Spring cleaning checklist

As the weather begins to warm up, now’s the time to let your house breathe and do some spring cleaning. Set aside a day or a weekend to tackle your entire living space so you can freshen up your home without dragging out the process. Use this list to organize your cleaning room by room.

Kitchen:

·         Wipe down cabinets.

·         Clean windows.

·         Deep clean stovetop, oven and microwave.

·         Clean out fridge and pantry. Remove everything from the shelves and wipe down inside. As you return items, throw away any expired food, as well as spices that have been open longer than a year.

·         Remove everything from countertops and thoroughly scrub counters and backsplash.

·         Sweep and mop floors.

Living Room:

·         Clean out fireplace.

·         Dust ceiling fans, furniture and electronics.

·         Wash or vacuum window treatments.

·         Clean windows.

·         Freshen couches and chairs. Vacuum and use upholstery cleaner where needed. Rotate the placement of couch cushions.

·         Wipe down baseboards and crown molding.

·         Vacuum and steam clean carpets.

Bedroom:

·         Remove all bedding and sort into five piles: mattress pads, fitted sheets, flat sheets, blankets, and comforters. Wash in that order so you can make the beds as each load is completed.

·         Wash or vacuum window treatments.

·         Clean mirrors and windows.

·         Dust furniture with microfiber cloths.

·         Wipe down baseboards and crown molding.

·         Vacuum and steam clean carpets.

Bathroom:

·         Spray surfaces of tubs, showers and toilets with a heavy-duty cleaner, then allow to soak while you finish the next three items on the bathroom checklist. Return to rinse surfaces before completing the fifth item.

·         Clean mirrors, windows and sinks.

·         Wipe down walls.

·         Clean baseboards and vacuum or mop floors.

·         Wash towels and throw rugs.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2020 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.  

Rachel Sheller, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker,

MASTERS CIRCLE, CSA-Certified Staging Agent, Oregon First- Principal Broker, Washington First-Managing Broker

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website 

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

It Pays To Compare Mortgage Quotes

Comparison shopping is a great American tradition. Most people wouldn’t dream of buying a refrigerator or a smartphone without first comparing features and researching costs. And yet, many home buyers just accept the first mortgage quote they receive from their bank or other lender.

Some buyers may not realize that, with a little effort, they can save thousands of dollars up front and over the life of the loan by comparing quotes from several sources.

TheMortgageReports.com says, “There is no limit to the number of mortgage quotes you can get. A general rule of thumb is to get at least four quotes, in addition to a quote from your own bank or broker.”

Keep in mind that interest rates are constantly changing and mortgage quotes expire quickly. The key to effectively comparing quotes is to set aside a block of time to request and evaluate multiple options at once.

One caveat: Just be sure that you aren’t comparing “apples to oranges” when evaluating the best mortgage quote for your loan. Some lenders may offer you a very low rate, but you may discover the quote includes discount points. “Discount points are actually prepaid interest on the mortgage loan,” says BankRate.com. “The more points you pay, the lower the interest rate on the loan.”

In addition to comparing interest rates on the quotes you receive, you’ll also want to compare closing costs and other fees.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2019 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

Rachel Sheller

Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES

Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker,

MASTERS CIRCLE

CSA-Certified Staging Agent

Oregon First, Washington First 

Direct 503.380.9634

Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website.

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

3 Tips For Controlling Meal Portions

One way to cultivate healthier eating habits is to address the issue of meal portions. Research shows that people tend to eat most of what they’re served, which means large portions can contribute to overeating and weight gain, says HealthLine.com.

The U.S. tends to offer larger serving sizes than many other countries around the world. According to a study from the University of Pennsylvania, an average dinner in Paris is 25 percent smaller than an average dinner in Philadelphia.

Here are three ways to control your meal portions and still feel satisfied.

1. Drink a glass of water before your meal. Consuming water before you eat helps your body distinguish between hunger and thirst, effectively helping you to consume fewer calories during your meal.
2. Eat slowly. Taking more time to eat allows your brain to register feeling full and reduces the likelihood that you’ll overeat.
3. Pay attention to what you are eating. Aim to fill half of your plate with vegetables, which are full of fiber and low in calories. This means you can eat more food and consume fewer calories. Include protein with each meal to help you feel full longer, reducing the urge to snack throughout the day.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2019 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

Rachel Sheller

Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES

Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker,

MASTERS CIRCLE

CSA-Certified Staging Agent

Oregon First, Washington First 

Direct 503.380.9634

Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website.

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

Trending Styles For The Master Bath

You may be planning to update the master bath before putting your home on the market or after you’ve purchased a resale home. This is what’s trending among homeowners who renovated their bathrooms within the past 18 months, according to the latest survey conducted by Houzz.com.

·         When remodeling master baths, 90% of homeowners change the style. The most popular option right now is transitional, a unique blend of classic traditional and sleek contemporary design.

·         Soothing, neutral color palettes are typically chosen to complement transitional, contemporary and modern bathroom styles.

·         The largely popular farmhouse style has started to decline.

·         The top three colors for vanities are white (34%), wood (29%) and gray (16%). White is also trending for countertops (46%), followed by multicolored (18%) and gray (12%).

·         Gray is most often selected for the wall color with paint being the top wall surface by far, followed by either ceramic or porcelain tile.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2019 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

Rachel Sheller

Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES

Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker,

MASTERS CIRCLE

CSA-Certified Staging Agent

Oregon First, Washington First 

Direct 503.380.9634

Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website.

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

Listings with High Days On Market

When reviewing a real estate listing, it’s important for buyers to pay close attention to the days on market (DOM), which is the length of time the home has been for sale on the multiple listing service. In many cases, higher-than-average DOM properties may indicate that the home has been overpriced or that expensive repairs are needed, reports Realtor.com^®.

However, that’s not always the case. Depending on the local housing market, a listing may be considered “stale” if the DOM is more than 21 days. In other areas, homes may take as long as three to five months to sell because of the uniqueness of the location, time of the year or other factors. Perhaps an offer on the home had been accepted but fell through when the would-be buyer failed to qualify for the mortgage loan.

Identifying buyer turn-offs such as an outdated interior, poorly maintained landscaping or peeling exterior paint may also help you determine if there’s a deal to be made on an otherwise sound house.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2019 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

Rachel Sheller

Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES

Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker,

MASTERS CIRCLE

CSA-Certified Staging Agent

Oregon First, Washington First 

Direct 503.380.9634

Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website.

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

Make Realistic Compromises When You Can

Home buyers most often begin their house hunting with a long list of must-have features. They typically hope to find their new home in the best location, at the lowest possible price and with lots of modern upgrades. Once buyers start looking at the available homes within their price range, however, they tend to make practical compromises that they know they can live with.

Location vs. square footage is often the first compromise buyers must consider. Living closer to the city center might mean buying a smaller home than what can be purchased for the same price farther out.

Buyers with school-age children tend to want a big backyard but, depending on the cost of land, they may have to rethink just how large is large enough for an outdoor play area and a swing set. One compromise might be looking for a home with a smaller backyard that’s within walking distance of a park.

The architectural style of the house is the most important feature for some buyers. Others are more willing to be flexible with the exterior design in exchange for an additional bedroom or bath inside the home.

The size of the garage or carport and whether it’s attached or detached is another feature that buyers may have to keep an open mind about in order to get a home in their preferred location.

By working closely with a real estate professional, you’ll gain knowledgeable expertise when it comes to prioritizing your list of desired features for your new home. Feel free to give me a call or email today and I can help you with this!

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2019 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

Rachel Sheller

Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES

Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker,

MASTERS CIRCLE

CSA-Certified Staging Agent

Oregon First, Washington First 

Direct 503.380.9634

Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website.

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

How To Fit More Reading Into Your Day

Here are some tips to help smooth the way toward working more page-turners into your daily routine.

Reduce friction. Eliminate excuses by keeping a book or e-reader with you, or download an e-book reader app on your smartphone. Get comfortable with reading just a few pages at time. This will help you maximize downtime while waiting for an appointment, eating lunch or whenever you’re tempted to scroll through social media.

Maintain the momentum. Keep a long to-read list and buy new titles before you need them so you’re never stuck wondering what to read next. Having a pile of unread books gives you plenty of options and keeps you motivated. Choose topics you’re interested in and feel free to put down books that don’t resonate with you. To keep you from getting stuck, try reading multiple books at once. For example, if you’re reading about a complex subject, also read something story-driven, such as a novel or memoir.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2019 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

Rachel Sheller

Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES

Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker,

MASTERS CIRCLE

CSA-Certified Staging Agent

Oregon First, Washington First 

Direct 503.380.9634

Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website.

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

5 Business Books That Motivate

If you’re finding yourself in a end-year slump, these top-rated reads are sure to keep you motivated all the way through the end of the year.

Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World
In his newest book, Cal Newport addresses the challenge of remaining focused despite the constant distractions of this modern age. His insight teaches you how to train your mind and master your work ethic once and for all.

The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups
Why do some groups seem destined for greatness? Daniel Coyle dissects the ins and outs of the most successful teams on the planet. You will find actionable steps you can implement in your work environment to inspire success.

Great At Work: How Top Performers Do Less, Work Better, and Achieve More
As a clear, data-based guide to on-the-job success, Morten Hansen’s latest book provides seven practices linked to high performance. His thoughtful advice will help you integrate them into your own life.

Brave Leadership: Unleash Your Most Confident, Powerful, and Authentic Self to Get the Results You Need
In this empowering read, Kimberly Davis delivers an engaging and influential guide to overcoming personal obstacles, so you can become a courageous and confident leader.

Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days
If you work with a team, this guide is invaluable. Formerly of Google Ventures, Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky and Braden Kowitz recorded their proven method for creating a comprehensive solution to a business problem in just five days with the right team.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2019 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

Rachel Sheller

Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES

Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker,

MASTERS CIRCLE

CSA-Certified Staging Agent

Oregon First, Washington First 

Direct 503.380.9634

Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website.

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

Organize Your Family Schedule

Spring schedules are often filled to the brim with extra travel, sports, recitals, and school activities. Evaluate your household’s needs and choose tools that can help you stay organized.

·         Create a shared calendar. This could be a paper calendar, a dry-erase board posted in the kitchen or a digital shared calendar. This ensures that all family members know what to expect each week and can see the big picture for the month.

·         Color code your family. To organize your calendar, assign a color to each family member, and record activities in corresponding colors for quick reference.

·         Use organizational apps. Check out apps like Cozi or Wunderlist to share to-do lists, grocery lists, reminders, and more.

·         Have a weekly scheduling session. Adults and older children can gather briefly to discuss the upcoming week’s activities and any changes to the schedule.

·         Create routines. Having a predictable morning and evening routine will keep your household from feeling too rushed.

·         Schedule “free” time. Whether it’s pausing the chaotic routine for a casual dinner, an evening walk or a Saturday morning breakfast, take the time to slow down and enjoy being together.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2019 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

Rachel Sheller

Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES

Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker,

MASTERS CIRCLE

CSA-Certified Staging Agent

Oregon First, Washington First 

Direct 503.380.9634

Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website.

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

4 Habits Of Successful People

While there’s no magic formula for success, research shows that highly successful people tend to cultivate similar habits. Here are a few to consider:

Read more. According to Grant Cardone, author of The 10X Rule, successful CEOs read an average of 60 books per year. Try listening to audiobooks during your commute or while running errands to fit more learning into your schedule.

Prioritize relationships. Surround yourself with positive, ambitious people and look for mentors who can coach you along the way. Be generous with your time and expertise as well.

Work out consistently. Tom Corley, author of Rich Habits, found that wealthy individuals exercise an average of 30 minutes, four days per week.

Journal each day. Many CEOs say keeping a gratitude journal positively impacts their perspective. Writing down motivational ideas, goals and habits is an empowering way to organize your thoughts as well.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2019 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

Rachel Sheller

Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES

Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker,

MASTERS CIRCLE

CSA-Certified Staging Agent

Oregon First, Washington First 

Direct 503.380.9634

Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website.

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!