Reduce Allergens In Your Home

As warmer weather starts to become more frequent, so does the sniffling and sneezing of allergy sufferers. It's hard to enjoy the perks of Spring when your eyes are watering and your head feels like a stretched balloon. While you can't stop the grass from growing, you can stop allergens from sneaking into your home. If allergies have arrived at your doorstep, here are 7 tips from BrightNest to keep your symptoms at bay.

1. Wash Your Bedding

Millions of dust mites and dead skin cells call your mattress home. Make sure you give them the boot by washing your bedding and your pillows at least once a week in hot water. For tips on how to clean your pillows, click here.

2. De-clutter

Spring is a wonderful time to de-clutter the house. Remove the items that tend to collect dust, like junk mail, magazines and knick-knacks.

3. Clean Your Curtains

Refresh your curtains by vaccuuming them with the hose attachment and handwashing them in cold water. Heavy curtains can trap dust, dirt and allergens.

4. Avoid Feather Dusters

Use a damp microfiber cloth to trap dust, instead of a feather duster, which tends to spread dust around instead of removing it.

5. Keep Shoes Near The Door

The bottom of your shoes are a host to all kinds of dirt, allergens, and bacteria. Clear a space next to your exterior doors for people to leave their shoes. You can even use a basket or plastic bin to keep everything contained.

6. Vaccuum With A HEPA filter

Destroy dust mites by vaccuuming with a high-efficiency vaccuum at least once a week. Vaccuums with HEPA filters can trap very fine dust particles, which means you can get them out of your home.

7. Check Your Humidity Levels

Humidity levels above 55% can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can trigger allergy symptoms. Measure the humidity levels in your home to see if they're at a normal level. If not, you may want to invest in a dehumidifier.

Things All First Time Homebuyers Should Know

Buying a new home can be a daunting task, especially if it’s your first time navigating the home market! Not only is it one of the biggest financial investments you’ll ever make, but it’s also the place where you’ll live, raise your family, and become part of a community. Here are a few things you really need to know before you buy your first home.

Know Where You Want To Be

The first rule of real estate is location, location, location. Decide on the right location before you decide on the right home. Ball Homes builds communities in some of the most popular locations in Central Kentucky, Louisville and Knoxville. Find the right location that's perfect for you and your family.

Know the Real Cost of Homeownership

The price of owning a home is more than just the purchase price. On top of your mortgage payment, you’ll be paying monthly utility costs, insurance, taxes, HOA fees and other routine maintenance expenses. Plus, once you are in your new home, you’ll need extra money to decorate and make it your own. Make sure you budget enough money for the full range of expenses you’ll have when you own a home.

Know What You Can Afford

Going along with #2, getting pre-approved before you start shopping will help you avoid falling in love with a house that you can’t afford. Speak with a trusted mortgage professional to discuss your options and lay out a price range that works within your budget.