Once homeowners have arrived at the decision to sell their property, most want the transaction completed as quickly as possible. Sure, you can hire the best agent in town, price your home just right, and then market the heck out of it, but having a little bit of luck on your side never hurt either. When it comes to getting the deal done in a timely manner, sellers and agents have been known to rely on time-tested superstitions. Let’s take a look at 10 that are all but guaranteed to get that “Sold” sticker slapped on your “For Sale” sign in a hurry.

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1. Appeal to the senses.

Even if you’re not the least bit hungry, there’s something inherently appetizing about walking into a home and smelling a freshly-baked treat. While some experts recommend whipping up a batch of cookies, others say bread emits a scent that’s heartier, lasts longer, and offers greater olfactory appeal to buyers. Non-bakers will be glad to hear that sprinkling cinnamon inside a stove and turning it on low even for a few minutes will do the trick. Fans of savory versus sweet swear by roasting an onion, which is said to be enough to fool would-be buyers into envisioning hosting their very own Thanksgiving feasts in that home.

2. Bury a statue of St. Joseph in the yard.

Though St. Joseph was a carpenter by trade, he’d have made a pretty great Realtor ®, some say. It’s believed that burying a statue of the saint upside down (because this way he’ll want to get out faster) seems to have a mythical ability to sell homes in record time. Unlike costly home renovations made in the hope of a quick sale, this statue won’t blow your budget. Kits, which include an accompanying prayer, start at $6.95.

3. Don’t do the math just yet.

Apparently the old phrase, “Don’t count your chickens before they’ve hatched!” also applies to real estate. Triplemint agent Phil Reynolds says, “Don’t calculate your commission unless you’re negotiating it!! I’ve heard agents say it’s bad luck to calculate your commission before the deal closes.”

4. A dimmer switch is a bright idea.

Some believe putting lights in dining rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and family rooms on dimmers will attract buyers who are drawn to the control they offer but wouldn’t necessarily devote to the time or trouble to adding the feature themselves.

5. Skip the zeros.

While it might be tempting to price a home at a nice even number, superstition dictates that you’d be much better off choosing a random figure as it lends intrigue. Just do yourself a favor, and leave unlucky “13” out of it.

6. Throw in some amenities.

Buyers often fall in love with certain features only to be turned off when they learn that the exquisite chandelier or state-of-the-art appliance they coveted is leaving with the homeowner. Consider sweetening the pot by offering up a highly-desirable item and watch the bids roll in.

7. Create a warm welcome.

If the home boasts a fireplace, and weather permits, set it ablaze. A roaring fire adds warmth — literally. Creating a charming ambience will definitely distinguish one property from another in a buyer’s mind.

8. Pretty it up with fresh flowers.

When you’re selling a home, you want it to look as fresh and inviting as possible. Flowers go a long way toward adding color and character to any space — even a pint-sized powder room. This trick holds true for the outdoors as well. Good landscaping has been known to shorten a property’s time on the market by as much as six weeks, experts note.

9. Don your lucky outfit.

The right outfit can boost your confidence no doubt. Triplemint Sales Manager Joan Kagan says she owns a “lucky closings dress.” Hey, whatever works!

10. Smudge it.

Some believe a home may have a “negative energy” lurking inside, which of course, can cause it to linger on the market long after it should’ve been sold. Smudging, a Native American ritual, in which cedar and white sage are burned either together or separately. Next a prayer or intention is said requesting that only positive energy enter the space as the negative flows back out. It’s said that strangers often feel these emotions more strongly than the home’s inhabitants.

“I had a buyer who found out there was a cemetery not far from their apartment and didn’t close because she didn’t want to have ‘evil spirits’ in the house,” Triplemint agent Greg Moers recalled. “She backed out of the contract and lost her deposit, so she was really against it. In the Asian culture, along with Feng Shui, this is a very big thing. They are against evil spirits of the dead to enter the house.”

There are millions of homes bought and sold every year, most of them with the help of a real estate agent. However, there is still a segment of the population that chooses to go it alone when it comes time to sell or buy a home. There are different reasons for this, many of which aren’t very good. The only good reason might be if you’re an agent yourself, and even then, it might be better to work with another agent so that you’re not letting your own emotion cloud your judgment. Here are some of the worst reasons for not hiring a real estate agent:

1. To save some money

You might think you’re guaranteed to save yourself money by not hiring a real estate agent, but that’s not true. It’s very likely that it will cost you money during the process because of all of the potential pitfalls that you’re not even aware of. There are multiple points in a real estate transaction where making the right decision, or knowing what to look for will save you thousands of dollars. Real estate agents know this.

2. Because you think you’re a great negotiator

You probably think you’re a great negotiator, and you might be, but you also might not be as good as you think. In fact, there are many billionaires and CEO’s who openly admit that they aren’t good at negotiating, and oftentimes have other people negotiate on their behalf. Again, understanding real estate, and what factors may affect price are things that a real estate agent knows that can help with negotiation, and will get you a much better deal.

3. You read about a bad experience someone had

Of course there are horror stories on social media and forums about people’s experience buying and selling a home. This shouldn’t deter you from hiring an agent to guide you through the process, because you’re much more likely to find yourself in a nightmare scenario if you go it alone. There’s an important thing to remember about the nightmares you see online; people are much more likely to post about their negative experiences than their positive ones. There are lots horror stories about hospitals, restaurants, and hotels too — that doesn’t mean you’ll never leave the house again, right?

4. Because you saw a real estate show on HGTV

We all love real estate shows. It’s a lot of fun to sit back and watch a shockingly good-looking couple flip a home and make a $50,000 profit in less than 30 minutes. But it’s important not to confuse television with reality. You can’t learn everything you need to know from watching tv, otherwise this country would be full of expert martial artists, race-car drivers, and stand-up comedians. Hire someone with real-world experience to help you along.

5. You think you’re the only one who knows how much your home is “really worth”

You love your home, and it’s likely that you love it and appreciate it more than anyone else does. It’s completely natural to not only develop a sentimental attachment to where you’ve spent years of your life, but to also appreciate all of the repairs, upgrades, and other special details that you know and love. But just because you believe your home should be priced a certain way, doesn’t mean that’s what the market will bear. Having a business-minded, detached approach to pricing and selling your home is critical to a successful real estate transaction.

6. Because… “How hard could it really be?”

Some lessons in life are only learned through experience. Real estate agents have studied, been through it, and know that conducting a real estate transaction can be a potential minefield if you’re not careful. As a buyer or seller, it’s important not to minimize the difficulty and effort that goes into closing on a home. Hire a real estate agent, and let them worry about the difficult aspects, you’ll be glad you did.

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After the housing crisis of 2008, many homeowners found themselves “upside down” on their properties, with their mortgage balances significantly higher than the value of their home. According to Zillow, negative equity in the US peaked 31.4% in Q1 of 2012, meaning nearly one-third of all mortgage holders in the US owed more on their homes than it was valued.

But luckily, the housing market has rebounded from the housing crisis, and homeowners have almost completely regained equity in their homes. According to CoreLogic’s most recent Home Equity Insights report, in Q4 of 2017 only 4.9% of all mortgaged properties had negative equity, with the number of homes with negative equity dropping 21% year-over-year (from 3.2 million homes to 2.5 million homes).

The Takeaway

If you’ve been thinking about selling but were waiting for your home to recover its value, now is the time to make a move. The dramatic decrease in negative equity, combined with the current inventory shortage, make it an ideal time to sell and to get the most value for your home.

Has your air conditioner ever failed on a hot summer day? It’s a struggle no homeowner wants to deal with. When you own a home it’s important to budget annually for repairs that might be needed and anticipate when things might need to be replaced.

If you take care of your home, your appliances and fixtures should last longer. This means keeping them clean, performing regular maintenance and preventing unnecessary wear. Even the most well-kept homes will need repairs at some point and it helps to know how long you should expect your items to last. We’ve put together a list of how long certain household fixtures and appliances should hold up.

Check out each of the rooms below, or click here to see the full infographic.

Exterior:

Fixtures outside your home can suffer the most wear and tear of anything you own because they are constantly exposed to the elements. However, they are usually some of the most sturdy and are typically built to last. These are the items you will likely have to pay more for but luckily not as often.

Window Unit Air Conditioner: 10 Years

The typical window unit air conditioner can last anywhere from 8–12 years depending on how much it’s used and how well it’s taken care of. Be sure to turn the unit off when it’s not needed and clean the air filter often.

Garage Door: 12 Years

You can expect 10–15 years of reliable service from a garage door depending on how often it’s used. To prolong its life, apply lubricant spray to door springs every three to six months.

Siding: 30 Years

Siding can last anywhere from 20–40 years depending on the material used, weather conditions in your area and how well it’s taken care of. For instance, aluminum siding will last 15 years but needs to be repainted when it fades every five or so years. Wood siding that is painted or stained every five years should last decades. But vinyl siding is a popular choice because it can last up to 40 years and is virtually maintenance free!

No matter what material you use to keep your siding clean to prevent dirt and mildew that can shorten its lifespan.

Roofing: 25 Years

Most homeowners will need to re-roof their house every 20–30 years, although the type of shingles you use will impact this number. A metal roof can last even longer, up to 50 years, although it’s more expensive upfront and therefore less common.

To get the longest life out of your roof ensure you check it after inclement weather and be sure to repair it quickly to avoid more damage.

Deck: 35 Years 

Depending on the type of wood, your deck can last anywhere from 20–50 years. However, the average deck lasts around 35 years.

Seal your deck and keep up with minor repairs to keep it strong and sturdy for many years.

Interior:

Maintaining the interior of your home can keep it looking stylish and new. Even the most diligent cleaners will at some point have to replace worn out fixtures. Doing so proactively can help you avoid an emergency situation.

 

Carpet: 10 Years

Carpet in your home typically has a 5– 15-year lifespan. It will eventually begin to wear out (in the most traveled areas) and it will need to be evaluated. If you notice it’s starting to look dirty, matted or has a foul odor, it’s time to replace it.

It’s a maintenance best practice to steam clean your carpet often (before it becomes visibly dirty).

Faucets and Fixtures: 15 Years

Properly cleaned and maintained faucets and fixtures can last anywhere from 10–20 years. However, if they are not properly cleaned they can last less than 10 years. If you want to make them last, clean out hard water residue often.

HVAC System: 20 Years

It’s best to replace your system around 15 years which means saving up the money and having a professional in mind to fix it.

To get the longest life out of your HVAC change the filters often to avoid overworking your system.

Windows and Skylights: 30 Years

Windows and skylights last so long that often people forget they need to be replaced at all. Good windows will last most people from 25–35 years or more, but you will know it’s time to change them when they start looking warn, begin to suffer damage or are not insulating your home properly.

Be sure to clean window tracks twice yearly to prevent buildup and prolong their life.

Countertops: 15-100+ Years

It’s smart to invest in stone countertops such as granite or quartz because they last so much longer than laminate or cement countertops. Laminate countertops will last anywhere from 10-12 years, while a well-maintained stone countertop can last over 100 years!

Keep your investments safe by avoiding contact with hot surfaces or cutting directly on them. Reseal your stone countertops often and they can last a lifetime.

Appliances:

The appliances in your home are some of the easiest things to fix and some of the more inexpensive to replace. While some people replace appliances as newer technology emerges, it’s most cost-effective to use them for the duration of their lifespan.

Microwave: 9 Years

A microwave can last a long time if properly cared for. Usually, they last anywhere from 5–15 years and sometimes even longer depending on usage. When using your microwave, clean it often and avoid slamming the door. Never run your microwave without something inside, as it can cause serious damage.

Dishwasher: 10 Years

Depending on the make and model, a dishwasher can last anywhere from 7–12 years. If you start to notice your dishwasher isn’t washing well, give it a good cleaning before giving up on it. To properly clean it, unscrew the drain and clean the filter monthly to prevent clogging. Once the filter is clean, empty the dishwasher completely (racks and all) and running it with a cup of distilled white vinegar inside it.

Washing Machine: 12

The average washing machine lasts between 10–15 years depending on the brand and how well it’s maintained. To stretch its usable years further, check your washing machines water hoses for signs of wear or weakness a few times each year.

Dryer: 12 Years

Similar to your washing machine, your dryer should last anywhere from 10–15 years. If you buy them together, they likely will be ready to replace around the same time. If you notice it’s making strange noises or emitting strange smells, it might be nearing the end of its life. A good maintenance best practice is to clean your lint trap before every drying session.

Oven: 14 Years

Ovens these days will last anywhere from 10–20 years. Don’t wait until you start ruining meals to replace your oven.

To ensure it’s running properly, inspect coil burners for deformities and replace any damaged ones.

Miscellaneous:

There are other household items that may not necessarily be fixtures or appliances but are important and should be maintained nonetheless. Things like your mattress and sprinkler system are more obvious because you use them often. However, smaller things like smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and electrical wiring can cause damage if not properly maintained, so it’s important to keep your eye on them.

Mattress: 8 Years

Your mattress is typically used more than most other things in your house and can collect dirt, dust and grime. It’s important to get a new mattress if yours starts to look or smell dirty, or if it’s losing its firmness.

Most people get a new mattress every 7–10 years which is a good rule to follow. Make your mattress last longer by rotating it 180 degrees from head to foot every two to six months.

Smoke alarms: 9 Years

Three out of five home-related fire deaths occur in a house that has malfunctioning smoke detectors. It’s important to not only replace batteries every year but to replace the detectors and alarms every 8–10 years.

Fire extinguisher: 10 Years

It can be tough to tell how old your fire extinguisher is if you didn’t buy it yourself as some don’t have expiration or purchase dates on them.

A good way to tell if it’s working properly is to check its pressure gauge monthly to ensure the needle is in the green area of the pressure scale. If it’s damaged, has low pressure or you think it might be older than 10 years, it’s probably best to replace it.

Sprinkler System: 20 Years

If you’re lucky enough to have a good quality sprinkler system it can last you anywhere from 10–30 years! Take good care of it to ensure you’re on the high end of that scale. Get your backflow checked annually and drain the system of water during the winter if you’re in an area that freezes.

Electrical Wiring: 100+ Years

Old wiring can cause serious safety issues for you and your family. The good news is that wiring systems can last a lifetime if properly maintained. Buy an electric socket tester and routinely test your electrical outlets’ voltage.

If you start to notice low voltage, get a tingling sensation when you touch the walls, smell burning anywhere in your home or have ungrounded outlets around your house it might be time to replace it.

In general, as long as you properly maintain your appliances, fixtures and household items you should get fairly long lives out of most of them. If you also save the recommended 1% of your home’s value every year for repairs you won’t be blindsided when a costly repair does need your attention. Use this list to anticipate your product’s lifespans and enjoy stress-free home repairs.