Posts from January 2020

Winter temperatures can be tough on your garden, but some plants can survive under these conditions. Not only that, but some even manage to thrive during cold weather, still yielding blooms or berries.

The following six cold-loving plants are hardy enough to withstand the toughest winters in some parts of our country:

1. Peonies
   Peonies are known for their attractive, fragrant flowers that are usually pink, red, or white. They're hardy enough to survive long periods of cold winter temperatures with little care, so they're the perfect choice for home improvement projects for your landscaping. If its glossy green foliage yellowed in the fall, trim it back. Also, use a layer of straw or shredded bark after the ground freezes, and in the late spring or early summer, you'll see blooms.
2. Coneflower

There's no doubt that selling a unique property comes with its share of challenges. Real estate shoppers rely heavily on comparable properties when analyzing prices, and by definition, a unique property is difficult to compare with anything else in the area when selling your home. A property can be unique because of its value, layout, or extravagant upgrades, especially if has been personalized specifically to suit the needs of its previous owner. The good news is that selling a unique property is far from impossible, but it may require different tactics than selling a property that fits more naturally with the neighborhood. Get started with our six tips on how to sell your unique property.

1. Aerial Photos Showcase the Whole Property
   Many properties are unique due to their location, views, the size of the lot, or the unique out...

With the home market heating up, many buyers believe that making a cash offer will give them an advantage over other buyers. But, as a seller, is it in your best interest to take a cash offer? Or are you better off sticking to your price and holding out for a lender-financed buyer? 

The answer is--it depends.

There certainly are some advantages to selling your home to a cash buyer. This is particularly true if you're in a hurry to sell because you're moving or you need money quickly. However, as with most things, there are some potential drawbacks. Let's take a deeper dive into the pros and cons of a cash sale.

1. Fast Closing
   One of the best things about a cash deal is the ability to go to closing quickly. When a buyer purchases a home with traditional financing, it often takes 30 to 60 days from the...

Moving is a pretty big project no matter what age you are or how much stuff you have. It's almost always bigger than you think. When you're selling your home and moving to a new one, you'll want to keep your moving costs from getting out of control. These tips can help you cut moving costs and still get the job done.

• Plan ahead.
  Probably the best thing you can do to save yourself some money is to plan ahead. Get started as early as possible sourcing the goods and services you'll need, so you can research and take advantage of deals or freebies. Movers are often booked up on weekends far in advance, so you'll pay extra for last-minute arrangements if you can schedule them at all.
• Get rid of stuff you don't need.
  Packing and moving services use the time spent on your move, how much stuff you have a...

Whether you're selling your home soon or you're looking to add value long-term, the garage may not be the first room you think of when upgrading your home. For many homeowners, the garage is a place to store things and work on projects, so aesthetics take a back seat. If you're looking for a unique way to wow potential buyers, however, a finished garage is one potential tool in your arsenal. But does a finished garage truly add value when selling your home? The answer depends on what you're trying to accomplish, and what sort of buyer you intend to attract.

• What Is a Finished Garage?
  In many homes, the garage simply doesn't get the same attention as other rooms. An unfinished garage is basically your average garage--stuff stored all around, unfinished walls and ceilings, and very few creature comforts. A finished garage looks...