Simple Spring Lawn Care Tips

After this year’s chilly winter temperatures and dormant growth, spring lawns need some extra care. If you take care of your lawn the right way during spring, you will be rewarded with a beautiful, healthy summer lawn.

Whether you want to spruce up your new home or add curb appeal in order to sell your home, now is the time to give your lawn some well-deserved TLC! Here are some simple lawn care tips will convert your lawn into something you will be proud of and add value to your home:

Mow your lawn

The most important thing you need to do focus on to make your lawn look fantastic is regular and correct mowing. Cut the grass whenever it grows, which will likely be a weekly task or even more frequent as the weather keeps warming up in spring. Try to keep grass at the same height throughout spring. 2.3-4 cm high would be ideal for most lawns, but if your lawn takes lots of wear and tear, then you can raise the height to 5cm. If the area is extremely shaded then 7.5 cm would be the right height. Be careful while mowing, because if you mow too short you will weaken the grass and increase chances of moss and weed development.

Feed your lawn

The next important thing you need to do during spring is to feed the grass. If you feed your lawn with a good fertilizer, it obviously will make your grass green, but more importantly, it will help your grass grow thicker. Fertilizing your lawn also increases its health and strength, and makes it better prepared to compete with moss, weeds, and any stress from weather conditions. During spring you should opt for a granular feed that will offer your lawn with regular amount of nutrients through several weeks. Make sure you apply your granular lawn feed evenly over the entire lawn, and the best way to do so will be to use a lawn spreader.

 Aerate your lawn

With time, your lawn’s soil becomes compacted, and this reduces the air pockets that allow water and nutrients to reach the roots of your grass. If you want to tackle this problem, you must aerate your lawn annually. Spring is the best time for lawn aeration and once the process is complete, your lawn will again get its proper share of water and nutrients. Before long, your lawn will spring back to life and stay healthy all the year round.

Treat weeds

Lawn weeds are little culprits that can prevent you from enjoying a healthy full-grown lawn. Early spring is the best time to apply herbicide, as it prevents weeds from developing. It is a lot easier to get rid of weeds even before they develop than to deal with them once they have completely matured. So make sure you apply a pre-emergent weed killer in the spring and it will offer you great results.

Over-seed to cover bald patches

As the lawn ages, the reproduction rate also slows down. Nobody likes bald patches in their lawns! Apart from looking bad, these areas also increase chances of weed and moss development. As soon as the last snow disappears, spread grass seeds all over your lawn at the recommended rate. New grass will start developing soon filling in those bare areas. This will help to make your lawn look healthy and beautiful once again. 

Summer Landscaping Tips

Now that summer is here, it’s a good idea to look at the landscaping around your home. Depending on what part of the country you live in, summer can be one of the most challenging seasons for maintaining landscaping and lawns. The hotter it gets, the more detrimental it is for your plants and lawns because the soil dries up. Plants have the tendency to wither if they are not hydrated properly. This can be a challenge if you live in an area where water restrictions are imposed.

Why is landscaping so important? It creates curb appeal that can help you to sell your home. It can also add value to your property, which is always a good thing. However, the wrong landscaping and/or unattractive, withering, and dry landscaping can prove to be detrimental to the sale of your home.

Consider the following tips to keep your home’s landscape hydrated and looking lush and beautiful during the summer months:

·        Look for signs of plant and lawn dehydration early. It is essential to determine whether or not your landscaping is showing signs of dehydration. If plants are wilting and growth is slow, you should tend to your landscaping immediately. Other signs of dehydration include yellowing leaves, browning leaf edges, and the upward curling of grass blades.

·        Mow the grass frequently. Also, mowing the grass as tall as you can allows the grass to draw moisture from a bigger volume of soil, resulting in the need for less watering. Mowing the grass to heights of three to three and a half inches means that the lawn has a better chance of surviving a long drought period.

·        Water your lawn and plants during the appropriate times. The best time to water a lawn is from 6am to 8am when water pressure is highest and water evaporation is lowest. You should not water your lawn during the middle of the day and windy conditions. When you know the best time for irrigation, you can conserve water.

·        Keep the dirt near the foundation of your house moist. When the dirt is dry, the foundation can have the tendency to crack. This can be very costly to repair, so make sure the dirt is semi-wet.

·        Control the growth of weeds. First, inspect for weeds to spot any growth early. Next, look into lawn treatments for weed control. You will need a pre-emergence weed control treatments and post-emergence treatments.

You can still have a beautiful lawn and landscaping that will wow potential buyers this summer. Be smart about your solutions to keep your landscaping looking great during the hot months!

Should You Buy a Cul-de-Sac House?

The cul-de-sac home has been a symbol of traditional suburban life for decades. While cul-de-sacs have been built for centuries in the form of dead-end streets, they are commonly built nowadays for other reasons—one of which is to alleviate vehicle traffic.

Basically, a cul-de-sac is a street that has only one inlet/outlet. They became popular in America cities after World War II, and they are a classic symbol of suburban life. However, lately cul-de-sacs have been viewed in a negative light by some urban planners. But the popularity and charm of the cul-de-sac will always be present with homebuyers, and for good reasons.

If you’re thinking about buying a cul-de-sac home, here are some pros and cons that you should consider:

Pros

Privacy- Cul-de-sac homes offer more privacy than others because most of the traffic will come from the people that live in the cul-de-sac itself.

Good for families- Less traffic means a safer play area for children. Plus, many families who live in the same cul-de-sac often become tightly knit.

Good resell opportunities- Buyers will pay 20% more for cu-de-sac homes. (Hopefully you won’t have to when you initially buy!) But this is good news if and when you decide to resell.

Cons

More driving- It’s rather difficult to get anywhere without driving when you live in a cul-de-sac because you have to funnel the roads to get to the main road. Traffic can be a challenge once you get to the main trunk.

Less privacy- While you have more privacy from other traffic and pedestrians, you are basically living in close proximity to at least five other homes when you buy a home in a cul-de-sac. All of your neighbors will know a great deal about you.

Vehicles turning around- Many cars will drive to the cul-de-sac to turn around, and this extra traffic can pose safety issues for children who are playing.

 

Summer Home Improvement Ideas

Now that the weather is finally getting warmer, it’s time to think about what kind of summer home improvements you’d like to make. Not only can summer additions and improvements add to the value of your home, they can make your house much more desirable to potential buyers should you decide to sell in the next few years.

Let’s take a look at some cool summer home improvement ideas that are sure to make your home more enjoyable for years to come:

Pool

What could be better than a new pool for summer? It’s a fact that pools are extremely desirable home features for buyers. Be sure to figure out your budget as pool additions can get pricey, especially when it comes to pools that are below the ground.

New roof

The installation of a new roof should be done in warmer weather, and the summertime is perfect! The sun’s rays are warm enough to melt the tar paper so that it bonds. A new roof can give you peace of mind plus add great value to your home.

Sunroom

Enjoy the sun’s warm rays with the addition of a cool sunroom. Glass walls with screen options are a good idea when considering sunroom addition. The sunroom can even act as a family or reading room during the winter months.

Exercise room

Don’t pay for the gym anymore! Take that spare bedroom  and transform it into a calorie-busting gym. Your health will appreciate it, and so will potential buyers.

Backyard deck

A deck addition is most likely that biggest remodel that you can make for the summer. This is true whether you are remodeling an existing deck or building a new one from scratch. Keep in mind a deck addition takes a great deal of planning.

 

How Landscaping Improves Curb Appeal

Your landscaping should add functionality and enhance the curb appeal of your property. Good landscaping can increase the resale value of your property by up to 7%. It will also facilitate a quick sale. But don't landscape with the sole objective of improving your home's value. When you landscape, your main concern should be increasing your own enjoyment of the space.

In this article, we will share the vital elements of good landscaping that adds value and provides enjoyment to the owner and potential buyers.

Trees

Trees provide shade. They keep your home cool during the hot summer months and reduce your energy bills. Trees also improve the air quality. They absorb the carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen. They also prevent soil erosion and retain the fertility of your soil. Trees are also known to reduce stress levels. Your trees may even increase the value of your neighbor's property.

In order to add resale value, the tree has to be healthy and mature. Trees that are native to the region have higher value because they don't require much maintenance. According to the US Department of Energy, two or three trees that are properly placed can save up to $250 in annual energy bills.

By planting windbreaks, you can also reduce your heating bills.

Native plants

If you are planning to add plants, trees or shrubs to the yard, opt for the native ones. They thrive well in their natural habitat. Native plantings can increase your home's value. They are also beneficial for the wildlife because they create a natural habitat for birds and butterflies.

Rain gardens

Rain gardens featuring native trees and plants are attracting buyers because they offer protection from extreme weather that plagues many states. These gardens can prevent rain water from seeping into the basement. Rain gardens can even reduce flood insurance premium.

Outdoor lighting

Good outdoor lighting is one of the most desirable outdoor features. It is also a great landscape essential.

Thoughtful lighting enhances the aesthetic value of your house at night. It has several other benefits, too. Outdoor lighting makes your yard usable at night. It prevents falls. It also keeps intruders away. If your outdoor areas are well-lit at night, thieves will think twice before trying to break in.

Fencing

Fencing sets boundaries and creates privacy. It will keep intruders out and pets in. Fencing is unlikely to improve resale value, but it has several other benefits. However, nice fences do have some value.

Retaining walls

Retaining walls help reclaim sloped yards. They control soil erosion by slowing the flow of rain water down the slope. They also add color to vast stretches of green. If done correctly, terracing and walls can increase the curb appeal of your property and add resale value. However, walls can be quite pricey.

Walkways

Walkways welcome visitors to your home. They also increase the overall curb appeal of your property. You can use pavers or solid stone walkways. When it comes to walkways, getting too fancy can be counterproductive. On the other hand, if your walkways don't meet the standard of your neighborhood, you will see a drop in the value of your property.

Can New Flooring Add Value to Your Home?

Flooring is one of the most noticeable features of a room. It has the potential to affect your home’s look and feel, which is especially important if you are thinking about selling your home. You can greatly enhance your home’s overall look with a floor upgrade without a total home remodel.
Flooring such as bamboo and hardwood floors are surefire bets to give your home value a boost.

The thing to keep in mind when considering new flooring is whether or not it would add perceived value or not to your home’s appraised value. If an appraiser says that the overall condition of your home will be raised from average to very good, then new flooring is a fantastic addition. If you are selling your home, it’s also important to keep in that buyers can be picky when it comes to flooring, and it can affect their overall decision to buy or not to buy.
 

The perfect flooring additions are visually impressive while providing considerable ROI. The perfect combination in a home would be laminate wood flooring in living areas, high-grade marble in bathrooms, and Berber carpet in the bedrooms. But the key is to choose flooring that fits your home’s style.

What types of flooring can add value to your home?

If you are replacing your flooring and budget isn’t an issue, does a specific type of flooring add more value? Of course! Here are a few types of flooring that are great investments to your home:

·        Hardwood- Hardwood floors have a natural beauty that serves as a great addition to a home’s interior. Any living area, kitchen, or bedroom can benefit from hardwood flooring. They are a smart investment that has the potential to give a home a polished look as well as boost the overall value.

·        Bamboo- For sustainable flooring that is durable and requires a low amount of maintenance, bamboo flooring is a great choice. They have the ability to give your home a modern appearance, and they are naturally resistant to moisture and bacteria.

·        Cork- Cork flooring is environmentally friendly since it is sustainably harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree without harming it. Cork floors are antimicrobial, sound-resistant, and great for providing a soft and cushiony feel.

·       Parquet- Parquet flooring is a wonderful way to add contrast and texture to a floor. Popular woods for solid parquet flooring include oak, walnut, cherry, and pine. Stains and finishes enhance the contrasting colors and grains of the different woods.

It’s a good idea for homeowners to know the true value of your home before and after your new flooring is installed. You can obtain a free home valuation report from Neighborhood IQ to find out how much a property is worth, especially after your fall and winter home improvements and maintenance projects are completed. Also, the Home Loan Advisor can analyze your property, current market conditions, local market comps, and other variables in our proprietary algorithm, and match you with potential lenders.

 

Ways to Keep Your Home Warm this Winter

Depending on where you live, winter can unfortunately mean a cold home and less comfort. It can also mean that it’s the time of year for sky-high energy bills. This is especially true if your house has lots of air leaks, poor insulation, and dirty air filters, to name a few things. Luckily, there are things that you can do to keep your home nice and warm, and you do them while promoting a greener environment.

This winter, keep your house warm, your energy costs lows, and your comfort level high with our tips:

Seal gaps and cracks. One of the main reasons for heat loss in your home is gaps and cracks in your windows and doors. They are especially evident if you own an older home. You should seal and plug all of the gaps and cracks by using weather stripping. Try using a gap filler to seal any cracks in the walls. You can also seal the edge of all window sills with a water resistant sealer. Also, use door snakes at the bottom of doors. A rolled-up towel can suffice for an effective door snake.

Install insulation. A home that is well-insulated can save almost half as much for heating and cooling your home, so it makes sense to install insulation. You can either do it yourself or hire a home contractor to do it for you. It will be well worth it since insulation will pay for itself in the form of low energy bills.

Cover windows with heavy curtains. Since a great deal of heat escapes from your home through uncovered windows, use heavy curtains. Lined curtains work even better to insulate the windows and keep the warmth in your home.

Replace air filters in your central heating/cooling system. Dirty air filters and dust accumulation around the filter slot can make your system sluggish, and it will have to work harder. To reduce energy and extend the life of the heater, replace the air filter and clean around the filter slot.

Insulate the pipes. In temperatures that are below freezing, it is crucial that pipes that carry water be insulated. You can wrap external hot water pipes with fiberglass insulation or lagging. You can also use pre-molded foam rubber sleeves to wrap the pipes.

Invest in heater maintenance. You should get your heater professionally services every two years. This will keep it running efficiently and extend its life. Or, invest in a replacement heater if it’s time for a new one.

Improvements to your home’s insulation and comfort level during the cold and hot months can raise your home value. Be sure to consider the advantages of knowing the true value of your home! You can obtain a free home valuation report from Neighborhood IQ to find out how much a property is worth. Also, the Home Loan Advisor can analyze your property, current market conditions, local market comps, and other variables in our proprietary algorithm, and match you with potential lenders.

10 Most Costly House Problems

Every homeowner experiences problems with their home sooner or later. The intensity of these problems depends on the level of maintenance the house has received over the years. Whether you are buying a home or selling your current house, you may want to check for certain problems that have been left unattended to. If you wait until after a home appraiser or inspector flags the issues, it could result in a lot more money out of your pocket. So, don’t wait until closing to fix the problems or address them with the owner.

Some of the following home problems are so common that many homeowners simply learn to live with them. However, the problems can be avoidable by providing proper maintenance and checking out the most common ones periodically.

Here are 10 of the most common problems that homeowners encounter while buying or living in a home:

1.       Problem roofs. The roof of your home is one of those things that you don’t pay much attention to. That is, until you see a leak. The roof can be one of the most costly things to fix, so use binoculars to check for warning signs. Also, get a professional roof inspection before putting your house on the market.

2.       Water in the basement. These problems should be solved as soon as possible to minimize damage that can include mold and mildew.

3.       Deferred maintenance. Keeping your home in top condition is an investment that will return the more you spend.

4.       Flaws in the foundation. Older homes and even newer ones can settle unevenly. Look for sloping floors and cracks in the foundation walls as well as above windows.

5.       Poor ventilation. The effects of poor ventilation on your health are huge, so make sure places like the attic are properly vented in order to avoid mold or roof rot.

6.       Faulty plumbing. It’s crucial to keep a close eye on the water supply system. Trace leaks to sources immediately, and replace corroding pipes.

7.       Defective HVAC systems. If you have just bought a home or you are thinking of selling your current home, it’s a good idea to contact a HVAC contractor for an inspection.

8.       Faulty gutters and downspouts. Constant checking is needed to properly maintain the gutters and downspouts in order to avoid water damage.

9.       Drainage problems. Homeowners often overlook landscaping issues which can which allow water to drain into the house’s basement or crawlspace. Water damage can be costly to repair and lessen the value of your home.

10.   Faulty wiring. Many electrical problems are caused by homeowners who try to do the work themselves or hire someone unlicensed. Look for dangling hotwires, open receptacle boxes, and aluminum wiring.

In the midst of checking your home or home-to-be for common problems, consider the advantages of knowing the true value of the property. Be sure to obtain a free home valuation report from Neighborhood IQ to find out how much a home is worth before you ultimately buy or sell! Also keep n mind that Home Loan Advisor can analyze your property, current market conditions, local market comps, and other variables in our proprietary algorithm as well as match you with potential lenders who have products that may help you and provide you with a sense of stability.