Homeowners Want Cleaner & Healthier Air

With more than two decades of experience working in real estate, Realtor Alex Anninos serves as a partner with Atlantic Coast Homes. Alex Anninos and his team, Team Mavroules, are among the top real estate agents in Salem, Massachusetts. Team Mavroules defies the traditional model of real estate brokerage. Instead of working to generate new business, Team Mavroules focuses on what their existing clients want, whether related to buying or selling homes, or helping them with home improvements.

New research commissioned by Aeroseal LLC during the surge of the coronavirus indicated that homeowners are increasingly aware of the need for better indoor air quality. Out of the 309 respondents, 67 percent said they would be willing to spend as much as $2,000 on a home improvement project that will give the family cleaner and healthier air.

The study came on the heels of the growing demand for home-based jobs, whether full-time or part-time. The respondents said that indoor air quality is paramount in maintaining their family’s health and safety. But despite the growing awareness for the need of cleaner and healthier air, the study said only nine percent of the respondents knew how to go about achieving it.

One key to cleaner and healthier air at home is a properly working heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Home improvement projects during this time should focus on the HVAC system. According to the Department of Energy, repairs on the HVAC system should first and foremost focus on ductwork leaks. Leaking ducts are the main reason for spreading contaminated air.

Tips for Creating a Home Shopping

Alex Anninos holds a summa cum laude bachelor of science from Northeastern University, where he studied marketing and finance. Since 2017, Alex Anninos has served as a realtor partner with Atlantic Coast Homes, assisting clients in the sale and purchase of residential properties in the North Shore and greater Boston areas.

For many homeowners in Boston and across the country, COVID-19 has put home buying or selling plans on hold. While this unintended delay can be frustrating, it also provides the opportunity to create a checklist that will ultimately help shoppers find their dream homes faster. To create a wish list, first take an inventory of what is working and not working in your current home. Does it lack outdoor space or the home office you need to work remotely? Are you tired of dealing with stairs? What is your favorite room, and why do you enjoy spending time there?

Next, consider the flow and space you need. In addition to the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, consider if an open plan works with your lifestyle, or whether you want separation between rooms. Is natural light important to you? Also think about the types of textures and finishes you would like to see in a new home. Finally, create a list of what you need in outdoor spaces. How much time are you willing to put into lawn maintenance? By creating a checklist of all the most important features you are looking for, you will ultimately save time and stress once you commence home shopping.

 

Citizens for Adequate Housing's Inn Between Provides Emergency Housing

An experienced real estate professional in Salem, Massachusetts, Alex Anninos has served as a Realtor partner with Atlantic Coast Homes since 2017. In addition to his role with the award-winning Atlantic Coast team, Alex Anninos supports charitable organizations such as Citizens for Adequate Housing.

Committed to helping families of all sizes secure safe, affordable housing, Citizens for Adequate Housing operates several programs for Salem residents of low income. The Inn Between, for example, offers emergency shelter for six families at a time at its large Victorian home location. Established in 1985, the Inn Between coordinates support services for clients, providing a case manager to help connect residents with health care, school, transportation, and counseling.

Residents at the Inn Between can also participate in life skills development courses that teach important tools related to budgeting, parenting, and searching for jobs. Family Continuity, a partner agency, provides on-site mental health counseling to help Inn Between residents maintain their mental health and pursue their goals of self-sufficiency. 

What Renovations Should You Consider Before Selling Your Home?

Based in Beverly, Massachusetts, Alex Anninos is an established real estate professional with 15 years of experience in the real estate industry. Alex Anninos presently serves as a realtor partner with Atlantic Coast Homes, a real estate company that was ranked number one in Salem in 2018, and that helped more clients than any other company that year to buy and sell their homes.

Most homes require renovations before they are ready to sell, since styles change and materials wear out. When remodeling your home to sell it, consider using neutral color schemes for the carpets and flooring since they are able to blend well with a range of colors and styles. Potential homebuyers are more likely to be attracted to your home if they can envision their personal belongings matching well within the home. Also, consider updating important areas of the home, including the kitchen and bathroom.

When updating the kitchen, consider installing neutral-toned floorings such as bamboo or natural stone since these materials clean easily and are durable. Updated appliances such as a French door refrigerator, gas stove, and double oven are also key selling features to consider during renovations. Similarly, new cabinets that extend to the ceiling and a kitchen island that adds counter space also helps to modernize and enhance the area.

To revitalize the appearance and improve the functionality of the bathrooms in your home, use natural stone tiles in the showers and update the toilets to water-saving models that have a high-pressure flushing system. Decorative vanities and jetted tubs also add appeal to the bathroom.