of mine recently built a custom home and their laundry room has a dog shower. It features tile, pony walls and a hand-held shower wand. As a bonus, it is often used to wash off muddy boots in addition to puppy paws,” shares Rachele Maczuk, an agent with RE/MAX Today in New Haven, Missouri.

Deaton, who has plenty of experience in the new build market, has also seen an uptick of built-in dog spas.

“I notice features like this in newer and custom-built homes. For cleaning off muddy pets, homebuyers get excited if by chance the home has an actual dog wash station, or even just a full bath on the first floor. This isn’t necessarily a reason as to whether they purchase that particular home or not – but if the buyer is a pet owner, they see value in having it.”

Thomas agrees, too.

“Dedicated pet baths in homes, and custom cabinetry features to store their food and bowls, is becoming a more common sight to see. Plus, I continue to see kennels that are disguised as furniture,” she says.

Technology is also playing a role in pet well-being inside the home.

“I’ve shown homes where the buyers appreciate the fact that the pet door is automatic or sensored instead of those ones that flap as the pets wander in and out,” Deaton says. “These digital pet doors are a newer thing and are appealing to today’s tech-forward buyers. Some can also be opened and closed through an app on your smart phone.”

Aside from modernized, dog-forward home innovations, some homebuyers are focused on the overall layout of a home – especially those looking to accommodate older dogs.

“A recent client of mine wanted a one-level home with little to no steps to the backyard since their senior dog couldn’t do steps anymore,” Duarte Cole says. “After moving in, they actually replaced the previous owner’s newly installed carpet for vinyl flooring due to their dog having incontinence problems. They needed something easy to clean.”

Envisioning potential for paw-fection

Back to that whole “good bones” thing. Today’s homebuyers are often keeping a keen eye out for ways to make pet-friendly tweaks to their new place once they’ve moved in (like a fence, explained above).

Even if a home comes with a fence, certain buyers will choose to add in a dog window, giving their pet an entertaining view of passersby. Other tweaks might include adding interior pet gates, installing a central vacuum cleaning system, or even retrofitting a dog bedroom.

But something as simple as wall color is a factor people can plan around their dog’s preferences. And unless a prospective home boasts neutral wall colors, there’s a good chance buyers will want to make changes.

The American Animal Hospital Association shares how certain paint colors are more soothing than others to pets because of how their eyes process hues differently than humans. They note how animals are likely to be calmed by pale shades of blue, green and purple, as those colors aren’t distorted by their vision and promote tranquility. While these recommendations are geared toward wall color for animal hospitals, the same insight can apply to residential homes.

Who’s buying a home for their pet’s needs, anyway?

Homebuyers across all generations are taking interest in ways to encourage wellness for their pets around the house. But a rapidly growing portion of these pet owners-turned-homebuyers are millennials. According to the American Pet Products Association’s (APPA) National Pet Owners Survey, millennials are the largest cohort of pet owners in the U.S. And, as recently detailed by RE/MAX President and CEO Nick Bailey, at least 45 million millennials in the U.S. are a part of the ongoing pent-up demand for housing.

Subsequently, as more millennial homebuyers enter the market, it’s expected that yard space, fences, and barkitecture features alike could remain highly sought-after home elements – and even increase in popularity.

“Compared to previous markets, it seems that buyers are more vocal about the needs of their pets. Whether it is more of an acceptable social norm now or whether it is that buyers are truly more cognizant of the happiness of their four-legged family members is unclear,” Maczuk says.

“But ultimately, a home is a place that should bring its occupants joy,” she continues. “And whether they’re four-legged, feathered, or slithering, those pets are family members. When searching for a new home, it is important to find a place that fits the bill for the entire family.”

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Washington State NWMLS Market Update for January 2024

Watch or listen to these 1 minute summary videos, or read the details below!

Listings and Inventory

NWMLS brokers added 4,954 new listings to the database in January 2024, which is nearly the same as in January 2023.

There were 7,084 active listings on the market at the end of January 2024, a decrease of nearly 14% compared to January 2023. The volume of homes on the market has continued to decline throughout Washington with 15 out of 26 counties covered by the NWMLS seeing a year-over-year decrease.

A balanced market is considered to be 4 to 6 months by most industry experts. At the current rate of sales, it would take around two months to sell every home that is active in the NWMLS inventory. The four counties with the lowest months of inventory in January 2024 were Snohomish, Thurston, King, and Pierce.

    Pending and Closed Sales

    There were 5,282 total residential & condo units under contract in January 2024, a decrease of 8.6% when compared to January 2023.

    January 2024 saw a 3% increase in closed sales transactions year-over-year, an improvement from December 2023’s year-over-year change in closed sales transactions.

    Overall, the median price for residential homes and condominiums sold in January 2024 was up 6.5% when compared to January 2023. The median sales price increased year-over-year in 19 of the 26 counties, with the highest median sales prices in King, San Juan and Snohomish counties.

      Source: NWMLS 2/5/2024



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      RE/MAX National Housing Report for December 2023

      December 2023 exhibited a traditional end-of-year slowing in housing market activity, punctuated by many similarities to December 2022.

      Three metrics showed no change year over year:

      • Homes sold were on the market an average of 47 days in both Decembers – seven days longer than in November 2023

      • December 2023 sales averaged 98% of the listing price, the same as the prior year and slightly down from 99% in November 2023

      • Months’ supply of inventory in both Decembers was 2.5, slightly down from 2.6 in November 2023

      Other results included:

      • December home sales dropped 7.3% year over year – and 2.3% from November. As in 2022, the number of home sales declined year over year in every month of 2023.

      • Inventory slipped just 0.7% from December 2022 while dropping 10.4% from November. Inventory declined year over year each of the last seven months of 2023.

      Two metrics made year-over-year gains in December across the 52 metro areas surveyed:

      • December’s new listings were up 2.7% year over year while down 24.3% from November.

      • The median sold price of $400,000 was 3.9% (or $15,000) higher than December 2022 and 1.2% lower than November.

      Read the full article…

      Watch the 32 second summary video…



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      Buying a Home In 2024? Here Are 4 Ways to Get Started

      The current housing market continues to face adversity, but some real estate experts see promise in the year ahead. For those embarking on their homebuying journey in 2024, here’s where to get started.

      1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage

      For those purchasing a home with financing, it’s important to meet with a mortgage lender as early on in the process as possible.

      After evaluating factors like credit score and income, the lender will determine what type of mortgage you qualify for. While many are familiar with the 30-year conventional loan, there are other options that may be up for consideration, like adjustable rate mortgages (ARM), VA loans, FHA loans, among others.

      What’s especially helpful is getting pre-approved for a mortgage – this is how you determine your budget and establish a price range to shop in.

      2. Find a real estate agent

      A trustworthy real estate professional is the go-to expert on all facets of the homebuying process, from finding potential properties to coordinating inspections to negotiating on your behalf to recommending their preferred local service providers after you’ve moved in (and so much more!).

      They’re also oftentimes one step ahead when it comes to navigating specifications of the local market.

      “While the results [of the monthly RE/MAX National Housing Report] tell an overall story, the key for homebuyers and sellers is to work with a local real estate agent who can speak to the unique local conditions,” Bailey says.

      3. Differentiate wants from needs

      Identifying wants and needs ahead of touring homes can help ensure you stay on track and consider options that best fit your crucial criteria. If you’re buying a property with a spouse, partner, family member or friend, make sure all stakeholders are in alignment on what elements are deemed essential.

      The best way to do this is to make a “wants vs. needs” list and prioritize features you can’t live without. To start getting ideas, consider the good things and gripes about your current living situation.

      4. Start browsing for homes

      Ready to get ideas – or find favorite homes to tour? Contact me today!



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      Washington State NWMLS Market Update for December 2023


      The new year kicks off with some hopeful signs for buyers within the real estate market. Interest rates proceeded to drop through the month of December to a current rate of 6.61% from the November level of 7.1%, with the Fed signaling additional cuts on the horizon. Yet inventory remains stagnant in accordance with typical seasonal patterns, and low inventory persisted to pressure home prices in the region, which were up about 5% year-over-year. According to Selma Hepp, chief economist for CoreLogic, “strong home price gains over the course of the year indicate that home prices in most Washington state markets have fully recovered from 2022 losses and are reaching new highs once again.”

      CoreLogic’s Home Price Index forecasts another 3.5% appreciation over the course of 2024.

      Important takeaways from December’s data:

      • NWMLS brokers reported 4,018 closed sales in December 2023, an 11% drop from the number of closed sales in December 2022. While 16 of 26 counties in Washington experienced year-over-year decreases in the number of home sales, seven counties saw year-over-year increases, including Clallam, Cowlitz, Grant, Adams, Walla Walla, Island and Kittitas counties.
      • The median price of homes sold increased in 16 of 26 counties and decreased in 10 counties relative to December 2022. The three counties with the highest median priced homes sold were San Juan County ($1,450,000), King County ($775,000) and Snohomish County ($675,000). The three counties with the lowest median priced homes sold were Okanogan ($275,000), Ferry ($254,900) and Columbia ($152,750). – the overall average was +4.9% from December 2022.
      • The inventory of homes on the market has continued to decline throughout Washington, with 15 of 26 counties seeing a year-over-year decrease. Overall, there was a 20% decrease in the number of active property listings in December 2023 when compared to the same month in 2022.
      • While still subject to inventory shortages, condominium sales appear to be less impacted by market woes. Compared to December 2022, the number of condominium sales in the state experienced a mere 6% decrease, while seeing a 7% increase in median sales price.

      Contact me for more details, or watch the 1.25 minute market report video…

      Source: NWMLS 1/5/2024



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      4 Pointers for Pet Owners Preparing Their Home to Sell



      If you have a dog or cat, you know two things are true: pets are lovable, and pets can be messy.

      This is a sentiment shared by many – according to the American Pet Products Association, more than 111 million U.S. households have a pet dog or cat. So when it’s time to sell your house, it’s especially important to remove traces of filth caused by our fuzzy friends. After all, when preparing a home to hit the market, sellers often comprehensively clean and stage to help prospective buyers view the property as a blank canvas.

      Here’s how to help buyers see your place as their “furever” home – without the pet fur.

      1. Conduct a deep cleaning

      Does your cuddly critter enjoy lounging on furniture intended for people? If so, they likely shed on items like the sofa or bed, and that fur can be tricky to get out. Try using a furniture scraping tool that gently combs out pesky fur without damaging the fabric.

      Then, focus on the floors. In addition to a dustpan and broom, make sure you’re using a vacuum that can withstand a high volume of hair and fur. And don’t forget to hit the nooks, crannies, and harder-to-reach spots in each room. Your real estate agent may offer staging pointers, which could include moving pieces of furniture around – so make sure to combat every last dust bunny.

      Whether it’s laying over hardwood or installed wall-to-wall, carpet often bears the brunt of dirt traipsed in from the outdoors. If your carpet is showing signs of wear and tear, consider having it professionally cleaned. For uncarpeted flooring like wood and tile, now is a good time to mop (think Bona or Swiffer). You’d be surprised by how much grime is hiding in plain sight.

      2. Fix pet-induced damage

      With paws and claws comes some inevitable scratching (especially for those who have cats). Prior to hitting the market, mend places around the house that show visible signs of damage. For example, use paint (or a paint pen) to color in any marks from gnawing on wood, often on the corners of walls or steps.

      And either flip, turn, or relocate items of furniture or décor with easily noticeable destruction. Some damaged items may be worth replacing, like chewed curtains or a soiled rug.

      3. Store away supplies

      When preparing your home to hit the market, going clutter-free is key. Be sure to store your pet supplies such as beds, toys, cat scratching post, pet food, leashes, and anything else.

      If you know showings could come about on a regular basis, have a large bag or bin on standby ready to gather these items in a hurry.

      4. Eliminate pet odor

      One factor of homeownership people adjust to over time is scent. You may not notice certain pet aromas, but prospective homebuyers surely will. A few methods to quickly eliminate unwanted odors include washing throw blankets, furniture covers, and other washable textiles; using a pet odor eliminating spray or powder that’s safe on fabric; and replacing worn or clogged air filters in the HVAC system. Some may also splurge on an air purifying machine to improve interior air quality.

      Scent can also play a positive role in evoking a desired mood for a space. Candles can make a room smell great, but can become a fire hazard if left unattended. For a similar output of scent, try using an oil diffuser. Aromas to enhance the ambiance of your home could be anything clean, like citrus. Especially in the fall and winter, some people opt for comforting seasonal scents with notes of vanilla and cinnamon, or nature-inspired with notes of pine or fir. Ultimately, sellers want to avoid any aroma too perfume-like that could be off-putting or cause headache.

      The best way to determine if your house is smelling fresh enough for company? Invite a friend over for a sniff test – and have them tell you the honest truth.

      With a home on the market, it’s best to try to keep it as clean as possible on a regular basis. That way your loved ones – furry family members included – can leave in a moment’s notice with no trace of pets in sight (or sniff).

      Ready to put your home on the market? Contact me today!



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      RE/MAX National Housing Report for November 2023

      Home Prices Ease Amid Declining New Listings, Sales, Inventory

      Posting the lowest Median Sales Price in eight months, November home sales dropped from October levels and the number of homes for sale fell slightly.

      Indicative of the usual year-end slowdown, home sales in November dropped by 9.8% compared to October and declined 6.5% versus the same period last year. This decline can also be attributed to rising interest rates most of this year and last. Interest rates have decreased over the last two months, which could result in more activity in the market.

      The number of homes for sale changed slightly – dropping 1.6% from October and declining 2.6% compared to November 2022.

      Across the 52 metro areas surveyed, homes sold for a median price of $405,000, which was $5,000 less than in October but $13,000 higher than in November 2022. New listings, though up 1.5% year over year, were down 19.1% from October.

      Read the full article…

      Watch the 32 second summary video…



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      Washington State NWMLS Market Update for November 2023

      Reduced Inventory Motivates
      Increased Home Prices

      A slight decrease in interest rates has raised cautious optimism – interest rates had fallen to around 7.2% as of December 1, in comparison to 7.8% in October 2023, and a continuation of that decrease would have a positive impact on the market in general. However, the decline in seasonal inventory continues to drive home prices upward, spurring an increase of 4.6% in prices from November 2022:

      • NWMLS brokers reported 4,367 closed sales in November 2023, which is a 16% drop from closed sales in November 2022 (5,194). However, this is a slight improvement from October’s year-over-year change in closed sales, which decreased 18% when compared to October 2022.
      • While most counties in the NWMLS report (19 of 26) saw a decrease in the number of homes sold, seven of the counties saw a year-over-year increase, including Grant, Okanogan, Kittitas, Walla Walla, San Juan, Adams and Ferry counties.
      • The median sales price increased year-over-year in 21 of the 26 total counties included in the statistical report. Overall, the median price for homes sold in November 2023 was $601,341, up 4.6% when compared to November 2022 ($575,000). The three counties with the highest median priced homes sold were San Juan ($975,000), King ($799,925) and Snohomish ($703,635). The three counties with the lowest median priced homes sold were Grant ($327,999), Ferry ($313,750) and Adams ($221,500).
      • When compared to the same month last year, November 2023 experienced a 17% decrease in the number of active property listings on the market. The total volume of homes for sale has continued to decline, with 19 out of 26 counties seeing a year-over-year decrease.

      Although the number of sales transactions and housing inventory levels typically drop in the fall and winter months, the expected seasonal slow-down continues to be exacerbated by the high interest rate environment for buyers relying on mortgages.

      Contact me for more details, or watch the 1.25 minute market report video…

      Source: NWMLS 12/6/2023



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      6 Ways to Make a House Feel Like Home During the Holiday Season

      The holiday season is here! It’s the perfect time to relax, reflect, and gather with friends and family.

      Here are six tips for enjoying a cozy home while it’s all happening:

      1. De-clutter and clean

      Whether your home will be a hub of activity or a calm oasis, it’s a good idea to tidy up and end the year on a clean note. Start by storing past-season décor and clearing surfaces and countertops. Consider how many coats and shoes are taking up space in the entryway, too.

      Then, give your home the deep clean it deserves. Dusting and vacuuming – as well as wiping down the bathrooms and kitchen – will set you up for peace of mind all season long.

      After sprucing up your space, celebrate your efforts by cozying up to watch your favorite holiday film.

      2. Change up picture frames

      Year-end is a great time to refresh your rooms by swapping out your framed photos. A lot has probably happened during the year – and displaying your photos is a fun way to spark conversation and relive the moments. It’s an instant connection to your best memories and your favorite people or places.

      3. Consider lighting choices

      Help the holiday season feel merry and bright by adjusting the brightness inside your home. According to a RE/MAX agent and interior design expert, lighting plays an important role in setting the tone for a space. And the shade of the lightbulbs themselves can impact the experience in a room.

      “We can use light to control the way a space visually expands and contracts. Bright light helps a space feel larger and cleaner in some circumstances, whereas dim light makes the space recede, feel more intimate, and can also be used to hide things,” says Jeannie Do, a member of The International Group with RE/MAX Professionals in Lakewood, Colorado.

      The lightbulb shades are typically listed on the packaging, described in ways like “natural daylight” or “warm white.” Do recommends shopping for bulbs between 3,000 and 4,000 Kelvin degrees for balanced lighting.

      4. Give the guest room some TLC

      Have guests coming into town? Make sure a spare bedroom feels like home-away-from-home for your visitors.

      First and foremost, remove your own items that ought to be stored elsewhere. Then, give the room a deep clean – it’s likely dusty if it’s not used as much as other rooms. Next, prepare the bed by washing the sheets, fluffing pillows, and keeping extra blankets close by for chilly nights. Don’t forget to leave clean towels, too, and replenish essentials like hand soap and shampoo in whatever bathroom guests will use.

      5. Set a wow-worthy dining table

      For many people, eating is a major part of gatherings. This is especially true around the holidays, where customs and traditions – in the form of family recipes – are upheld or evolved with modern twists. Help make your dining area inviting and eye-catching by sprucing up the table.

      Simple additions to elevate the space could be a runner, placemats, and decorative napkins. Get creative with a seasonal centerpiece – some opt for greenery, garland, tapered candles, flowers, or a mixture of multiple elements.

      6. Bring on the festive flair!

      There’s no right or wrong when it comes to the timing of putting up holiday decorations. Whether it entails stringing up lights outdoors or decking the halls indoors, decorate your home with festive flair that brings joy to everyone.

      In addition to holiday-specific items, create an ambient wintry atmosphere with plush blankets, fun throw pillows, and seasonally scented candles (think balsam fir or vanilla spice). Consider stocking up on holiday items like festive-flavored coffee and tea, hot cocoa (and marshmallows, of course), baking supplies, and any other goodies that bring warmth and happiness this season.

      Searching for a new place to spend the holidays? Contact me today!




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      3 Overlooked Tasks That Help a Home Get Ready for Winter

      These practical pointers can help ensure your house is prepared to take the chilly season by “storm.”

      While many are enjoying a temperate fall, people in some locations (like Denver, Colorado – home of the RE/MAX World Headquarters!) have received their first snowstorm of the season. The glistening blanket of untimely snow is a great reminder that it’s time to prepare your home for wintry weather on the way.

      Most homeowners have a list of regular seasonal tasks they complete, which may include covering up patio furniture, blowing out the sprinklers, making sure the heating system is good to go, and more. But a few other, lesser-known tips can also make a big difference in creating a comfortable environment for the wintertime.

      Have you completed these often-overlooked winter home-prep tasks?

      1. Conduct an energy audit

      It’s important to have an effective HVAC system for your heating needs, whether it be via forced air, baseboard radiators, and electric, to name a few. But in order to keep costs down, be careful that you’re not expending more energy than necessary.

      Consider hiring a professional who can conduct a home energy audit to identify places in each room that could be optimized for energy use. For example, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 30% of a home’s heat is lost through windows alone. If drafty windows are an issue, look into different methods of sealing cracks and air leaks. Some popular DIY fixes include weather stripping tape or caulk.

      If your heat is generated from a furnace, ensure you’re regularly cleaning the air filters, which gather dust and debris over time.

      An energy audit can also determine if the structure’s insulation is outdated and identify what areas – like the attic, crawl space or basement – might need bolstering. Plus, it can help uncover lighting that could be upgraded to energy-saving options, like LED bulbs.

      2. Switch the direction of a ceiling fan

      If you thought ceiling fans were useful only in the warmer months, think again. A ceiling fan can actually be a helpful aid in keeping a room toasty in the winter – but there’s a trick to getting it to work in your favor.

      In the summer, your ceiling fan should be set to spin counterclockwise, which creates a cold downdraft. But when winter is on its way, you should reverse the direction to clockwise, which helps circulate warm air. To make the switch, start by turning the fan off and waiting for the blades to come to a complete stop. Then, check the base of the fan for a switch – and simply flip it to make your fan winter-ready.

      Once the direction of the fan is reversed to accommodate heat, it’s also recommended to keep it at the lowest speed to prevent an unwanted breeze. This circulation of warm air should prevent the need to crank up the thermostat – an impulse which can get costly.

      3. Stock up on seasonal supplies in advance

      In life, it’s generally better to be proactive than reactive – and that’s true for home maintenance, too. Before winter gets underway, stock up on all of the seasonal supplies you need for indoor and outdoor care. That way, you’re not scrambling when the first (or next) snowstorm hits.

      Some ideas to get started:

      • Salt for icy sidewalks
      • Shovels for snow
      • An outdoor boot scraper
      • Durable indoor mats for soggy footwear
      • Flashlights and spare batteries in case of power outages
      • Refilled propane and/or firewood
      • A windshield scraper and windshield ice cover (because for those who spend a lot of time on the road, a car can feel like home, too)

      Thinking of selling your home amid the changing seasons? Contact me today!