Max Hahne - Home Sweet Home

705-441-5800 max.hahne@evrealestate.com max-hahne.homesweethome.digital

courtesy of: Max Hahne

Dear Homeowners, December is a time to gather indoors, celebrate with family, and connect over holiday traditions. In this issue, you’ll find ideas to keep your home warm, welcoming, and full of possibility this winter. If selling your home is on the horizon, this season may offer the perfect window. With fewer listings and motivated buyers, winter can be a surprisingly strong time to make your move. You’ll find helpful strategies for highlighting your home’s best features, creating cozy appeal, and navigating the market with confidence. We also share practical ways to improve indoor air quality and ensure the air you breathe is as clean and comfortable as your surroundings. And when the celebrations wind down, our Boxing Day inspiration and leftover recipes—like a comforting turkey curry, mango chutney, and flaky pumpkin pastries—help keep the joy of the holidays going just a little longer. As the year draws to a close, I hope your home continues to bring you comfort and connection. If the coming year brings new real estate goals, I’d be happy to help you make them a reality.

Max Hahne ENGEL & VÖLKERS 705-441-5800

max.hahne@evrealestate.com max-hahne.homesweethome.digital

Table of Contents What You Need to Know About Listing Your Home in the Winter SMART SELLING STRATEGIES FOR THE COLD SEASON 15 04

A Second Helping of Holiday Cheer BOXING DAY RECIPES • Leftover Turkey Curry • Easy Six-Ingredient Mango Chutney • Pumpkin Pastries

Selling a home in the colder months comes with its own rhythm—but it can also offer unique advantages. With fewer listings and more serious buyers, winter can be an ideal time to make your property stand out. This guide covers everything from creating cozy curb appeal to highlighting energy-efficient upgrades and preparing your home for showings during shorter days. Discover how to turn winter’s chill into an opportunity to attract motivated buyers and close with confidence.

How to Monitor and Improve Air Quality 18

SIMPLE WAYS TO BREATHE CLEANER AT HOME

As we spend more time indoors during the cooler months, the air inside our homes deserves extra attention. This guide explains how to identify and reduce hidden pollutants that affect health and comfort from excess humidity, lingering volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and even everyday dust. Learn how to monitor air quality, improve ventilation, and maintain a cleaner, fresher environment that supports both your family’s well-being and your home’s long-term care.

Extend Your Holiday by Embracing Boxing Day Traditions WAYS TO KEEP THE SPIRIT OF GIVING ALIVE

Once the holiday celebrations wind down, Boxing Day offers the perfect chance to slow the pace and reconnect with what the season is truly about: giving, gratitude, and togetherness. From sharing easy leftover-inspired dishes to creating charming upcycled crafts, this feature explores thoughtful ways to stretch the holiday warmth just a little longer. Discover how this tradition of generosity and creativity can bring new meaning—and a relaxed joy—to the day after the festivities.

December 2025

In most areas of the country, spring and summer are the prime real estate seasons, with houses flooding the market in hopes of finding new owners before the next school year begins. It’s a great time to invite potential buyers into the home, with long days and warmer temperatures. But life’s events, like job changes, divorce, and moving closer to family, all happen during the winter months, too. Although it’s a less popular season to drive a “For Sale” sign into the ground, the colder months can actually work in your favor when listings are done right. With fewer properties on the market, motivated buyers are more likely to give your listing serious attention. Add to that the cozy charm of a warm, inviting home on a chilly day, and winter can become a surprisingly strategic season to sell. By understanding the unique advantages and preparing for the seasonal challenges, you can position your property to stand out and attract the right buyers, even when the weather outside is less than inviting. What You Need to Know About Listing Your Home in the Winter

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UNDERSTAND MARKET DYNAMICS DURING WINTER

days and long nights irradiate through the interior. In Des Moines, I tell homeowners that shoppers’ first impressions are made before they step inside. That includes shoveling driveways, salting walkways, and ensuring that entryways are well-lit. When Iowa turns gray, a warm, well-lit home feels good and seems safe.”

Buyers are less likely to be relocating during the winter months. Between the bustle of holidays and the need to pull kids out of established classrooms, winter listings will attract less interest. However, that also means there is less competition. Buyers will find fewer homes listed during the winter, creating the opportunity for your home to stand out. In addition, people house hunting in December through February are often relocating for work or are facing life changes, so they are highly motivated to buy. You’re likely to find these buyers focused and ready to close quickly, especially with reduced inventory to choose from.

KNOW YOUR LOCAL MARKET

Location, location, location. It’s the overarching rule of real estate. While many regions will be facing bitter cold, snow, or rain during the winter months, other areas may be in their prime. For example, if you’re selling in an area popular with snowbirds, winter is the perfect time to highlight the reasons for migrating to warmer winter climates. Jeff Lichtenstein, CEO and Broker of Echo Fine Properties in Jupiter, Florida, noted that he immediately saw the difference in winter real estate when he relocated from Chicago to South Florida 25 years ago. He explained that buyers visit during the high season, from January to the end of March, so houses must be on the market for consideration. If sellers wait until spring, potential buyers may have already returned home. However, if you’re not listing a house in areas like the Sunbelt or Hawaii, weather will play a substantial role in staging the home. Jacob Naig, real estate investor in Des Moines, Iowa, offered advice on preparing the home for showings: “Homes that are listed during the winter require extra mindful staging and preparation, as many potential buyers arrive for a showing cautious and skeptical — the season can make homes feel less charming, and the cold

EMPHASIZE CURB APPEAL

Regardless of the season, first impressions are key to motivating passive lookers to request a showing and serious buyers to get excited about what they’ll find inside. To put the spotlight on your curb appeal, add motion-sensored outdoor lights and string lights where appropriate. Don’t overdo it, but use light to create a welcoming glow and illuminate your home’s assets. Also invest time in winter landscaping. Remove any dead plants, clean the driveway, and add some potted plants or wreaths to add color and visual interest. Even if the ground is covered in snow, draw attention to the front porch with a welcoming sign, rug, and greenery.

December 2025

CREATE A COZY INTERIOR

The most successful winter staging creates a cozy atmosphere. Naig shared tips for creating an inviting space on short, cold days. “Winter staging is all about contrast with the season. Flood a house with bright light, apply some warm paint color and fresh linens to the bed, and everything can suddenly feel lively even while the outside world seems otherwise frozen. Once, I staged a house in Des Moines with nothing more than oversized throw blankets, a tray of mugs in the kitchen, and a few potted evergreens near the entry. Buyers always said that it “felt like home.” During the holidays, consider leaving up some classic decorations without overwhelming the space. Set the tone for cozy winter evenings with the smell of fresh-baked cookies or a cinnamon potpourri, a crackling fire in the fireplace, and a space for boots and coats. Keep the indoor temperature warm, but not hot, so guests feel comfortable as they consider your home. Also, crack windows to drive out stale winter air, avoid strong-smelling cleaners, and ensure the home is free of mold and mildew.

During summer showings, potential buyers are less focused on energy efficiency concerns of drafty windows and doors. When temperatures drop, however, it can become the perfect opportunity to highlight energy-efficient upgrades, especially expensive additions such as insulated windows, updated furnaces, and smart thermostats. In warmer climates, you can still point out energy- saving additions like solar panels and shade trees that result in lower utility costs year-round. HIGHLIGHT ENERGY EFFICIENCY

REFOCUS PHOTOGRAPHY & MARKETING

Marketing is a key component regardless of what time of year you list your home. However, there are special considerations when listing in the off-season. Be sure to use professional photos. If possible, use pictures from warmer months (with greenery) of the outside of the home to showcase the year-round appeal. Consider creating a virtual tour for interested parties who are deterred by the weather. Offer a comprehensive 3D walkthrough and attach it to the listing for easy online access. An agent can also set up a video call with potential buyers to walk them through in real time.

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CONSIDER PRICING AND FLEXIBILITY

Listing a home during the winter months doesn’t mean you’ll lose out on profits. While it might be a more challenging time to draw attention to your home, the key is to be strategic with your pricing. Don’t assume you’ll have a difficult time selling. Instead, recognize that, although there may be fewer interested parties, those who look will often be serious about finalizing a deal. Being willing to accommodate tight timelines might be a key selling point. It’s always best to have your home in tip-top shape before putting it on the market, but winter will draw attention to drafts and leaks that may not stand out during summer months. In addition to typical maintenance, be sure to clean out gutters, tack down loose roof shingles, and install door sweeps. Also, make sure drainage pipes are keeping up with rainfall and melting snow, so you don’t encounter pooling water around the exterior of the home. COMPLETE HOME REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE

BOTTOM LINE

Although it can seem counterintuitive to put a house on the market during the winter months, it can be a good choice if you lean into the season. For the best results, highlight comfort, ensure safety and warmth, and make your home stand out against limited competition with effective marketing.

December 2025

WINTER HOME SELLING CHECKLIST

3. Safety Measures

Handrails: Double-check outdoor railings for sturdiness and repaint if needed. Stair Safety: Use non-slip treads on outdoor steps and ensure indoor rugs have grips. Lighting Checks: Replace outdated smoke detector batteries and add nightlights in hallways. Emergency Kit: Have a small, visible storm prep kit to show readiness for winter weather.

1. Exterior Prep

Mailbox & House Numbers: Repaint or replace to ensure visibility during darker months. Windows & Doors: Wash glass for maximum light and sparkle, even on gray days. Garage & Driveway: Keep garage doors in working order and pressure-wash or leaf-blow the driveway if the weather allows. Outdoor Seating: Add a bench or rocking chair with all-weather cushions for a welcoming feel. Seasonal Décor: Use lanterns or a simple winter planter arrangement at the entry.

4. Marketing Prep

Feature Sheets: Create a printed one-pager highlighting recent updates and winter-friendly features. Lifestyle Angle: Showcase a reading nook, game room, or indoor hobby space that appeals during cold months. Community Perks: Highlight proximity to gyms, coffee shops, or winter recreation. Online Presence: Ask your agent to boost listings with seasonal captions and targeted social ads.

2. Interior Prep

Lighting Layers: Add table lamps or floor lamps in dim corners to brighten spaces. Kitchen Appeal: Place a bowl of winter citrus or fresh flowers on the counter for color and freshness. Bathroom Refresh: Swap in fluffy white towels and a lightly scented hand soap. Closet Organization: Showcase spacious storage by decluttering and using matching hangers. Floor Care: Place washable rugs near entrances to protect floors and show durability. Provide boot covers or slippers for visitors during wet or snowy conditions.

5. Final Touches Before Showings

Warm Welcome: Set out a small tray with cocoa packets or bottled water for guests. Sound Matters: Play light acoustic music instead of holiday tunes for broad appeal. Pet Prep: Remove pet beds or litter boxes to avoid lingering odors. Daily Shine: Wipe down mirrors and faucets before each showing for extra sparkle. Inviting Scent: Use a subtle essential oil diffuser (like orange or pine) instead of candles.

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Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26 each year. It is typically associated with the countries that make up the United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It is also a holiday in Commonwealth countries, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. The day is celebrated in Croatia, Finland, Hungary, and Romania as St. Stephen’s Day. Although its exact origins are uncertain, Boxing Day emerged in nineteenth-century Britain as a tradition of generosity and social appreciation. The earliest known use of the term “Boxing Day” dates to the mid-1700s, with the Oxford English Dictionary citing its appearance in 1743. By the mid-1800s, it became customary for employers to give workers a “Christmas box” containing small gifts, money, or holiday treats as a gesture of thanks after the holiday. Over time, the practice broadened beyond service and charity relationships to become a general day of giving—an opportunity to share with those who worked through the holiday or supported others during the year. Although it is impossible to know precisely how the Boxing Day holiday began, it is clear that the spirit of the day was devoted to giving. Extend Your Holiday by Embracing Boxing Day Traditions

11 December 2025

MODERN BOXING DAY TRADITIONS Today, Boxing Day is typically a day spent relaxing and enjoying time with family, once the stress and preparation for Christmas festivities are over for another year. Many choose to host a potluck buffet so the remains of Christmas dinner can be shared with family and friends in a low-key manner that everyone can enjoy without some members spending most of their time in the kitchen, as so often happens on Christmas Day. Boxing Day buffets often include easy recipes that repurpose leftovers using seasonal ingredients. Turkey with curry, chutney sauce, and pumpkin spice pasties are just some easy-to-make foods that breathe new life into Christmas Day leftovers. Shopping sprees to take advantage of after Christmas sales are a big part of Boxing Day, as is watching sports. Americans enjoy these same activities, eating up leftovers, shopping after-holiday sales, and simply enjoying the company of loved ones. In fact, Americans engage in many of the traditions of Boxing Day without realizing it. Tipping service workers in the weeks leading up to Christmas is also a custom here in the United States and is very much in keeping with the spirit of Boxing Day.

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If you love crafting, the day after Christmas gives you ample opportunity to upcycle items used in Christmas celebrations and give them a whole new purpose. Here are some examples: UPCYCLING AND POST- CHRISTMAS CRAFTS 1. Repurpose Gift Cards as Gift Tags. You will need the following supplies: greeting cards, scissors, a hole punch, and string or ribbon. 2. Create a wine (or sparkling cider) bottle gift bag. You will need an 11/4-inch hole punch, a piece of cardstock, and a greeting card. • Go through the greeting cards you used and cut out the parts of the cards you intend to use as gift tags. • Punch a hole in the top of the new gift tag, loop a piece of string or ribbon through, and tie in a knot at the end. 3. Make Recycled Gift Bag Confetti. Do you love to fill your gift bags with confetti for a fun presentation? You can upcycle gift cards by shredding them to get the same look while also recycling. • Fold the cardstock in half. • Use the hole punch to make an opening so that the neck of the wine bottle can slip through. • Choose a decorative greeting card and glue it to the section of cardstock that will lie flush along the front of the wine bottle.

13 December 2025

4. Make reindeer from used bottle corks. You will need two natural corks from bottles, two small branching twigs about one inch long, a few toothpicks, two colored beads, a box cutter, a cutting board, and a hot glue gun. • Gather your supplies before you begin. • Pick the wine cork you want to use as the body of the reindeer and set it aside. • Choose a second wine cork to serve as the reindeer’s head. Cut approximately ¼ of the length off so the head is shorter than the body. • Lay the corks lengthwise on a flat cutting board and place the shorter (head piece) cork above the right end of the larger (body piece) cork. • Cut one toothpick in half and use it to attach the head to the body. Push the ends of the cut toothpick into the two corks gently. The end of the toothpick that protrudes from the headpiece will be the reindeer’s neck. • Cut two additional toothpicks in half to make the legs of the reindeer. • Push the pointed end of each toothpick into the bottom of the body cork, positioning them at 45-degree angles. • You will need to adjust the toothpick angles so that they are at the right angle, so the reindeer are balanced and can stand on their own. • Gently push the two small twigs into the top of the head cork to create antlers. If you have trouble getting the twigs to go into the cork, use the pointed tip of one of the toothpicks to open up a hole into which the twigs can fit. • Glue a bead at the front of the head to serve as a nose and secure the other bead at the rear of the body to create a tail. Whether you choose to formally celebrate Boxing Day or not, the takeaway is to remember that the season is all about giving and spending quality time with loved ones.

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Boxing Day is a time to unwind after the rush of Christmas, to enjoy simple food, good company, and a slower rhythm. These recipes honor that spirit—easy, flavorful dishes that turn holiday leftovers into something fresh. A fragrant turkey curry, a bright mango chutney, and quick pumpkin pastries bring comfort and cheer to a relaxed day of lingering and sharing. A Second Helping of Holiday Cheer RECIPES INSPIRED BY BOXING DAY TRADITIONS

15 December 2025

LEFTOVER TURKEY CURRY Repurpose those turkey leftovers with this quick, reheatable dish that infuses your original holiday turkey with a plethora of new tastes and aromas that your family and guests can enjoy whenever they feel hungry with minimal fuss.

Directions: 1. Heat olive oil in a large pan. Add the onion, red bell pepper, zucchini and mushrooms and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. 2. Add the crushed garlic cloves and curry powder and stir while cooking for an additional 2 minutes. 3. Add the leftover turkey, chopped tomatoes, light coconut milk, and two tablespoons of mango chutney. Stir and simmer for 7 minutes. 4. Add the spinach and cook until the spinach has wilted. 5. Serve over rice.

Ingredients:

z 1 tbs. olive oil z 1 onion – sliced thinly z 1 red bell pepper – diced z 1 zucchini – diced z 6 mushrooms – sliced z 3.5 oz. spinach (pre-washed or washed well) z 10.5 oz. leftover turkey – shredded z 3 garlic cloves – crushed z 2 tbs. curry powder z 14 oz. canned chopped tomatoes z 0.75 cups light coconut milk (May be substituted with cream or stock.) z 2 tbs. mango chutney (recipe below)

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EASY SIX- INGREDIENT MANGO CHUTNEY This simple to make mango chutney pairs nicely with curry dishes, grilled meats, and even cheese and crackers. This mango chutney can also be made ahead of time and jarred to make homemade Christmas presents your friends and family will appreciate and enjoy! Ingredients: z 2 ripe mangos (Be sure to use ripe mangos for best results.) z ½ red onion z 2 tbs. Grated fresh ginger z 1 clove garlic z ¼ cup maple syrup or honey z ¼ cup red wine vinegar z Salt and pepper to taste z Optional: ½ tsp. coriander, ½ tsp. smoked paprika, ⅛ tsp. cardamom, ¼ tsp. cinnamon, and ¼ tsp. chili powder.

PUMPKIN PASTRIES

These quick and easy pastries are the perfect go-to for a quick breakfast with coffee before you head out to the after- Christmas sales or as you lie back and get ready to enjoy your favorite sporting match on TV. Ingredients: z 2 oz. cream cheese z ¼ cup pumpkin puree (Be sure to use pumpkin puree – not pumpkin pie filling.) z 2 tbs. sugar z 1 tsp. vanilla extract

z ½ tsp. ground cinnamon z 8 oz. crescent roll dough

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 2. Whip the cream cheese and pumpkin together in a small bowl. 3. Add sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. 4. Roll the crescent dough out, press the perforations together, and then slice the dough into eight equal squares. 5. Place a spoonful of the pumpkin/cream cheese mixture on top of each square, then fold each corner of the squares inward to the middle. 6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown.

Directions: 1. Peel and dice the mangos.

2. Peel and dice half the onion and garlic. 3. Add the diced onion, ginger, garlic, mangoes, maple syrup, and red wine vinegar to a heavy-bottom pan. If you are using the optional ingredients, add those as well. 4. Cook over low-medium heat and allow to simmer for 7-10 minutes, stirring often. 5. Remove from heat and cool slightly. The mixture should thicken as it cools. 6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

17 December 2025

Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is an invisible threat, yet it plays a significant role in the health of your home and your family. To combat low IAQ, it’s important to understand its dangers and causes. The quality of your indoor air is worth your attention, as poor IAQ is responsible for mold and mildew, along with health issues such as lung irritation, skin problems, and disease. Using targeted tools and techniques, you can identify issues such as poor air circulation, excessive humidity, and pollutants from everyday activities. Fortunately, the process is uncomplicated and relatively inexpensive. Tap into a variety of ways to measure, monitor, and improve IAQ, so you can rest easy knowing you’re providing a fresher and healthier living environment for you and your loved ones. How to Monitor and Improve Indoor Air Quality

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Why Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Matters

Factors Contributing to Poor Air Quality A variety of factors contribute to poor IAQ, including how air moves into and out of the home, what filters are in place, and what products release particulates into the air. The truth is, when you factor in aerosols, paint, pet dander, grease, poor ventilation, cooking fumes, cleaning products, and even candles, indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Identifying the pollutants in your home is key to eliminating them. Doctor Wada helps clarify the contributing factors, saying, “The most common culprits tend to fall into a few categories: z Allergens: Pet dander (comes from the skin and secretions, not just the fur), dust mites, and pollen. z Moisture & Mold: Damp bathrooms, leaky basements, or even a small water leak can be enough to set the stage for mold growth. z Chemical Off-Gassing (VOCs): New furniture, carpet, or even certain cleaning products like bleach can release irritating compounds into the air. z Other Irritants: Smoke from cooking, wood stoves, or tobacco.” Many people are unaware of the additional risks to indoor air during the winter months. As we spend more time indoors, we trap carbon dioxide, cooking and product fumes, and dust behind closed doors and windows. At best, this results in stale air. At worst, it can cause dangers ranging from allergy flare-ups to mold growth.

On a public level, alerts warn us against outdoor activities when the air quality is bad. But at home, we are often unaware of similar dangers. Since most of us spend at least half our time at home, monitoring IAQ should be a priority. In fact, doctors agree that indoor air is equally to blame for particle-related health issues as outdoor air. Kara Wada, MD, allergist, immunologist, and founder of Immune Confident Institute, summarized, “Over time, poor indoor air quality can raise the risk of chronic sinus issues, asthma flare-ups, fatigue, headaches, brain fog, and other inflammatory conditions.” She also emphasized, “For children, whose lungs and immune systems are still developing, the stakes are higher.” Unfortunately, we often don’t realize our home environment is a problem. We asked Dr. Wada about symptoms people should be aware of that could be related to poor IAQ, and she said many physiological reactions could point to the air we breathe, saying, “Nagging congestion, scratchy throats, constant fatigue, or ‘can’t-think-straight' brain fog may be the body reacting to what’s in the air at home. Other signals include chronic cough, headaches, worsening allergies, or kids with recurrent ear and sinus infections. These reactions are all part of the body’s inflammatory response to irritants it perceives as threats and/or directly damages our mucosal linings.”

December 2025

How to Measure and Monitor IAQ Before you can improve your IAQ, it’s important to understand what’s happening in your home environment. Fortunately, there are tools to help in this endeavor. Start with a basic air quality monitor. Tony Abate, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at AtmosAir Solutions told us, “Real-time indoor air monitoring plays an important role in ensuring the health and wellness of individuals in their homes. These devices allow homeowners to keep track of the air they breathe, identify pollutants, and help them take proactive measures to maintain a clean and healthy environment.” With that goal in mind, you can choose from the abundant selection of monitors on the market that measure carbon dioxide, VOCs, and particulate matter. Also sniff out dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide and radon with detectors built for the job. If you have any concerns, test the home for mold, and if you live in an older house, have it tested for asbestos and lead-based paint.

Additionally, monitoring humidity with a budget- friendly hygrometer will help ensure the home remains within the recommended 30–50% relative humidity range. Abate explains how using monitors helps provide information, saying, “There are many good air quality monitors that a homeowner can purchase that will continuously monitor indoor air quality. Most measure temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide (CO2) particles (PM 2.5), and total volatile compounds (TVOC). Some monitors can also show the outdoor air index and compare it to the indoor air. Monitoring systems typically include sensors that provide real-time data, often accessible via smartphones or other devices.” When deciding on a monitor, Abate suggests, “Look for indoor air quality monitors that are RESET certified. This group tests and validates the performance of the monitor.”

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Improving Indoor Air Quality in Winter

Once you identify the IAQ culprits inside the home, it’s time to implement processes to clean it up.

1. VENTILATE

Start by releasing polluted air from the home with effective ventilation. Use ceiling and box fans to move air, and crack windows and doors as often as the weather allows. Exhaust fans are essential for sending damp, stale air out of the home. Turn them on in bathrooms with each shower, and run them in the kitchen when cooking. Also, use them in the laundry room and other spaces as needed. If your fans don’t work effectively, check that they are vented to the outdoors and look for blockages. Lingering food scents, foggy mirrors and windows, and mold are all strong indicators that vent fans are not doing their job. To test exhaust fans, hold a ribbon of tissue near the fan while it is on. The appliance should suck the tissue inward. If it doesn’t, it is time for a replacement.

2. MINIMIZE INDOOR POLLUTION

One of the most effective ways to improve air quality is to reduce contaminants at the source. To do this, consider how you use the products and systems within your home. z Switch to low-VOC products. Read labels to find “low-VOC” paints, finishes, and cleaning supplies to reduce chemical emissions. z Maintain appliances. Like a well-maintained car, appliances like furnaces, stoves, and fireplaces are safer and more air-friendly without leaks or worn parts. Follow a recommended maintenance schedule for all appliances and seek out efficient models when it’s time to replace them. z Ban indoor smoking. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of harmful chemicals that linger in fabrics and surfaces. Plus, it’s toxic to inhale, even for bystanders.

September 2024 21 December 2025

3. CLEAN AND FILTER THE AIR

Houseplants are another type of air filter you may not have considered, yet they will absorb carbon dioxide and release fresh oxygen. Plus, they add an aesthetic appeal to your space.

Like every other surface in your home, it’s important to keep your indoor air clean. This means keeping dust at bay and reducing the number of allergens floating around. To do this, rely on standalone air filtration systems or in-furnace filters. Remember to change or clean filters frequently. This includes the greasy filters above your stove, the filters inside your vacuum, and the washable parts inside your in-room air conditioners, air filtration systems, and dehumidifiers. Don’t overlook the crucially important filter inside your furnace. Swap it out every one to three months, depending on the type of filter and your system. For the most effective filtration, use HEPA filters in your bedrooms, nursery, home office, and any other space where you spend time. A HEPA filter in your vacuum, central system, or portable unit will reduce dust, pet dander, and pollen that accumulate. These high-quality filters are a key tool in the fight for healthy indoor air.

4. MANAGE HUMIDITY

Too much moisture fosters mold growth, while too little dries out your skin and sinuses. If you have spaces with high humidity, use a dehumidifier to extract moisture from the air. Just remember to empty the accumulated water often. For dry winter air, on the other hand, employ a humidifier to combat the effects of dry hair and skin. It’s also important to promptly repair any water leaks, whether it’s from the washing machine, toilet, shower, or sink. Water damage behind walls and under floors can quietly worsen air quality, so don’t delay. Your House Will Thank You Too Better air quality isn’t just about health—it protects your home, too. Balanced humidity prevents warping or cracking wood and peeling paint, while proper ventilation reduces condensation that can lead to structural damage. And because heating systems run more efficiently when they’re clean, your energy bills may drop, adding financial benefits to the mix. The Takeaway Winter is the season we spend the most time indoors— making air quality a top priority. By combining good filtration, balanced humidity, and smart ventilation habits, you’ll create a healthier, more comfortable home environment that protects both your well-being and your investment.

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Is Now The Right Time to Sell?

To Request a No Obligation Housing Market Report: Call me at 705-441-5800 or Email max.hahne@evrealestate.com .

This is all 100% free with no obligation. After you submit the online questionnaire, you will receive my free report with information that will help you determine your home's value. I recommend printing it out and taking a drive to see the homes I've identified as comparable to yours. See how your home measures up. This will help you get an even more accurate idea of what your home is worth.

An appraiser would charge hundreds for this service, but I will provide one at no cost.

If you would like my free, professional opinion on the value of your home, I'd be glad to help. We can talk on the phone, or we can meet in person. I look forward to helping you!

Max Hahne ENGEL & VÖLKERS

705-441-5800 max.hahne@evrealestate.com max-hahne.homesweethome.digital

What's your next move? My recent book outlines the principles behind my own success and how I help others succeed in a quickly changing market. Learn strategies, secrets, tips, and much more from an industry insider!

Read it now or request a free copy at maxhahne.bestlocalexpert.com

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