What's In Your Frig?

Another Post By: www.SaraHibbard.com What's In Your Frig? I eat out -- well...probably too often. As a result, there is never too much in my refrigerator. Every now and then, I'll find an abandoned "hard-to-identify" glob of a leftover "something" in one of those plastic containers -- you know -- something that has shriveled up and grown a beard. I am often amused when I am out showing property to observe potential homebuyers gravitate toward the kitchen and ultimately the Seller's refrigerator. Everyone automatically opens the refrigerator door. It's like a habit. It often seems to me that the shear act of walking into a kitchen is almost synonymous with opening the refrigerator door. It's just happens. Being in the kitchen and opening the refrigerator door go together like peanut butter and jelly! It just happens. I don't think potential buyers really care what's actually in the refrigerator, nor do I think they are planning to choose something to eat! No. But they just can't deny themselves the opportunity to open the refrigerator door. Again, I think it's a habit thing. Which makes me wonder? How many times a day does someone open the refrigerator door in your house? Probably every time they walk into the kitchen. And, often times, they don't take anything out -- they just stand there with the door wide open, looking in and then they shut the door! Which brings me to today's topic, inspired by my friends at IHI Home Inspections – What’s In Your Frig? Do you have a "spot" in your refrigerator for your favorite foods? Most new refrigerators have a handy little space for eggs right in the door. This is the most dangerous place to store your eggs. When the entire family is swinging open the refrigerator door throughout the day, this space is the spot that varies in temperature the greatest. Eggs can go bad with the slightest shift in temperature. So find a space on the shelf and let them stay cozy and cool. The door is a great place for condiments that do not suffer from the drastic and frequent shifts in temperature. Make sure your fridge is kept under 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Bacteria begins growing quickly in warmer temperatures. You can get an extra fridge thermometer for about $5 at your local grocery store. Where do you keep your potatoes and onions? Keep them out of the fridge all together. When temperatures drop below 45 degrees starches begin turning into sugars. When those sugars are then cooked they crystallize in to forms that are believed to contribute to several different types of cancer. Left over meats and meat products like gravy only stay good for 2-3 days in the fridge. When Tuesday’s left-over pizza is looking like a strong Saturday snack, resist the temptation. Fresh and marinating meat should be kept on a bottom shelf. Meats tend to drip, and if kept on the top shelf, it could contaminate food in the rest of your fridge. Clean your fridge regularly with a water and vinegar solution of equal parts and educate your family about the importance of keeping a clean kitchen. A little effort can go a long way in protecting your loved ones against food borne illness. Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara works with buyers and sellers alike in the north Atlanta metro area. Sara's specialties include Relocation, Short Sales, Foreclosures, and more. With the ever-changing real estate market, Sara looks forward to answering your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling / pre-approval process. Call Sara anytime at 404-660-2481 or e-mail Sara at Sara.Hibbrd@MetroBrokers.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is on Your Mind!