New Years Resolutions For Your Home

With New Years Eve coming up, many people take this time to reflect the ending of the current year, and what they want to accomplish during the new year. Many people think about fitness goals, financial goals, but what about thinking about resolutions for your home?

Seven New Years Resolutions to Consider for Your Home:

1. Cut Down on Energy Use: Turn off lights and water when you are not using them, seal and insulate ductwork, and consider LED lightbulbs and smart home thermostat.
2. Keep Indoor Air Uncontaminated: Maintain HVAC, change out air filters, install ventilation in bathrooms and kitchen to help eliminate smoke, fumes, and surplus humidity.
3. Increase Home Safety: Check on smoke detectors, consider installing security system that has smart features.
4. Get Rid of Clutter: This is the best and cheapest way to feel better about your home! Make a habit of periodically getting rid of things, and only bring in items you truly need. Also, if you are considering selling your home in the upcoming year, start the depersonalization process.
5. Spend Sometime on Home Improvement Projects: Research the best professionals to complete the job, and improvements in your home can make a big difference if you chose to sell your home. Whether it is purchasing new tools, adding more curb appeal, do research what improvements can net you more money from the sale of your home.
6. Work Out a System to Get Your Home Clean: Start with a cleaning schedule, and determine what tasks you need to accomplish daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly.
7. Create a More Welcoming Atmosphere: Try arranging furniture in a way that allows for more conversation. Consider changing some pillows and rugs for a new fresh look. Maybe consider hosting a few parties a year with friends and family.

As a homeowner, taking the time to devote more time and energy to your home now can help you spend more time doing things you love. The more you keep your home clean, the more time you can spend with friends and family. Cutting down on energy use can result in more money in your pocket. Whether you chose to make changes in the new year, or not chose to make changes, do what makes you happy! Continue to celebrate the end of this year, and I wish you a very Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!

Kelly Raulston

“Reliable and Ready” REALTOR® since 2016. I was born in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, but was raised in Texas since 1997. When I found out we were moving to Plano, Texas, I remember looking forward to riding a horse to school and a brand-new pair of cowboy boots! Growing up in Plano prepared me to be competitive, quick, and to have a strong work ethic. I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Axe’em Jacks! That is where my love for East Texas began. The nature, warm smiles, football games, and community values can't be beat! I graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I was a middle school math teacher in Tyler, Texas. I met my husband, Travis, in Sunday school, and we have been married since September 2016. I love being a REALTOR® in East Texas! Relationships are genuine, the area is beautiful, and the market is rockin’! I am an involved REALTOR® to better the community. Some of the organizations I am involved with are: The Professional Development Committee, Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee, and Tyler Educational Networking Group. Some awards I have won were “The Hustle Award” in 2016, and “Rookie of the Year” in 2017. When I am not working with my clients, I like to spend quality time with my friends and family doing the following: running, target practice, read and participate in book club, and playing with my dachshund Greta.