Spring is in the air and the busy gardening season is just around the corner. Not only can gardening be personally satisfying, but well-placed trees, shrubs, flowering plants and an attractive lawn can increase the value of your property. While the earlier you start, the better off you’ll be, don’t be too eager to get…
It’s hard for an avid gardener to put down their spade come winter. That’s why so many choose to garden year-round. Whether it is wintering expensive outdoor annuals inside your home, investing in a small greenhouse or growing miniature indoor gardens on window ledges and in special containers, there are many ways to keep gardening…
When you dream of your dream home, what do you see? Each of us has a vision of what it will be, but getting as close to that vision as possible is a practical, step-by-step process that begins with finding a REALTOR®. A REALTOR® is your best ally throughout the home buying process. He or…
To most of us, electricity is simply flicking a switch or turning a dial to light up a room, cook supper or get instant entertainment. We take it for granted — that is, until there’s a power failure and we have to scramble to find flashlights, candles and matches in the dark. Making your home…
When consumers choose a REALTOR® to help them buy or sell a property, they are placing their trust in someone who is knowledgeable and who will protect their interests. A REALTORS® role is to provide clients with sound, effective, timely advice and professional service. More than ever, in today’s fast-paced, high-tech world, REALTORS® are being…
Don’t forget closing costs when buying a home Despite the low cost of carrying a mortgage these days, you should keep in mind “closing costs” in addition to your down payment for that dream home. These various charges can add up, and for the most part they are all legally required payments in buying a…
Just like you take a car for regular tune ups to ensure it continues to run smoothly, your home also needs some special attention. There’s a lot more to keeping up a house than cutting the grass and clearing snow from the driveway. Ensuring your home “looks” good and is in proper working order, not…
With today’s low interest rates, deciding to buy a home is one of the best decisions anyone can make. Financing such a big purchase, however, often means combining savings with money borrowed through a financial arrangement, commonly referred to as a mortgage. Mortgages allow you to pay back the principal, or amount borrowed, plus interest,…
For most people the ideal closet is the size of a room with ample space to hang clothing, lots of shelves to tuck and stash away things — a place where you can walk around and assess all your personal belongings. In reality, most people’s closets fall well short of this ideal. And few of…
They say you can’t judge a book by its cover. But when it comes to houses, the exterior can be just as important as the interior if selling or buying. When selling, it is the outside, or the home’s curb appeal that often determines whether the inside is ever seen. How a house ‘shows’ from…
