Why Buy New?

Did you know that the home you purchase can have a positive or negative effect on the environment? In honor of Earth Day, this week’s post explores the ways a new home can help the environment and your cost of ownership.

New homes are built to the most recent set of regulations according to the International Builders Code. The Code is regularly updated and requires strict adherence to better, more efficient construction methods.

New homes are free from many of the health and environmental concerns leftover from previous methods of construction including asbestos and lead paint. 

Buying a new home relieves concerns over mold and mildew. Today’s homes are built with a layer of house wrap which increases insulation and prevents the intrusion of wind and moisture.

Construction materials in new homes are more efficient – from Low-E windows to more effective insulation – you’ll find today’s best products in new homes.

New homes offer opportunities to do more.  Looking for more specific ways to go green? Talk to your builder about what options are available.  The investment you make today will affect your environment, health and family tomorrow.

Considering a Fence

Thinking about making some improvements to your new home such as adding a fence?  Fences can provide privacy and security. Before you make the decision to fence in your yard, here are a few points to consider.

Why Do You Want a Fence?

Adding a fence will dramatically change the way your home looks and lives. A fence is a great way to create a more defined outdoor living space. It provides security for pets or children and a sense of privacy from next door neighbors. A fence can also be a way to create curb appeal and added value to your home.

What Type of Fence Do You Want?

It’s important to first find out what type of neighborhood covenants your community may have. There may be restrictions on the style of fence or type of materials that can be used. Consult your community Homeowners Association before moving forward.

Once you have determined if there are restrictions on the type of fence you can have, it’s time to research the available fencing options.  The main fencing materials are wood, metal and vinyl. Each material comes in a variety of styles and looks.  Some fences offer more privacy than others.  Take a look at fences in your neighborhood to get an idea of what style you may like.

What Is Your Budget?

Most fencing companies charge by the foot – a cost that includes materials and labor. Understanding your budget before you begin planning your fence will help determine the size and materials that fall within your price range. Get estimates from several contractors before moving forward.

Find a Contractor

Get references from neighbors who already have fences. Research online for local fence companies and have them come see your property before providing an estimate.  Once you find a contractor you like, get your agreement down in writing. Verify that your contractor will pull any necessary permits or paperwork to keep the project within any legal limits.

Even though a fence is on your property, as a courtesy you may want to let your neighbors know what you are doing.

What questions do you have about installing a fence?

Housewarming Ideas

Looking for the perfect gift idea for a new homeowner? We’ve got some unique takes on traditional gifts that might just fit the bill.

Housewarming parties and gifts are an old tradition thought to have originated in France. The term 

“housewarming” comes from the old custom of providing firewood to heat a new home. These days there are many takes on the idea of a housewarming gift – meant instead to warm the hearts of those receiving.

1. Board Games – A fun way to prepare new homeowners for hosting friends in their new home.

2. Wreath – To add curb appeal to a new home, gift the homeowners with a seasonal wreath, door mat or porch décor.

3. Something personal – Considering personalizing a household item with the homeowners name or initials – examples are a cutting board, dish towels or photo frame.

4. Theme baskets – If you like to be a little more creative in your gift assembly, consider a theme basket. Put together a grouping of like items such as cleaning supplies, pasta night dinner kit, cookie ingredients, or a movie night basket.

5. Stationary – A fun way to celebrate the new home is with stationary and a custom return address stamp – complete with the homeowners name and new address!

What are some of your favorite ways to celebrate a housewarming?

Creative Ways to Decorate the Easter Egg!

Easter weekend is quickly approaching and we thought you might like some fresh ideas on an old tradition - the Easter Egg. Click on the photos below for details on how to make each egg yourself.

1. Use Glitter!

The blog www.the36thavenue is full of ideas including using glitter for a sparkling twist on egg decor.

2. Melted Crayons

Over at www.jennaburger.com get instructions on using melted crayons for a unique and kid-friendly way of decorating.

3. Even Shaving Cream

Make use of household item like shaving cream to create wonderful egg designs. Find instructions at www.katiescrochetgoodies.com

Spring Plantings

Working outside is a sort of homeowner’s rite of passage.  Molding the look and feel of your home from the outside in is a privilege and opportunity.

So what to do? An easy way to start is with plants and flowers suited to our Southern climate. We’ve compiled a list for you to do just that. Simply take to your local nursery or outdoor store and start shopping!

Flowering Shrubs:
Camellia
Azalea
Gardenia

Flowering Trees:
Crepe Myrtle
Magnolia
Dogwood
Redbud

Flowers:
Daffodil
Verbanas
Heliotrope
Begonia

Groundcover:
Bishop’s Weed
Lamium
Lily-of-the-Valley

For information on how to best plant and care for your southern lawn check out www.bhg.com or www.southernliving.com

Spring Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Spring is right around the corner and it’s time to dig out from winter’s doldrums. There’s an hour more of daylight which means more time to get things done around the house – including a jump start on spring cleaning!

For some tips on how to make your spring cleaning as efficient and effective as possible read below, then let us know what you do as part of your spring cleaning routine! 

Spring Cleaning Tips:

Make sure your tools are ready! Use a clean mop head, empty out the vacuum filter and pull out your gloves! Keep your cleaning supplies in a bucket with you as you move around the house.

Go room to room with a trash bag. Gather everything that needs to be thrown away from each room including trash, papers, receipts, old magazines, etc.

Dust from top to bottom which allows all dust and lint to accumulate and be vacuumed at the end of the process. Work from left to right, top to bottom.

Spray bathroom or kitchen hard surfaces with cleanser and let sit while you work on other areas of the house. The longer the cleanser sits the easier it will be to wipe up without too much scrubbing.

Don’t feel like you need to clean each room at a time. Focus on a task such as dusting and dust the whole house. Then focus on windows, floors, baseboards, etc. without spending all day working in just one room.

For more ideas on Spring Cleaning check out Pinterest for checklists and helpful hints. 

Tax Refund Ideas

Tax time may not be your favorite time of year, but if you’re expecting a refund you can use that money in a variety of ways to improve your current lifestyle.  While getting a refund feels good, financial experts agree that the best way to leave tax season is by breaking even. A refund means the government is giving back your extra money that you could have been saving and building interest on all year. However, if you do get a refund back, here are three ways to put it to work for you.

Down payment on a new home.  Use your tax refund towards a down payment on your new home. 

The average tax refund of $2000-$3000 can be a nice bonus towards your new home savings plan. If you’re a few years away from buying a home, years of saving your refund will help making the down payment easier.

Pay off debt.  Take the money and use it to pay off debt or make extra mortgage payments. Pay off a chunk of that student loan or get rid of credit card debt.

Save for retirement.  Place your refund into your retirement savings 401K or IRA. Your refund will continue to grow over time as interest accumulates. The earlier you begin saving the better!

These are just a few of the ways you can put this “found money” to work for you. What plans do you have for your tax refund?