Ricki McIntire, Realtor, Reece Nichols

10/13/2026

11 Things Mice Don’t Want You to Know

As cold weather approaches, so do mice. Find out these secrets about the rodents to keep your home from getting infested.

10/12/2026

This Easy Hack Will Kill Wasps Quickly

That nest won't know what hit it!

10/08/2026

🌱🔧 **Is Your Lawn Mower Leaving Your Grass Looking Ragged?** 🌱

A dull mower blade doesn’t cut grass cleanly—it **tears it**, which can leave your lawn looking brown, frayed, and unhealthy. 😬🌾

Here’s how to properly sharpen your mower blade:

🔹 **1. Safety first!**
Turn off the mower, disconnect the spark plug wire on a gas mower, and make sure the mower cannot accidentally start. For electric/battery mowers, remove the battery or power source.

🔹 **2. Remove the blade.**
Tip the mower safely and remove the blade. **Mark which side faces down** so you reinstall it correctly!

🔹 **3. Secure the blade.**
Clamp it firmly in a vise. A loose blade can be dangerous while sharpening.

🔹 **4. Sharpen the cutting edge.**
Use a metal file, sharpening stone, or bench grinder. Follow the **existing bevel** rather than changing the blade's angle. You don't need to make it razor sharp—a sturdy, sharp edge is what you're after. 🔪

🔹 **5. Keep both sides even.**
Remove approximately the same amount of metal from each end. This helps keep the blade balanced.

🔹 **6. Check the balance. ⚖️**
Hang the blade on a nail or blade-balancing tool. If one side drops noticeably, remove a little more metal from the heavier side.

🔹 **7. Reinstall securely.**
Put the blade back on in the correct orientation and tighten the bolt according to your mower manufacturer's specifications.

🌿 **Pro tip:** Check your mower blade regularly during mowing season. A sharp, balanced blade gives you a cleaner cut and can help your lawn look healthier and greener!

⚠️ **Always follow your mower manufacturer's safety instructions. If you're not comfortable removing or sharpening the blade, let a professional handle it.**

🏡 A little mower maintenance now can save you from a lot of lawn headaches later!

10/07/2026

15 Home Maintenance Tips for the Fall Season

Getting your home in shape for cooler months is important. Set aside some time now to complete these simple tasks so you can rest easy, knowing you're prepared for winter.

10/06/2026

How Much Weight Can a Garage Truss Hold?

Safely optimize garage attic storage. Discover the weight limits of trusses, ensuring smart organization and maximizing a garage's potential.

10/05/2026

Quick Fix for Running Toilets

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

10/04/2026

🧊🏠 **10 COOL TIPS FOR YOUR GARAGE FREEZER OR REFRIGERATOR!** 🥶

Do you keep an extra refrigerator or freezer in the garage? It can be incredibly handy—but garages can be tough environments for appliances, especially during those hot Kansas City summers! ☀️🔥

Here are **10 tips to keep your garage fridge or freezer running efficiently:**

1️⃣ **Keep it level.**
A refrigerator that isn't level can cause doors not to seal properly and may affect performance. 📏

2️⃣ **Give it some breathing room.**
Don't push it tightly against the wall. Leave adequate space around it for ventilation and heat to escape. 🌬️

3️⃣ **Keep it out of direct sunlight. ☀️**
If possible, position it away from windows and areas where the afternoon sun heats up the garage.

4️⃣ **Check the door seal. 🚪**
Close the door on a dollar bill. If you can easily pull it out, the gasket may not be sealing properly.

5️⃣ **Don't overload it.**
Cold air needs room to circulate. A packed freezer can make it harder for the appliance to maintain an even temperature. 🥩🥦

6️⃣ **But don't leave it completely empty!**
A reasonably stocked freezer holds its temperature better than an empty one. ❄️

7️⃣ **Clean those coils! 🧹**
Dust and dirt on condenser coils can make your appliance work harder. Check your owner's manual for the proper cleaning procedure.

8️⃣ **Watch the garage temperature. 🌡️**
Extreme heat or cold can affect how some refrigerators and freezers operate. Check the manufacturer's recommended operating temperature range.

9️⃣ **Use a garage-rated appliance when possible.**
If you're buying a new refrigerator or freezer specifically for the garage, look for one designed to operate in the temperature range your garage experiences.

🔟 **Put a thermometer inside. 🌡️❄️**
Don't rely only on the appliance's setting. An inexpensive refrigerator/freezer thermometer can help you know whether your food is actually staying at a safe temperature.

💡 **BONUS TIP:** If you have a freezer full of food, keep a little space between packages so cold air can circulate. And during a power outage, keep the door closed as much as possible! ⚡🚪

A garage refrigerator or freezer can be a **lifesaver for extra groceries, holiday food, drinks, and those big family gatherings!** 🙌🧊

10/02/2026

You Can Survive a Tornado.

You'll survive a tornado in a proper safe room. See options and how to choose the best safe room to protect your family from a tornado.

10/01/2026

8 Ways to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Yard

Clever squirrels entertain and enrage, depending on your perspective. Here's how to keep these confounding creatures out of your yard.