Ricki McIntire, Realtor, Reece Nichols

08/24/2026

🏠🧼 BATHROOM MOLD? DON’T LET IT TAKE OVER! 🧼🏠

Mold in your bathroom isn’t just unsightly—it can contribute to a damp, unhealthy environment and may even affect your home’s value. 😬 Here’s a simple way to tackle small areas of bathroom-wall mold:

🧴 1. Mix your solution: Use 1 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water in a spray bottle.
🧽 2. Spray & scrub: Apply to the affected area, let it sit for about 10–15 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft brush.
💦 3. Rinse well: Wipe or rinse away the remaining solution with clean water.
💨 4. Dry & ventilate: Dry the walls completely and run the bathroom exhaust fan.
✨ 5. Prevent future mold: Keep the bathroom dry, wipe down wet surfaces, and check for leaks regularly.

⚠️ Safety first: Never mix bleach with ammonia, vinegar, or other cleaning products. For extensive mold growth or recurring moisture problems, it’s best to have the underlying issue professionally evaluated.

A clean, dry bathroom = a happier, healthier home! ❤️🏡

As your Realtor, I care about the little things that help protect your biggest investment—your home! 🏡🔑

08/21/2026

8 Surprising Plants That Can Seriously Irritate Your Skin

At first glance, plants might appear totally helpless against insects, herbivores, and other leaf-gobbling predators. Like sitting ducks, plants are rooted in one spot so they can’t do the whole fight-or-flight thing other creatures rely

08/20/2026

Quick fix for a running toilet (and it's not CATCH IT!)

Here’s a nifty way to prevent the lift chain on your flapper from getting caught underneath when the flapper closes.

08/19/2026

Everything you need to know about PEX plumbing.

PEX piping is the biggest revolution since the flush toilet. Learn what it is and everything in between with this PEX plumbing guide.

08/18/2026

How to. prune Lavender. The Secret to Abundant Blooms Every Year.

Lavender is a classic plant prized as both a flower and an herb. It is a classic plant that makes its way into gardens all over the world. Just the mere mention of lavender calls

08/17/2026

🏡💦 **HOW TO FIX A LEAKY OUTSIDE WATER FAUCET BIB!** 🔧

That dripping outdoor faucet may seem like a small problem, but a little leak can waste water, damage your home’s foundation, and turn into a bigger repair later. Here’s a simple DIY fix! 👇

🔹 **1. Shut off the water** 🚰
Turn off the water supply to the outdoor faucet. Open the faucet to release any pressure and drain the remaining water.

🔹 **2. Remove the handle** 🔩
Take out the screw holding the faucet handle in place, then pull the handle off.

🔹 **3. Replace the worn washer** 🛠️
Remove the packing nut/stem assembly and check the small rubber washer at the end of the stem. If it’s cracked, flattened, or worn, replace it with a matching washer.

🔹 **4. Check the packing**
If water is leaking around the handle, the packing may need to be replaced or tightened slightly.

🔹 **5. Put everything back together** 🔧
Reinstall the stem, packing nut, handle, and screw. Turn the water back on slowly.

🔹 **6. Test it!** 💧
Turn the faucet on and off several times. Check around the handle and spout for leaks.

💡 **Realtor Tip:** If the faucet is badly corroded, cracked, or still leaking after replacing the washer, it may be time to replace the entire hose bib. If the connection disappears into the wall, call a professional rather than risking a plumbing leak inside your wall. 🏠

A $2–$5 washer can sometimes save you from a much bigger plumbing headache! 😉

📌 **SAVE THIS POST** for the next time that outdoor faucet starts dripping!

08/14/2026

🚽🏡 **STANDARD HEIGHT vs. CHAIR HEIGHT TOILETS — WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?** 🤔

If you’re replacing a toilet, you may have noticed that some are called **“standard height”** while others are called **“chair height.”** But what does that actually mean? 👀👇

🚽 **STANDARD HEIGHT**
Usually around **15 inches from the floor to the top of the bowl** (before the seat).

👉 These toilets are closer to the traditional height and can be comfortable for children and shorter adults. 👧🧒

🪑 **CHAIR HEIGHT**
Usually around **17–19 inches from the floor to the top of the bowl** (before the seat).

👉 Think of it like sitting down in a regular chair! 🪑 This extra height can make sitting down and standing up easier, especially for taller adults or anyone who has difficulty getting up from a lower position.

💡 **SO WHICH ONE IS BETTER?**

There really isn't a one-size-fits-all answer! 🙌

🏠 **Standard height:** Great for families, children, and people who prefer a lower seat.

🪑 **Chair height:** Great for taller adults and anyone who appreciates a little extra height and easier accessibility.

⚠️ **REALTOR® TIP:** If you're remodeling a bathroom before selling, don't automatically assume the tallest toilet is the best choice. Consider who will actually be using the home!

A toilet might not be the most glamorous home improvement… 😂🚽 …but choosing the right one can make a BIG difference in everyday comfort!

🏡❤️ **Sometimes the smallest details are what make a house feel like home!**

08/13/2026

🐦🌺 **7 NATURAL WAYS TO KEEP BEES & ANTS AWAY FROM YOUR HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER!** 🐝🐜

Love watching those beautiful hummingbirds visit your yard? ❤️🐦 There’s nothing quite like it!

But when bees and ants discover the sugar water, they can quickly take over the party! 😩🐝🐜

Before reaching for harsh chemicals, try these **7 natural tricks** to help keep unwanted visitors away while keeping your hummingbirds safe. 🌿🏡👇

**1️⃣ Keep the feeder CLEAN 🧼💦**
Wash your hummingbird feeder regularly and replace the nectar frequently. A clean feeder is less likely to attract unwanted pests.

**2️⃣ Use an ant moat 🐜🚫**
An ant moat creates a simple barrier between the ants and the nectar. Many feeders have one built in, or you can add one designed specifically for hummingbird feeders.

**3️⃣ Move the feeder! 🐦📍**
If ants have found it, try moving the feeder several feet away. Sometimes a small change in location is enough to confuse their trail.

**4️⃣ Hang it with fishing line 🎣✨**
A thin, slippery line can make it much harder for ants to reach the feeder compared with a traditional chain or hanger.

**5️⃣ Give bees their own distraction station 🌻🐝**
Plant flowers that bees love in another area of your yard, away from the hummingbird feeder. 🌼🌸 This gives pollinators another food source while leaving the hummingbirds a little more room.

**6️⃣ Keep the nectar protected 💧🐦**
Make sure the feeder isn't leaking or dripping. Even tiny drops of sugary nectar can attract ants and other insects. 👀🐜

**7️⃣ Choose the right feeder 🌺🐦**
Consider a hummingbird feeder designed with **bee-resistant features**, such as nectar ports that are less accessible to bees. This can make a big difference!

⚠️ **IMPORTANT:** Avoid putting pesticides, insecticides, essential oils, petroleum products, or other chemicals directly on or around the feeder. 🚫🧪 You don't want to accidentally harm the hummingbirds you're trying to attract!

🏡🌿 **REALTOR® TIP:** A beautiful yard isn't just about mowing the grass! Creating a welcoming outdoor space with flowers, feeders, and natural landscaping can add charm and enjoyment to your home. 🌺🏠❤️

🐦✨ **SAVE THIS POST** for the next time your hummingbird feeder becomes the hottest restaurant in the neighborhood! 😂🐝🐜

08/12/2026

❄️🏡 **9 AIR CONDITIONER MYTHS YOU NEED TO STOP BELIEVING!** 🚫❄️

Your A/C works hard all summer long… but are you accidentally making its job harder? 🥵💨

There are LOTS of things homeowners believe about air conditioning that simply aren't true. Let’s clear up 9 of the biggest myths! 👇

**1️⃣ “The lower I set the thermostat, the faster my house will cool.”** ❌🌡️
Nope! Your A/C generally cools at the same rate regardless of how low you set the thermostat. Setting it to 60° instead of 72° doesn't make it cool faster—it just makes it run longer. 💸💨

**2️⃣ “Closing vents in unused rooms saves money.”** 🚪❌
Your HVAC system was designed to distribute air throughout the home. Closing too many vents can interfere with airflow and system balance.

**3️⃣ “Ceiling fans cool the room.”** 🌀
Not exactly! Fans make **you** feel cooler by moving air across your skin. Turn them off when nobody is in the room and save some electricity. 💡💰

**4️⃣ “A dirty filter isn't a big deal.”** 😬
It absolutely can be! A clogged filter restricts airflow and makes your system work harder. Check your filter regularly and replace or clean it according to the manufacturer's recommendations. 🧹❄️

**5️⃣ “A/C maintenance isn't necessary if it's working.”** 🔧🚫
Just because it's blowing cold air doesn't mean everything is operating efficiently. Regular professional maintenance can help identify problems before they become expensive repairs. 💰🛠️

**6️⃣ “Turning the A/C completely off while I'm gone always saves the most money.”** 🏠🌡️
Not necessarily! Letting your home get extremely hot can make the system work very hard when you return. A moderate temperature setback is often a better approach.

**7️⃣ “More refrigerant means colder air.”** 🧊❌
Your A/C needs the **correct refrigerant charge**, not “extra.” If refrigerant is low, there may be a leak that needs attention. 🔧⚠️

**8️⃣ “It's normal for my A/C to struggle every summer.”** 🥵🚫
If your system can't keep your home reasonably comfortable, don't just accept it. Poor airflow, dirty coils, duct problems, refrigerant issues, or an aging system could be contributing.

**9️⃣ “If my A/C is old but still running, I shouldn't think about replacing it.”** 💸❄️
Sometimes keeping an older system running makes sense. Other times, repeated repairs and poor efficiency make replacement worth considering. Get the numbers before making the decision. 📊🏡

🏡 **REALTOR® TIP:** Your HVAC system is one of the biggest investments in your home. Keeping it maintained isn't just about staying cool—it can also help protect your home's comfort, efficiency, and value! ❤️❄️

📌 **SAVE THIS POST** for the next time your A/C starts acting up!

And if your A/C is making a strange noise, leaking water, blowing warm air, or constantly running… don't ignore it! 👀🔧

08/11/2026

🚽✨ **DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOUR TOILET TANK!** ✨🚽

Did you know that cleaning the **inside of your toilet tank** can help keep your toilet working properly? 🧼💦 Many homeowners clean the bowl regularly but completely forget about what’s happening inside the tank! 😳

Over time, mineral deposits, rust, sediment, and grime can build up inside the tank. 🦠🪨 This can affect the toilet’s components and may contribute to problems with flushing or refilling. 🚽💧

🏡 **HERE’S AN EASY WAY TO CLEAN IT:**

1️⃣ **Turn off the water supply** behind the toilet. 🚰

2️⃣ **Flush the toilet** to empty most of the tank. 🚽⬇️

3️⃣ Use a **soft sponge or cloth** to wipe away any loose dirt or buildup. 🧽

4️⃣ For mineral deposits, use **white vinegar** and let it sit for a while before gently scrubbing. 🍶✨

5️⃣ Avoid harsh chemicals, especially anything that could damage the rubber seals, flapper, or other toilet components. ⚠️

6️⃣ Turn the water back on, let the tank refill, and **flush a couple of times** to make sure everything is working properly. 💦🚽

💡 **REALTOR® TIP:** A little preventive maintenance can save you from a much bigger—and more expensive—plumbing headache later! 💰🔧

And remember… your toilet tank is working hard every single day! 😂🚽 Give it a little attention once in a while, and it will thank you! ❤️

🏠✨ **Taking care of the little things is one of the best ways to protect your home and maintain its value!**