April 2025 - AltPDX

How To Buy a Home Before Selling Yours

Most homebuyers today are also home sellers, meaning they’re juggling two major transactions at once. The biggest dilemma? Whether to buy first or sell first.

Selling first frees up equity to put toward your next home. You might be considering selling soon, given that the best time to sell is quickly approaching.

However, it also means moving twice and keeping your current home show-ready, which can be an exhausting process, especially for families.

The trade-off simply isn’t worth it for some.

A “family I worked with had six kids and two dogs. They homeschooled, and one of the parents worked from home a few days each week. Getting ready for home showings was absolutely not an option for them,” says Rachel Bennett, a broker and owner of Wildwood Realty in Georgetown, TX.

Instead, Bennett worked with the family to purchase their new home before selling their old one.

“They found their perfect new home, with a gorgeous outdoor kitchen and massive backyard in the exact neighborhood they were hoping for. They moved into the new home and enjoyed being close to several of their friends while we listed and sold their old home.”

If that approach sounds appealing and you’re wondering how to buy a house before selling, this guide breaks down the risks, financing options, and strategies to make it happen.

Step 1: Understand the risks and benefits

Home sale transactions are complicated, and being on both sides of the table (buying and selling) simultaneously carries enough conditions to make anyone’s head spin. Before diving in, it’s crucial to understand what you’re signing up for to maximize the benefits and minimize your risk.

Pros of buying before selling

No rush: One of the biggest advantages of buying before selling is the ability to house hunt at your own pace, from the comfort of your home, without the pressure of a looming sale. The lack of pressure can help you find the best option.
Move once, on your terms: Skip the hassle of moving twice. Instead of living out of boxes and paying double the moving fees, you can transition directly into your new space when it’s convenient for you.
Avoid temporary housing: Finding short-term housing can be costly and stressful. Buying before selling means you won’t have to deal with the inconvenience of renting or staying with family while searching for your next home.

Cons of buying before selling

Complex financing: Managing two mortgages at once or securing bridge financing can be challenging, especially if you haven’t navigated it before. You will need to have strong financial stability and meticulous planning.
Harder to secure financing: Without proceeds from your current home sale, it may be more difficult to qualify for a new mortgage, especially if your debt-to-income ratio is high.
Risk of home values fluctuating: If the market shifts after you buy, your current home could sell for less than expected, leaving you with financial gaps or unexpected carrying costs.

Step 2: Explore financing options

Unless you’re able to purchase your next home with cash, you’ll need to secure financing. This can be complicated for the reasons outlined above, and because your buying budget will likely depend on the proceeds from your home sale (which hasn’t happened yet).

There’s no perfect solution, says Nicole Rueth, a mortgage executive at The Rueth Team with Movement Mortgage. “I tell my buyers, every option costs something; either time, stress, or money. They have to choose.”

Home sale contingency

A home sale contingency is an agreement where your offer to buy a new house depends on successfully selling your current home first. If your existing home doesn’t sell by a certain date or price, you can walk away from your offer without penalty.

This reduces your risk but may make your offer less attractive to sellers who prefer a buyer without contingencies, especially in competitive markets.

“I just had a buyer that went out for two weekends and could not get an offer accepted going with his preferred contingent status,” says Rueth. “We restructured his financing to go noncontingent and helped him get under contract on his third weekend out.”

Home equity loan

A home equity loan allows you to borrow against your current home’s equity to secure funds for the down payment on your next home. It can provide a cost-effective solution, as long as you have enough equity and can temporarily handle multiple financial responsibilities.

“Often a home equity loan will be the most affordable solution,” explains Bennett. “Of course, buyers will need to talk with a loan officer to ensure that their debt-to-income ratio would make sense and get them the outcome they are looking for.”

Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio measures how much of your monthly income goes toward debt payments, like mortgages, loans, and credit cards. A higher DTI can limit your borrowing power and reduce your homebuying budget.

Bridge loan

A bridge loan is a short-term financing option that provides temporary funds (often used as a down payment) by borrowing against the equity in the current home. Once your original home sells, you repay the bridge loan using your home sale proceeds.

This option can be especially valuable in competitive real estate markets because it allows you to buy quickly without waiting for your current home to sell. However, bridge loans typically have higher interest rates and fees compared with traditional mortgages. There’s also the risk that your current home takes longer than expected to sell, increasing your costs.

Unless you’re able to purchase your next <a href="https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/best-of-advice-if-i-pay-cash-for-a-house-what-else-will-i-owe/">home with cash,</a> you’ll need to secure financing. <p class="credit">(Getty Images)</p> — Unless you’re able to purchase your next home with cash, you’ll need to secure financing. (Getty Images)Getty Images

Guaranteed offer and trade-in programs

Guaranteed offer and trade-in programs let you lock in an upfront price for your home, providing certainty and peace of mind as you plan your next move. You’ll know exactly how much money you’ll receive, so you can confidently buy your new home without worrying about market swings or timing headaches.

However, this convenience often comes at a cost. Guaranteed offers are often less than what you’d get from traditionally listing.

Step 3: Plan a timeline

Once you’ve chosen a financing strategy, it’s time to map out the steps to ensure a smooth transition from your current home to your next one. Timing is key to avoiding financial strain or logistical headaches.

Get preapproved for a mortgage

Before you start house hunting, secure mortgage preapproval. This gives you a clear budget and makes your offers more competitive.

Work with an agent who understands both transactions

A real estate agent experienced in buying and selling simultaneously can help you coordinate both deals, negotiate contingencies, and manage deadlines. Even if your agent isn’t representing you in both transactions, this pro must understand how one transaction can affect the other.

Buy a house and move

Once your offer is accepted, it’s time to start planning your move. Consider negotiating these provisions into your purchase agreement to help smooth the process:

Rent-back agreement: This allows you to sell your current home but stay in it temporarily, essentially renting it back from the buyer for an agreed-upon period. This gives you time to close on your new home without rushing to move.
Extended closing period: Instead of the standard 30- to 45-day closing, you can negotiate a longer closing timeline on your new home. This provides extra time to sell your current property before taking ownership of the new one.

List your home as soon as possible

To minimize overlap, put your current home on the market as soon as possible. A well-timed sale can help you avoid carrying two mortgages at once.

Sellers will want to look ahead to the week of April 13–19 as it is the best time to sell, according to a new report by Realtor.com® economists.

Bennett additionally recommends listing before starting your home search if you plan to use a home sale contingency.

“Get your home ready, on the market, and get a contract on it before you start making offers on a new home,” she says.

“This will make your contingent offer much more attractive to a seller, and they’ll be more likely to work with you. It is heartbreaking when you find the perfect home, and the sellers are unwilling to work with your contingency.”

Close

Work closely with your lender, agent, and title company to ensure both transactions align. Having a backup plan for temporary housing or short-term financing can help if unexpected delays arise.

Common mistakes to avoid

Even with careful planning, homeowners can run into challenges when buying and selling at the same time. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

Assuming the best

It’s easy to expect everything to go according to plan, but delays, financing issues, and market fluctuations can happen.

“In a shifting market … what your home is worth today could be a different number than it will be two months from now,” explains Bennett.

Always have a backup plan in case your home takes longer to sell or your new home purchase faces unexpected hurdles, and don’t be afraid to lean on your agent.

“The market changes every single day, and your trusted real estate agent will be by your side to explain market conditions and what’s going on.”

Not understanding financial burden

Owning two homes at once, even temporarily, can be costly. Be sure you fully understand mortgage payments, carrying costs, and potential risks before committing to a purchase. Run the numbers on different scenarios so you’re prepared for any financial overlap.

Waiting too long

Timing is everything. If you wait too long to list your home, you could end up paying two mortgages. If you delay securing financing, you might miss out on your ideal new home. Act proactively to keep both transactions moving forward.

Allaire Conte is a senior advice writer covering real estate and personal finance trends. She previously served as Deputy Editor of Home Services at CNN Underscored Money and was a lead writer at Orchard, where she specialized in simplifying complex real estate topics for everyday readers. She holds an MFA in Nonfiction Writing from Columbia University and a BFA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College. When she’s not writing about homeownership hurdles and housing market shifts, she’s biking around Brooklyn or baking cakes for her friends.

For this and similar articles, please visit Realtors.com

April 30, 2025/by altpdx

Goats Are an Eco-Friendly, Adorable Form of Yard Care

Neighborhood News, News

Overgrown lawn? Rent a herd of hungry ruminants.

Hills are no trouble for Bubbles, one of Go Goat’s herd of 22 ruminants for rent.

Image: Michael Raines

Keara Broadhead did not set out to be a goatherd. But back in 2020, staring down two acres on her McMinnville property absolutely overrun with Himalayan blackberry, she did what anyone in her situation would do: She found a woman on Craigslist who was aging out of the hoof-trimming and hay-throwing that her two goats, half brothers Finny and Meeko, required. Asking price for the pair was about $150, Broadhead recalls, so she and her father-in-law’s then-girlfriend (now wife) drove a horse trailer to the outskirts of Salem.

“She was very wary,” Broadhead says of the seller, “trying to make sure we were not purchasing them for meat.”

It was December, and Finny and Meeko were slow to start on the job they’d been brought in to do. (As a general rule, goats aren’t wild about the rain.) In June, Bambi, Flower, and Bubbles entered the herd, also via Craigslist. “As soon as we had our five, they just devastated the land, clearing it out extremely fast,” Broadhead says. “And then it was like, oh, wow. That was impressive.”

Biscuit, like all his caprine comrades, loves blackberries.

Image: Michael Raines

Now, however, there was a new problem: five hungry goats. Jeff Broadhead, Keara’s husband, suggested they sell. Keara balked. Which is how the Broadheads came to own 22 goats, who travel across the region—to backyards and city parks, golf courses and HOAs—mowing down unwanted vegetation. Incorporated in 2023 as Go Goat, the company is already booked for much of 2025, with work beginning at the end of March and not letting up till late fall. Many of the jobs are small backyards, which might run $500–600. But the goats this year will also head to the coast, where they’ll clear brush at Cape Lookout State Park, and to the tiny Columbia River town of Prescott, Oregon, which has hired the herd for wildfire prevention, a growing need across the increasingly parched western US.

The strategy—goatscaping, if you’ll allow it—isn’t new. In 2010, this very magazine published a story about rented ruminants dispatched to a vacant lot on SE Belmont Street. The practice endures for good reason. Goats are a chemical-free alternative to pesticides, and there’s little they won’t eat; beyond blackberry, they love English ivy and poison oak. They’re also experts on inclines that would be dangerous for machinery. At most sites, the Broadheads erect a temporary electric fence, plus a pop-up tent for shelter. They bring a stock tank and a hose, so other than access to water the goats want for nothing. Food, after all, is on the house.

Flower, among the more introverted members of the team, has been with Go Goat since 2021.

Image: Michael Raines

When assembling work teams, the Broadheads have learned to consider bonded pairs (“There’s a few that we could never separate,” Keara says) and body size, because taller goats and smaller goats reach brush at different heights. They’ve involved their school-age kids, who feed the goats leftover apple slices and hand their dad zip-ties while he builds fences. On jobs, the goats are typically subdued. But at home in McMinnville, they’ve been known to perform backflips off trees—Jeff calls them “parkour maniacs”—and play what appears to be a game of tag with the llamas. Yes, llamas: Rain and Dewdrop are what Go Goat calls its guardian llamas, and they accompany the herd on jobs, making themselves big if coyotes or other predators approach.

Last fall, Miranda Gambetti and her husband hired Go Goat to clear a steep, overgrown acre behind their West Linn home. For about three weeks, a herd—nine to begin with, plus two who joined after wrapping up another job—munched its way through tangles of blackberries.

Gambetti was riveted. “The first thing I did in the morning is look outside my window, out of the bedroom,” she says. “Like, what are the goats doing? You could always see the llama. The llama is just huge.” A mental health therapist, Gambetti says the presence of the goats helped her find a mindful pause between meetings with clients. “They eat, and they chill,” she says. “I was a little envious.”

For this and related articles, please visit PortlandMonthly

April 27, 2025/by altpdx

What Retirees Are Looking for in a New Home

News

Retirees and those nearing retirement are keeping the housing market alive. The median age of repeat homebuyers is now 61, jumping 25 years since 1981, according to analysis from the National Association of Realtors®.

But as the demographic of buyers has changed, so too have their tastes.

“As we begin to age, we start looking at things from a different perspective—a wiser set of eyes,” says Paul Dashevsky, co-founder of GreatBuildz.

That added wisdom means prioritizing practicality over keeping up with the Joneses. Retirees want more than a white picket fence: They want to maximize their equity by investing in a low-maintenance property in a great community that will allow them to age in place.

What retirees want in a new home

We spoke with builders, real estate agents, and senior care specialists to learn what retirees are looking for in their next home. Here’s what we found:

A good deal

Baby boomers own $84 trillion worth of real estate wealth, and they want to make the most of it in retirement. One of the chief ways they can do so is to downsize their home, says Karen Holt, global real estate advisor at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.

“Many retirees are downsizing from larger family homes to single-story or low-maintenance properties,” she adds.

Not only are these properties better suited to the changing accessibility needs of older adults, but they’re often cheaper to buy and maintain.

Those savings allow retirees to make the most of their home sale proceeds and create a financial cushion to fund retirement expenses, travel, healthcare, or hobbies.

Retired couple standing on the front porch of their home

Aging-in-place features

“Aging-in-place improvements are crucial for many retirees,” adds Holt. These home modifications use universal design elements to enhance the safety, accessibility, and comfort of a space.

But adaptive living is more than just a matter of practicality—it’s also a top design trend for 2025, according to Forbes.

Homeowners of all ages are increasingly incorporating discrete adaptations such as curbless showers, smart lighting systems, and sleek grab bars that complement the home’s aesthetics.

As more homeowners move less and stay in their homes longer, design experts predict these modifications will soon become standard practice, blending safety with contemporary style.

Low-maintenance properties

By retirement, most homeowners have had enough of maintaining a property: They want to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Likewise, they may not have the same disposable income they once did and opt to not spend on housekeeping services, per AARP’s recommendation.

As such, they’re drawn to durable materials that require little upkeep, and energy-efficient appliances that keep overhead costs down, says Holt.

But don’t mistake low-maintenance with flashy tech, advises Brandon Blakeley, co-founder and chief technology officer of Mirador Living, a platform that connects seniors with senior care.

“Whereas younger buyers might be impressed by flashy superficials like new granite countertops, TOTO toilets, or exotic hardwood floors, retirees who are looking for a new home tend to be much more focused on the ‘peace of mind’ fundamentals of a home,” he says.

These include Energy Star-rated appliances that reduce utility bills and environmental impact, stain-resistant carpeting that requires little maintenance and reduces fall risk, and non-porous countertops that are easy to clean.

Community and convenience

Retirees want ways to enrich their freetime, not waste it. As such, they prioritize communities with proximity to recreational activities, family, and services.

“Neighborhoods with community centers offering recreational options like pickleball courts, swimming pools, and art classes are highly attractive,” says Holt. “Sidewalks for walking and nearby places of worship further enhance the sense of community and accessibility, providing retirees with a well-rounded, engaging lifestyle.”

These amenities offer more than just leisure activities. They foster social connections and an active lifestyle, both essential for retirees’ physical and mental well-being. Communities designed with convenience in mind can significantly improve retirees’ quality of life by promoting independence and social engagement, critical factors for happiness in retirement.

Retiring? Here’s how to find your dream home

The path to your ideal retirement home begins with careful consideration of your personal needs, finances, and lifestyle goals.

Start by assessing your budget and clearly defining your priorities—such as location, accessibility, or community features. While it’s ideal to have all of these elements, you may have to sacrifice one for another, so creating a hierarchy of your wants can also be helpful.

Partner with an experienced real estate agent who understands your situation and can streamline your search by finding homes that fit your criteria. Talk with your agent about a financing plan to make sure that you’re able to maximize your equity without sacrificing your desires.

Once you’ve aligned your vision with practical considerations, you’ll be ready to move into your new chapter.

Selling? Here’s how to market your home to retirees

With an older demographic of homebuyers driving the market, it’s worth marketing to this demographic if you’re selling your home in the years ahead. But doing so will require careful consideration: “The key lies in emphasizing real benefits,” says Orlando Penner, owner and operator of South County Sheds.

This approach resonates with retirees who value comfort and convenience more than extravagant features or superficial upgrades.

Holt agrees with his assessment and suggests taking this practicality one step further by emphasizing location-based conveniences.

“Sellers should also emphasize the proximity of their property to healthcare services, grocery stores, recreational facilities, and community centers. Highlighting local amenities like walking trails, places of worship, and social clubs can make the property even more enticing,” she says.

After all, retirement isn’t just about the home itself; it’s about the lifestyle it supports. By marketing properties as gateways to a vibrant, connected community, sellers can tap into retirees’ desire for an active, fulfilling life in their golden years.

Allaire Conte is a senior advice writer covering real estate and personal finance trends. She previously served as Deputy Editor of Home Services at CNN Underscored Money and was a lead writer at Orchard, where she specialized in simplifying complex real estate topics for everyday readers. She holds an MFA in Nonfiction Writing from Columbia University and a BFA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College. When she’s not writing about homeownership hurdles and housing market shifts, she’s biking around Brooklyn or baking cakes for her friends.

For this and related articles, please visit Realtor.com

April 24, 2025/by altpdx

The 20 least visited Oregon state parks in 2024 include a few surprises

Neighborhood News, News

Least Visited State Park Corridor

Forget crowds and fighting for parking – these are the parks you might have all to yourself.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has once again released its annual visitor counts, and we have once again rounded up not the most, but the least popular state parks in Oregon.

These are not the marquee parks we all know well. There are no pins or patches or scratch-off bucket lists for these places, however well-loved some of them may be.

Frequent readers of this annual feature may spot some repeat places such as Red Bridge, Catherine Creek and Battle Mountain, which always feature in the bottom 20. But this year’s list also has a few surprises.

Chief among them is Yachats Ocean Road State Natural Site, a typically busy spot that has no business being listed among the least popular parks. State parks spokesperson Stefanie Knowlton said the department didn’t have an immediate answer about why the coastal park saw an 85% decrease in visitors last year.

It’s rarely clear why day use numbers fluctuate at these lesser-visited parks. A closed restroom, a highway detour or a shift in the winds of public opinion can apparently affect these numbers.

Some places, like Cottonwood Canyon State Park, just never seem to catch on. Cottonwood Canyon is one of only a few official Dark Sky Parks in Oregon, and cabin rentals remain extremely competitive, yet it somehow always finds itself on this least-popular parks list. What will it take for people to discover one of the most beautiful high desert destinations in our state?

Honestly, the same could be said for the rest of these places, each of which is beautiful in its own right. They may be remote, they may be small and they might not have as much to offer, but all of these least-visited parks are worthy of a little more attention.

20. Winchuck State Recreation Site

Visitors: 51,752

Location: Oregon Coast

One-year change: -13%

Known for: Ocean beach access on the southern tip of the Oregon coast.

19. Catherine Creek State Park

Visitors: 41,938

Location: Northeast Oregon

One-year change: +141%

Known for: A tranquil setting along the crystal-clear waters of Catherine Creek, with a small, primitive campground.

Dirt trails at J.S. Burres State Park lead through the sagebrush alongside the John Day River in north-central Oregon. The park site is across the river from Cottonwood Canyon State Park. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

18. J.S. Burres Day Use Area

Visitors: 40,196

Location: Central Oregon

One-year change: -3%

Known for: Sagebrush and towering basalt cliffs along the John Day River, just across the water from Cottonwood Canyon State Park.

17. Unity Lake State Recreation Site

Visitors: 37,246

Location: Northeast Oregon

One-year change: +80%

Known for: A green and beautiful place for boating, fishing and picnicking in the otherwise arid high desert.

16. Cottonwood Canyon State Park

Visitors: 36,380

Location: Central Oregon

One-year change: -12%

Known for: High desert scenery and camping beside the John Day River in north-central Oregon.

Low tide at the estuary found at Clay Myers State Natural Area on the north Oregon coast. Oregon State Parks

15. Clay Meyers State Natural Area at Whalen Island

Visitors: 35,699

Location: Oregon Coast

One-year change: +11%

Known for: Pristine coastal estuary habitat that’s great for wildlife watching on the north coast.

Dusk at a shallow lake — The sun sets over Goose Lake, a 147-square-mile lake that straddles the border of Oregon and California near the southern Oregon town of Lakeview. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

14. Goose Lake State Recreation Area

Visitors: 33,940

Location: Southern Oregon

One-year change: +42%

Known for: A large, seasonal lake that’s home to large numbers of migrating waterfowl in spring and early summer.

Central Oregon coast beaches — The sun sets over the beach at Yachats Ocean Road State Natural Site on the central Oregon coast. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

13. Yachats Ocean Road State Natural Site

Visitors: 33,506

Location: Oregon Coast

One-year change: -85%

Known for: An intertidal beach along the rocky shoreline in the heart of Yachats.

13. Fort Rock State Natural Area

Visitors: 33,332

Location: Central Oregon

One-year change: +5%

Known for: A fascinating volcanic attraction with historical significance in a beautiful high desert setting.

Silver Falls is briefly illuminated by a hole in the clouds. Golden and Silver Falls is a state park site in the coastal forest of southwest Oregon, home to two beautiful waterfalls and three miles of trails. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

11. Golden & Silver Falls State Natural Area

Visitors: 30,254

Location: Coast Range

One-year change: +39%

Known for: Two stunning waterfalls in a remote forest setting off the southern Oregon coast.

10. Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site

Visitors: 25,502

Location: Oregon Coast

One-year change: -44%

Known for: A 319-foot waterfall found at the end of a short hike, just off the Oregon coast in Tillamook County. Read more in this Oregon Coast Range waterfall roundup.

9. Geisel Monument State Heritage Site

Visitors: 23,612

Location: Oregon Coast

One-year change: 0%

Known for: A historical gravesite and monument on the south Oregon coast.

The view from a kayak on a clear body of water — Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site in central Oregon. Oregon State Parks

8. Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site

Visitors: 22,830

Location: Central Oregon

One-year change: +10%

Known for: A quiet, secluded spot for fishing, canoeing and walking among a forest of quaking aspen at the headwaters of the Wood River.

A historic gold dredge in a small pond of water — The historic Sumpter Valley Gold Dredge is a fascinating Old West attraction in the tiny town of Sumpter in eastern Oregon. The dredge was used in the early 20th century to mine large amounts of earth for gold. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

7. Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Site

Visitors: 21,166

Location: Northeast Oregon

One-year change: +4%

Known for: Tours of a historic gold dredge in eastern Oregon.

A dirt road and trees — Bates State Park southwest of Baker City. Oregon State Parks

6. Bates State Park

Visitors: 18,236

Location: Northeast Oregon

One-year change: -5%

Known for: Hiking trails and a primitive campground at the former site of a thriving lumber mill.

Least Visited State Park Corridor — A forested picnic area is found at Red Bridge State Wayside in rural northeast Oregon. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

5. Red Bridge State Wayside

Visitors: 14,404

Location: Northeast Oregon

One-year change: -19%

Known for: A forested park and quiet campground along the Grande Ronde River in the Blue Mountains.

4. Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor

Visitors: 11,588

Location: Northeast Oregon

One-year change: -19%

Known for: A seasonal campground and day-use area in a quiet forest replete with wildlife.

3. Battle Mountain Forest State Scenic Corridor

Visitors: 10,098

Location: Northeast Oregon

One-year change: -40%

Known for: A forest of ponderosa pine, larch, Douglas fir and spruce that is protected as habitat for wildlife on the side of the highway.

Picnic tables in the snow at an empty park — Booth State Scenic Corridor in southern Oregon. Oregon State Parks

2. Booth State Scenic Corridor

Visitors: 7,506

Location: Southern Oregon

One-year change: -71%

Known for: A roadside forest of ponderosa pine and quaking aspen trees that are beautiful in the fall.

A grassy park and trees — Chandler State Wayside in southern Oregon. Oregon State Parks

1. Chandler State Wayside

Visitors: 6,604

Location: Southern Oregon

One-year change: -75%

For this and similar articles, please visit The Oregonian

April 20, 2025/by altpdx

Portland’s Most Kid-Friendly Restaurants

Neighborhood News, News

Sticky hands, temper tantrums, and picky eaters welcomed.

Dining in Portland with children can be a trying experience: Kids can be antsy, rambunctious, cranky, or simply picky eaters that refuse anything other than chicken fingers and grilled cheese. And it’s that much harder at a restaurant that doesn’t concern itself with accommodating kids or their parents. Luckily, there’s more than a few brewpubs, restaurants, and pizzerias that go out of their way to make family nights a joy, rather than a chore.

Below, you can find a list of the best children-friendly restaurants, but with a mind to quality, so that parents can enjoy their meal just as much as the kids do.

Boke Bowl

buckman

Boke Bowl’s ramen honcho Patrick Fleming’s casual, crowd-pleasing menu of nontraditional ramen and rice bowls plays to a broad spectrum of diners, including the under-12 demographic. The industrial, design-savvy dining room offers plenty of space so that the more rambunctious little ones can roam without bumping into too many elbows; once seated, they can dig into the bambino or bambino bowl, aided by plastic starter chopsticks sets shaped like scowling ninjas. Kid-size versions of the main attractions, the bambino is a ramen bowl with noodles, broth, veggies, and a choice between pork or caramelized fennel, while the bambino bowl is a rice bowl with vegetables and a choice of protein. For dessert, the miso butterscotch “twinkies” are sure to be a hit with kids, parents, and everyone else.

Buranko Cafe

downtown

Relatively new to Portland and primarily catering to downtown workers on their lunch break, Buranko features a range of pan-Asian picks: Korean chicken rice bowls, soft-shell crab pad thai, galbi, and orange chicken crowd the menu next to cocktails and an array of teas. The eclectic lineup all but ensures that even choosier sprats will find something to enjoy. While parents recline in the basket chairs or at the long communal tables, kids can toddle through the shoe-free play area, filled with kids books, a small table with toy trains, and cubbies full of stuffed animals and games.

Eb & Bean

multiple locations

Carefully curated toppings star at Eb & Bean, a soft-serve frozen yogurt pioneer that features the milk of happy co-op cows, plant-based froyo options, and blackboard shout-outs to local purveyors. Gluten-free and vegan alternatives abound, so even discerning eaters and diet-restricted kids can go full-bore with the candy garnishes, like dye-free sprinkles, organic gummy bears, and vegan, gluten-free cookie dough. But the tykes don’t have a monopoly on fun here thanks to more grown-up flavors like Meyer lemon crème fraîche frozen yogurt, oat streusel toppings, and cold brew bourbon sauce. Each of the Eb & Bean locations is decked in bright pastels and adorable portraits of the shops’ mascot, a friendly polar bear in a beanie. Come summertime, catch a steady stream of families swarming for sweets.

HK Cafe

Lents

This east-side strip mall hall has maintained its dim sum crown for decades thanks to its many rattling carts that leave pork-and-ginger perfume contrails in their wake. Daily, families fill the palatial, retro dining room, loading the circular tables with all manner of Cantonese staples, plump pork-and-shrimp siu mai and cloud-soft bao that erupt with steam when ripped apart. Kids can graze at this hectic brunch utopia for hours and never get bored. Once you’ve sampled through the savory treats, snag an order of egg yolk buns—a yeasty mind-scrambler hiding a drippy trove of hot, sweet golden goo inside. They are round, sugar-crusted, and usually in the bottom left-hand corner of the glass-doored carts. Find them.

Hopworks Brewery

Creston-kenilworth

It may not be Portland’s trendiest brewery, but Hopworks’ Southeast location reminds us why brewpubs make such a family-friendly locale. While the grown-ups nurse IPAs and chocolate stouts, kiddos can hang out at the play area with the wooden train sets or color with crayons. HUB also provides a juvenilized take on classic pub grub: find mini pizzas, burgers, chicken tenders, and grilled cheese. On Wednesdays, each item is just $5 for kids 12 and under.

Mother’s Bistro

Downtown

Who better to prepare a child-friendly meal than Mother herself? Cookbook author and comfort-food matriarch Lisa Schroeder serves all the classics mom used to make—that is, if your mom put smoked salmon and caramelized onions in the mac and cheese. She even shares her motherly love with a “Mother of the Month” menu, with special dishes from cooks who earned their stripes the hard way: raising children. The raucous Sunday brunch is known for its rich portobello mushroom scramble and cornflake-crusted challah French toast—fun for the kiddies, but sophisticated enough for adults. Tykes have a small playroom and their own extensive menu filled with sliced fruit, oatmeal, mac and cheese, smaller portions of meatier entrées, and, naturally, a grilled cheese sandwich.

The mini doughnuts at Pip’s are the perfect size for tiny hands.

Image: Courtesy Dan Hawk @danhawkphotography

Pip’s Original

Cully

Crisp, fried-to-order mini doughnuts make Pip’s a cult favorite for sweets-craving locals. Tiny hands love tiny doughnuts, and grown-ups love the lava-hot little treats just as much, whether sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, slathered with Nutella, or topped with candied bacon. But the café’s sleeper hit is its roster of deftly spiced chai teas. Co-owner Jamie Snell trundles in cartloads of cinnamon sticks, chamomile buds, and tobacco-sweet black cardamom pods to marry with Indian, Chinese, and Thai teas and steamed milk. Her bold creations are a love match with sea salt and honey-drizzled doughnuts, but for kiddos after a classic, there’s always hot chocolate. While waiting for the milk to steam, children can peruse the shelf full of vintage kids books or pose for photos in front of the café’s Oregon state flag.

Pizza Jerk

cully

In a former neighborhood bar on the edge of Cully, Bunk Sandwiches’ Tommy Habetz has remixed the family pizza parlor for a new generation—punk rock, Sichuan chile oil, and a four-player Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade game included. You can order a first-rate pepperoni, build your own meat and/or veggie-packed pie, or bliss out on the expansive vegan offerings. In the winter, kids compete for high scores at the arcade machines, but come summer, they’ll be running around the backyard garden play area and taking down Dairy Queen–style soft serve.

Slappy Cakes

sunnyside

Fry your own pancakes on a tabletop grill? With kids? Sounds like a lawsuit in the making. But Slappy Cakes might be Portland’s most kid-approved restaurant, slam-packed with weekend crowds griddling their own buttermilk and chocolate pancakes and liberally topping them with a plethora of sweet and savory goodies. Don’t feel like risking a hot surface? Slappy Cakes also provides plenty of menu items, including pancakes from the kitchen and an all-day breakfast selection beyond flapjacks.

Sushi Ichiban

old town

Choo-choo! Here comes the sushi train. Destination: deliciousness! That’s the sentiment at Old Town’s iconic Sushi Ichiban. For years, it’s been one of the city’s most affordable spots for California rolls and unagi, as color-coded plates make their rotation around the conveyor-belt-turned-toy-train-track, waiting to be grabbed up by tiny-fingered hands. Beyond the lovable locomotive, the low price point is what makes Ichiban shine for outings with kids; with few rolls over $5, they can explore the colorful world of maki and nigiri in a low-stakes way, without breaking the bank. You can save the expensive omakase experience for when they’re old enough to appreciate it.

Tin Shed Garden Cafe

king

When deciding on where to take the whole family for brunch or weekday lunch, it’s wise to consider the space: Will there be enough room for an antsy toddler or preteen to wander around without getting in the way? The servers at this Alberta Street institution are adept at avoiding ankle biters, expertly maneuvering to deliver platters of omelets and veggie scrambles. Tin Shed remains a popular family destination not just for its kids menu (think cheesy eggs and biscuits, French toast, and grilled cheese) and general friendliness, but also for its pup-friendly patio and dog menu (really) that ensures no one in the family gets left out.

For this and related articles, please visit PortlandMonthly

April 18, 2025/by altpdx

Top Tips To Deal With a Bidding War During Home Selling Season—and Knowing When To Exit

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More homes will soon start to flood the market with the best time to sell coming up in a few weeks—and for those homebuyers wanting to secure their dream home, it’s best to go in with a game plan.

If there’s a home that you’re interested in, chances are you’re not alone. That’s when a bidding war could happen, and you don’t want to go over budget.

A bidding war happens when two or more parties compete for the same property by making offers. Each party will give its offer to the home’s seller, and many times, it ends up driving up the final price well above asking.

The actual bidding process can happen quickly, and you need to go in prepared with how much you’re willing to spend, what concessions you’re willing to make, and knowing when to exit and walk away from the property.

How to win a bidding war

Money talks, and the person who bids the most money usually wins the bidding war.

Before you up the ante on what you think you can offer, you need to go through a checklist. Make sure you are pre-approved for a mortgage, have enough cash for a down payment, can afford to make a competitive offer, and think about the contingencies you’re willing to give up, such as certain inspections.

“Win bidding wars by meeting seller preferences, not just price,” says real estate expert Danny Johnson, owner of Danny Buys Houses. “Set a max bid to know when to exit, ensuring a financially sound decision.”

Sellers usually prefer buyers who pay in all cash versus someone who will be financing through a mortgage. That’s not always the case, but it’s good to keep in mind when you’re ready to buy.

LBC Mortgage CEO Alex Shekhtman suggests escalation clauses and seller perks to win bids.

An escalation clause is a section in a real estate contract that says a potential buyer is willing to increase their offer on a home if the seller receives a higher competing offer. When it comes to offering seller perks, faster closings and contingency-free offers are a plus.

In other words, if a buyer is making an offer on a new home contingent on selling their old home, chances are the buyer may lose out to the person who comes with an all-cash offer and can close quickly.

If and when you’re ready to make contingencies, you need to make sure that forgoing an inspection is really worth it.

Shekhtman advises against overbidding and waiving inspections. He emphasizes “staying logical to avoid costly mistakes in the competitive homebuying process.”

Remember, a home inspection checks the quality and safety of a property that’s going to be sold. An inspector looks at all structural aspects of a home, its heating and cooling systems, plumbing, electrical, water, and sewage, to make sure everything is working properly. The property is also checked for fire and safety issues, damages, and anything that can affect its value.

Knowing when to exit

According to the latest weekly housing trend view from Realtor.com®, newly listed inventory grew for the ninth consecutive week. This signals that sellers are gaining confidence with listing their homes.

If you find a property you like, you need to know your budget, and if the price exceeds it, that’s when you need to walk away. This will help you avoid any financial hardship or stretching your budget in the future.

For those looking to buy or sell, our economists identified the best time to sell—and that’s the week of April 13. That best week offers higher-than-average home prices and buyer demand, met with lower-than-average competition from other sellers. The number of buyers browsing a listing can determine how many offers a home gets and how quickly it sells. The more buyers looking at a home, the better for the seller.

For this and similar articles, please visit Realtor.com

April 15, 2025/by altpdx

Spring Flowers That Make Your Home More Inviting to Potential Buyers

News

spring flowers

Spring has finally sprung, coinciding with a busy home selling season. This year, the best week to sell your house is just around the corner. A recent Realtor.com® report found that the week of April 13–19 “is expected to have the ideal balance of housing market conditions that favor home sellers more than any other week in the year.”

While home sellers get busy prepping the inside of their houses for showings, a property’s curb appeal can also make an enormous difference for buyers.

And what’s more appealing and pleasing to the eye than flowers?

According to Carmen Prince, division vice president for Tennessee Realtors, the state association of the National Association of Realtors®, the saying “You never get a second chance to make a first impression” rings true when it comes to selling a house.

“Landscaping makes a lasting first impression on homebuyers. When potential buyers see a poorly maintained yard, they assume the house has also been poorly maintained,” she says.

A survey by Trees.com shows property values can decrease by up to 30% due to poor landscaping alone, she notes.

That is why 92% of real estate agents have suggested sellers improve their curb appeal before listing a home for sale, she adds, citing an NAR survey.

When to plant spring flowers at home

When to plant spring flowers varies depending on where you live and your plant hardiness zone, as the weather across the country differs drastically.

Gloria Sims, florist and owner of Florist Empire, explains that the time to plant flowers depends on whether bulbs or fully grown plants are involved.

For instance, she says tulips and daffodils are bulbs that need to be planted early in the fall because they need a period of cold dormancy to flower in spring.

“For everyone who is planting already grown flowers from the nursery, it is generally accepted that the springtime is the best time to plant or when the last frost date has passed for your USDA hardiness zone,” she says.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac or local extension office should be able to help homeowners find that month’s optimal window, she adds. Climates vary widely across the country—from early planting in Southeastern locations in February, to late in April or May for Northeastern and Midwest locations.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac recently released a handy “How Soon You Can Plant” map, which shows each U.S. region’s anticipated planting conditions—including precipitation, soil moisture, and frost thaw—at the start of the spring season.

Best spring flowers to plant if you live in the Northeast

Perennials — Daffodils and tulips(kdow/iStock)kdow/iStock

For Northeast homeowners, excellent choices for spring flowers include daffodils, tulips, and pansies, according to Sims.

“The fall plantings would have already been in the ground for daffodils and tulips. Pansies can go in early spring, however, as they are cool-tolerant,” she says. These are also great flowers if you have wildlife problems, as they are deer-resistant.

Another planting tip: Though most thrive when planted directly in the ground, pansies also do well in containers, allowing for great versatility in porch displays, adds Sims.

Best spring flowers to plant if you live in the Northwest

The three main flowers that color the Northwest in spring include rhododendron, bleeding heart, and tulip.

Sims notes that rhododendron remains a solid evergreen shrub that does well in the cool, wet climate of the Northwest. Bleeding heart has delicate pink flowers, which add visual charm to the landscape.

“Tulip, if planted in fall, pops its color very early in the growing season,” she says.

Rhododendrons<p class="credit">(Getty Images)</p> — Rhododendrons(Getty Images)Getty Images

While tulips are great for all kinds of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, Sims notes that they may have to be protected from deer.

“Most of these plants would prefer well-draining soil and would tolerate a bit of shade, and with proper care, they will return year after year,” she adds.

Best spring flowers to plant if you live in the Southeast

Prince says lavender is one of the best flowers for curb appeal in the Southeast, particularly in Tennessee. This fragrant, deer-resistant perennial attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies while repelling garden pests.

Additional great options for that region include sunflowers, “a bright, cheerful option that supports pollinators,” and hydrangeas, “known for their large, colorful blooms that can change color based on the pH in the soil.”

Best spring flowers to plant if you live in the Southwest

Striped gazania<p class="credit">(Getty Images)</p> — Striped gazania(Getty Images)Getty Images

Ryan Nelson, founder of Property Build, a platform for rental property projects, says that in this region, the sun-loving gazania offers a burst of color that looks perfectly at home in the arid landscape.

He also suggests the self-seeding California poppies as they can subtly hint at a natural, easy-going charm. Meanwhile, the hardy verbena, which attracts butterflies, reinforces the idea of a vibrant outdoor space, even in a drier climate.

Additional options include penstemons, particularly the firecracker penstemon, which “make superb hummingbird-attracting plants,” according to Sims.

Best spring flowers to plant if you live in the Midwest

For homeowners in the Midwest, once again the classic tulips are an option for spring flowers, as they range in color and offer a universally appealing sign of spring’s arrival.

Another option? “The native purple coneflower speaks to a connection with the local ecosystem and low-maintenance appeal,” says Nelson.

He also suggests the bee balm, which can attract hummingbirds and adds a dynamic element that can capture a buyer’s attention, creating a positive association with the property’s natural surroundings.

For all other regions

Certain flowers bode well across the country. Pansies, for instance, are fantastic spring flowers for all regions, according to Ward Dilmore, founder and head landscape designer at Petrus – Luxury Estate Landscaping.

“There are a range of varieties and colors available that can be mixed into interesting displays,” says Dilmore.

These can be planted in the garden or pots, though they are best kept in pots for an interesting container display.

“Pansies are not considered perennials and are planted each spring and often fade in intense heat,” he adds.

Flower colors matter to buyers

The flowers’ colors can also have an impact, as they can convey different feelings.

Nelson says that, for instance, buyers are often looking for a sense of welcome, care, and happiness.

In turn, bright, cheerful colors such as yellows, oranges, and pinks can evoke joy, optimism, and energy.

“A splash of bright yellow daffodils or cheerful pink tulips near the front door can instantly make a property feel more inviting and well-cared for,” he says. “It suggests a home full of life.”

Calming, serene colors such as blues, purples, and soft pinks can create a sense of peace and tranquility.

“Lavender or soft blue forget-me-nots can make a property feel like a relaxing retreat,” he says. This can be particularly appealing in more hectic urban or suburban areas.

Meanwhile, white and cream flowers often convey a sense of sophistication and cleanliness.

“A border of white impatiens or elegant cream-colored peonies can give a property a polished and timeless appeal,” he explains.

Nelson also recommends avoiding overwhelming combinations.

“While color is great, you want a harmonious feel,” he says. It’s best to stick to a cohesive color palette that complements the house’s exterior.

“Too many clashing colors can feel chaotic and detract from the overall appeal,” he adds.

For this and similar articles, please visit Realtor.com

April 12, 2025/by altpdx

4 Simple Strategies To Lower the Cost of Your Homeowners Insurance

News

The joys of becoming a homeowner come with a checklist as the closing date approaches—and one of the requirements by mortgage lenders is to ensure you have home insurance coverage.

Insurance coverage protects your investment and gives you money to make any necessary repairs if your home is damaged or destroyed by a covered event such as a fire, storm, or tornado.

Coverage can be costly depending on what needs to be insured. While rates vary by state, the average cost of homeowners insurance in the U.S. is about $1,915 a year for $300,000 worth of dwelling coverage, according to NerdWallet.

The company also compiled the average annual rates for some of the largest homeowners insurance companies in the U.S. Not all carriers may offer coverage in your state.

With the average annual cost of homeowners insurance costing over $2,000, there are ways to save without sacrificing coverage.

1. Shop around

It’s best to get quotes from different carriers because each may offer different rates. You can even go online and get instant quotes to give you an idea of what it will cost you. The process can be overwhelming, but if you’re working with an insurance agent, they’ll be able to do this for you and explain the best policy that you might not be considering.

Shmuel Shayowitz, president at Approved Funding in Teaneck, NJ, explains to Realtor.com® that insurance brokers are used to seeing the numbers, but “this might be your first time seeing a homeowners insurance binder and policy.”

Various factors go into an insurance quote. For example, the age of your roof, when your home was built, or its location.

“By comparing rates from multiple insurers, homeowners can not only save money, but also ensure they’re getting coverage tailored to their specific needs,” adds Rick Valeri, sales manager at Bamboo Insurance in Charlotte, NC. “The savings from a thorough comparison could easily amount to hundreds of dollars annually, making it a smart investment of your time.”

It's best to get quotes from different carriers because each may offer different rates.<p class="credit">(Getty Images)</p>

It’s best to get quotes from different carriers because each may offer different rates.(Getty Images)

2. Increase your deductible

One of the easiest ways to lower your home insurance rate is to have a higher deductible. You will pay more out of pocket if you file a claim, but the lower payments might save you over the course of years.

This course of action isn’t for everyone.

“It’s important to review your financial situation before making that decision. Also, ask about premium discounts,” cautions Valeri.

3. Bundle policies

If you have home and auto insurance, many times if you get it from the same company you’ll get a discount. This is called bundling policies—a convenient way to save.

Policies that can be bundled include auto, home, and renters insurance. Aside from saving money, you have to deal with only one company when making payments or using its services.

The downside to bundling polices is, over time, the insurer might raise premiums. At that point, you’ll find yourself having to shop around once again.

4. Make home improvements

Making improvements to your home can save you money, but you will want to check with your insurance carrier to confirm which improvements qualify for discounts.

Some of those improvements include updating old wiring, upgrading your roof, or adding storm-resistant windows.

These are expensive improvements, so check with your insurance company to see if it will be worth making the investment.

You should also check to see if your carrier will offer a discount if you install a home security system or smart home device.

Smart savings

It’s best to set a budget to determine how much you can afford and how much coverage you need.

“Start with the lowest requirement by the lender—get that price, then start adding upgrades from there and decide with each add-on if it’s worth the expense at this point,” says Shayowitz.

Remember to carve into your budget any unexpected expenses.

“Insurance can be changed at any point after closing. There is no reason to feel locked in or stuck with a policy just because you got it at closing,” says Shayowitz. “A homeowner will be refunded any pro-rated portion of their insurance if it’s canceled with an unused premium.”

For this and related articles, please visit Realtor.com

April 9, 2025/by altpdx

These ‘No-Brainer’ Home Improvements Instantly Increase Value and Enjoyment, Whether You Sell or Stay

News

More than ever, homeowners want to get the most bang for their buck when it comes to remodeling.

While many folks are staying put with their homes long term, others are looking to take advantage of the great prices a home can go for right now in the market.

Either way, you may feel like your house needs a bit of sprucing, so consider all your options.

Home renovation trends of 2025

If you’re looking to invest in remodeling your home in 2025, some of the newest trends include renovations focused on “creature comforts.”

At least that’s the opinion of Eric Udler, longtime producer of the New Jersey Home & Garden Show.

“Homeowners are not only interested in finding ways to live comfortably, but also to improve the value of their homes,” he shares. After speaking with attendees and exhibitors over the years, he’s learned that some remodels are “pretty consistent.”

“Fixing up your kitchen? No-brainer. Fixing up your bathroom? Another no-brainer,” he explains—and he’s not far from 100% right.

According to the latest Angi report, 93% of homeowners are planning home improvement projects in 2025, while 46% are looking ahead to large-scale projects over the next five years, such as kitchen remodels (31%) and bathroom upgrades (28%).

But Udler mentions another residential space that’s getting a lot of attention right now: the backyard.

“People want to be able to relax outside and have the creature comforts of the inside, outside,” he notes.

In fact, fixing up the outdoor areas of a home—with features like TVs and lounge spaces—is no longer reserved for those who live in warm-climate areas like California or Florida.

At the show Udler produces, which will be held this year at the New Jersey Convention Center in Edison, NJ, from Feb. 28 – March 2, Udler says the outdoor-kitchen exhibitors are doing “more and more business” than ever before.

People want to be able to relax outside and have the creature comforts of the inside, outside.<p class="credit">(Getty Images)</p>

People want to be able to relax outside and have the creature comforts of the inside, outside.(Getty Images)

“People really want to entertain at home,” he explains, adding that contractors and designers are finding more and more features that can be designed to withstand the elements, like snow and freezing weather.

And these remodels pay off: According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling Magazine, investing in a deck addition can have an ROI between 68% to 83%. Tack on fixing it up with bespoke features, and now you have yourself a party!

But to do this safely, you’ll want to hire professionals—like an electrician who can ensure any devices you opt for are hooked up properly. This leads us to the next trend of 2025.

Home electrification is on the rise in 2025

While home electrification can mean replacing features in your home fueled by natural gas, propane, or oil with electric appliances, it also speaks to the new advances in the simple act of powering your home.

“The one new thing I’ve seen is with so many folks driving electric vehicles [EVs], it’s all about electrification in the home,” Udler adds. “That’s a big thing.”

Now, according to Realtor.com® research, 0.9% of for-sale homes listed in 2023 were described as EV-friendly. While the share was slightly below 1%, it has been growing rapidly as the rate was only 0.1% five years ago.

While EV owners have the option of charging their cars through a standard wall outlet, a dedicated EV charger can charge a vehicle faster and offers the additional benefit of being able to power a home during an outage.

In fact, one of the major selling points of owning a Tesla—arguably the most sought-after EV at the moment—is that it can provide power during an outage with its “Powershare” feature.

“Power your home during an outage for three days, with zero noise and emission and 11.5kW of continuous capability,” promises the Tesla website, and that’s exactly the hope of homeowners who’ve invested in EVs.

A dedicated EV charger can charge a vehicle faster and has the additional benefit of being able to power a home during an outage.<p class="credit">(Getty Images)</p>

A dedicated EV charger can charge a vehicle faster and has the additional benefit of being able to power a home during an outage.(Getty Images)

But if you’re looking to install an EV charging station in your home, do not try to DIY.

“You need to hire a licensed electric contractor,” Udler warns. “They can keep you safe and keep power in your house.”

That will be the focus of Adam Corbin, of Corbin Electrical Services, during a seminar at the New Jersey show: He will detail the benefits of generator backup and how your EV can power your house.

Invest in curb appeal

Lastly, Udler stresses that a solid first impression with your home can make all the difference. Curb appeal is, again, another no-brainer; but while replacing your door and cleaning your gutters are great options, having your house repainted is also a solid investment.

In fact, it sounds like more people are looking into the “low-cost” option of painting their homes than ever before.

“A lot of people are looking at putting a fresh coat of paint on their homes,” Udler explains. “Last year, people seemed more interested in wallpapering, but now they want to improve the look and feel of the inside and outside.”

For this and related articles, please visit Realtor.com

April 4, 2025/by altpdx

The Surprising Ways That Dust Bunnies Are Draining Your Bank Account—Here’s How To Avoid Losses

News

There’s a dust denominator in every home that could be at the root of your problems, but there’s a way to prevent expensive fixes by keeping up with the cleaning.

Dust is everywhere, but excessive amounts can cause not only appliance issues, but health issues, too. Even if you’re wiping down areas daily, dust accumulates. It’s a buildup of dirt, clothing fibers, dead skin cells, hair, and pet dander, among other materials.

As dust collects, it gets into various areas of the home, including air ducts and filters. The more dust that gets into these places, the more strain it puts on your heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems.

One of the easiest fixes is changing your filters. Dirty filters add up to unnecessary dollars spent.

“Many homeowners don’t realize that dust buildup is more than a nuisance—it costs them money,” Jim Thoma, vice president of operations at AdvantaClean, tells Realtor.com®. “Dust and debris can clog up your HVAC system, causing it to work harder, resulting in higher energy costs.”

Replacing dirty filters can reduce your energy intake by up to 15%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Combine that and the fact that your heating and cooling system is responsible for nearly half your energy usage, and you could potentially save 7.5% each month, according to U.S Home Filter. It put the cost into perspective: If your energy bill is $100 a month, you can save $7.50 every month. The higher your energy bill, the more you’ll save.

What’s a dust collector filter

The air filters are found in your ventilation system. They’re made to trap dust and other particles so that they’re not released back into the air.

The filters are made from various materials like cotton, polyester, and fiberglass. Clean filters help the overall performance of your HVAC system.

Air filters trap dust and other particles so that they're not released back into the air.<p class="credit">(Getty Images)</p>

Air filters trap dust and other particles so that they’re not released back into the air.(Getty Images)

AdvantaClean recommends changing air filters every one to three months, though different manufacturers might suggest otherwise. Air filters range from $10 to $100 or more, depending on size and brand.

“If you have pets or allergies, you might need to do it more frequently, but it’s a simple fix that helps keep your system running smoothly and prevents unnecessary strain,” says Thoma.

Factors that affect when to change filters

There are several factors that go into when to change your filters. The type of dust, the environment of your home, and how long the filters have been in your system all play a role.

If you have fine dust in your home or you live in a humid environment, it might mean you’ll need to change your filters more often.

It’s important to take a look at your filters. Ineffective filters will lead to a decrease in suction and an increase in dust going back into the air

Listen to your system, too. If you hear your system is struggling, it can be a sign your filter is clogged and needs replacing.

“A dirty HVAC filter restricts airflow, kind of like a stuffy nose makes it hard to breathe. It prevents your system from operating at full capacity,” explains Thoma. “A dirty or restricted filter can sometimes cause a whistling sound.”

Air ducts

Aside from maintaining clean filters, homeowners might want to consider having the air ducts cleaned.

Air duct cleaning refers to the various HVAC parts of air systems. This includes the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, as well as heat exchanger coils for heating and cooling, condensate drain pans, fan motor and fan housing, and the air-handling unit housing.

The average cost to clean an entire air duct system in an average-sized home ranges from $450 to $1,000, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. It depends on the service, such as the size of the system to be cleaned, the system accessibility, the climatic region, and the level of contamination.

When you decide to have your HVAC serviced, you want to do your homework. Not all providers offer the same services. The EPA suggests talking to at least three different service providers and get written estimates before deciding whether to have your ducts cleaned. When an HVAC specialist comes to your home, ask the pro to show you the contamination that will justify spending the money to have the ducts cleaned.

It’s best to check references. You can also check the Better Business Bureau to ensure there are no complaints against the company.

For this and similar articles, please visit Realtor.com

April 1, 2025/by altpdx