Written by Jennifer McGuire

In today’s competitive real estate market, you may wonder if it’s better to rent a place or buy a home. Purchasing a residence can provide more privacy and future investment potential, while renting allows for more flexibility and less maintenance. Both options have a myriad of pros and cons, but it ultimately will depend on your financial situation, lifestyle needs and long-term goals. Here are a few factors to consider.

Costs and Maintenance

When you rent a home, you typically pay a flat monthly rental fee plus utilities and insurance, and any repairs or maintenance are the landlord’s responsibility. However, when it comes time to renew your lease, you may find that your monthly rent goes up. When purchasing a home, your monthly mortgage payment remains constant and there’s always the option of refinancing if interest rates drop. Of course, you will also be responsible for your own maintenance and repairs.

Building Wealth

When you own your own home, you build appreciation and equity as the value of your property increases over time. In recent years as property values have appreciated across the country, owning a home has proven to be a smart investment. When you rent, your monthly housing costs go straight to the landlord.

Customization

For renters, landlords often have specific rules about the surrounding property and limit things like growing gardens, decorations, painting interiors and more. But when you own, it’s yours to do what you like. While your HOA may have some restrictions on exteriors, you are generally free to customize your property to suit your personal style. You can also add amenities and make upgrades like new appliances, light fixtures, flooring and other features that can increase its value and your future financial prosperity.

Flexibility

Rental agreements often span a year or go from month to month, which allows you to make quicker adjustments for lifestyle changes or new job opportunities. However, when it’s time to renew your lease, there is no guarantee that the property will continue to be available. When you own a home, adapting your living situation is a process and involves finding a buyer, as well as the transfer of taxes, title insurance and other legal documents. However, it will give you the stability needed to build long-term success.

In many markets, it’s cheaper in the long run to own a home than to rent, as rent prices have risen steeply across the country. Contact your local Coldwell Banker affiliated agent to help you determine if purchasing a home is the right option.

Original article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/should-you-buy-or-rent-a-home/

Written by Jennifer McGuire

If you are considering selling your home, there are several things you can do now to make the best first impression on potential buyers. Taking the time to declutter, deep clean and make simple repairs will show buyers that your house and property are well-maintained and ready for a new owner.

Increase Curb Appeal

A clean and attractive exterior is crucial, as it creates a positive first impression and sets the tone for the rest of your home. Spruce up your outdoor space by removing overhanging tree limbs and branches, applying a fresh coat of exterior paint, mowing the lawn, adding plants or flowerpots, power washing, painting patio and deck areas and repairing or replacing damaged screens and doors.

Take Care of the Obvious

While grooming your outside space, you’ll need to address any glaring concerns. Check and fix loose or damaged roof shingles, bricks, wood and trim. Clean out septic systems to ensure your property is in top working condition. With these projects completed, you’ll also reduce maintenance stress while your home is listed.

Make the Interior Shine

Create an inviting and welcoming atmosphere by cleaning, decluttering and organizing your home, which shows buyers that there’s plenty of space. Freshen up your indoor areas by painting walls, removing outdated rugs or furniture, polishing kitchen appliances and deep cleaning hardwood floors, sinks, tiles and showers.

Remove the Clutter

You’ll also want to check that any clutter is cleared by organizing closets with shelves and storage bins, storing everyday items like paper and toys in cabinets and closets, and removing personal items like picture frames and your kid’s tee-ball trophies. While you’re thoughtfully arranging, you could take advantage of this opportunity to get rid of any paperwork that is no longer needed while gathering documents potential buyers may need to review in in a handy folder. These papers could include HOA information, appliance manuals, warranty information, records of repairs (especially if it involved electrical, plumbing or contractor issues) and the survey of your property.

By increasing the outdoor appeal, creating a warm, appealing indoor space and gathering all the information upfront before listing your home for sale, you’ll be well on your way to smooth, stress-free transaction – and seal the deal with a great first impression.

Original Article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/first-impressions-matter-get-your-home-market-ready/

Written by: Jennifer McGuire

You may not know it, but there are proper methods to watering your plants that involve more than just pouring water on top. Plant size, soil type, weather, sun exposure and time of year all factor into how much water is needed. Timing and frequency are also important, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. So how do you effectively manage your dampening strategy? Consider:

• Watering in the Morning – Water can penetrate the soil where the plant’s roots can reach, absorbing and drying in the cooler hours of the day. Watering during other times of the day could cause you to boil the roots, sunburn the leaves or grow mold spores and rot.
• Increasing Drainage – Excessive moisture around the root zone can lead to stagnant water and root rot, according to Deep Green Permaculture. To prevent this add a coarser material to the bottom of the pot to vary the potting medium and water retention.
• Soaking Deeply – Dampen the soil at least eight inches below the surface so the roots are encouraged to grow deeper and are not sitting too close to the surface.
• Optimizing Your Soil – Clearing out rocks and debris, loosening the soil and adding organic matter can affect how your plants absorb water. Adjust your planting strategy based on the soil type and how you apply compost.

Since there are so many different aspects of an effective watering system, there are also many opportunities for blunders. Here are a few common missteps to avoid:

 Watering Too Frequently – Adding too much could kill your plants because it drowns them and cuts off the oxygen. Each plant is different, but you could look out for yellow, wilted or dropped leaves, brown spots, mushy stems and molding soil to understand if your plant is being overwatered.

• Using a Sprinkler – Plants absorb most of their water through the soil, and sprinklers tend to moisten the top foliage.
• Relying on Rain – There isn’t always enough rainfall for plants to thrive, so don’t count on it to keep them alive. You should test your soil for the amounts of water and adjust your watering methods as your plants need it.

There are also regional variations and differing needs of specific plants, so check with your local gardening center for more information. Paying attention to your plant’s moisture and developing a watering strategy will have your garden flourishing in a wonderful world of green in no time.

Original article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/the-wonderful-world-of-green-tips-for-hydrating-plants/

Written by Tiffany Aller

When the end of summer approaches, your outside spaces may be screaming for special attention. Yard maintenance can seem like a hassle when you just want to sit and savor the backyard oasis you’ve enjoyed all summer for just a little bit longer. But to draw out your enjoyment through the fall and even into winter, the time to perform important maintenance is now. Here are five must-do projects to tackle now for your DFW home, before summer’s just a distant memory.

Pool Clean Up

Whether you have a permanent pool or one that gets put up and down each year, it’s going to need some end-of-summer maintenance. Begin by checking out any of the pool’s mechanical components. If wear and tear is evident, it’s better to address now than to wait while further issues may arise from sitting too long over the winter. Once your mechanical parts are addressed, you’ll next want to carefully clean both the outside and inside of your pool, or any pool surroundings you may have. Number three on your pool yard maintenance must-do list is addressing structural issues cleaning may have revealed. Finally, tear down and carefully stow non-permanent pools, or cover your permanent pool and ensure your water and filter systems are set to run below certain temperatures so your pool doesn’t experience freezing and cracking.

Seasonal Landscaping

While your perennial plants may still be blooming or are patiently hibernating to come back up next year, your spring and summer season annuals may be fading quickly. To keep your yard looking tidy through the fall, consider some of these beautiful annuals that come out to play as the weather starts to cool.

• Mums
• Sage
• Pansies
• Blue Fescue
• Ornamental Cabbage

Store Toys

Whether or not you have children, you probably have toys in your yard — special lanterns used during the summer, movable misters, decorative tchotchkes, or actual toys and sports equipment. Cleaning them up as part of your end-of-summer yard maintenance means more than tossing them in a bin or bag until next year. First determine which are actually still in good enough condition to last until next summer — some summer fun items are really only meant for one season of use, like non-refillable tiki torches. Next, drain, clean, polish, or otherwise spruce up your equipment before it is stored — leaving things covered with grime may lead to wintertime erosion. Finally, store according to each item’s needs. Whether that includes wrapping the item carefully in paper or bubble wrap and placing it in a temperature controlled area, or simply putting it aside safely until it’s needed again.

Pavers and Patios and Paths, Oh My!

The bricks and concrete pieces that comprise your outside gathering and walking areas may have gotten tons of use this summer, leading to cracked pieces, missing pavers, and disintegrating paths. The time to fix is now, before the temperatures fall off and make maintenance miserable. If a company has installed these areas, check to see if your warranty may cover issues that are beyond normal wear and tear. If not, big box retailers may have great end-of-summer yard maintenance sales that allow you to fix up your space to enjoy through the fall and into next summer.

Get Ready for Fall

Falling temps don’t have to mean your outdoor time has to end. Your last end-of-summer yard maintenance project is a fun one preparing a fire pit or fireplace to use through the cooler weather. Whether you simply install a bought fixture or roll up your sleeves and build your own, you’ll be setting up your yard for a whole other season of fun.

Original Article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/5-end-of-summer-yard-maintenance-must-dos/

Written by Lindsay Listanski

The Lazy breezes and bright blue skies of summer aren’t just for the outdoors! Banish the last of winter by pulling back the drapes and letting the sunshine in. Tuck dark throw pillows and accessories into the closet until fall. It only takes a few easy swaps—like remaking your bed or rolling out a summer rug—to transform you home into a tranquil summer escape. Here are my six favorite easy changes.

1. Bedding Swap

It’s not just that your winter bed looks warm—it is warm! During the hot months, feel cool and relaxed by swapping out your heavy winter bedding. Bring in lighter colors and fabrics or go with all white, as darker colors attract and trap heat.

Some easy changes in the bedroom include switching to a light bed skirt and shams. Or, you could add light-colored accent pillows. Look for a lightweight throw to toss on the end of the bed for a summer nap.

2. Throw on Pillows

Accent pillows quickly change the mood in your den or living room. It’s great to have some for different seasons of the year, or even as holiday decorations. In the summer, lighten the room with summery pillows. Look for options with soft, light fabric. You can go with warm shades of lemon, orange or vibrant greens, or opt for the cool blue shades of the ocean and sky. If you like print, bright florals or geometrics set a happy tone.

3. Go Botanical

Blooming flowers just spell summer and aren’t limited to the garden outside. Select a few blooming houseplants to use indoors. A striking orchid is a showstopper and blooms for a very long time. Other flowers that do well indoors include the African violet, cyclamen, Persian violet and the tuberous begonia.

Move from tabletop plants to the floor with a showy palm plant. There are a number of varieties you can pick up at a garden center. Choose a ceramic pot without a drain hole so you won’t have water leaking on the floor. Instead of planting your palm, just set the plastic nursery pot down inside your ceramic container. You can hide the soil with some dried moss or beautiful stones.

4. Show Off Souvenirs

Treasures from beach explorations or summer vacations just beg to be shown in the summer. Gather up starfish, baskets of shells and nautical lanterns to create a display.

Think about your favorite summer pastime and how you might use trinkets from it to create a fun mantle display. If you garden, you can add pot of ivy nestled next to a bright watering can and place seed packets on easels. If your family loves the ballpark, have some fun by placing a vase of flowers inside a red and white popcorn container. Add a vintage mitt and some signed baseballs to finish the scene.

Dig into your photos and frame shots of the family enjoying their favorite summer fun, from making s’mores at the campground to tumbling down the waterslide. If you’ve made scrapbooks or photo albums of summer trips, bring them out of the closet and place them on the coffee table.

5. Summer’s Bounty

Let the bounty of summer shine as a yummy home decor you can eat. When you visit the farmer’s market, fill your basket with bright produce. Use glass jars or bowls to showcase your produce. Lemons or limes are beautiful to display and great to pop in tea or lemonade. Both citruses and tree fruits, such as nectarines, make beautiful summer centerpieces on your table. You can also place fresh pots of herbs like basil or marjoram on the counter, in the center of an island or in the window of the kitchen.

6. Bottoms Up

What’s the easiest, most impactful way to take your dark winter look into the summer season? Changing your area rugs! It’s such an easy transition. Simply vacuum your dark winter rug and roll it up. If you don’t have a designated storage area, you can store it under a bed, behind a sofa or along the back of a closet wall. Replace it with a new rug in a summery shade.

Summer is the perfect time to bring in a different texture or color. Natural woven rugs, like sisal and jute, look light and bring the feel like a summer cottage. Or, go with a plush rug in a soft summer shade or a creamy neutral. If you have a parade of kids and pets through the house in the summer months, an indoor-outdoor rug is a durable choice that’s easy to clean.

For a while, it seemed as if summer would never get here. Now that it has, don’t let it slip by without enjoying it—inside and out.

Lea Schneider is a professional home organization expert who has always enjoyed renewing the look of her home as the seasons change. Lea writes her home tips for The Home Depot. If you’re seeking inspiration on using area rugs to welcome in the spring and summer, you can review a Home Depot rugs guide here. For a selection of area rugs on the Home Depot website, you can click here.

Original Article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/6-ways-bring-light-bright-summer-home/

Written by Jennifer Mcguire

Outdoor living is as important as indoor space, especially in the summertime. Everything in your backyard — whether it’s a fire pit, dining area or theater — should be part of a well-planned, integrated design. Here are a few outdoor accessories that will turn your backyard into another room of your house.

Fire Pits

Fire pits add a warm touch to an outdoor area and can serve as a focal point in landscape design, especially if you live in an area that gets cool at night. You can choose from wood-burning, propane, gel fuel and natural gas fire pits, many of which double as an outdoor coffee table when not lit. If space is a consideration, go with a tabletop model.

Outdoor Kitchen and Bar

Your outdoor kitchen should have everything the chef needs to prepare a backyard feast, starting with a gas, charcoal or hibachi grill. Also consider adding a smoker, warming drawer, stove top and pizza oven, depending on your favored cuisine. For those who like a few beverages by the pool, consider an outdoor bar complete with a mini fridge, sink, ice maker, beer tap, wine chiller, and of course, a blender for margaritas. And don’t forget to make sure the area is well-lit for those evenings of entertaining.

Dining Areas

What good is it to eat and drink outside without a dining area? Make sure it has comfortable chairs with durable cushions and a table for dining with an expansive umbrella for shade and shelter. Styles vary widely, from Mediterranean to Japanese, Victorian, country kitchen and cabana designs, or with whatever stylistic flourishes tickle your fancy. Not interested in contemporary outdoor sets? Comb local thrift shops and flea markets for mismatched country kitchen furniture or bring an elegant dining set outside under a covered awning for a fresh new take on outdoor dining.

Backyard Theater

The next best thing to a drive-in, a backyard theater can entertain family and friends. For a well-designed movie-viewing experience, make sure you have a video projector, a free-standing portable screen, and to top it all off, a popcorn machine. Another outdoor viewing option is a self-contained outdoor TV, which come in nearly every size and incorporate heavy-duty construction, making them resistant to temperature and weather. Some also are resistant to rain.

For more backyard design ideas, check out Pinterest and enjoy outdoor living this summer!

Original Article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/tips-for-summertime-outdoor-living/

Written by Jennifer Mcguire

When school lets out for the summer, kids will be heading outside more often to climb and swing on the playset, run around in the yard and splash in the pool. But regardless of the outdoor activity, make sure they always use sunscreen and stay hydrated. Of course, while summer is a great time for backyard fun, injuries can end the fun fast, so consider taking some simple steps to make your backyard safe for hours of endless entertainment.

Safeguard playsets

• Make sure swing sets and other play equipment are on level ground and the legs are properly anchored with hardware that doesn’t pose a tripping or gouging hazard.
• Inspect swing sets to ensure bolts and screws are secure and replace rusty parts.
• Put wood chips, shredded rubber or other soft landing material underneath the set.
• Ensure 6 feet of clearance on all sides and check that swings are at least 8 inches apart

By the pool

• Make it a rule that an adult must be present whenever children are in or around the pool.
• Install a fence that’s at least 4 feet high with a self-closing and self-latching gate.
• Be sure drains are covered and your suction system has an automatic shutdown; suction entrapment can lead to drowning.
• Make sure pool slides, stairs and diving boards are secure and in good condition.
• Place pool chemicals in a secure area where kids and pets can’t access them.
• Empty kiddie pools after every use.

In the yard

• Be on the lookout for dead trees or branches that could fall and hurt someone
• Fill in any holes that could cause tripping or a twisted ankle.
• Scan your yard for poison ivy or oak and, if you find some, treat the area and alert kids to stay clear.

Guard the grill

• Establish a 3-foot “kid-free zone” around the grill
• Never leave a grill in use unattended
• Place the grill well away from siding, deck railings and overhanging branches and a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.

By taking these steps you can ensure a safe summer for the kids.

Original article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/summer-safety-tips-for-outdoor-play/

Written by Jennifer Mcguire

About 3.2 million students are expected to graduate from high school during the next few weeks, says the National Center for Education Statistics.  After leaving the nest, it’s normal for a bout of homesickness in the first few months at college. But dormitory life doesn’t have to cause angst for those students who choose it. To ease the transition, here are five thoughtful graduation gifts to make their college housing experience feel a little more like home. Don’t forget: A comfortable student is a productive one.

Comfortable Bedding Is Sound Sleeping

Know the size of the mattress before you buy bedding, as dorm beds often are not the standard single size you’re used to. Contact the campus housing office and clarify the exact measurements and thickness to avoid an expensive mistake. Common sizes are twin and twin extra-long, says dormsmart.com. Comforters, blankets and bed skirts should match as well.

Light Up Their Life

Bright lighting makes for good grades and a harmonious living relationship. Floor and gooseneck lamps pinpoint the lighting, so your teen’s roomie can count sheep peacefully. Clip-on lights are perfect for studying at night and can be easily affixed to the bedframe.

Help Them Study in Bed

There are certain dormitory essentials to keep bedside. Whether it’s a smartphone, glasses, laptop, a college textbook, a quick-snack candy bar or even a bottle of water, a bedside caddy with pockets is the answer. No need to disrupt the studying routine when everything is within arm’s reach! And don’t forget extra phone chargers and USB plugs so they can easily move around the room to get comfortable.

Living Clutter-Free

Decluttering doesn’t get much better than with a large old-fashioned steamer trunk. You’d be amazed at how much you can fit in there. In a pinch, the trunk doubles as a footrest or end table. Get a laundry basket with a lid for dirty clothing. And don’t forget a hamper for clean clothing – it frees up valuable drawer space in those ever-so-tiny dormitory dressers.

The Cart Comes Before the Fridge

Mini-fridges are a staple of dorm life, but make sure you buy a cart with drawers as well. You can put the fridge atop it with space underneath for groceries. Some colleges also offer a free refrigerator or rental availability, so check with campus housing before making a purchase.

While graduation may bring a few tears as you envision your grad moving away from home, you can follow these tips to create a home away from home that will keep them comfortable and on task. If you need inspiration, check out these other ideas at pinterest.com.

Original Article at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/help-make-your-grads-dorm-feel-like-home/

Written by Jennifer McGuire

Original post at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/kitchen-the-heart-of-home/

Written by Jennifer McGuire

National Flag Day is June 14, when Americans will honor 246 years of Old Glory. Since the flag’s adoption by Congress on June 14, 1777, its design has been modified 27 times, with President Eisenhower ordering the current 50-star version of our flag in 1959. Symbolizing independence and solidarity, the Stars and Stripes are a powerful reminder of what it means to be an American.

Here are some ways the American Legion says you should display your flag, not only on June 14, but throughout National Flag Month in July:

1. Display the flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open.
2. When a patriotic effect is desired, the flag can be displayed 24 hours a day if illuminated during hours of darkness.
3. If it’s made from all-weather material such as nylon, the flag can be displayed in the rain.
4. The stripes can be displayed horizontally or vertically against a wall, with the union or blue field uppermost and to the observer’s left. When shown in the window of your home or business, the flag should be displayed the same way with the blue field to the left of the observer in the street.
5. Although there is no proper way to fold a flag, there’s a traditional method of folding that produces a triangular-shaped form, like that of a three-corner hat, with only the blue union showing. Click here for directions.
6. When a flag has served its purpose, it should be destroyed, preferably by burning. Many American Legion posts, among other organizations, dispose of unserviceable flags during ceremonies on June 14.
7. If you want to display civic pride in other ways, post on social media by using #NationalFlagDay.

Lastly, celebrate National Flag Day by thanking a member of our Armed Forces for their service. It’s their sacrifices that have made our freedom possible.

Original Article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/7-tips-for-celebrating-flag-day/