Blog
Most people know that choosing the right neighborhood is one of the most important aspects of a great lifestyle. When buying a new home, this becomes even more important. While everyone knows that property values, safety, schools, and commute ranks high in importance, there are some considerations that are not commonly thought about in advance yet make a huge impact on satisfaction.
· Vibrant Community and Social Scene – While some people are looking for a quiet life in the country, for those craving more action, consider this when choosing a neighborhood. Look for farmer’s markets, art galleries, festivals, bars and clubs, community events; ways to create a sense of belonging and involvement.
· Pet-Friendly Environment – For pet owners, finding a welcoming community for their furry friends is important. Look for places with lots of green space, dog parks, and pet-friendly establishments.
· Unique Architectural or Historic Value – There are many cities with historical districts and heritage sites. Buying a home in these areas can be a distinctly inspiring experience. One caveat, before buying, it’s important to make sure to understand the rules and restrictions; often there are ordinances which prevent changing the exterior of the home.
· Natural Surroundings – For nature enthusiasts, living near green spaces and outdoor recreational opportunities can be important. In addition to community parks, trails, or lakes, these buyers should consider proximity to national parks, BLM land, or public waterways.
· Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Communities – If environmental sustainability is important, then look for communities with eco-friendly policies and amenities. Watch for communal gardens, bike lanes, and renewable energy initiatives.
Choosing the right neighborhood is about more than just property values and school systems. By looking beyond the traditional aspects and considering the unique things that enhance lifestyle, buyers can make sure that the community, as well as the home, suits their needs.
Purchasing a fixer-upper property can be an exciting and rewarding experience. HGTV is filled with programs of amateurs knocking down walls and tiling bathroom floors. The fact is that this is much harder than it looks and before diving headfirst into this kind of project, it’s critical to consider whether you are prepared for the venture.
5 Important Things to Consider Before Buying a Fixer-Upper Home
1. Financial Planning – The first step in buying a fixer-upper home is to establish a realistic budget. Include the purchase price, repairs costs, and any expected expenses for renovation or restoration. Once you have created a “known” list, then add extra for unexpected issues that will arise.
2. Time and Effort – Renovating a fixer-upper takes time and effort, even if you hire a general contractor to oversee the project. Consider the overall scope of the project and evaluate your skills and level of time commitment.
3. Structural Condition – Before making an offer, thoroughly inspect the property’s structure and foundation. Recognize the impact of any issues uncovered and make sure to budget for the proper corrections.
4. Real Estate Market and Location – Even a beautiful home in a terrible area is a bad investment. Consider such factors as property values, market trends and the potential for future appreciation. Work with a financial planner to make sure the investment fits your long-term goals.
5. Legal Considerations – Before writing the offer, familiarize yourself with local building codes, permit requirements, and zoning regulations. Ensure the changes you anticipate align with local requirements. Purchasing a fixer-upper home can be a wonderful investment and worthwhile project. By evaluating your budget, time commitment, property condition, and potential appreciation, you can be sure to choose the right situation for your goals and experience.
Summer is made for the outdoors. When the weather turns warm, the backyard becomes the central focus for family fun. After a long, cold winter, homeowners around the country turn their attention to their lawn. Yet, these weekend warriors could be sabotaging their lawn by making these 5 common mistakes.
1. Overwatering – Watering is vital for a healthy lawn, but overwatering can prevent that lush green homeowners seek. Instead of frequent light watering, aim for more infrequent waterings for a longer, deeper soak. This allows the moisture to penetrate deep down to the roots.
2. Over mowing – Cutting the grass too short weakens the root. Every type of grass has different requirements, consult a local gardening center to understand the needs of your lawn. Avoid cutting more than a third of the grass blade height in a single mowing session.
3. Ignoring Soil Health – Regular soil care ensures a strong foundation for your lawn. Test for the proper pH level and any nutrient deficiencies. Use fertilizers throughout the growing season and consider an aeration rotation for better water absorption.
4. Neglecting Weed Control – Weeds and other pests can damage lawns quickly and make it difficult to recover. Implement a regular weed and pest control program. Be careful using pesticides around pets and children. Watch that you do not overuse pesticides as that can deprive the lawn of essential nutrients.
5. Forgetting to Feed Properly – In addition to soil health, the lawn itself needs regular feeding. Choose a fertilizer based on the type of grass and environment, then create a regular cadence for use.
Ensure a healthy and vibrant lawn all summer long by avoiding a few common mistakes homeowners make each year.
Surprisingly, the master bedroom is the most neglected room in the house. It gets overlooked because only the owners typically see it, regularly at least. Since it’s such a private space, a closed door can hide a multitude of bad designs – along with an unmade bed. But it’s also the room that starts and ends your day. Doesn’t it make sense to splurge a little – and a thousand dollars is even more affordable for most people.
Here are 3 great ways to spend $1000 to freshen the most important room in your home.
· Quick Seasonal Pick-me-up – For a quick spruce up, focus on soft goods and accent pieces. Think about linens, bedding, towels, pillows, rugs. Freshen your room with the modern color themes and neutrals. Soft tone-on-tone is trending and creates a cohesive, calming effect. Perfect for unwinding at the end of the day. Create a “spa” environment.
· Embrace Feng Shui – If your bedroom floor looks more like a messy closet, then it’s time to declutter and prioritize. Clear out all the mess and organize your closets and drawers. Remove unnecessary furniture and replace it with organizers that can be hidden behind closet doors. Remove any furniture that isn’t necessary to create a streamlined, simple design that inspires.
· Add a Bold Headboard – For a fast change of look, change your headboard. Many options are priced well below the $1000 budget. A headboard can change your whole design scheme from farmhouse to modern to traditional.
Whatever your preference, you can create a private retreat in the master bedroom very inexpensively. For less than $1000, and a little effort and thought, you can create that special sanctuary that allows you to start and end the day in beauty that suits your taste.
