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Your home is your haven, and its style can say a lot about your personality. One feature can even hint at your traits when guests arrive”the door knobs!

According to Weiser, a security solutions provider, the following knob finishes can be indicative of your personality as a homeowner:

Bright Brass. Ideal for those with a sense of humor, bright brass knobs may be found in a home with colors that spark the imagination and promote positivity. The person with an affinity for this style may be a fan of pop music, chain restaurants and trips to Vegas.

Iron Black. Ideal for those whod prefer to be a fly on the wall, iron black knobs may be found in a home with understated decor. The person who chooses this style may be a fan of traveling to faraway countries and ethnic cuisine.

Satin Stainless Steel. Ideal for someone who likes a clean, modern aesthetic, satin stainless steel knobs may be found in an open-concept home with lots of windows. The person gravitating toward this style may be a fan of alternative music, jeans, the beach and sushi.

Rustic Pewter. Ideal for someone with a business sensibility, rustic pewter knobs may be found in suburban homes. The person opting for this style may be a fan of classic rock, sporting events, cheeseburgers and national parks.

Venetian Bronze. Ideal for someone who leans toward nostalgia, Venetian bronze knobs may be found in homes with a cream and rose color palette and Victorian decor. The person selecting this style may be a fan of classical music, designer clothes and fine dining.

Which style best reflects your personality? Does your personality match the knobs in your home? Feel free to knock on my door any time for your real estate needs!

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Homeowners and buyers alike are increasingly embracing the natural beauty of hardwood floors. Unfortunately, even with proper upkeep, wood floors can get unsightly dents and scratches over time due to normal wear and tear.

If you have hardwood floors in need of repair, the experts at HomeAdvisor offer the following tips, two of which might surprise you:

Walnuts. Take a quick peek into your kitchen cupboard. If you have walnuts, then you have a solution for light wood scratches. Simply crack open the shell and remove the meat of the nut. Then, rub the inside of the walnut over any blemishes in the floor and blend the oils from the nut into the wood using your finger. It should disguise the scratch!

Wood Filler. If youd like to try a DIY repair on a larger blemish or crack, look to wood filler. It comes in many varieties, but its basically a putty-like substance used to fill gouges in wood. There are several different colors available that can be matched to your existing flooring. Or, you can choose a filler that accepts wood stain. Note that filler doesnt have the color variation of natural wood, so the more problem areas you have, the more noticeable this fix will be.

Mayonnaise. Heres another light-scratch solution that may be hiding in your kitchen. Believe it or not, many DIYers swear by mayonnaise. To try this hack, first clean the affected area. Then, apply mayonnaise directly to the wood and let it sit for a few minutes. After a while, wipe it away with a towel. The oil from the mayonnaise should fill in the scratches to match the color of the wood.

Wood Stain Marker. For slightly deeper scratches, a wood stain marker may do the trick. These markers come in several different shades and can darken problem spots so they blend right in with the floor. Just clean the area around the damaged floor, touch up with the marker and wipe away the excess. Dont forget to spot test your marker color first to be sure its a good match. If your home has several trouble areas, consider talking to a pro about getting the floor refinished.

Professional Help. For deep scratches or significantly gouged flooring, youll probably want to hire a professional. Depending on how bad the damage is, the pro can sand and refinish or repair your hardwood floors. Some projects may require replacing a few boards. But a quick call can have your floors gleaming again in no time.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Even if you love your house or apartment, not having enough closet space can be frustrating. If youre pining for more room to stock your clothes, kids toys or other items, there are simple solutions that dont require knocking down walls or moving.

Reduce.This is the first step to making more room in your closet. Were all guilty of hanging onto things we dont use. Make a habit of reducing your closet clutter seasonally. Ask yourself if you wore or used an item in the past six months”or even the past year. If the answer is no, donate it to a charity, bring it to a consignment shop or have yourself a yard sale. The two latter options could also help put some extra cash in your pocket.

Get creative with storage.Dont settle for simple shelves. Cubbies, bins and wire racks are great storage solutions to streamline your space. Adding rods or racks to the back of your closet door or the sides of your closet can provide additional stash space. Check online and browse the aisles of your local home improvement store to find even more creative storage products. If youre a renter, though, make sure to review your lease and consult your landlord before doing any major installations that might be against the rules.

Stagger.Theres no need to have only one or two hanging rods for clothes. Stagger your rods at different heights and lengths, and arrange garments accordingly. This will not only give you more storage space, but also make it easier to put together matching outfits”which can save you both time and frustration in the morning.

Look to the ceiling.Does your shelving reach all the way to the ceiling? If not, you could be missing out on several feet of storage space. Add another shelf (or three) to the top of your closet, and use that space to store out-of-season clothes or things you dont reach for on a daily basis.

With these simple solutions, you can make more storage space and stay organized, helping ensure you no longer cringe every time you open your closet to put something in or take something out.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Many homeowners know the feeling of unease that accompanies finding mice or other rodents in their home. Whether in the kitchen, attic, basement or dining room, a rodent sighting can incite surprise and fear in even the most composed homeowner. Unfortunately, these common pests are resourceful creatures that can enter a building or home through the smallest opening or crack, and they require very little space to travel inside. In fact, mice can easily fit through spaces as small as a nickel!

Rodents seek shelter indoors, especially during the cooler fall and winter months, and once inside can cause more than just an unpleasant infestation. Rodents put homes at risk for electrical fires by gnawing through wires. More frequently, though, rodents serve as vectors, carrying bacteria, such as salmonella, on their bodies and contaminating food sources, kitchen surfaces and equipment.

Fortunately, there are 10 simple steps homeowners can take to prevent rodent infestations:

1. Install door sweeps on exterior door, and repair damaged screens.
2. Screen vents and openings to chimneys.
3. Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home, including areas where utilities and pipes enter the home, using caulk, steel wool or a combination of both.
4. Store food in airtight containers, and dispose of garbage regularly.
5. Keep attics, basements and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
6. Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows.
7. Eliminate all moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains that provide the perfect breeding site for pests.
8. Inspect items, such as boxes, grocery bags and other packages, brought into the home for rodents.
9. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house, and keep shrubbery trimmed and cut back from the house.
10. If you suspect a rodent infestation in your home, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect and treat the pest problem immediately. Rodents are known to reproduce quickly, and a small problem can turn into a big issue overnight if left untreated.

Source: National Pest Management Association/PestWorld.org

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Fences are one of the greatest sources of controversy when it comes to homeownership. Some people focus on the benefits, such as privacy and safety, while others complain about an obstructed view or consider a fence a sign of unfriendliness. Before you install a fence, think it over carefully.

Reasons to Put up a Fence
Many homeowners consider a fence a practical safety and security measure. If you have kids or pets, a fence can keep them in the yard and protect them from other people and animals. If you have belongings that are frequently left outdoors, a fence can prevent theft. If you own a pool, a fence can prevent accidents. Your homeowners insurance company may even require one.

If you live in a neighborhood with houses close together, its hard to have privacy if everyone else can see into your yard. A fence can allow you to relax outdoors away from prying eyes.

Living on a busy street can mean suffering from noise pollution. Maybe you didnt realize how bad the noise was until after you moved in, or maybe new businesses have attracted more traffic and the problem has gotten worse. A fence can give you some peace and quiet.

Potential Problems
Sometimes neighbors with adjoining properties agree on the need for a fence, but in other cases one homeowner is staunchly opposed to the idea. That person may be worried about an obstructed view or may consider building a fence an unfriendly gesture. Property line disputes often crop up when a fence is built.

Talk to your neighbor before you install a fence. If your neighbor has any objections, address them and seek legal help if necessary. You might need to make some compromises to avoid permanently damaging your relationship. On the other hand, if your neighbor supports the idea, you might be able to share the cost.

Check local zoning laws and homeowners association rules before you put up a fence. You dont want to get hit with a fine and have to take it down.

The cost of installing a fence depends on the material used, the size of the fence, material and construction costs where you live, and the characteristics of the yard. If the property line is on a hill or if any bushes or trees need to be removed to make room for a fence, thatll impact the overall cost.

Fences require different amounts of maintenance depending on the material. A wooden fence will need to be stained and painted from time to time and may need to be replaced if it becomes warped or if the paint peels from years of exposure to the weather. In addition, mowing near a fence can be tricky.

Is a Fence a Good Idea?
Homeowners install fences for a variety of reasons. Sometimes fences make good neighbors, and sometimes they lead to disputes. There are also installation and maintenance costs to consider. Weigh all the pros and cons and talk to your neighbor.

Published with permission from RISMedia.