When spring arrives, one thing that comes to mind is cleaning away the cobwebs of winter. Waking up to warmer weather is a sure way to get motivated to clean your entire home. Sometimes though, you only have time for quick cleaning tasks, especially if you're preparing your home for a last-minute showing. Consider these helpful speed cleaning tips to get your home in order faster, easier, and more efficiently. 

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There is no better way to add personality to a space than by investing in some vintage or antique decor. They just don't make furniture like they used to -- vintage furniture pieces and decor are simply beautiful and can add a classic, nostalgic impression to any room.

If you love vintage furniture and decor, you're in luck there are many places where you can find these treasures!

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If you're excited by the latest interior design trends, the leading paint companies released their top color trends for home interiors, as well as the color of the year for 2022. As an anticipated annual event by architects and interior designers, these color choices are often showcased in Cedar Rapids homes for sale, as well as many other homes across the country.

These 2022 color choices are a reflection of a more optimistic color palette. Our real estate agents are excited to see a resurgence in creative imagination and expression in interior design. Take a look at some of the top color choices for 2022 that may be a perfect fit for your home.

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Iowa City is a wonderful place to live, but our winters can get pretty snowy and cold. In this sort of weather, it is always important to keep driveway maintenance in mind. Whether you already live in the city or are still looking at Iowa City homes for sale, we recommend putting these winter driveway maintenance tips to good use.

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November 23rd is National Espresso Day! Espresso became common in Italian cafes in the late 1800s, and the first successful espresso machine was invented in 1901. Coffee drinkers fell in love and never looked back. If you love a strong cup of the good stuff, then National Espresso Day is the perfect occasion to perfect your at-home espresso-making skills. Our real estate agents have a few tips to guide you.

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When you're planning to add your property to the inventory of Iowa City homes for sale, it's important to go through your home and get rid of or replace household items that are past their prime. It's possible to clean some household essentials, but others should be trashed due to odors or the accumulation of germs. Here's what you need to know about the replacement timeframes for these everyday household items. 

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The hallmark of a truly beautiful home is that it is so clean that it sparkles. Most of us maintain a cabinet of chemicals to make sure our homes are clean but are they really necessary? If you're tired of spreading chemicals throughout your home, you may want to give these homemade cleaners a try.

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August 21st marks National Honey Bee Day. Honey bees assist with the creation of approximately 33 percent of the world's food supply, transporting pollen from one flower to another, enabling the plant to survive. We then use these plants for food, in the creation of medicine, and to produce oils and other raw materials.

Our real estate agents know that one way to help these crucial pollinators thrive in the local area is by adding native flowering plants and trees to your landscaping. These plants serve as a natural source of pollen and nectar for bees, ensuring they have the nutrients they need to continue pollinating crops. Here are some Iowa-friendly plants that help pollinators do their jobs. 

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A beautiful, well-maintained driveway increases curb appeal and adds value to your property. It's the first thing people see when they drive by or visit your home. Our real estate agents know that a buyer's first impression has a big impact on a sale.

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If you're short on time or already working through a long to-do list, it's possible that some of your home maintenance tasks may fall by the wayside. Our real estate agents know that some maintenance tasks are necessary for the short and long-term wellbeing of your home. Here are some home maintenance tasks that you should prioritize, even when your schedule feels packed. 

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Have you ever noticed that sometimes, even when a home appears to be clean, it doesn't have that fresh feeling others might? The difference is probably in the little details that are often forgotten. Whether you are moving into a new home, getting one ready for sale, or just want your house to sparkle, you want to be sure to address these often-ignored spots. Our real estate agents will always recommend a deep cleaning before showing or photographing a home going on the market. Make sure to pay attention to these areas in your home.

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What avid readers don't yearn to have their own private libraries? If this is a dream of yours, don't hesitate to share that information with our real estate agents as they search through Iowa City homes for sale for your perfect place. Whether you need a modest nook with bookshelves and a comfy chair or a huge room to house a massive collection, with careful planning you can obtain the library you desire. Here are a few thoughts to help you formulate your plan. 

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Seems like there's an app for just about everything these days, so it's no surprise you can find some excellent apps to aid you in home organization. 

Got your eye on one of our Cedar Rapids homes for sale? These apps may make life a little better for you once you move in.

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A smart home utilizes technology to control many things in your home — including lights and garage doors — remotely. Since these devices can make your life easier and more efficient while also helping you save money, making your home smarter is a great New Year's resolution to make. It can pay dividends for many years to come. If you're setting up this kind of home, however, your options can initially feel overwhelming.

Our real estate agents provide the following guide to setting up a smart home in 2021:

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While lots of windows are ideal for allowing large amounts of natural light into your home, they also provide the opportunity for frigid drafts to enter your home. If you think cold air is sneaking in through your windows, consider these remedies from our real estate agents for making your windows less drafty this winter. 

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Is your home starting to show its age? Giving it a facelift doesn't have to be a time-consuming and expensive project. Our real estate agents share home upgrades that make an immediate difference without breaking the bank.

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With a crisp chill in the air and the soft crunch of leaves underfoot, there can be no doubt: fall has arrived. With it comes a chance to make some improvements to your landscaping before the long, cold months of winter set in. 

Our REALTORS® have long recommended landscaping as a way to boost your curb appeal before selling your home in fall. But even if you have no plans to list your among the Cedar Rapids home for sale, this season still offers a perfect opportunity to make some improvements to your landscape.

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Spring came and went. Now summer is almost over, and it seems like you didn't get all the clutter out when you took care of the dust bunnies. If you can relate, you are not alone. Homes across America are filled with more clutter than we know what to do with. Our real estate agents can relate and recommend these five ideas for decluttering your home before the leaves start to fall. 

1. Take it 10 Minutes at a Time 
   No one wants to spend all day cleaning out clutter. It's tiresome and exhausting. Instead of dedicating a whole day to the task, all you have to do is dedicate 10 minutes. It will feel like less of a chore if you break it into little bites. Moreover, as one drawer becomes one closet, and one closet becomes one room, you will build momentum as you see your efforts start to bear fruit.

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Buying a new home is an exciting and rewarding experience! Most new homeowners can't wait to move in. But before you start unpacking, make sure to complete a deep clean of your new home. This involves cleaning your new home from top to bottom.

Start by gathering the necessary cleaning supplies. Your essential cleaning supplies include cleaning products, rubber gloves, sink/tub cleaner, paper towel, floor cleaner, mop, bucket, duster, and if you have carpeting, invest in a good vacuum. Once you've gathered your supplies, work through cleaning these areas in your new home to ensure a fresh start! 

1. Bathroom
   Your home's bathroom is one of the most used rooms in the house. Start with the bathroom first to get rid of germs or bacteria. When cleaning the toilet, remember to get behind the porcelain base. Clean the sink; if possible, pull out the vanity to clean behind the area. Wipe down the bathroom walls and any shelving units. Wash the bathroom mirrors if the bathroom has a built-in medicine cabinet, clean each shelf. Clean the tub and replace the shower curtain.
2. Kitchen
   Start with the appliances. The refrigerator should be first. Wash all drawers and sanitize the shelf before filling with food. If you do not want to use harsh chemicals, use vinegar mixed with warm water to clean the refrigerator. Pull out the fridge to clean behind the appliance. Next, wash the oven, including the stovetop and hood. Pull out and clean the drawer underneath the stove. Next, scrub the kitchen sink and any other remaining appliances. Wipe down and clean all the cabinets inside and out, wash any countertop space, and any other shelving units.
3. Remaining Rooms
   If the rest of the rooms are empty, you will have an easier time cleaning. Wipe down the walls, vacuum or sweep, and mop floors. Depending on your move-in date, you may want to get a professional carpet cleaning service to steam clean the carpets in each room.
4. Windows
   Clean all your windows on the inside and outside. Clean the window sills. Often dead bugs accumulate on the ledge. Using your vacuum attachments is a great way to clean your window sills. If you have blinds, carefully wash each blind to remove any germs or residue.
5. Doors
   Using a cleaner, wipe down the doors and the knobs. Wash the windows. If you have sliding glass doors, clean the window areas.
6. Air Vents
   Dust the air vents in your home. Check and replace your air filters. A dirty air filter can cause pollutants to enter your freshly cleaned areas.
7. Ceiling Fans
   Wipe down each blade on the ceiling fans. Dust quickly accumulates on the back of the blades.

Deep cleaning a new home ensures a fresh start for you and your family. Looking for a new home for you and your family to move into? Contact us to start your search for Cedar Rapids homes for sale.

As the weather gets warmer, many homeowners think about improving their landscape with plants and flowers. And even if you're not a veggie-lover, there's just something about fresh-from-the-garden vegetables that make your mouth water. As an added benefit, growing your own flowers and vegetables can be an entertaining hobby that can increase your home's curb appeal and beauty.

Gardening recommendations vary from one area of the state and country to another, of course. From rainfall totals to soil conditions to the dates of the first and last frost, it's important to focus on what's recommended for where you live. Our real estate agents are very familiar with the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area and suggest following these tips when starting a garden. 

1. Know Your Hardiness Zone 
   The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map tells you which plants are likely to grow well in your area. Each zone is determined by the average annual minimum winter temperature in a specific area of the country. Cedar Rapids is situated in Hardiness Zone 5, so when you're checking plant labels or online information, make sure your plant is recommended for zone 5.
   
   
2. Choose Your Plants
   This is the fun part! Once you know what plants work best in your Hardiness Zone choose plants that would not only thrive but that your family will enjoy. When starting out, pick only a few types of plants for your garden. You can always add more next year when you are a more seasoned gardener.
   
   
3. Protect Your Crops 
   Don't risk putting time, effort, and money into your garden only to have it destroyed by rabbits. Fence them out with a material that's at least 2 to 3 inches high and buried about 2 inches into the soil. It should also have openings no larger than the ones you'll find in chicken wire.
   
   

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Moving into a new home can be exciting and overwhelming. From figuring what to unpack first, arranging furniture, and generally getting used to your new space, there are plenty of things to do before you settle down comfortably. But during the moving chaos, even the most organized person can forget something. Our REALTORS® highlight five important things to remember after your move.

1. Change the Locks
   Even if you remember to carry all of your new house keys, you shouldn't plan on holding onto them for very long. Security should be your first concern after your move. Your previous owners might no longer have keys, but you can't know how many copies they gave to trusted neighbors, friends, family members, or contractors.
   

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Every opinion and decision we make is influenced by several conscious and unconscious factors — including why we choose to purchase a home. Understanding these behaviors and using them to your advantage is a fantastic way to help increase the speed and success of your home sale. Our REALTORS® identified the following useful psychology tricks to encourage potential buyers to make a generous offer as swiftly as possible.

• Price the Property Strategically
  Proper pricing is critical and perhaps even the most important element. Also, if there is work to be done on a property, a great price point can inspire buyers to take advantage of the deal before they miss out. When listing the home, you need to price it at an amount that is appropriate yet reasonable. Compare recently sold properties around your home and make sure your listing falls below that number to make it competitive yet more appealing. List your property with a price that avoids round numbers and ending the asking price with the number nine. Broad prices such as $150,000 or $149,000 can turn buyers off. However, a price of $151,500 or $148,600 makes the buyer believe that these specific prices were set appropriately to mirror the true value of the home.

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Your home is more than an asset on your balance sheet. It's an income-generating asset that you can leverage to lower the cost of homeownership, pad your retirement account, pay for a child's tuition, or whatever else you desire. It's wise to keep this in mind when you're looking through the list of Iowa City homes for sale. With a little planning, you can turn your home into a cash cow that you can cash in on long before you put it on the market down the road.  

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Are you contemplating selling your Iowa City home? It's a big decision to put your home on the market, and when you do, you want to make sure that you get the highest price possible when selling your home. First, it's a good idea to understand which exterior home features Iowa homebuyers want when looking for Iowa City homes for sale.

Below are five of today's hottest trends in outdoor home features. You may want to consider adding one or more of them to boost the value of your property.

1. In-ground swimming pool - There's no denying the appeal of an in-ground swimming pool outside in the back yard. Homebuyers at all phases of life enjoy having a pool—young marrieds, families with kids, retirees. While putting in a pool is a major expense, it can boost your asking price significantly when you do decide to sell your home.

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