Curb appeal is critical when you’re selling a house. And nothing can spruce up a property quite the same way that a healthy, thriving garden can. Well, what if you’re getting ready to sell your house … and the garden has seen better days. What can you do to quickly bring it back to life? Or should you just replant everything and chalk it up to a lost cause? Don’t give up on your garden yet: Here are some ways you can freshen it up before the “for sale” sign lands in your front yard.   Examine your plants Before you start working on the garden, take some time to evaluate what’s gone wrong ..read more

This would be really cool as a cross-section of a room or tiny house with some different areas highlighted or called out.     Storage spaces up high: Use shelves to add more storage up high.   Storage spaces down low: Don’t forget about low-to-the-ground storage. Seating low to ground: Low seating can be stored easily and saves space. Curtains or barn doors to slide open/closed: Change the room around with curtains or a barn door. Mirrors: Mirrors reflect light and make the whole space look bigger. Wall-mounted television: Don’t bother with an entertainment stand; mou ..read more

    Monthly   Inspect HVAC and furnace filters; replace every 2-3 months Clean range hood filters Check water softener Look for leaks around toilets and sinks Inspect sink drains and remove any clogs Vacuum heat registers and vents Clean garbage disposal   Biannually Deep clean Test pressure relief valve on water heater Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors Vacuum refrigerator coils (depending on age of fridge)   Annually Spring Service your A/C Check gutters and drainage Roof inspection Test your sump pump Check ..read more

Ask yourself (or the plumber) these questions before you decide on someone who can be your on-call specialist for all your household plumbing needs.     Section A Questions for the plumber Are you licensed? Are you bonded?  Do you have proof of insurance? Are you registered as a tradesperson, or are you an employee with a larger company? How long have you been in the plumbing business? Is your rate hourly or fixed? How much will my project cost — and what’s included? What quality of fixtures do you use? Who will be doing the work? What is your availability? Can I call you with q ..read more

Real estate investing is gaining in popularity, and like any investment, the goal is to make money. It’s an ever-changing game, and if you don’t know how to play it well, you could lose. Here’s how to get started investing in real estate.   Know the market  Study home prices in different areas and compare to see which are healthiest. Research property taxes to identify savings opportunities.   Consider the suburbs With rents and property values rising, the outskirts are popular alternatives to downtown. Research commute time before committing.   Grade the schools You ..read more

What does a home inspection involve? There are dozens of features that a home inspector will examine to ensure the home’s safety and habitability. Here are some of the things you can expect your inspector to check out.   Outside Puddles/standing water: Puddles or standing water could indicate a drainage problem.   A shed: Shed walls should be solidly built, and doors must open and shut smoothly.   Retaining walls: Leaning retaining walls might show instability in the ground.   Fences: Fences should be standing straight.   Paths: Buckling or crooked pathway ..read more

Are you interested in making your home more energy-efficient — and saving money? Discover whether there are some big (or small) energy-saving opportunities that you’re missing. Energy auditor:Get an energy audit from your utility company. Light bulbs: Swap out incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent or LED options. Sun/window treatments: Use the light and heat from the sun to selectively warm your house by opening your blinds or curtains. Power strips: Flip the switch on power strips when you’re done using electronics. Weather-stripping on windows: If windows aren’t airtight, you ..read more

Even though home inspections cover just about everything in the home that could cause an issue, they can’t look inside walls, under floors, or tear the house apart to find each and every potential issue. Here are the problems that they’re most likely to miss. Pests Home inspectors look for evidence of pests, but if the infestation isn’t widespread or is hidden, they won’t see it. Lead paint Inspectors don’t take paint samples to check the composition. Toxic mold Inspectors look for signs of mold, but if it’s in the walls, they probably won’t find it. Asbestos If asbestos isn’t exposed ..read more

Moving is stressful all on its own, but when you add in kids or pets (or both), it can feel downright impossible. But you can ensure the move is as low-stress for them, and you, as possible.   Kids Consider the timing: Try not to layer a move on top of another stressful life event. Research the area: Help answer kids’ questions by learning about your new home. Communicate: Have age-appropriate conversations to help them prepare. Emphasize similarity: Give kids a good sense of what is NOT going to change. Plan: Figure out ways kids can participate — or get them out of the way ..read more

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