Tips for Getting Your Cleaning Deposit Back

       Intro

Your apartment is your favorite place to come home to every evening. However, there will come a time where you have to move out. Let us take a very close look at some tips for getting your cleaning deposit back.

 

Start Early

First and foremost, it’s crucial that you get a head start on cleaning up. There’s nothing worse than procrastinating on the task and panicking the day before you have to move out. You should start at least a week in advance and preferably more. At the very least, you’ll be able to assess the situation and determine what parts of the property need deep cleaning. The bottom line is, you don’t know exactly how much you need to clean until you begin. You know that the area behind the refrigerator is dirty, but just how much grime has accumulated is unknown until you move the appliance out. You need to prepare for the worst case scenario.

Use Vinegar

Out of all the chemicals in your cupboard, vinegar is your best friend. When there are stains on your walls or showers, sprinkle a little vinegar and wipe it down with water. You’ll find that almost any stain can be eliminated with this method. Vinegar isn’t only good for tackling stains. You can apply it to any surface that is a little musty to freshen it up. If pure vinegar is too strong, you can mix it with water or other cleaning supplies. Nevertheless, remember that vinegar is cheap and a universal solution.

Scrub Regularly

Last but not least, scrubbing regularly will solve so many issues from the start. It’s a mistake to think that you can scrub down the whole place in the end and make it good as new. Although this is probably possible, it will take so much more effort as opposed to scrubbing on regular basis. When you scrub your apartment weekly, stains don’t have a chance of fully developing. You’re also stopping any dirt or debris in their tracks before they can overflow on your floors. It’s not a bad idea to make a scrubbing schedule and post it to your refrigerator door.

Hire Help

If you don’t really have the time to do the cleaning yourself, consider hiring professional help. It can be surprisingly affordable to hire a service such as a professional carpet cleaner. It will certainly cost less to hire someone yourself that what the landlord would charge you.

Conclusion

When all is said and done, these are some great tips for getting your cleaning deposit back. That money is definitely not insignificant, and it should be on your mind as you’re approaching your move out date. Clean up beforehand and receive a full refund on the deposit!

 

Moving Tips

Moving Tips

Getting Ready to Move

– Easing the transition to your new home with some moving tips:

1) Use the right boxes and pack them carefully:

  • Professional moving companies use only sturdy, reinforced cartons. The boxes you can get at your neighborhood supermarket or liquor store might be free, but they are not nearly as strong or padded, and so can’t shield your valuables as well from harm in transit.
  • Use sheets, blankets, pillows and towels to separate pictures and other fragile objects from each other and the sides of the carton. Pack plates and glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked.
  • Be sure to point out to your mover the boxes in which you’ve packed fragile items, especially if those items are exceptionally valuable. The mover will advise you whether those valuables need to be repacked in sturdier, more appropriate boxes.
  • The heavier the item, the smaller the box it should occupy. A good rule of thumb is if you can’t lift the carton easily, it’s too heavy. Label your boxes, especially the one containing sheets and towels, so you can find everything you need the first night in your new home.

2) For your family’s safety and comfort:

  • One of the best moving tips is to teach your children your new address. Let them practice writing it on packed cartons. You can lighten your load and reduce any storage space you need to rent by hosting a garage or yard sale.
  • Fill two “OPEN ME FIRST” cartons containing snacks, instant coffee or tea bags, soap, toilet paper, toothpaste and brushes, medicine and toiletry items (make sure caps are tightly secured), flashlight, screwdriver, pliers, can opener, paper plates, cups and utensils, a pan or two, paper towels, and any other items your family can’t do without. Ask your van foreman to load one of these boxes, so that it will be unloaded at your new home first. Why the second box? In case the movers are delayed getting to your house on the day of the move.
  • Keep your pets out of packing boxes and away from all the activity on moving day.
  • Let all your electrical gadgets return to room temperature before plugging them in.
  • Since you may need to call old neighbors or businesses from your new home, pack your phone book.

3) Work hand in hand with your mover:

  • Give the mover’s foreman your reach numbers and email addresses so you can stay in contact.
  • Read the inventory form carefully, and ask the mover to explain anything you don’t understand. Make a note of your shipment’s registration number, and keep your Bill of Lading handy.
  • If you’re moving long distance, be aware that your property might share a truck with that of several other households. For this reason, your mover might have to warehouse your furniture and belongings for several days. Therefore, ask your mover whether your goods will remain on the truck until delivered. If they have to be stored, ask whether you can check the warehouse for security, organization and cleanliness.

 

Things to Consider When Choosing Your Realtor

Things to Consider When Choosing Your Realtor

If you are considering buying or selling a home, selecting a real estate broker/agent may be the first important decision you will have to make.

While there are many qualified real estate agents out there, it is important to decide on a professional who will understand your needs and individual preferences. Someone who you can respect and trust is a minimum requirement. Nearly four out of five home buyers and sellers enlist the help of a real estate professional. Whether you are looking to buy a new home or sell the one you are in, choosing a real professional who best fits your needs is vital.

Here are some questions to consider when choosing your Realtor®:

  • Are they a REALTOR®?
  • How long have they been a real estate professional?
  • Do they work full or part time?
  • How long have they been working in this particular area?
  • What type of homes do they usually handle?
  • How much of their business comes from repeat customers or referrals?
  • How many homes did they sell last year?
  • How often can you expect to be updated, regardless of any progress?
  • Do they have an aggressive marketing plan to attract buyers?

Not all real estate agents/brokers are REALTORS®!

A REALTOR® is a member of the National Association of Realtors® and must follow a strict Code of Ethics in every transaction with the public and with other real estate agents.

Above all you should choose a Realtor® that you feel comfortable with. Your real estate professional will be your guide through the entire process of buying or selling a home, and can be a valuable resource. Make sure that whomever you select is well suited to your demands.