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Improve Your Curb Appeal: 6 Projects You Can Tackle in a Weekend

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The outside of your home is the first thing visitors see when they show up for a visit.

It’s also the first thing potential buyers see when you put your home up for sale and they arrive to scope it out.

Now that the weather is warming in much of the country, it's a good time to shift your attention from interior projects to exterior projects. Here are six you may be well-equipped to tackle in the course of a single weekend.

1. Do a Yard Cleanup

A messy, unruly yard can give a bad impression even when the rest of your house is in great shape.

It can especially make sense to do a yard cleanup in early spring to clear out winter debris. Remove tree branches and other debris that may have fallen onto your lawn during a storm for a cleaner look overall. And while you’re at it, trim and shape your shrubs for a more uniform, neat look.

2. Give Your Front Door a Fresh Coat of Paint

Many people regard their front doors as utility items and don’t tend to focus on the aesthetics. If you take that approach, you’re missing a big opportunity to add color and life to your home's exterior. Painting your front door is a great weekend project, and one that could have a lot of impact.

A source from U.S. News cautions not to go overboard on colors for your home’s exterior. “You should probably have a max of three colors," he says. "Trim and house are the main color, front door has a pop color, and then maybe some furniture outside that complements that color." If you stick to that rule, you shouldn’t be afraid to turn a white door into a brighter one.

3. Clear and Reframe Your Walkway

Your walkway is something all of your guests need to use, so it’s important to make it safe and accessible. Clear debris to eliminate trip hazards and trim shrubbery that may be interfering with your walkway.

Consider putting stones around your walkway for aesthetic appeal. “Walkway stones are usually cheap. You buy them at a hardware store and they might be as inexpensive as a couple of dollars each,” U.S. News say. “They can completely reframe the walkway.”

4. Replace Your Sprinkler Heads

You probably rely on your sprinkler system to keep your lawn in good shape. Unfortunately, sprinkler heads can break pretty easily. If you use a lawn service in particular, you may risk having them crushed by those giant ride-on mowers. And if they’re not functioning the way they’re supposed to, you risk damaging or destroying a section of your lawn.

Testing your sprinkler system regularly to make sure it’s working properly is also recommended. If you notice any broken heads, replace them before the temperature really heats up.

5. Add Plants and Flowers

Plants and flowers can add some nice pop to your exterior, creating a more welcoming atmosphere. U.S. News says adding plants and flowers can be pretty easy work, even if you’re not a gardening expert by any means.  

“You don’t have to spend hours digging and then a lot of time on maintenance,” they say. “Consider getting a few plants, in varying heights, and sticking them into some nice, decorative planter pots. That allows you to have the look of more mature plants and flowers without as much yard work.”

If you’re going to add flowers, keep your exterior’s color scheme in mind. You don’t want to plant flowers that are going to clash with your newly painted door.

6. Pressure Wash Your Home

Over time, dirt and grime can accumulate on your patio, deck and siding. Not only can this be unpleasant to look at, but in the case of mold, it could cause potential health issues. If you’ve got a free weekend, head over to your local hardware store, rent a pressure washer, and take the time to get your exterior looking spotless.

It costs $35 to $175 per day to rent a pressure washer from a home improvement center, says HomeAdvisor, which may be a less expensive than hiring professionals. On average, a professional power wash costs $0.40 per square foot, or $25 to $100 an hour. Some professionals charge a flat fee of $90 to $200, depending on the size of the job. Also, while some of the projects above are ones you'll probably have or want to put off in the event of rain, pressure washing is something you can do even if the weather isn't all that cooperative. A drizzle or mild rain shouldn't get in the way of your work, and you may find that the presence of rain actually helps speed up the process.

Read more at RealEstate.USNews.com

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6 Essential Spring Home Maintenance Tasks To Do ASAP

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The first day of spring has finally sprung. It’s time to throw open the windows, let in the fresh air, and revel in some sunshine.

Once that’s done—and stick with us here—spare some time for some easy home maintenance tasks.

Spring brings an hour of extra daylight, and you might now notice that all the ice, snow, and general wintry mix have given rise to small (but essential) home maintenance tasks you won’t want to skip this season.

We know, we know—fixing up the house is not as fun as frolicking among the flowers. Yet a few minutes of upkeep now will help save you hours of headaches down the line.

Here are the six biggies you should tackle now, either by yourself or by hiring a pro.

1. Inspect your home’s exterior and roof

No. 1 on any spring maintenance checklist is inspecting the outside of your home for any storm damage.

Depending on where you live (and what kind of home you have), it’s possible that your house took a beating during harsh, cold weather. Avoid nasty surprises—like a leaky roof—by giving everything a once-over now.

“It’s essential to inspect your home regularly for any potential damage,” says professional handyman Walter Bennett. “That includes checking the exterior and roof for water leaks, storm damage, or anything else that may need fixing.”

DIY route: If you feel comfortable climbing a ladder, you can easily inspect your home’s exterior.

Call in the pros: Are you concerned about climbing onto the roof? Find a local roofing company that can help.

2. Check for water leaks in the basement

What’s good for the outside of your home is also imperative for the inside’s darkest corners. It’s time to journey into the basement and look for water leaks or musty odors indicating moisture problems.

“Many homeowners neglect this important task, but it’s crucial to catch any potential problems early on to be fixed before they become more significant issues,” says Bennett.

DIY route: Start by inspecting the walls and floor for any signs of moisture or water stains. Check for dampness or puddles in corners and along the baseboards. Examine pipes, joints, and connections for signs of dripping or pooling water.

Call in the pros: If you find water you cannot quickly stop from entering your home, call in a pro. Unchecked water damage in the basement can lead to foundation issues.

3. Reseal driveways and paths

Driveways and paths are another vital part of our homes that degrade during the long winter months. These areas need to be resealed every few years to protect against inevitable corrosion.

Call in the pros: Resealing a driveway isn’t rocket science, but getting the job done well takes time and experience. We recommend calling in the pros to be sure your driveway doesn’t end up looking like a patchwork quilt.

4. Get your chimney cleaned

If you use anything that burns wood to keep you cozy during the chilliest time of the year, you should schedule to have it checked at the end of every season.

“Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves are beautiful additions to any home, but they need to be appropriately cleaned and maintained to function safely and correctly,” says Bennett. “A dirty fireplace can cause a dangerous creosote buildup, leading to a chimney fire.”

Buildup can also occur in wood-burning stoves and cause them to not function as efficiently. If you start to notice that there seems to be less oxygen flow within your stove, it might be time to call a chimney sweep.

Call in the pros: Unless you have the safety equipment to climb on your roof and clean the chimney safely, it’s best to leave this to the professionals.

5. Clear gutters and spouts

Neglecting all the organic material that built up in your gutters over the past few months could result in significant structural damage to your home—so it’s best to check them as soon as the snow’s gone.

“Maintaining rain gutters matters because they are the first and most important defense against water damage to homes,” says Kevin Leahy of The SpoutOff. “Gutters and downspouts must be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent clogging.”

Leahy recommends paying particular attention to the outlet (the hole in the gutter at the top of the downspout), where many clogs originate.

DIY route: If you can handle being on a ladder, you can tackle cleaning the gutters on a warm afternoon. Here’s how.

6. Spiff up the yard and garden

Spring is the time to clean up all the random bits and bobs that landed in your yard and garden from winter storms.

“Remove all debris from last year’s season: leaves, branches, and other yard waste,” says Bennett. “This will help prepare your yard and garden beds for healthy new growth.”

DIY route: Not sure where to start? Use this checklist to kick-start your spring gardening.

Read more at Realtor.com

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‘The Best of Both Worlds’: The Spring Housing Market Might Just Change Everything

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It’s not just the temperatures that are warming up right now.

If you didn’t already know, spring is the start of the busiest homebuying period of the year. Houses ooze curb appeal with early flowers in full bloom. Buyers don’t mind trudging to open houses in nicer weather. And families start scouring home listings, hoping to move in just a few short months when the kids are out of school.

This spring is also the housing market’s make-or-break moment, coming a year after high list prices and mortgage rates—and a lack of available properties—stalled home sales.

So what should homebuyers and sellers expect this season? Will asking prices and mortgage rates finally ebb? Will more homes come onto the market? Will sellers have to—gasp—negotiate? Or will a proposal by President Joe Biden to make housing more affordable nip the spring market in the bud?

“Where we are right now is the best of both worlds. Price increases are slowing, which is good for buyers, and prices are still relatively high, which is good for sellers,” says Realtor.com® Chief Economist Danielle Hale. “There are some optimistic signs, but we haven’t seen that yet translate into more sales.”

She expects sales will be better than in 2023, but they will be down from the surges seen during the COVID-19 pandemic and from a more typical year.

“We’re moving in the right direction,” says Hale.

One positive sign for the housing market is that Americans are more optimistic about buying and selling homes, according to Fannie Mae’s Home Purchase Sentiment Index. About two-thirds of consumers, 65%, said it was a good time to sell a home in February.

However, just 19% of folks said it’s a good time to purchase a home, according to the index. And that was an increase from 17% in January.

That’s because housing is still incredibly expensive. Nationally, list prices clocked in at a median of $415,500 in February, according to the most recent Realtor.com data. Mortgage rates also remain high, averaging 6.74% in the week ending March 14, according to Freddie Mac.

“The housing market is at a stalemate with high rates,” says Devyn Bachman, chief operating officer at John Burns Research & Consulting, a company that works with builders. “Until something changes, we’re kind of stuck where we are.”

Good news for buyers: More affordable homes are coming

The best news for buyers this spring is more—and cheaper—homes are going up for sale.

There were nearly 15% more homes for sale in February than a year earlier, according to Realtor.com data. That alone could jolt the housing market a bit if more “For Sale” signs continue to appear. However, the nation is still suffering from a housing shortage even with all of that new inventory.

Many homeowners chose to stay put to hold on to the ultralow mortgage rates they locked in during the pandemic. But now, they might be starting to move, even if they have to stomach a higher mortgage rate to do so.

“Listings are up a bit as life events and job changes are putting increasing pressure on locked-in homeowners to sell their homes,” says Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics. “Homeowners may also be slowly coming to the realization that mortgage rates aren’t going back anywhere near the rate on their existing mortgage.”

Buyers can also rejoice in more inexpensive homes going up for sale. The number of properties priced between $200,000 and $350,000 shot up 20.6% year over year in February.

More than half of these less expensive homes, or 55.5%, were in the Southern region of the country.

“The biggest need for homes is in those lower-priced categories,” says Hale. “We’re starting to see the market give buyers the choices they can afford.”

More home sellers are also cutting prices. About 14.6% of all homes on the market underwent a price reduction in February, up from 13.2% in February of last year.

Buyers shouldn’t get too comfortable, though.

“Spring is always more active than the rest of the year. We’re more likely to see bidding wars and above-ask offers in spring than in other seasons,” says Hale. However, “there will be less of that this year.”

Mortgage rates are a wild card this spring

The success of the spring selling season might hinge on which direction mortgage rates head next.

They came down from nearly 8% last fall to the 6% range in mid-December. This was thanks to the U.S. Federal Reserve’s plans to cut interest rates, which would likely result in lower mortgage rates as well.

But with inflation stubbornly remaining above the Fed’s 2% target, the Fed may choose to keep its rates higher for longer. That is expected to keep mortgage rates high as well.

“There will be more of a roller coaster in mortgage rates than previously expected,” says Hale. “Buyers are going to have to stay on their toes and be prepared to adjust.”

This time around, however, buyers might be more willing to accept a higher rate on a mortgage they can refinance when rates come down.

When rates first started rising rapidly in 2022, many found the prospect of a mortgage rate in the high 6% range financially terrifying. But after rates almost hit 8% last fall, they’re looking a lot better to many aspiring homeowners.

“Buyers and sellers have come to terms with these higher rates,” says Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist of Bright MLS, which covers the mid-Atlantic region of the country. “I do think we’re going to see them above 6% for the rest of the year.”

Even if rates do drop, home prices could potentially rise to make up the difference. That’s because more buyers will jump into the market, making it even more competitive. That could lead to more bidding wars and offers over the asking price.

President Biden might have threatened the success of the spring market

The housing proposals Biden unveiled at the State of the Union, which are designed to make housing more affordable, could also inadvertently endanger the spring market.

Biden, the Democratic Party’s 2024 presumptive nominee, would like to offer middle-class homebuyers tax credits of up to $5,000 for two years and middle-class homeowners tax credits worth up to $10,000 if they sell starter homes to other owner-occupants.

“President Biden’s proposals are just proposals and unlikely to become law, at least not anytime soon,” says Zandi.

However, many potential buyers and sellers might still hold off on entering the market.

“They might wait until they can get the tax credit money instead of moving ahead with plans,” says Hale. “It could cause a temporary drop in housing demand.”

Bidding wars and offers over the asking price could return

Despite high home prices and mortgage rates, buyers are expected to face a lot of competition over a still-limited number of homes for sale.

“Homes that are turnkey and in a good school district will be in high demand, meaning there will probably be bidding wars,” says Ali Wolf, chief economist of the building consultancy Zonda. “They will sell above asking price.”

However, real estate experts don’t predict a repeat of what we saw during the pandemic.

“I don’t think we’re going to see a return of buyers having to offer up their firstborn child to get a home,” says Sturtevant. “Sellers are still going to have the upper hand, but they’re going to have to negotiate.”

Sturtevant is seeing more seller concessions in the mid-Atlantic region. About a quarter of all sales included sellers providing the buyers with some cash for their closing, buying down their mortgage rates, or kicking in some money for repairs.

“For someone who is willing to accept an older home that needs more work, there is a bit more negotiating power,” says Wolf. “There will be opportunities for negotiating this spring season.”

Read more at Realtor.com

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6 Ways to Create a Beautiful Spring Garden

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What could be more welcome than the first warm breezes of spring?

They refresh both the gardener and the garden. There’s no better way to enjoy this change in the weather than to plan your borders so they peak during this beautiful time of year.

Spring starts anywhere from February to April, depending on where you live and what the temperatures happen to be any given year. Your flowers will hang on longer, in some cases for a couple of months, during a cool spring. Or the season can rush by in just a few weeks during a warmer year.

Early, mid and late spring garden

Short or long, spring usually has three phases: Early, mid and late. Make sure you have plants that look good in each one. Early spring is chilly with erratic weather patterns. Look for tough early bloomers, such as hellebores, witchhazel and snowdrops. In mid- to late spring you’ll notice common lilacs, peonies and many others blooming abundantly.

So as you can see, a great spring garden is more than a few tulips and daffodils plunked in the ground. These essential design ideas will take your spring garden from ho-hum to positively perfect.

1. Think fragrance

Spring and fragrant flowers just seem to go hand in hand. Common lilac, peony, hyacinth — their heavenly scent makes time spent outside a real pleasure. Place them near a well-travelled path or under an open window so you won’t miss out. Work fragrant plants into a foundation planting or near the front door to share a favorite scent with visitors. Sheltered from the wind by the house, the fragrance won’t dissipate as quickly as it would in an open area. A hedge or privacy fence can serve the same purpose in your backyard. If you don’t have room for a large woody vine, try one of the other aromatic spring beauties in the list below.

Fragrant spring flowers

Make sure a few of these spring bloomers are close to areas you visit frequently so you can enjoy what they have to offer.

  • Common lilac Syringa vulgaris 

  • Dianthus Dianthus spp. and hybrids 

  • Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis 

  • Lily-of-the-valley Convallaria majalis

  • Mockorange Philadelphus spp. and hybrids 

  • Peony Paeonia lactiflora

  • Star magnolia Magnolia stellata

  • Stock Matthiola incana

2. Choose a pretty spring color palette

Pastel colors, such as the pink, lavender and white above, create a classic spring look. These soft colors are easy to mix and match. Frame an entry with them to give your front door a laid-back and relaxed style. Swap those pink tulips for bright orange ones and you’d change the mood from serene to peppy.

3. Balance scale and size of plants in the spring garden

Doesn’t a photo of a lush green lawn path beckon you to wander in and see what other views might be around the corner? Grow a few large spring-blooming shrubs in areas far from the house. Big sweeps of vibrant color from these rhododendrons are perfect for attracting attention to vistas. The brighter the better, if you want a lot of impact from the view out of your back window. Save sweet little combos like the one at right for an often-used path or an area next to your favorite seating spot. Smaller plants, such as the yellow archangel, are more in scale with these situations and often have smaller blooms or more subtle flower colors that are harder to see from a distance.

Foliage plays a role in the spring garden, too

Not every good-looking plant in spring has flowers. Emerging plants can be a part of the show, too. Look for the graceful curl of hostas unfurling as they poke through the soil and upright ferns uncoiling their fiddleheads. And check your epimedium every day to see its changes in leaf color.

4. Adding bulbs to your spring garden is a no-brainer

When you think spring, it’s only natural to start with a few bulbs. Tulips, daffodils, grape hyacinths and many other spring-blooming bulbs are so easy to grow. Take the petite greigii tulips — they perk up this foliage-filled border with minimal care. They’ll even naturalize, or spread on their own, if you keep the soil on the dry side through summer. How would you like even more bulbs that will expand into a big pool of color in your garden? Check out the list of bulbs below for a few that can naturalize in your garden.

Bulbs that will spread in your spring garden

Start with just a few of these bulbs, and give them a sunny spot with good drainage. It won’t take long for you to have a big patch of color that brightens your spring garden.

  • Camassia Camassia quamash 

  • Crocus Crocus spp. and hybrids 

  • Daffodil Narcissus spp. and hybrids 

  • Grape hyacinth Muscari armeniacum 

  • Grecian windflower Anemone blanda

5. Add trees and shrubs for structure in your spring garden

Not all spring-flowering shrubs are as flashy as rhododendrons. But trees and shrubs provide the overall structure essential for a good-looking garden design. Plus spring-blooming annuals, perennials and bulbs are perfect under a deciduous tree. The smaller plants will soak up the sun and bloom like crazy before getting shaded out by the leaves above. Once the canopy fills in, it protects the foliage below from getting too crispy.

Flowering crabapples and ornamental pears are stunning in bloom but trees don’t have to flower to be impressive. Many have attractive features that are well worth bragging about. Take river birch, for example. Its shaggy bark adds a unique texture that complements the spring flowers nicely. When the blooms below fade, the tree continues its performance year-round.

Shrubs are great additions to a spring garden

Shrubs are a great choice if you don’t have a lot of room in your yard but still want the height and structure a tree provides. Why not try the pearlbush? This low-maintenance specimen is also drought-tolerant, once established. Its small white flowers aren’t fragrant, but they usually last a couple of weeks in spring. To protect the buds from a late frost, give pearlbush a sheltered spot next to a wall, or on the east side of the house.

6. Don’t forget spring planters!

Whether it’s early, mid- or late spring, you can dress up entries, patios and decks with containers. Tulips and wishbone flowers are surrounded by bacopa and creeping Jenny, which seem to flow out of the planter. The wishbone flower will eventually get leggy, so go ahead and cut it back by a third and it will bloom again in fall. When the tulip flowers are past, pull the bulbs and replace them with a summer-blooming favorite.

Garden center shortcut

Instead of having to chill or overwinter your own bulbs, make it easy on yourself and buy some already in bloom at the garden center. Look for open flowers to help you decide on the color and then pick up plants that are labeled and in tight bud for a longer-lasting show.

Read more at GardenGateMagazine.com

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Spring-Ready Roofs: Essential Maintenance Tips for a Trouble-Free Season

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Winter is finally finishing up, and spring is almost here!

As the weather warms up, it's time to start thinking about your home's maintenance needs. One area that homeowners often overlook is their roof. Your roof plays a critical role in protecting your home from the elements, and it's important to ensure that it's in good condition before the season changes. In this blog post, we'll share some essential maintenance tips to help you get your roof ready for spring and avoid any potential problems down the line.

Inspect Your Roof
Before you start any maintenance work on your roof, it's crucial to inspect it thoroughly. Look for signs of damage, such as cracked or missing tiles, shingles or flashing, or any visible holes or leaks. Check for debris buildup, such as leaves or branches that may have accumulated during winter storms. If you notice any problems, be sure to address them promptly by calling a professional roofing company.

Clean Your Gutters
Cleaning your gutters is an essential part of roof maintenance. Gutters are designed to carry rainwater away from your home and prevent water damage to the foundation and walls. Clogged gutters can cause water backup, leading to leaks or even structural damage if left unchecked for too long. Be sure to clean out any debris from your gutters at least twice a year - once in the fall and again in the spring.

Trim Overhanging Branches
Overhanging tree branches can pose a significant risk to your roof during heavy winds or storms. They can also contribute to debris buildup in your gutters. Trim back any branches that are close enough to touch your roof regularly so that they don't cause damage.

Repair Flashing
Flashing is the material used around chimneys, skylights, vents, and other roof penetrations to prevent water from seeping through. Over time, flashing can become damaged or corroded, leading to leaks. Inspect your flashing for any signs of wear and tear and replace it if necessary.

Schedule a Professional Inspection
While it's essential to inspect your roof yourself regularly, a professional inspection is still recommended at least once every two years. Roofing professionals have the expertise and equipment necessary to identify potential problems that may not be visible to the untrained eye. They can help you address any issues before they turn into more significant problems down the line.

A well-maintained roof is critical in protecting your home from the elements and ensuring its longevity. By following these essential maintenance tips, you can prepare your roof for spring and avoid any potential problems down the line. Remember to inspect your roof regularly, clean out your gutters, trim overhanging branches, repair flashing, and schedule a professional inspection every few years. With these simple steps, you can enjoy a trouble-free season with peace of mind, knowing that your home is well-protected.

Read more at Rismedia.com

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If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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