You Could Be Wrecking Your Home — And Not Know It (Yet)
Andi • August 29, 2022
Even veteran homeowners make these 9 common and avoidable mistakes. Don’t be one of them.
You haven’t felt like this since you were a teenager. You have a crush on your new house. (You’re officially a home buyer — wait — owner !)
It’s soooooo great. You love its quirks. It’s your very first home, and you want to do everything right.
The feeling is fun, but also scary: You remember too well how badly you screwed up that first crush as a teenager ( so embarrassing. Don’t ask).
Could you screw this up too?
No need to freak out. You can make this love a lasting one. For now, keep an eye out for these common no-no’s that can result from good intentions.
#1 Using Bleach as a Cure-All
If bleach is your chicken soup for whatever ails your home, proceed with caution.
Bleach can:
- Eat through the sealant on stone surfaces like granite
- Discolor laminate and colored grout
- Fade enamel and acrylic tubs
- Dissolve vinyl and linseed-based flooring like linoleum
- Corrode seals within the disposal
- In addition, bleach kills mold on non-porous surfaces, but can feed future mold growth on absorbent and porous materials, like grout. Yep, whitening grout with bleach creates a mold feeding ground . Whoops.
- Better options? Water and vinegar are all you need for most cleaning jobs. If you’ve got a heftier mold or mildew issue, apply a commercial anti-fungal product.
- And to clean your disposal, just dump cold water and ice cubes down the hatch.
#2 Training Ivy to Climb Your House
- You’ve dreamed of living in an ivy-covered English cottage since childhood. Well, sorry for this, then:
- “Anything that climbs on the house will damage it,” says Marianne Binetti, a speaker and author who leads garden tours around the world.
- The horticulture expert made the mistake herself.
- “It looked cool for a while, but it dug into the siding so even when we pulled it off, it left damage. And it climbed up the drain pipe and tore the gutter off the house,” she says.
- By sending roots beneath siding and shingles, ivy enlarges tiny cracks in brick and wood, introducing entrances for moisture and insects, says Jay Markanich, a certified home inspector based in Bristow, Va.
#3 Relying on Chemical Drain Cleaners
- Clogged sink! Again! Pay a plumber more than $100, or grab a $10 product at the store? You can totally handle this one yourself, right?
- Possibly. But the most common active ingredients in these solutions, hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid, can erode your pipes.
- Even the old baking-soda-and-vinegar medley can result in cracked pipes, as the reaction causes a build-up of pressure.
- Old-fashioned “mechanical” methods — your plunger, a drain snake, or a handy $2 gadget called the Zip-It — are safer and more effective, according to “Consumer Reports.”
- And if that fails, that call to the plumber doesn’t sound so bad compared to an eroded or busted pipe, no?
#4 Using Glass Cleaners on Mirrors
- Your newfound house crush has you scrubbing and spritzing everything. Look at you being so lovingly domestic!
- But be cautious with your mirrors. Spraying can lead to what’s ominously called “black edge” — created when a liquid seeps beneath the reflective backing and lifts it.
- Instead, clean mirrors with a lint-free microfiber cloth, dampened with warm water — especially mirrors in expensive, installed items like vanities and closet doors.
- Avoid the edges and dry immediately with a second cloth.
#5 Planting Trees ThisClose to Anything
- Kind of like adopting an adorable, tiny piglet on a whim, you’ve got to remember how a baby tree is going to grow, and what it’s going to require at maturity.
- You probably don’t want a 70-pound pig digging up your daisies, and you definitely don’t want a tree root pushing through your driveway, sidewalk or — so much worse! — your foundation.
- And watch out for evergreens. If planted too close to the house, they cast too much shade, encouraging mold growth, Binetti says.
- Position trees according to its maximum height, crown size, and root spread. For perspective, even a small tree reaching less than 30 feet tall needs at least 6 feet of clearance from any exterior wall, according to the Arbor Day Foundation.
#6 Using the Wrong Caulk
- As a dutiful homeowner, when you see failing caulk, you fix it. But the term “caulk” is as broad as the word “glue.”
- There’s kitchen and bath caulk, concrete caulk, gutter caulk, mortar caulk — and that’s just the tip of the caulk-berg. And just like you’d never fix broken pottery with a glue stick, you don’t want to pick the wrong caulk either.
- Markanich sees plenty of damage done when the wrong caulk is used. Such as using silicone caulk (totally great on non-porous surfaces like bathtubs) on concrete or brick or other porous surfaces. It won’t adhere, and moisture can seep in, compromising the bond and the structure.
- Before heading to the store, check an online buying guide to find the right match for the project you’re doing. Odds are there’s a specific caulk just for it.
#7 Over-Sealing Countertops
- Take care of your countertop, but don’t smother the darn thing.
- Applying sealant too frequently can create a cloudy or streaky appearance on surfaces like natural stone, concrete, butcher block, and glass, which typically only require occasional resealing to resist stains. (Quartz, laminates, and solid surfaces like Corian are best left sans-sealer.)
- How to know it’s time to reseal? Drip some water on a high-use area of the countertop. If the water doesn’t remain beaded after 15 minutes, consider resealing.
- But always defer to your manufacturer’s recommendations. Different materials can have different needs.
#8 Over-Mulching
- Nothing feels closer to giving your home a hug than being elbow deep in a landscaping project. But when it comes to mulch (which is so great, for so many reasons), it turns out elbow deep is a little too much love.
- A layer thicker than 3 inches can suffocate plants and prevent water from reaching roots, so spread thoughtfully.
#9 Piling Firewood Next to Your Exterior Wall
- Your fireplace is the highlight of your home. You love it. That’s why you keep your firewood right outside the back door, for easy access.
- Oops. Storing firewood against your home’s exterior walls is akin to opening a B&B for termites.
- In fact, “anything that creates a dark, climate-controlled area near the house will invite termites” and other pests into your home, Markanich says.
- In one of the worst termite cases he’s seen, he found an enormous termite colony on an exterior wall in a bathroom, which got its foothold in a pile of bricks outside.
- Twenty feet is a safe distance from home for firewood — and still not too far to go to fuel your awesome fireplace.
Credit: AMY HOWELL HIRT houselogic.com
I will be a guest speaker on Friday, October 17, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM . Where: Virtual—watch from the comfort of home or on the go! Hosted by: Aging Well Whatcom, an initiative of the Chuckanut Health Foundation. What to expect: a clear snapshot of senior housing in Whatcom County—what’s working, where the gaps are, and where the opportunities lie—plus a panel discussion on progress and next steps. Click the button to register! Aging Well Whatcom works to ensure our community has the culture, infrastructure, and support for all of us to age well.
Learn how to invest in Bellingham real estate without getting overwhelmed. Discover expert tips on zoning, rentals, and ROI in Whatcom County.
If you’ve been refreshing rate trackers over your morning Woods Coffee, good news: Whatcom County mortgage rates just slid to a new 2025 low after a softer-than-expected U.S. jobs report. Translation? The bond market is betting the Federal Reserve will trim short-term rates multiple times, and that’s putting downward pressure on home loan costs here in Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, and Birch Bay. Why rates dropped this week (in plain English) When the monthly jobs report comes in weak, investors get cautious and shift money into safer assets like U.S. Treasurys. That pushes Treasury yields down—and mortgage rates often follow. You may hear chatter about “basis points” and “Fed cuts.” Don’t stress the jargon: the big picture is that borrowing just got a bit cheaper. Jobs report → bond yields → mortgage rates Slower hiring = lower expectations for inflation and growth Lower expectations = lower bond yields Lower bond yields = more favorable mortgage rates for homebuyers What lower rates mean in Bellingham, Ferndale & beyond Buyers: more purchasing power (but move fast) A small rate dip can boost your budget by tens of thousands over a 30-year loan. In neighborhoods like Barkley, Lettered Streets, and Cordata—where updated homes under $700K still draw weekend traffic—expect renewed competition. Get pre-approved and rate-locked so you can tour on Saturday and write on Sunday. Sellers: more showings, smarter pricing Falling rates wake up sidelined buyers. That can mean stronger open house turnout in Ferndale’s newer plats and quicker activity on well-prepped listings near Lake Whatcom and Meridian. Price with the market (not last spring’s wish list), and lean on fresh staging and pro photos to ride the momentum. Should you refinance now or wait? Have a rate starting with 7 or 8? Run the numbers now. Even a 0.5% drop can pay for itself quickly. Locked recently in the mid-6s? Keep an eye on the next Fed meeting. If the trend continues, a “float-down” with your lender could be your friend. Jumbo or VA/FHA loans? Program-specific pricing moves differently—let’s audit your scenario before you jump. Local lens: Whatcom County micro-trends we’re seeing Bellingham real estate market: Nicely updated, move-in-ready homes under the county median still draw multiple offers when priced right. Lynden: Tight inventory for single-level homes; rate drops amplify demand from downsizers. Birch Bay/Blaine: Waterfront and view condos perk up quickly when rates ease—watch HOA dues and special assessments in your math. Ferndale: Newer construction with energy-efficient features is benefiting as monthly payments dip. Action plan: 3 quick steps to capitalize Get a same-day pre-approval refresh. Rates shift. Make sure your letter and payment estimates reflect today’s pricing. Request a “payment-first” search. Tell me your ideal monthly payment; I’ll reverse-engineer neighborhoods and property types that fit. Plan your lock strategy. Consider a lock-and-shop or float-down option, especially if you’re 30–45 days from closing. FAQ Will lower mortgage rates drop home prices in Bellingham? Not automatically. Lower rates often increase demand, which can support or nudge up prices—especially for well-located, move-in-ready homes. Is it better to buy now or wait for more Fed cuts? If the right home shows up and the payment works, waiting can cost you in competition. We can structure contingencies and a lock strategy to manage risk. What about first-time buyers in Whatcom County? Here’s the bonus: I’m a certified Washington State Housing Finance Commission instructor , which means I can connect you with programs that unlock up to $40,000 in down payment assistance . If you’re starting out, this can be a serious game-changer. Call me today to start a conversation, Andi Dyer, 360.734.6479
Bellingham SeaFeast: Save the Dates! SeaFeast is back on the waterfront Saturday–Sunday, Sept 27–28 , 10 am–5 pm at Squalicum Harbor, and general admission is free . It’s a two-day celebration of our working harbor, maritime heritage, and (of course) incredible local seafood. What to expect Local seafood vendors (yes, the food court is your oyster), a beer/wine/cider garden, and Lummi Nation’s traditional salmon barbecue. Hands-on maritime fun: kids boat-building, “meet your fisherfolk,” a Coast Guard rescue demo, a family parade, and a waterfront 5K, Live music, arts vendors, education booths with a prize “passport,” and more. Plus, you can level-up your day with ticketed experiences like San Juan Cruises harbor rides, an All American Marine tour, a VIP Lounge with raw oyster bar, and crafty workshops. Plan your visit : Explore the overview and reserve ticketed add-ons in advance so you can spend less time in line and more time on the docks with your favorite fisherfolk.
21 Projects That Will Actually Hurt Your Home Value
LAST CHANCE: First-Time Homebuyer Class — Two-Night Series (Sept & October) Missed Tuesday’s class at Goods? You’ve got two more chances this year—each is a two-night event. Pick one month and plan to attend both nights to complete the series at Movement Mortgage: 2200 Rimland Dr, Suite #250, Bellingham, WA 98226. Choose your series: * September: Sept 15 and Sept 17 at 6:00 pm * October: Oct 20 and Oct 21 at 6:00 pm Why join us: Unlock up to $40,000 in down payment assistance through the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (eligibility applies; this class is required to qualify). Whatcom County market snapshot: what’s moving, what’s sitting, and why. Clear, step-by-step game plan: financing → offers → inspections → keys. Live Q&A with local pros. Bring your questions (we’ll translate the acronyms). Space is limited—these are our final classes of the year. P.S. Assistance programs have eligibility requirements and limited funds. We’ll walk you through the details so you know exactly where you stand.
LAST CHANCE: First-Time Homebuyer Class — Two-Night Series (Sept & October) Missed Tuesday’s class at Goods? You’ve got two more chances this year—each is a two-night event. Pick one month and plan to attend both nights to complete the series at Movement Mortgage: 2200 Rimland Dr, Suite #250, Bellingham, WA 98226. Choose your series: * September: Sept 15 and Sept 17 at 6:00 pm * October: Oct 20 and Oct 21 at 6:00 pm Why join us: Unlock up to $40,000 in down payment assistance through the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (eligibility applies; this class is required to qualify). Whatcom County market snapshot: what’s moving, what’s sitting, and why. Clear, step-by-step game plan: financing → offers → inspections → keys. Live Q&A with local pros. Bring your questions (we’ll translate the acronyms). Space is limited—these are our final classes of the year. P.S. Assistance programs have eligibility requirements and limited funds. We’ll walk you through the details so you know exactly where you stand.
If you know Bellingham, you know 1107 Railroad Ave. This is the building that grew up with Boundary Bay Brewery from its early days in the basement to the bustling beer garden and stage that became a heartbeat of downtown. Now, this iconic property is officially back on the market . 3 connected buildings (1103–1107 Railroad Ave) Prime .55 acre lot across from Depot Market Square 10,599 sq. ft. of historic commercial space Zoned Commercial with endless potential Whether you see the future as a brewery, event space, or another community-minded hub, opportunities like this don’t come around often. Reach out today to explore this rare piece of Bellingham’s history and future. Andi Dyer Real Estate Real estate with care, respect, and vision Andi: 360.734.6479 | Katie: 360.820.3065
Tuesday evenings now through Aug 26th from 6–8 PM , depart from the Bellingham Cruise & Ferry Terminal for a bay tour with local legend Kolby LaBree plus select trivia and family nights. Tickets $55 (or $45 for Museum members); kids 5 and under sail free . Proceeds support Whatcom Museum programs. Grab your spot before they sell out. P.S. I did the history tour with Kolby a few weeks ago and it was terrific, I learn something new each time with her!
Join us and our guest Amy Baker to learn about first-time home buying on Tuesday, August 19th, at Goods Local Brews (2620 Northwest Ave.) at 6 pm. Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, and we’re here to help make the process simple and stress-free! Join us for our First-Time Home Buyer Seminar, where we’ll break down everything you need to know—from understanding mortgages and down payment assistance programs to navigating the home-buying process with confidence. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or ready to take the next step, this seminar will provide expert insights and practical advice to help you make informed decisions on your journey to homeownership. Questions? Call/text: 360.734.6479
