So, you're ready to put your house on the market, but don't have a lot of extra money on hand to make those much-needed improvements. Take a look at our list of Low-Cost Projects to Help You Sell Your Home. Believe it or not, you can spend a little money and make a big impression on potential buyers. A Fresh Coat of Interior Paint According to the Zillow Group Report, 36% of sellers paint their home's interior before putting their homes on the market. A new coat of paint gives your home a fresh, updated, clean look. Choose a neutral color - experts suggest beige or gray walls with white trim. Did you know that homes with light blue or blue-gray bathrooms will sell for a premium? Create Curb Appeal Get the front of your house in order. Make sure your yard is free of debris, … [Read more...] about Low-Cost Projects to Help You Sell Your Home
How to Be a Better Neighbor
September 28 is National Good Neighbor Day. Being a good neighbor comes naturally to most of us. These days it's more important than ever to be a positive neighbor and to let others know you have their back. Here a just a few ways to celebrate National Good Neighbor Day, and thank a neighbor you appreciate. 1. Get to know your neighbor. You can still maintain your privacy, but let them know you're there for them. 2. Keep the area around your home neat and attractive - take pride in your neighborhood. 3. Respect your neighbor's privacy. 4. Be aware of the noise coming from your home - like a continually barking dog or loud music all hours of the day. 5. Be conscientious about ending your parties at a reasonable hour, or better yet, consider inviting your neighbor to come, … [Read more...] about How to Be a Better Neighbor
The Highs and Lows of a Smart Thermostat
According to EnergyStar.gov, the average American household spends half of its annual energy bill on heating and cooling the home. Having the ability to control your temperature setting throughout the day saves energy, money, and keeps your home at its optimal comfortable temperature. If you're considering replacing your home's traditional thermostat with a smart thermostat, we've taken a closer look a the Highs and Lows of a Smart Thermostat. What is a smart thermostat? A smart thermostat adjusts the heating and cooling temp setting of your home by using WiFi, which enables you to manage it remotely from your smartphone. ranges The Highs: What are the benefits of having a smart thermostat? While smart thermostats vary in their capabilities, some standard … [Read more...] about The Highs and Lows of a Smart Thermostat
There’s Still Time to Plant a Fall Garden
Yes, fall is here, but temps are still warm. You still have time to plant a fall garden full of fast-growing vegetables. If you plant now, your garden will have time to produce before the first frost. Keep the soil in your garden warm by using plastic sheeting to trap heat in the soil. For the full article and a list of optimal planting zones, visit Urban Farmer at ufseeds.com. Here are some ideas from the UrbanFarmerSeeds.com, that would be a great start to your fall garden: Blueberries Fall is the perfect time to plant blueberries. Fall planting will allow for good root growth and early growth this coming spring. Broccoli In warmer climates, use a quick growing Broccoli variety. Plant now to harvest later this fall and early winter. Garlic Plant garlic in the … [Read more...] about There’s Still Time to Plant a Fall Garden
Your Fall Maintenance Checklist
Fall is a busy time of year for most of us. Cooler temps prompt us to get our homes "buttoned up" for winter. We've gathered some tasks together for Your Fall Maintenance Checklist to get you moving in the right direction. Inspect Your Gutters and Roof Once most of the trees in your yard have shed their leaves, inspect your gutters and downspouts. Remove sticks, leaves, and debris. Flush your gutters with water, and check joints and brackets. If possible, replace old, worn gutters with gutters that provide leaf guards. Inspect your roof. Look for missing and loose shingles. Your roof is your home's first line of defense from all sorts of elements. It's imperative that your roof stays in tip-top shape, especially during winter months. Note: if your home is 2-stories or more, … [Read more...] about Your Fall Maintenance Checklist