5 Tips for Beginning Gardeners

With the warm weather comes perfect timing to tackle outdoor projects. If you have recently moved into a new house, gardening is the perfect way to ground yourself and make the space feel like home. The beauty of gardening is that there is always something new to learn. It takes trial and error, but with the right guidance you can have a green thumb in no time. These 5 tips for beginning gardeners are perfect to start this new adventure with!

Don't Go Overboard

When beginning to garden, it's important to start small and not take on more than you can handle. Gardening is a hobby that takes a certain amount of devoted time. If you run a busy schedule, don't feel down about starting with a small garden! It is suggested to start with containers or a raised bed to manage your seeds. Over time, you can slowly expand your garden and add more plants as you please.  

Purchase High Quality Gardening Tools

Most plants are sensitive and require a level of care, from both you and your gardening tools. Purchasing a hose that won't kink will save you time and worries, but be sure to pair it with a gentle watering faucet. Consider investing in stainless stool tools as they can handle weather elements not rust.

Incorporate Mulch in the Garden

Spreading mulch is one of the best things you can do for your garden. Mulch helps limit time spent watering since it is able to hold moisture. Adding 2-4 inches of mulch on your garden beds will help plants thrive.

Add Compost

Not only is composting a sustainable way of life, but it adds great value to gardens. The secret to a healthy garden is the quality of soil, and compost is a great way to boost the nutrients. Start composting with grass clippings or fallen leaves, while incorporating kitchen waste. This includes:

• Egg shells
• Fruit and veggies scraps
• Coffee grounds
• Houseplant trimmings
• Tea leaves/bags

Choice Properties offers you a chance to find the home of your dreams. We work with your budget and ideas in mind to support your ultimate vision. Call us if you are ready to check out the available inventory or to speak with a reputable agent who can assist you with your home buying needs.

Make Your New Home Energy Efficient

As technology continues to advance we are learning more ways to live efficiently, including within our homes! Families across the nation are making small transitions to practice a more sustainable lifestyle. Making your new home energy efficient comes with a list of personal and environmental benefits, allowing you to save money on utility costs and feel good about your way of living. Follow these tips on making your new home energy efficient to live more green.

Hire a Professional Energy Auditor

Hiring a professional energy auditor is an easy way to examine where wasted energy is coming from your home. A trained auditor will inspect the interior and exterior of your home to identify areas of improvement. This allows you to see small changes needed and the opportunity to save money in the long run.

Update Home Appliances

On average, home appliances such as washers, dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerators make up 20% of your home's electric bill. Replacing outdated appliances with energy efficient components can use anywhere from 10-50% less energy than before, while helping reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.

Seal All Windows

Winter is the prime season for cold drafts, meaning your heating system has to work harder to keep your home cozy. If your windows allow drafts to sneak in, consider sealing the windows to cover air leaks. This is a simple, easy way to lower energy costs in your home and can be done by most homeowners.

Add Insulation to Attic Space

Having insulation professionally installed in your attic can greatly influence your home's heating and cooling costs by sealing air leaks. Of course, the amount of insulation needed depends on the size of your attic, but is a great option to managing the temperature of your home.

Other Ways to Live Efficiently

Swapping outdated appliances for new and sealing windows are useful ways to save money and go green. However, there are still a number of transitions your family can practice. If you're interested in living a more sustainable life consider:

• Lowering your thermostat
• Composting organic waste
• Limit space heater use
• Unplug cell phone charger and accessories when not using them
• Limit time in shower

Choice Properties offers you a chance to find the home of your dreams. We work with your budget and ideas in mind to support your ultimate vision. Call us if you are ready to check out the available inventory or to speak with a reputable agent who can assist you with your home buying needs.

Why Home Buyers Should Have a Home Inspection

For those experienced in the home buying process, you may understand the importance of having a home inspection. Buying a home is one of the largest investments we make in life, making it crucial that you are not hit with costly surprises. Making assumptions that the home is has no issues can make you pay for it later on. There are many reasons why home buyers should have a home inspection.

Receive a Professional Report on the Home's Condition

Taking time to hire a professional home inspector will ensure you receive a professional report on the structural condition of the home. The home inspector will have a checklist of items to inspect, and a standardized format to provide you with the results. You can expect a full written report with details and photos of the home.

Home Inspectors Help Avoid Future Issues

The main duty of a home inspector is to make sure the home is structurally sound. Unfortunately, structural issues are not always easily recognized by the average person and can take longer and cost more to repair. A skilled inspector knows exactly what to look for and inspects the craftsmanship and safety of the home. A caring home inspector will work with buyers to avoid a major issue in the future if the home is not up-to-code. If the home inspection report comes back with red flags, now is the perfect time to negotiate the price if still interested.

Help Plan for Future Projects

One of the benefits about hiring a home inspector is to gain an idea on future projects the home may need. This includes information on roofing conditions, gutters, windows, and siding. Knowing if and when the home will need a new roof could greatly influence your negotiation price. An inspector will also check the garage, steps, and porches for safety concerns. It's important to get an educated opinion on the lifespan of the roof or siding, as these are big investments that should be considered.

Hiring a professional home inspector offers a list of benefits, putting your mind at ease when purchasing a home. Although a home may look brand new and secure, there is a still a risk of issues occurring.

Choice Properties offers you a chance to find the home of your dreams. We work with your budget and ideas in mind to support your ultimate vision. Call us if you are ready to check out the available inventory or to speak with a reputable agent who can assist you with your home buying needs.

The Home Selling Process Step-by-Step

With life comes new adventures whether you are transitioning careers, growing your family, or moving into a new neighborhood. Re-locating is a great way to start fresh and comes with new, exciting opportunities. Many families make the decision to sell their home and move to a new neighborhood. Perhaps you are attracted to the entertainment a new area has to offer, or you simply desire a home with more living space. The first step to starting this journey is to sell your home. When working with a Choice Properties real estate agent, we are sure to guide you through the home selling process step-by-step.

Step 1: Preparing Your Home to Sell

When selling your home, it's important to make the space feel welcoming for potential buyers. First impressions are powerful in real estate, as this gives buyers an opportunity to envision themselves living in the space. When preparing your home to sell, remember to focus on:

• Cleaning. Although this may be an obvious, having a clean home free of clutter and dirt is an easy place to start. Wiping down ceiling fans and baseboards will do wonders for any home.
• Fresh Paint. Taking time to give walls a coat of fresh paint can liven up any space. Incorporate it with curb appeal by painting the front door a bold, warm color.
• Curb Appeal. Maintaining the outside of the home is just as important as cleaning the inside. Guests should be greeted with cut grass and landscaping as they enter the driveway.

Step 2: Listing Your Home for Showings

To get the selling process started, you must first list your home! Our professional agents will assist you in listing your home to guide you on the right path for a successful closing. A trusted agent should be knowledgeable on possessing the wealth of the area, ensuring your home is listed at the correct price. Once the home is listed, showings will be arranged. Showing a home gives potential buyers the chance to take their time when viewing the space.

Step 3: Price Negotiation

The patience from updating small features if your home to hosting showings has finally paid off as someone made an offer, congrats! This phase of the home selling process is important, as your real estate agent will use their knowledgeable negotiation skills. Once you and the buyer have agreed on a price, a formal contract will be written.

Step 4: Closing on The Sell

The final step in the home selling process is to close on the home. During this time, paperwork will be reviewed by all parties to ensure details are set in place. This details include transaction costs, adjustments, tax details, and other information. Your Choice Properties agent will assist you with the final documentation of the closing of your home to assure all questions are answered.

Choice Properties offers you a chance to find the home of your dreams. We work with your budget and ideas in mind to support your ultimate vision. Call us if you are ready to check out the available inventory or to speak with a reputable agent who can assist you with your home buying needs.