http://bjohnson.coldwellbankercrown.com/blog/archive_202401/sort_entrydatetime-desc/ If you share your home with a pet or two (or five), you know their well-being is a top priority. Along with making a move less stressful for them, learning how to pet-proof your home should be high on the list for responsible pet owners. Read on to know what to look out for and how to make your home a comfortable and secure place for everyone.KitchensStar your pet-proofing mission in the kitchen, as it has a lot of potentially dangerous and tempting items for your four-legged friends. Ensure cabinets are secure to prevent access to cleaning supplies, cutlery and any unauthorized treats – child-proof cabinet locks are an excellent option here. Some human foods can be life-threatening for dogs and cats, so promptly store items like chocolates, crackers and leftovers away or you could be making an unexpected trip to the emergency vet. Garbage bins should have lids or be kept inside cabinets, as pets can get into trash hunting for a bonus meal.Living RoomsYou probably spend a lot of quality time with your pets in your living room, which also deserves a careful going-over. Keep small objects, like breakable decorative pieces and children’s toys, out of reach. Electrical cords should be concealed or secured, as they present a chewing temptation for many animals. Certain houseplants can also be toxic for your fur babies, so you’ll want to eliminate any dangerous varieties.Bedrooms and BathroomsIn bedrooms, keep your clothes, shoes and personal items stowed away since anything can become a fun chew toy, especially for dogs. Secure medications, razors and other sharp objects away from curious paws and noses. And while a cat lying on the bathroom floor surrounded by a roll of unspooled toilet paper seems like it’d be great photo op, it’ll be a pain to clean up. Consider keeping doors closed when you’re not around.Yards, Patios and DecksIf your pets spend considerable time outside, you’ll want to provide a shaded area and fresh water to prevent overheating in hot weather. Also, think about installing a pet door if you do have an enclosed outdoor space like a catio or dog run, making it easy for them to get outside safely. Plus, animals can be notorious escape artists, so securely latch all non-pet doors and windows to prevent any unexpected breakouts.Create Pet-Friendly SpacesPet-proofing is not only about forbidden areas and potential harm – it’s also about making cozy and pet-specific areas for your animals. Your pets deserve to love their home as much as you do, so give them their own spots, like napping nooks and comfortable hiding places. Dogs might appreciate a snuggly bed in a quiet corner, while many cats love hanging out in a felted cat cave. Designate an area for pet toys, like a stylish basket or bin. This will make picking up a breeze and your pets will know where to go when it’s time to play.Creating a safe environment by knowing how to pet-proof your home is vital to being a good pet owner. And with a little effort, you can make your house a haven for the whole family. http://bjohnson.coldwellbankercrown.com/blog/69/how-to-pet-proof-your-home-for-furry-family-members/ Tue, 23 Jan 2024 01:57:23 -0600 When it comes to living a healthier lifestyle, the little things can add up and make a considerable impact! It’s not just about hitting the gym or eating right – it’s also about creating a healthier home environment and adopting habits that promote overall well-being. To help you on your journey, here are some tips that will contribute to a more holistically fit lifestyle.Purify Your AirMinimizing indoor air pollution can affect how you feel, from reducing asthma triggers to creating a better sleeping environment. Because of this, ensuring good air quality in your home is something you should prioritize. One easy solution is to invest in an air purifier, which can help eliminate many common indoor pollutants. And if you live in a region that gets smoke-filled air from frequent forest fires, an air purifier is a must in the summer and fall months. Additionally, regularly changing your furnace filters can substantially improve your indoor air quality.Adopt Some Green FriendsPlants don’t just make your home prettier – they also offer some serious health benefits! Certain types, like the snake plant, aloe vera and peace lily, are well-known to clean the indoor air, increase humidity and release oxygen. Plus, introducing plants is a great way to add a relaxing dose of nature to your living space, along with enhancing the air quality.Make a Shoes-Off PolicyKeeping your shoes at the door is a simple practice that can keep your home cleaner and healthier. Shoes can track in germs, dirt and other outdoor pollutants, not to mention allergens like pollen. Adopting a shoes-off policy can significantly reduce this influx of unwanted substances into your home, improving the overall living environment and potentially contributing to a decreased risk of allergies and illnesses.Regularly Deep Clean CarpetsCarpet maintenance is not just about keeping up the aesthetic appeal – it’s fundamentally a health measure. Carpets can act like a filter, trapping various airborne particles, including pet dander, dust mites, pollen and other allergens. Although vacuuming helps, it often isn’t enough to remove all these contaminants deeply embedded in the carpet’s fibers. A regular deep clean is necessary to extract these allergens and pollutants fully. Experts recommend a professional cleaning every 12 to 18 months, depending on your carpet’s usage level.Filter Your WaterFilters can remove contaminants from your water, providing safer and often better-tasting H2O. Clean, fresh water is vital in maintaining good health, so it’s well worth the investment. A reusable pitcher is also a greener and more economical choice than buying plastic bottled water. Plus, there are fantastic pitcher options, from the downright luxurious to the no-frills model.Room to Exercise, Destress & CreateRepurposing space in your home and creating dedicated areas for physical activity, relaxation and hobbies can significantly influence your health journey. Make a quiet corner ready for workouts, even if it’s just enough space for a yoga mat – it can motivate you to stick to a regular exercise routine. Exercise not only boosts your physical health but also acts as a natural stress reliever. In addition, having a place to unwind and disconnect can considerably improve your mental health. This could be a reading nook, a meditation corner or somewhere to engage in your favorite hobbies and crafts.Establish a Tech-Free ZoneConsider a kitchen or dining room charging station to keep phones out of bedrooms at night. A tech-free bedroom can help improve sleep quality and promote a better sleep routine and a healthier home. Tempting as it may be, instead of using your phone’s alarm to wake up in the morning, pick out one of these top-rated and stylish alarm clocks.Remember, living a fit, healthy lifestyle is more than the big gestures – it’s also about the little steps you can take daily. Pick a few from our list and start 2024 off on the right foot! http://bjohnson.coldwellbankercrown.com/blog/66/7-tips-for-creating-a-healthier-home-in-the-new-year/ Tue, 09 Jan 2024 01:45:00 -0600 We want to celebrate our agents who have recently obtained the C2EX endorsement. This C2EX endorsement demonstrates our agents’ commitment and dedication to practicing real estate at the highest professional standards through the Commitment to Excellence Program from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) . The C2EX endorsement identifies the realtor as a well-rounded professional who is committed to providing superior customer service and representing the high ethical ideals of Coldwell Banker Crown Realtors and the NAR. The Commitment to Excellence Program develops and enhances eleven competencies that indicate a realtor’s commitment to ethics, advocacy, technology, data privacy, and outstanding customer service. This distinction is awarded to Realtors who pursue advanced training in a wide range of real estate skills and specializations. Pursuing a designation, such as C2EX, demonstrates a concerted, focused effort to educational growth and to the aim of being even more effectively equipped as a realtor.We are proud of our agents who have received the C2EX endorsement and who have demonstrated their commitment to ethics, professional growth and to practicing real estate at the highest professional standards.Congrats ToMelissa HooverAnthony KoopChristine LambertsonBrandon Johnson http://bjohnson.coldwellbankercrown.com/blog/68/congrats-to-our-c2ex-endorsed-agents!/ Thu, 04 Jan 2024 10:47:07 -0600