Richard Chimniak CNC - Charles Rutenberg Realty : Home trends

You Can Put These in the Dishwasher

Richard Chimniak — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:05:00 GMT

Baseball caps can get bent in the washing machine but hold their shape in the dishwasher, especially inside a contraption like the Ball Cap Washer Don’t wash them with dishes; food can get trapped in the cloth.

Action figures and other small toys can ride in a mesh lingerie bag on the top rack (but don’t wash Barbie or she’ll have a horrible hair day).

Rain boots should have the liners removed and lie horizontally. Hook flip-flops on tines in the top rack.

Tools with metal or plastic handles will be fine.

Ceramic cabinet knobs do well in the silverware basket, so if you feel like embarking on the process (remove, wash, replace), go for it.

Hairbrushes and combs made of plastic can take a spin, but not wood or natural boar-bristle brushes.

Fan grilles, switch plates, and vent covers are in if they’re plastic, aluminum, or steel. Enameled, painted, or plated should stay out.

Shin guards, knee pads, and mouth guards―toss them all into the top rack.

Light-fixture covers are fine in the top rack, as long as they’re not antique, enameled, or painted.

Garden tools may have come in contact with pes-ticides or animals, so don’t mix them with a load of dishes. (And don’t wash those with wood handles.)

Potatoes can get nice and clean in the top rack with a rinse-only cycle (no detergent). Sound crazy? It makes mashed potatoes for 20 a lot quicker.

Cast-iron, enameled-cast-iron, and copper pots and pans are on the never list. Why? Cast iron rusts; enameled cast iron chips; copper dents.

Formal dishes and nice flatware can get worn with repeated washings. Rule of thumb: If it’s something you would cry over harming or losing, don’t put it in. (If you do put sterling silver in the dishwasher, use about a tablespoon of detergent and don’t mix it with stainless-steel flatware; a chemical reaction between the metals can discolor the silver.)

Wooden spoons can warp and crack. If you don’t mind replacing them frequently, throw them in; otherwise wash them in the sink.

Good kitchen knives and steak knives aren’t cheap. Why risk dulling their blades?

Crystal glasses are especially vulnerable. Food particles can etch them; heat can cause cracks. After hand washing (it’s usually safer than using the china/crystal setting), dry with a cloth that hasn’t been laundered with fabric softener, which can leave a film.

Insulated mugs and containers feature vacuum seals, which can be destroyed if water seeps in.

Brass items should never see the inside of a dishwasher. Hot water can remove the natural protective layer that forms on brass.

Wooden cutting boards can swell and contract, leaving them teetery and essentially useless on a counter. Most bamboo boards are susceptible, too. But we found one that uses a heat-resistant adhesive, making it dishwasher-safe

Broom Ends (and Dust Pans, Scrub Brushes, and Vacuum Attachments)
Why you would: It’s the only way to get them clean.
Why we wouldn't: Ick.
If you're so inclined: Shake loose dust into the trash first,put in the silverware basket and broom ends and dust pans on top.

Computer Keyboards
Why you would: Because you spilled coffee on it. A crazy, last-resort attempt to save something that may be ruined, but some techies swear by it. A a computer programmer in Oklahoma, has washed his keyboards “at least a half-dozen times and never had a problem.”
Why we wouldn't: We don’t believe in Santa Claus or unicorns, either.
If you're so inclined: Place the keyboard facedown on the top rack, don’t use detergent, and skip the drying cycle. Afterward, unscrew the back, if possible, or pop off the keys (take a picture beforehand so you remember where they go). Air-dry two to five days. Pray the Computer Fairy is looking down on you, then reassemble.

HOW TO TURN OFF BUYERS WHEN SELLING

Richard Chimniak — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:24:00 GMT

1. Overpersonalize your space - collections of dolls, beer cans, posters, toys, pictures etc ? Remove the clutter and organize.

2. Let your pets run during showings - although the dog is cute and harmless, this can intimidate buyers. Put Tinkerbell in the cage, or take her for a walk.

3. You attend the showings and talk to the buyer through-out their walk - buyers want their space and if you talk you may say more than you want too soon....get Tinkerbell and boogie down the street for a latte.

4. Refuse to get real about the price in todays market - the market has corrected beteen 15-30% from it's high...and if it's a short sale (lender owned) this could add another 10-20% You need to be at the bottom end of the pricing and at the top end of home condition.

5. Take the low ball offers - and respond back with a counter rather than just a rejection. You want to keep the communication alive - truth - low balls have been known to come up to respectable offers.

6. Curb appeal - overgrown bushes, cracked sidewalks / driveways, most sellers use the garage and never walk up the front walk. Take a buyers view and look at the walk and front enterance.

7. Sellers need to share all their information with the Listing Agent. You want to disclose, disclose and disclose! No suprises a or gotchas later.

8. Make your photos and remarks stand out of the crowd. This is what buyers are looking at first when they get a listing sent to them.

SHEDDING LIGHT ON BULBS

Richard Chimniak — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:09:00 GMT

CFL's (Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs) are energy efficent and environmentally friendly. They are the wave of the future.

CFL's use 75% less electricity and last up to 10 times longer. Most average about 10,000 hours.

If each home replaced just one bulb with a CFL, the nation would save over $600 million in electric bills.

Try to use them where light will stay on for more than 15 minutes to increase their life.

The dark side....each bulb contains 5 milligrams of mercury, so don't throw them away in the trash. Drop them off at a household hazardous waste collection point.

It's hip to be twisty these days!

WHAT LENDERS ARE LOOKING FOR IN A BORROWER ?

Richard Chimniak — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 20:01:00 GMT

CURRENT MORTGAGE REFOCUSING - FEB 2008

· During the refinance boom, lenders would get back to you whenever

· Bust of the sub-prime market has eliminated a good percentage of buyers 40-50%

· Traditional buyers with good credit (>720), little debt, and equity in their primary residence are in the drivers seat.

· Lenders are climbing over each other to get your business. You can count on better service.

· You now have leverage to possibly waive fees and negotiate a lower interest rate.

· Beware of thin profit margins with the lenders that are left.

· Mediocre credit scores and not much equity can still get a refinance, but it may take more time and higher rates.

· Do your homework, talk to a least 3 lenders, compare rates and costs, look for room to negotiate.

· The lender doesn’t want you to take a good loan to a competitor.

· PROFILE OF A WANTED BUYER

o Solid Credit scores – (720- 850)

o EUITYT – At least 20% of equity or down payment on a new home

o Good Debt-to-income ratio Debt needs to be less than 42%-45% of income

o Cash reserves equal to six (6) months of living expenses. (Bank, 401K or brokerage accounts)

GOODS SPRING CLEANING TIPS

Richard Chimniak — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 02:11:00 GMT

Making Diamonds Shine at Harry Winston
The world-famous store typically relies on a professional ultrasonic cleaning machine, says Vice Chairman Peter Schneirla. Instead, you can try this homemade solution that the store also uses: In a bowl, mix two parts hot tap water to one part ammonia, then soak your diamonds for several minutes. (Schneirla warns that, for some other stones, this solution might be damaging.) While the diamond is submerged, scrub it with a soft makeup brush or a baby's toothbrush. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. Repeat monthly or as needed.

Getting Crystal to Glitter at Gump's
At this high-end San Francisco store, employees fill a spray bottle with a solution of one part rubbing alcohol to three parts water. (This formula, they swear, leaves no streaks or residue.) Then they spritz the crystal and wipe it dry with a clean white cotton cloth. They advise using a cotton swab to get at crevices.

Removing Tarnish on Silver at Asprey
This posh big-city retailer uses the same stuff your mom did: Hagerty Silversmiths' Polish ($10 for a 12-ounce bottle). Using a soft cloth, spread a generous amount on your silver, wait a minute, then, using plenty of elbow grease, rub the item until the luster reappears. Use a clean cloth to wipe off any excess polish. Rinse silver if necessary-but never soak it in water for a long time, as it will tarnish.

Dusting Collectibles at Hummel
For intricate porcelain figurines, a standard feather duster won't do. The M. I. Hummel team uses a paintbrush (with bristles that are at least three inches long) to sweep grit from surface details. Before reusing the brush, wash it with hand soap and warm water, then air-dry.

Polishing Wood at Ethan Allen
Pieces in the showroom at this giant furniture retailer are kept gleaming with the company's own brand of polish (Ethan Allen Furniture Cleaner, $9.99 for ten ounces). Paula Mandeville, director of retail services, says you can use other polish too. Just be sure to use a foam pad to apply the product, then buff with a lint-free material like a cotton baby diaper or T-shirt.

Cleaning Blinds at Hunter Douglas
The company's trick: Clean vinyl shades with dryer sheets, which remove surface grit and reduce static cling. For wooden blinds, the company suggests that you vacuum with the soft-brush attachment to dust, then use Murphy's Oil Soap to spot-clean.

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