How to Keep Moisture Out of Your Basement
Moisture in the basement can cause structural damage to your house. In a finished basement, moisture can damage furniture, flooring and electronics. In addition, it can lead to mold, which can impact your residents' health. Here are some ways to deal with the problem.
Moisture Coming From Outdoors
Often, moisture in a basement comes from outside the house. Think about whether you experience problems on a regular basis or only under specific circumstances.
If your basement is wet or damp after it rains, that may mean that moisture is getting in from outdoors. If the gutters are clogged with wet leaves, pine needles and other forms of debris, they can’t do their job. They may overflow and deposit water near your house’s foundation. If the downspouts aren’t directing water far enough away from the house, it may be making its way into the basement instead. Have a professional clean your gutters, check their condition and make sure the downspouts are positioned in a way that will protect the house from runoff.
The grading in your yard may be the cause of the issue. If the ground slopes down toward your house, rainwater can run toward the foundation and leak in through cracks or through window wells. Have a contractor check the grading in the yard. If water is running toward the house, adding soil around the foundation so water flows away may take care of the problem.
A contractor can look for cracks in the foundation and make repairs to protect your basement from further moisture issues. If the window wells are poorly designed or damaged, a contractor may be able to make repairs to keep water out of your home.
Moisture Coming From Inside the House
If your laundry room is downstairs, the source of the moisture may be an improperly vented dryer. If you have a finished basement, the moisture may be coming from a shower or a kitchen on the lower level.
Improving ventilation may take care of the problem. Have a contractor check the vents in the dryer, as well as in the kitchen or bathroom, if applicable. There may be a blockage or the vents may not be directing moisture outside.
It’s also possible that water is coming from a leak in a pipe, washing machine, dishwasher, sink or toilet. If the moisture in the basement is confined to one area, think about what is directly above it. Look for pools of water or water stains and have a plumber make any necessary repairs.
Address Moisture at the Source
Running a dehumidifier in your basement may improve the situation temporarily, but it’s not a long-term solution. Figure out what is causing moisture in your basement so you can deal with the root of the problem to protect your house and your residents' health.
Source: RIS Media
Share this post
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty provides this monthly analysis of the real estate market in Sussex County, Delaware. Whether you are buying, selling or just have an interest in the market, we hope you will find this analysis useful. As a Buyer, this can be a valuable tool for making an offer on a property. Having up-to-date information on selling prices of comparable properties will allow you to make the smartest offer. As a Seller, having the knowledge to determine the listing price for your property can help you to obtain the best possible sale price in the shortest amount of time. Contact one of our agents for reliable information on the real estate market. To download the full Market Watch newsletter, click here . The statistics referenced here and in the attached newsletter are based on detached single-family home sales comparing the current year to the previous YTD, and the current month compared to the same month in the previous year. The sales statistics do NOT include the sales of new construction homes. They are derived from the Bright Multiple Listing Service. Active Listings/Current Inventory (all homes on the market) As of the end of January, there were a total of 1,272 homes on the market, an increase of 3.25% from the previous month's end inventory of 1,232; and an increase of 9.66% compared to the inventory at the end of January 2025. Of the 1,272 homes on the market at the month’s end, 40% of them are new construction homes. Closed Sales (new construction excluded) For the 12-month period ending January 2026 compared to the previous 12-month period, sales of single-family homes are up 5.44%, with 2,906 homes sold for the current 12-month period compared to 2,756 sold during the previous 12-month period. Comparing January of 2026 to January of 2025, sales were down by 12.90%, with 162 homes sold in January 2026 compared to 186 homes sold in January 2025. Home Prices (new construction excluded) For the 12-month period ending January 2026 compared to the previous 12-month period, the average sales price is up by 2.96%, $648,480 compared to $629,845. The median sales price is up by 6.33%, $478,500 compared to $450,000 for the previous period. Pending Sales (new construction excluded) Pending sales (homes that have gone under contract) for the 12-month period ending January 2026 compared to the previous 12-month period were up by 9.04%, with 2,774 homes under contract compared to 2,544. Comparing January 2026 to January 2025, pending sales were up by 11.11%, 190 compared to 171. Days on Market (new construction excluded) The median days on market for homes to go under contract has increased by 17.6% for homes that have closed during the last 12-months (40 days) compared to the previous 12-month period (34 days).
If your rental property is ready for a paint refresh, adorning your room with fall hues will create a luxe, seasonal space without committing to a complete design overhaul. Whether you want a deep pecan hue, a rich, burgundy color, or the gleaming color of golden hour, a fresh application of paint can bring these hues into your rental property. The below paint colors are a curated selection of cozy fall tones that also make a statement all year round. Benjamin Moore – Bear Creek 1470 A deep, gray-brown color, Bear Creek is a rich tone that is a beautiful contrast to creams and creamy whites. In addition, Bear Creek brings in tones of winter woods and adds a layer of coziness to living areas. This deep tone pairs well with a warm white or cream color for the trim and ceiling or can be continued on the trim, but a different sheen, like semi-gloss, is recommended for trim. Where to Use It: A living room or great room Benjamin Moore – Sequoia 1245 This reddish-brown color is both a neutral tone and also brings drama. Sequoia is softer than a burgundy but is deep enough to create a moody space. In addition, Sequoia’s dustiness is neutral enough to pair well with many complementary colors. For a trim pairing, Sequoia looks stunning with an off-white or warm white paint selection. Where to Use It: A library or study Benjamin Moore – Metallic Gold 2163-40 This shimmery, soft brown has pink undertones, which brings a glowing ambiance to any space. Earthy yet elegant, Metallic Gold makes a room look effortless and inviting. Where to Use It: A dining room Farrow & Ball – Hague Blue This dramatic, intense blue is a timeless color with green undertones. In addition, Hague Blue’s deep, pigmented hue makes a dark room feel intentionally cozy and moody. Where to Use It: A powder bathroom Farrow & Ball – Deep Reddish Brown Both luxurious and soothing, Deep Reddish Brown, is a warm tone with chocolatey undertones. Deep, warm and welcoming, Deep Reddish Brown will add richness and drama to walls, doors and trim. Where to Use It: A stairway Farrow & Ball – Tanner’s Brown This dramatic hue is a strong dark brown that is almost black in low lighting. However, in a well-lit space, it reads as brown. A rich, warm hue, Tanner’s Brown brings drama and warmth to a room. Where to Use It: Interior of a fireplace Sherwin Williams – Cotton This warm white will make your space feel effortlessly layered and cozy. Its soothing neutral hue makes any room feel relaxed and inviting. It’s the perfect backdrop to layer in neutral or colorful furniture and accessories and to begin the day on a crisp, calm note. Where to Use It: A bedroom or great room Source: RIS Media
Owning a luxury investment property is an excellent way to add an additional income stream, as well as a destination to make family memories. To make your property stand out to potential renters, it’s all about creating an experience. Whether your property is a lakeside escape or a mountain hideaway, the details do matter. Read on to find out how to enhance your luxury investment property to keep your income stream flowing. Create a Theme, But Skip the Kitsch A subtly integrated theme will make your property memorable to those who are looking to book a rental property, as well as for repeat renters. So, whether you are renting your Nantucket home with ocean views, an Aspen ski retreat or a Palm Springs escape, make sure the decor fits the area’s landscape. Remember, there is a fine line between staying with a theme and crossing the line into kitschy. This means avoiding any overtly nautical touches, such as anchors and ropes, or overdoing the taxidermy and animal prints. Have a Unique Touch Give your guests a reason to return by incorporating subtle, luxurious touches they may not have at home. Whether you are catering to gourmet cooks with an assortment of epicurean oils and spices, spa aficionados with lavish bath products or literary zealots with a rich variety of coffee table books, create memorable moments for your guests. Create an Aspirational Lifestyle Give your property its own persona by treating it as a lifestyle brand. Create a social media presence, highlighting content that reflects the lifestyle of the home and the surrounding area. Feature the property’s unique features, local destinations, activities and aspirational imagery. Take a “Less is More” Approach Being able to take a deep breath and relax is usually at the top of many people’s vacation to-do lists. Help facilitate this state of mind by embracing simplicity in the design. Creating one focal point in each room is a good rule-of-thumb to help the room feel intentional and not over designed. This simple, clean approach will provide guests with mental clarity and space for their belongings. Invest in Smart Technology Incorporating smart home technology is an asset for both you and your guests. For example, installing a keyless entry lock and deadbolt will easily allow your guests, cleaning staff and handyman to access the property without exchanging keys. Home automation, such as automated lights and window shades, will allow your guests to easily adjust the home’s settings to their comfort levels without searching for light switches. Voice activation, such as using Amazon Echo or Google Home systems, will provide your guests with additional vacation ease. Invest in the Correct Areas Since a rental home is a high-traffic property, durability is vital to keep the home and decor in good condition. The upholstery, especially in high traffic areas like the living areas and kitchen, should be performance fabric to help lessen the impact of spills and wear and tear. Additionally, the pieces that get the highest usage, such as the sofa and ottoman, should be considered investment pieces. Accessories, such as rugs, artwork or lamps, can be at a lower price point in the event of often inevitable damage. Taking the time to invest in the personal touches will make your luxury property feel unique and unforgettable to all who visit. Source: RIS Media
