Monica Cook Home and Lifestyles

Our homes harbor more than just our families and possessions. Home is also where pollutants, allergens, and other irritants accumulate and thrive, with possible harmful effects on our health. There are simple steps homeowners can take to improve the air quality in their home and increase their comfort and well being. HANDLE HUMIDITY High humidity is one of the main contributors to mold and dust mite growth, both of which adversely affect indoor air quality. Keeping indoor humidity below 50% will help prevent further infestation, although once mold gets established it can continue to grow even at lower humidity. To reduce humidity levels in the home, always use ventilation fans in kitchens and bathrooms, make sure the dryer is vented to the outdoors, and address any leaks or condensation issues. Consider using a dehumidifier in especially humid locations such as basements, which usually have poor air circulation and are prone to dampness. DUST UP THE DUST Reducing dust in the home ...

 Recent studies have shown that renters are continuing to climb in numbers as well as rents continuing to increase. Also more that half of people who rent spend more that 30% on their income on housing. The following article below is an interesting and great read. DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 02, 2013 Five to six million new renter households may be created within the next 10 years, likely caused from low inventories of homes available and tight credit conditions, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center.  Rental demand is expected to particularly increase among seniors looking to downsize their homes, as well as young adults and a growing immigrant population.  “We expect to see an increase in household formation and for a variety of reasons that household formation is likely to be more heavily concentrated among renters and households who are likely to be renters for somewhat longer than was the case for the last 20 years,” Barry Zigas, direc...