Real Estate Information Archive

"You know what I love about fitness? I love fitness whole pizza in my mouth."

This old, eye-roll inducing joke still gets a laugh, even if only for the kernel of truth at its core. What makes it even more poignant: The weekend has arrived, and though you may have lofty plans to hit the gym daily or go on long hikes (or both!), you're probably more inclined to settle in with a pizza. Sound familiar?

Doing that cleaning you've been putting off can actually burn calories, so go ahead and enjoy some pie guilt-free - no need to feel bad about skipping the gym.

"Does housework count as a workout? The answer: Yes! There's a reason they call it housework," said Fitness Magazine. "You can burn serious calories during a marathon cleaning session."

This weekend, tackle these home cleaning tasks - with one home renovation project and two weekend chores added - while remembering to prioritize each activity based on your personal preferences and schedule.

Calorie estimates assume a 150-pound person. Adjust up or down by 20% for lighter or heavier weights. For example, vacuuming burns about 200 calories for a 150-pound person. So a 120-pound person would burn around 160 calories, while a 180-pound person would burn about 240 calories.

Vacuuming: According to Shape, vacuuming could help you reach your daily goal of 10,000 steps, depending on the size of your home. In just 30 minutes of vacuuming, you could burn around 119 calories.

Mopping: Your floors probably need it, and the best news is that this task will burn about 150 calories in an hour!

Cleaning the bathroom: We hope your bathroom cleaning does not take an hour, but you could clean three bathrooms in that time, burning 180 calories—enough for a sweet treat after dinner!

Scrubbing the tub: Scrubbing away stubborn soap scum in the bathtub for 15 minutes provides a great arm workout and can burn over 90 calories, making this unpleasant chore more motivating.

Gardening: Spending an hour in the yard cleaning up flower beds or preparing the space for cooler weather ahead can burn about 250 calories. All the bending, kneeling, and leaning involved in yard work provides a great calorie-burning workout.

Get the windows sparkling clean: Health stated that washing the inside and outside of your windows for 30 minutes burns around 100 calories.

Painting the walls: Add a splash of color to your home this weekend by painting for an hour - you'll burn approximately 270 calories in the process.

Grocery shopping: Considering a one-hour grocery store trip can burn 350 calories, you may want to rethink having your groceries delivered or using the market's pre-order/load up service.

So there you go! You can have a clean house and improved health by following these tips.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

Beautiful Home located in the highly desirable gated community of Sara's Meadow! Featuring a bright & open floorplan, cozy fireplace in great room that opens to the adjoining breakfast nook & kitchen with double sliding doors & picture window providing abundant natural light. All kitchen appliances, washer & dryer convey! Primary Suite suite offers a separate slider door for backyard access; ensuite with soaking tub/shower combo & ample walk-in closet. Separate living area can be used for hobbies, exercise space, TV room, etc. Second bedroom has its own walk out patio. Ceramic tile thru-out except bedrooms, raised ceilings, custom window coverings, & more. Wagner heating & cooling system & water heater approximately 2 yrs old. Low maintenance yards. Close to trails, shops, & restaurants!

Learn More!

Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team!

Many people in Albuquerque may find their homes to be a sanctuary, but for some, it can be quite the opposite. Your home could potentially be making you sick in various ways. Here are some of the most common ways your health could be impacted if your own house is the culprit.

Is the Humidity Too High?

When the humidity in your home exceeds 60%, it creates an ideal environment for mold to thrive. High humidity levels can even lead to mold growth behind your walls. It is important to note that mold can have detrimental effects on your health, such as causing chronic sinus conditions and potentially damaging your nervous system.

When a house is too humid, it can attract dust mites, leading to sleep disorders, allergies, and stomach problems. Conversely, if the home is not humid enough, it can cause respiratory irritation. A humidity level below 40% is considered too low.

To maintain proper humidity levels, you can use a humidity monitor and ensure it stays between 40-60%. Running fan vents while cooking or showering and opening windows for ventilation are also effective. If necessary, a dehumidifier can be used.

Excessive Dust

Cleaning your house goes beyond just making it look nice. It is important to keep your home free of dust due to the potential health effects it can have. Dust can contain dust mites, which can be irritating to both the eyes and nasal passages.

Dust mites can compromise the immune system and gradually diminish its strength. Additionally, dust has the ability to accumulate outdoor pollutants, including harmful pesticides and herbicides that pose a threat to our nervous systems.

To reduce dust, vacuum regularly and ensure the vacuum filter is clean. Consider adding a HEPA filter to your HVAC system and avoid wearing shoes indoors. Wash bedding, drapes, and stuffed animals frequently.

Heating and Cooling Systems

HVAC systems can be a source of illness due to the presence of bacteria and mold in the ductwork caused by water accumulation from cooling. These contaminants can lead to coughing, allergies, asthma, and headaches.

To avoid this issue, it is recommended to have air ducts professionally cleaned every few years. Additionally, regular servicing of your heating system will improve its cleanliness and efficiency.

Damp Areas

Damp areas in your home, such as basements and bathrooms, can be detrimental to your health. Mold, mildew, and bacteria can contribute to "sick building syndrome." Any presence of water or condensation in your home increases the risk of mold-related health issues.

To ensure the integrity of your house, inspect the exterior for gaps, leaks, and holes. Confirm that your gutters effectively redirect water away from your home. Regularly examine drains and plumbing fixtures. Additionally, monitor indoor humidity levels as they can indicate condensation problems.

Lack of Ventilation

It is common for people to tightly seal their homes to save on energy bills. However, indoor air tends to be dirtier than outdoor air, making ventilation necessary. Opening windows and doors occasionally when weather permits is one way to achieve this. Additionally, using fan vents while cooking or bathing can help pull air outside. Another option is installing an air-to-air heat exchange for mechanical ventilation.

Toxic Products

The products used in your home may contain indoor pollutants that can stick to surfaces. These pollutants can be found in carpeting, manufactured wood, upholstery, and cleaning supplies. To reduce exposure to toxins, it is important to read labels and be mindful of the products you bring into your home.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

75 Woodland Drive, Tijeras, NM 87059

True Adobe Custom home by Terry Taggert on approximately 5.5 acres with post and beam, 1-2' thick adobe walls, passive solar design. Featuring paid for solar panels, & wood stove to make this home truly energy efficient. Panoramic views from several 'floor to ceiling' windows! Beautiful brick flooring; Chef's kitchen with stainless steel appliances & maple cabinets. Primary suite features walk in closet and updated 3/4 bath. Fenced in dog area. Huge detached garage appx 600 ft. can easily hold three cars also has a workshop area. In addition there is an Another heated and insulated huge garage appx 1225 ft. that makes a perfect Barn for ALL animals and horses, Or perfect for working on cars storing ATVs, etc. With over 5 acres of level land it is perfect for all animals and horses.

Learn More!

Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

There is a lot of work to be done to make your Albuquerque house feel clean and tidy, regardless of whether you're preparing it for showings or just want it to look good. It can feel as though maintaining a clean home is a full-time job, particularly when you have a family.

You probably know someone whose house is always clean and you've wondered what their secret is. Here are some they may use.

Stop the Marathon Cleaning Sessions

Most of us put household chores off and try to do everything at once, so we think we can never keep up. Maybe clutter accumulates all week, but then you tackle it on Saturday.

That's fine, but you might develop a negative feeling about cleaning because it's always frustrating to deal with a job of this scale.

Cleaning your house a little at a time can change your habits so that it becomes a part of your routine instead of a one-off dreaded chore.

Concentrate on things you can do right now that will make a difference over time but may seem small at the time. That way, you won't feel overwhelmed. Over time, you'll stop thinking of these small tasks as cleaning if you integrate them into your daily routine. You'll just think of them as a normal part of your day.

Try the 20/10 Rule

You can stop being a marathon cleaner with the 20/10 rule.

Throughout the week, you use a timer to train yourself to do brief cleaning sessions. Set the timer for 20 minutes, for example. You focus on cleaning something during those 20 minutes. Then, you give yourself a 10-minute break to do whatever you want, and once that ends, return to cleaning.

Make the Beds Everyday

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to make your bed every day. It will make you feel more in control of your life and home. You should keep it up even when you don't feel like it.

Making your bed immediately improves your sleep. Knowing that at least one thing in your house is neat will make you feel calmer.

Put Things Away As Soon As You’re Done Using Them

It sounds simple, but think about how many things you use throughout the day without putting them back. We do it unconsciously all the time. For example, maybe instead of putting something back in the drawer, you leave it on the countertop for the time being.

Clothes are another example. Instead of hanging them up, you start throwing them on the floor or your bed, so try to change that habit.

These things add up.

If you consciously promise yourself you’ll put everything back after you’re done using it, you’ll notice a difference in your home.

Do One Room At a Time

When you do clean, focus on one room at a time. It gets overwhelming to tell yourself you have to clean the entire house.

When you focus on one room at a time, it can be encouraging and help keep you motivated because you can accomplish something.

Have a Schedule

One way that people often find success in having a consistently clean home is by having a schedule. You can come up with something that works for you, but one way to do it is to separate tasks by day and do the same ones on the same day every week.

For example, maybe Monday is for dusting and laundry, and Tuesday is for vacuuming and bathrooms. You can go from there, but as you’re doing more frequent cleaning, things have less of a chance to become big messes.

Finally, aim to do a load of laundry a day. That means washing it, folding it, and putting it away. Laundry can create piles and messes all over your home if it gets out of hand, so taking control of those before they become problematic will keep floors and other areas tidier.

Maybe you come up with a routine for the load you do every day. For example, you could put a load in in the morning before leaving for the day. You put it in the dryer as soon as you get home, and you put it away before bed.

With these tips, before you know it, you’ll be the one with the spotless home that everyone else envies.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

7113 NAPOLEON Road NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144

Welcome to this beautiful Twilight home in the heart of highly desirable Lomas Encantadas! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath gem has so much to offer. Enjoy the Chef's Kitchen with upgraded Kitchen-Aid appliances plus a gourmet Wolf gas range and convection oven and beautiful granite. The backyard oasis has incredible mountain views, a fire pit, and extended covered patio with custom pull-down shades. A NEW Tankless Water Heater (2022), refrigerated air, tile roof and xeriscaping keep this one low maintenance! Relax in your oversized master suite, cozy up by the gas fireplace, or just enjoy the views. This one is ready for you!

Learn More!

 easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Are you selling your Albuquerque home and have dogs? We know you love your dogs. Pet odors or the appearance of a house that has been occupied by pets can make selling a home difficult. The smells your dogs leave behind will be noticed right away by potential buyers.

If you are putting your house up for sale, how can you prevent the smell of pets from permeating the house?

Steam Clean All Fabrics

The best absorbent surfaces are those with a soft texture. As a result, you need to steam clean everything in the house that is fabric.

Dogs are known to stick their paws on everything and leave behind oils, odors, and fur. For this reason, you need to clean carpets, rugs, furniture, and even drapes. Even though it may seem extreme, it could make the difference between selling your home or not.

Grooming

As you likely groom your dog regularly, this is a good time to give them a grooming. But make sure you hire a professional. Therefore, the cleaner will do a better job, and their water will flow down the drain instead of yours.

Brush your dog outside regularly while your house is on the market to prevent hair from falling onto your sofa or rugs.

Clean Tile-Floor Grout

Tile grout absorbs pet stains and smells as well. Stains and odors can be removed by steam cleaning the grout. If the old grout looks bad, hire a professional to remove it and replace it.

Get an Air Purifier

Since you've grown accustomed to pet odors, you might not even notice them. An air purifier with a HEPA filter will remove hair and dander from the air.

When your air filters are changed regularly, most air ducts do not need to be cleaned. If, however, dander and fur seem to be taking over your home, you may need to hire a company to clean your air ducts.

Use Enzymatic Cleaners

Enzymatic cleaners are specially made to remove pet odors. They're made from beneficial bacteria that eat stains and odors.

They’re formulated to get rid of a specific type of stain, so a cleanser that targets urine won’t be the same as one for vomit. Apply them liberally to stains regardless of how old they are.

Get Rid of Scratches

The toenails of pets leave recognizable marks on walls and doors. If your walls and doors are made of synthetic materials, you can just paint over the marks. To fill in scratches on wooden doors, use a wood-filling pen. Steel wool or fine sandpaper should be used to remove small scratches, followed by mineral spirits, wood filler, and polyurethane. Refinishing hardwood is a good investment when there is major damage.

Absorb Odors With Charcoal

Charcoal is great for pulling moisture and odors out of the air. Place inconspicuous little bags of it in places your pets love most. Or, just strategically stash some charcoal briquettes around the house.

Spot Clean Furniture Daily

Keeping your dog off the couch isn't always possible, so cover your freshly-cleaned furniture with throws or pet covers, and wash them at least once a week. Vacuum rugs and carpets every day. Pet smells sink in fast.

Get a Sniff Test

You’ve scrubbed everything, and you think your house smells like a dog has never set foot in the door. Get a second opinion as to whether the odors are gone. You may be nose-blind. Ask your agent to walk through and give you an honest opinion.

HOT PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

9905 DENALI Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP! Great opportunity to make this immaculate & lovingly cared for home your own! Situated in the highly desirable Far Northeast Heights Academy Hills subdivision, this gem will not disappoint. Featuring a light, bright open floorplan with impressive high-end finishes throughout. Main level includes an inviting great room appointed with a vaulted beamed ceiling; wood burning fireplace with blower & built-ins; French doors with side panels to invite in the natural light & opening to the view deck overlooking the backyard & Sandia Mountains. Wood floors grace the formal dining room & eat in kitchen with high-end appliances & fixtures; pot filler; separate coffee bar; enjoy the views from the large window next to the eat at bar; ample pantry & more.....

Learn More!

Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.