Unlike the weather, the real estate market hasn't been as hot as usual this June, with the typical home selling for 0.3% below its asking price, according to new data from Redfin. While it's a welcome shift for homebuyers, those getting ready to put their home on the market now face a harder sell.

At the same time, you may have heard about homes in your area that sold for over the asking price, following a bidding war involving multiple parties, and wondered what they're doing right. As it turns out, there are several tactics sellers can use to improve their chances of having similar results. Here are a few realtor-approved methods for sparking a bidding war.

How to trigger a bidding war when selling your home

In theory, all you need for a bidding war is at least two people who fall in love with a home and have the money to offer more than the asking price. You could hope that you get lucky and it happens organically, but according to Dana Hall-Bradley, a realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Fine Living in Celebration, Fla. and Joe Muck, a realtor at J Muck Realty, there are several ways you can make your home more appealing to buyers and increase your chances of getting multiple offers.

First, there are the tried-and-true methods: Pricing your home lower than the comps, hiring a successful realtor, making it available for private showings, hiring a professional photographer to take the listing photos, making cosmetic repairs to the interior, improving curb appeal, and making sure your home smells good during a showing or open house.

If you've done all of that and your freshly painted colonial still isn't bringing all the buyers to the yard, here are a few other tactics to try:

1. Set a deadline for offers

Instead of putting your home on the market and waiting for offers to roll in, this will help create a sense of urgency. "Offer deadlines are a good idea as long as you already have an offer your client/s like," Much says. "This can push those sitting on the fence to submit an offer and perhaps even include an escalation clause, which can move the current offer to do the same."

Once you receive more than two offers, have your realtor message the potential buyers saying something like: “We are in receipt of multiple offers. The seller has requested all buyers submit their highest and best offers no later than Tuesday at 7 p.m.” At that point, you can also add a line to the listing to that effect.

2. Respond to all offers

So, someone submitted a lowball offer for your home. Instead of getting annoyed and ignoring the message, use it as an opportunity to talk up your property and the interest it's generating. When you (politely) respond thanking them for their offer, you can also mention that you've received multiple higher offers. That way if they really are interested in your home and have the money to buy it, they'll know they have to step it up.

3. List the home around the holidays

Muck recommends this strategy for two reasons. First, there are fewer homes on the market at that time of year, so there won't be as much competition. Also, "you can display how your home 'feels' at a time of the year when that is top of mind for many buyers," he says.

4. Host an over-the-top open house

If you're having trouble getting people in the door for public and private showings, you may want to consider holding an open house that feels more like An Event.

"I would highly recommend an 'over-the-top' and themed open house or broker’s open house to spark interest to buyers," Hall-Bradley says. "[It] make[s] it a more fun and inviting space for local realtors/brokers to preview," and, in turn, make them excited to promote your home to potential buyers.

But you're going to have to get creative: Baking a few dozen cookies and putting some balloons on the mailbox isn't going to cut it. Here's what Hall-Bradley suggests:

• Hold the event immediately after listing the property.

• Create personalized invitations geared toward the theme. 

• Advertise a give-away of some sort. "In the past, I have had the local spa in our town donate spa gift certificates," she says. "The guest would leave their name or business cards, and we would have a drawing after the event."

• Have a goodie bag for each guest—perhaps containing something local to your neighborhood.

• Roll out a (literal) a red carpet for guests, specifically if it’s a higher-end home.

• Have an open bar with themed cocktails. 

• Order snacks from a local chef. 

• Offer a photo booth where the potential buyer would need to put their phone number or email in order to get their photo sent to them.

For example, Muck once hosted an ice cream social open house during the summer—complete with an ice cream truck—that resulted in a bidding war. "[It] encouraged families to come to the open house and view the home, but also gave them a sense of what living in the house would be like for their family," he says. Muck has also threw a lakefront BBQ as an open house for a lakefront property, which also helped generate multiple offers and resulted in selling the home for more than the asking price.

"By transforming your open house into an unforgettable event, you create a buzz that attracts serious buyers and highlights the uniqueness of your property," Hall-Bradley says. "This approach can make potential buyers feel special and excited about their prospective new home."

Job hunting is a process full of so many lows that when you come across a position that matches your skillset and sounds interesting, it feels like a minor victory before you even apply. But that feeling usually doesn't last very long, after days and eventually weeks pass, and you haven't heard a peep from the company—not even a rejection.

Perhaps a friend tries to console you, saying that, in all likelihood, it was always going to be an internal hire, but they were required to post the job. And while that may have been the case, it's also possible that the opening—or even the role itself—never existed in the first place. Also known as "ghost" jobs, a recent survey from Resume Builder found that 40% of companies posted a fake job listing this year so far. Here's how to spot ads for nonexistent jobs, and why companies post them in the first place.

How to identify fake job postings

To be clear, when I say "ghost" job postings, I'm not talking about postings that are actually scams aimed at getting jobseekers to fork over money and/or their personal data. (But if you're looking for tips for spotting those, you can find them in previous Lifehacker articles.) Instead, I'm focusing on postings for nonexistent jobs with legitimate companies. Here's how to identify them.

1. Look for details

Sometimes companies post ads for jobs that don't exist in order to become more familiar with the talent that's out there, and identify potential candidates in the event that there will be actual roles to fill in the future. For this reason, ghost job listings are usually pretty vague, both as far as the specific qualifications they're looking for, and the responsibilities associated with the role. When in doubt, contact the company's HR department and ask for additional details about the position to help you determine whether you'd be a good fit.

2. Check the date

As a general rule, it's best to apply for the job within a week of it being posted. Of course, re-listing a job—so the post gets a new date—takes little effort, so a recent date isn't a guarantee that a role is real. However, if a position has been posted for more than a month or two, it's typically not a good sign.

According to a 2023 report, it takes an average of 44 days to fill an open role, so if you find one that's been advertised for that length of time or more, you may want to contact the hiring manager or HR department and ask if the job is still available. Another possibility is that at one point, the posting was for a real job, and—intentionally or not—it wasn't taken down after it was filled.

3. Look for duplicates

In an attempt to attract a broad pool of talent, some companies create two (or more) slightly different listings for one open position, career coach and former hiring manager Mandi Woodruff-Santos told CNBC earlier this year. To avoid wasting time applying for both—and having more realistic expectations about the opportunities with the company—check their full list of openings and look for potential duplicates.

Why companies post fake jobs

So, why are companies messing with job seekers in the first place? One reason, it turns out, is to boost morale among current employees by tricking them into thinking that new hires will be joining their team soon to help alleviate their workload. Along the same lines, according to the 649 hiring managers who participated in Resume Builder's recent survey, posting fake jobs also helps convince employees that they're replaceable and should be grateful for having a job at all. Other times, it's to stockpile resumes for potential future openings. Finally, it could be for optics: In other words, the company wants it to make it look like it's growing and thriving, and someone decided posting fake jobs was the best way to do that.

It's hard to resist the urge to crank up the AC during a heatwave. But if you rely on a window unit to stay cool, you may notice that when temperatures soar, your AC isn't as effective as usual, and may even cut out altogether from time to time.

The cause could have nothing to do with your window unit—in the past, you've probably received messages from your local electricity supplier about conserving energy and possible outages during a heatwave, and if your window unit is suddenly not keeping you cool, that could be why.

Asif Bux, the service manager at Comfort Union, a full-service HVAC and plumbing company, says it's a question he deals with a lot: Is it a power issue, or is my AC failing?

Common signs your AC window unit might be failing

According to Bux and Brad Roberson, president of Aire Serv Heating & Air Conditioning and an expert in HVAC and indoor air quality, some common signs that your AC window unit might be dying include:

1. It stops blowing cold air (or the air is not as cool as it used to be)

2. It's making loud, unusual noises (e.g. grinding or buzzing)

3. It's leaking water

4. It's frequently switching on and off

5. You're getting unusually high energy bills, even accounting for regular AC use (a sign of reduced efficiency)

Reasons your AC unit may be struggling

Before writing your current AC window unit off completely, do some detective work to figure out if it's actually broken, or there's something else going on.

1. It's a power issue

According to Roberson, AC window units are designed to lower temperatures by a certain amount, and sometimes the heat becomes too much for them. "During times of extreme heat and extended use, the unit may struggle to achieve or maintain desired temperatures," he says.

Power supply issues might also be to blame, Bux says—especially during peak usage times, when the electrical grid could experience voltage drops. "Dimmed lights or other electrical anomalies can indicate a grid issue," he says.

If the unit functions properly again when outdoor temperatures cool down, you'll know it was likely a heat-load or electrical grid issue, Bux says.

2. The filter is dirty

The first thing to check is your unit's air filter. These get dirtier quicker than you think they will, and can reduce cooling efficiency, Bux says. A filthy filter can also cause your unit to cycle on and off frequently.

3. The coil fins are bent and/or dirty

Check to make sure the coil fins—located on the part sticking outside of the window—aren't bent and/or folded over, which will restrict airflow, Roberson says. While you're back there, clean off any dirt or debris on the coils, which Bux says can "impeded heat exchange." Frost buildup is another sign clogged condenser coils, he says.

4. Something is blocking the airflow

Make sure the outside part of the window unit isn’t blocked by anything that would reduce airflow, Roberson says.

5. The condensate drain is blocked

Check the condensate drain to make sure it's not obstructed and operating properly, Roberson adds.

6. There's a problem with the settings and/or power supply

Check the unit's thermostat settings. This sounds obvious, but maybe you forgot that you set it to "low" at night and forgot to set it back to full capacity during the day. Bux also recommends making sure the power supply is adequate by checking the breaker panel and inspecting the power cord.

7. It's the wrong size

If your AC unit is switching on and off frequently, Bux says that it could be a sign that the unit isn't powerful enough to cool the room or space that it's in. One way to find out if this is the case is to check the BTU rating and ensure that it's high enough for the square footage of the room.

8. It's actually broken

If you've checked all of the areas mentioned above and you're not in the middle of a heatwave, your AC window unit may actually be broken. "The unit may have a problem with the compressor, or refrigerant levels may be low, or there is a refrigerant leak," Roberson says. Water leakage can stem from a failing gasket, Bux says, while unusual noises—like buzzing or grinding—may be the result of loose components, a failing motor, or electrical issues.

Should you repair or replace a broken AC window unit?

In short, it comes down to the age of the AC unit. If it's more than eight to 10 years old, it's usually less expensive to replace the unit because parts to fix it may be harder to find, and it may use outdated, less-energy-efficient technology, Roberson says.

For newer AC window units, Bux says that if repair costs exceed 50% of a new unit's price, you're better off replacing it—especially considering the likelihood future repairs. Plus, because new units are more energy efficient, you'll likely save money on your electricity bills.

Buckle up: Your Fourth of July road trip may be a long ride—at least according to AAA, which expects 70.9 million people to travel 50 miles or more from home over the Independence Day holiday travel period.

This year, AAA's traffic forecast is a little different, because the organization is defining the "Independence Day holiday travel period" as Saturday, June 29 to Sunday, July 7—making it the first year to include two weekends.

“With summer vacations in full swing and the flexibility of remote work, more Americans are taking extended trips around Independence Day,” Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a news release. “We anticipate this July 4th week will be the busiest ever with an additional 5.7 million people traveling compared to 2019.”  

To avoid getting stuck in all that traffic, plan your trip around the best and worst times to drive during the Fourth of July travel period. Here's what to know.

The best and worst times to drive Fourth of July weekend

Using data from INRIX, a firm providing transportation insights, experts at AAA have determined that these are the best and worst times to hit the road this Fourth of July weekend:

Monday, July 1

• Minimal traffic impact expected

Tuesday, July 2

• Worst time: 2—6 p.m.

• Best time: After 7 p.m.

Wednesday, July 3

• Worst time: 2—7 p.m.

• Best time: Before noon

Thursday, July 4

• Worst time: 2—7 p.m.

• Best time: Before noon

Friday, July 5

• Worst time: 11 a.m.—4 p.m.

• Best time: Before 10 a.m.

Saturday, July 6

• Worst time: 10 a.m.—2:30 p.m.

• Best time: Before 10 a.m.

Sunday, July 7

• Worst time: 2—8 p.m.

• Best time: Before 11 a.m.

Monday, July 8

• Worst time: 1—5 p.m.

• Best time: After 7 p.m.

“Drivers in large metro areas can expect the worst traffic delays on Wednesday, July 3rd, as they leave town, and Sunday, July 7th, as they return,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX said in a news release. “Road trips over the holiday week could take up to 67% longer than normal. Travelers should monitor 511 services, local news stations, and traffic apps for up-to-the-minute road conditions.” 

AAA also has advice for avoiding peak congestion in a handful of U.S. metropolitan areas.

When it comes to getting stains out of clothing, upholstery, and other fabrics, you might assume that water is water, and its temperature really doesn't matter. But similar to cleaning wood floors and furniture, there are right and wrong water temperatures for removing stains.

For example, a recent viral TikTok post demonstrates a method for removing berry stains from clothing using boiling water. While that works in that scenario, attempting to use boiling water to clean up other messes will actually cause the stain to set—making it much harder to remove. So how do you determine the right water temperature for a particular stain?

How to use water for stain removal

Before we get into water temperatures, Karina Toner, operations manager at Washington D.C.-based Spekless Cleaning, has a few tips for choosing the right stain-removing method:

• Test first: Always test the water temperature and cleaning solution on a small, hidden area of the fabric to ensure it doesn’t cause damage or discoloration.

• Blot, don’t rub: Blotting or dabbing helps lift the stain without grinding it further into the fabric.

• Follow care labels: Always start by checking the fabric care instructions to avoid damaging the material.

Soaking vs. dabbing

When using hot water, Toner recommends dabbing the stain then using a stain remover on the area. "Soaking can be effective, but should be done based on the fabric's tolerance to heat," she says. For particularly stubborn stains, add a bit of detergent before soaking.

For stains that require cold water, soaking the entire stained area is usually best. "This helps to dilute and lift the stain out of the fabric fibers," Toner says.

Applying water to upholstered furniture

When a stain is on something upholstered, soaking it isn't an option. For stains that respond to cold water, Toner recommends using a spray bottle to mist the stained area lightly, then blotting with a clean cloth. Do your best to avoid over-saturating the fabric. For stains that need hot water, dab the stained area with a soaked cloth. "Follow up with a steam cleaner if available, but be cautious to avoid soaking the upholstery," she says.

When to use hot water to remove stains from fabric

In most cases, opt for washing stained items in warm or hot—not boiling—water. "Use boiling water only on durable fabrics and avoid it on delicate materials like silk or wool," Toner says. "It can be effective for certain stains, like berry stains, but it should be done with caution. The high temperature can help break down the stain, but it can also set certain stains."

Toner also advises using warm or hot water to get rid of the following stains:

• Dirt and mud: Let the mud dry completely, then brush off as much as possible before washing the fabric in warm water.

• Oil and grease: Apply dish soap to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes, then wash the fabric in hot water (not boiling, but as hot as the fabric can tolerate).

• Sweat: Pre-treat the stain with a mixture of baking soda and water, then wash in warm water.

You should also use warm or hot water on the following stains, according to Merry Maid:

• Dye and marker

• Egg

• Grass

• Tomato-based products

• Lipstick

• Lotion

• Mustard

• Shoe polish

• Vomit

When to use cold water to remove stains from fabric

Depending on the stain, cold water may be your best bet, Toner says, including those from:

• Blood: Hot water can set the protein in the blood, making it harder to remove. Rinse the fabric under cold running water as soon as possible to flush out the stain, then launder as usual.

• Chocolate: Cold water helps prevent chocolate from melting further into the fabric. Scrape off excess chocolate, then rinse the stained area with cold water before treating it with a stain remover.

• Wine: Blot the stain with a cloth soaked in cold water to dilute the wine, then treat with a stain remover or a mixture of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide.

• Paint: Cold water works best for water-based paint stains. Rinse the stained area under cold running water to remove as much paint as possible before washing.

You should also use cold water on the following stains, according to Merry Maid:

• Alcoholic beverages

• Baby food/formula

• Candle wax

• Cheese

• Coffee and tea

• Gum (ice is even better)

• Jelly and jam

• Milk and dairy products

• Soft drinks

• Soy sauce

• Toothpaste

• Urine

No matter what you've spilled on yourself or your couch, don't give it time to set in. "The quicker you address the stain, the better your chances of removing it completely," Toner says.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace nearly doubled between September 2023 and May 2024—when 75% of knowledge workers around the world indicated that they utilized it—according to a survey of 31,000 people in 31 countries conducted by LinkedIn and Microsoft. But they're not without their doubts: 53% of those who have integrated AI into their workday said are concerned that using it on important work tasks could make them look replaceable.

At the same time, if you've ever encountered Google's AI wildly inaccurate search results, you know that while AI might be the future, but it still has a long way to go. In the meantime, you might want to take advantage of some of the available courses on the basics of AI—especially those that are free. If you're not sure where to start, LinkedIn Learning is now offering more than 50 free AI-upskilling courses from now through July 8.

How to take free AI courses through LinkedIn Learning

The LinkedIn Learning site can be a bit overwhelming if you don't know what, exactly, you're looking for, and where to find it. Plus, there are plenty of AI-related courses that haven't been unlocked and require a subscription.

Basically, from now through July 8, these five learning pathways, featuring more than 50 AI-upskilling courses, have been unlocked and are free to access.

1. Building AI Literacy

• Course: What is Generative AI?

• Course: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

• Course: Responsible AI: Principles and Practical Applications

• Course: How to Boost Your Productivity with AI Tools

• Course: Prompt Engineering: How to Talk to the AIs

• Course: Introduction to Large Language Models

2. Applying AI to Everyday Work

Courses are available in three areas:

• Applying Generative AI as a Creative Professional (5 courses)

• Applying Generative AI as a Business Professional (7 courses)

• Applying AI as a Tech Leader (10 courses)

3. Developing Your Skills with the OpenAI API

• Course: OpenAI API: Working with Files

• Course: OpenAI API: Function Calling

• Course: OpenAI API: Code Interpreter and Advanced Data Analysis

• 8 additional courses

4. Advancing Your Skills in Deep Learning and Neural Networks

• Course: Deep Learning: Getting Started

• Course: AI Workshop: Build a Neural Network with PyTorch Lightning

• 7 additional courses

5. Developing Your AI Skills as a Cybersecurity Professional 

• Course: Artificial Intelligence for Cybersecurity

• Course: Leveraging AI for Security Testing

• Course: Introduction to MLSecOps

• 4 additional courses

There are a total of 55 free courses—none of which require you to sign up for a free trial of the LinkedIn Learning subscription. Unless you want to subscribe, just ignore the blue box on the right side of the page that says "Start my free month," then scroll down and click directly on the course you'd like to take. It should begin right away without you having to enroll in a trial.

Credit: LinkedIn Learning

You can learn more about these courses and other offerings in this blog post from LinkedIn Learning's Head of Global Content Dan Brodnitz.

The streaming space is getting increasingly crowded—and expensive. Once you subscribe to the services that have your favorite shows, you could end up paying more than you did for cable. But there are still plenty of TV channels you can stream for free, including the more than 500 that are available through Sling Freestream. Here's how to access the free streaming service without a credit card, or even creating an account.

What is Sling Freestream?

Similar to Roku, Sling Freestream is a free, ad-supported streaming service with more than 500 live TV channels, plus more than 40,000 on-demand TV shows and movies. It works the same way as other streaming services, but doesn’t require a credit card or a paid Sling subscription to use. In fact, you don't even need to sign up for an account (more on that in a minute).

While you can get a one-month free trial of Sling’s paid Premium Pass, that is separate from Freestream, which is always free and not a trial. In other words, if you’re asked for your credit card info, you’re in the wrong place.

If you want confirmation that you’re in the right (i.e. free) place, look for the Freestream logo with “Always FREE TV” written below it when you open the app or visit the website.

Credit: Screenshot/Sling TV

How to watch Sling Freestream without an account

It’s free to set up an account, but if you’d rather skip that step, you have that option.

To access the free channels, visit watch.sling.com or sling.com/freestream and click the orange box that says “Stream Free” on your browser of choice; or download the Sling app on your smart TV, phone, tablet, or other device. That will take you to the Freestream home page.

Credit: Screenshot/Sling TV

How to create a Sling Freestream account

Though you don’t need a Freestream account, having one allows you to save your favorite channels and shows, create profiles for different users, and activate parental controls. It also means Sling will keep track of what you watch and use the information to make personalized recommendations.

To create a Freestream account:

1. Visit this website. 

2. Enter your email address, a new password, and your billing ZIP code—no other credit card or payment information required.

3. Click the white box that says “Start Streaming.” Ignore the orange “Get This Deal” box, unless you want to add a paid subscription to your account. 

Credit: Screenshot/Sling TV

To confirm that you have Freestream access, go to Settings > Account on your device. It should say "Freestream" under "Services."

Credit: Screenshot/Sling TV

If you already have a paid Sling subscription, you can use the Freestream filter on your guide—or scroll to the bottom of the page—to find the channels included in this service.

What can you watch on Freestream?

You can find the 500+ live TV channels by selecting “Guide” at the top of the screen (next to "On Demand"). From there, you can scroll through them alphabetically, or broken down into categories like News, Lifestyle, True Crime, and Kids.

There are a handful of national and local news channels, a lot of professional and college sports channels, and a wide range of others, including the Architectural Digest Channel, Stories by AMC, MTV Pluto, Non-Stop '90s, and Scream Factory TV.

There are also some less traditional channel offerings, like the Supermarket Sweep Channel (dedicated entirely to episodes from the show's original 1990-2003 run), ALF (it exclusively shows episodes of the 1980s live-action sitcom about a lovable Alien Life Form and its companion animated series), and the Teletubbies Channel (where it's literally always time for Teletubbies).