NO-SWEAT LAWN CARE TIPS FOR A THRIVING YARD

Homeowners often scratch their heads, wondering when is the best time to start caring for their yards. In many parts of the country, landscaping and lawn care experts recommend starting lawn and other outdoor projects once the frost has left the ground and the soil is dry enough for you to walk on yet still moist enough to be malleable. Use these steps for no-sweat lawn care maintenance.

1. Giving Your Yard the Once OverAs soon as the weather allows, head outside and examine your yard. Don’t be surprised if it no longer resembles the tidy patch of earth you remember from last season. It’s not uncommon to find an assortment of dead leaves, thrown branches, and other debris.
   
   Pick up the debris and inspect your lawn, trees, and shrubs to see what may be coming back and what needs replacing.
   
2. Wake Up Your Lawn with a Good RakingGive your grass a good raking to start its growing processing. If you do not remove the dried, dead grass, the new spring grass won’t get the oxygen and sunshine it needs to grow. Gently rake it out and allow it to dry.  You’ll then be better able to assess what your next steps may be regarding reseeding and fertilizing. 
   
3. Weed and FeedIf your yard attracts crabgrass, tackle it early. The best way to prevent it from becoming a problem is by covering your yard with pre-emergent crabgrass control. The best time to fertilize your yard is also when the soil is between 55 and 60 degrees. This gives your grass plenty of nutrition so it grows thick and lush all year long. Having a soil test done is the best way to determine what type and how much fertilizer is needed. Aerate your yard at the same time. The aeration allows fertilizer and water to quickly reach the root bed.
   
   Even though it might seem like a lot of work, if you plan ahead, make sure you have all the tools and supplies you need and really dedicate yourself to the project, you’ll likely find that you can complete your spring lawn preparation during a single weekend.
   
4. Trimming Trees and ShrubsWhen you remove dead branches from your trees and shrubs, it gives them a great start for the growing season ahead. Be careful not to cut away growth. You want your trees and shrubs to have a healthy start in case a second round of cold weather hits.
   
5. Equipment MaintenanceA big part of proper lawn maintenance is having the right tools in proper working order to get the job done. Before spring gets into full swing, check all your tools and equipment — and don’t forget about your lawnmower. Either give it a tune-up at home or make a service appointment.

Keep these tips in mind when you venture outside for some yard work, and you’ll be happy with how well your lawn looks all spring and summer long.

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Market Update for May & Buyers

Market Update for May & Buyers

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Latest Housing Activity News

Press Release, Infographic & Reports

• Latest Press Release: Improving housing inventory, rising costs may bring
  some “normalcy” to Western Washington market
• Market Activity Snapshot Shareable Infographic
• Market Report Video (4 min)
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Discover The Hidden Costs To Buying A House

When you’re budgeting to buy a home — especially your first home, saving for a down payment is probably at the top of your list. Then comes your monthly mortgage (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance). At this point, many homebuyers start thinking they’re in the clear. Not so fast!

The truth is — there are far more costs involved you might not have thought about that will affect your overall budget. And those costs, if not added in, can be enough to throw a monkey wrench into your home-buying plans.

Here are five hidden costs that can really add up:

1. Home Inspection Costs One of the most important steps you’ll take after having your offer accepted is the home inspection. It’s an assurance that the home you’re interested in has no hidden problems. You may be okay with some cosmetic fixes or even a kitchen replacement, but sometimes it’s the things under the surface or the age of the home that can create unforeseen costs. Inspectors look at plumbing, appliances, and heating/cooling systems during their appointment. They may even refer you to specialists, like pest inspectors, if they see signs of something that concerns them. Many people don’t factor in the hundreds of dollars you may end up spending on inspections, but that up-front cost can save you thousands in the long run.
   
2. Taxes You may know that you’ll be paying taxes on your new home, but many people don’t understand you may be paying for a couple of months of those taxes at closing. On top of that, you may be paying for a year of homeowners insurance and any homeowners association fees due as well.
   
3. Utilities Your costs for electricity, gas, sewer, and water could be higher depending upon where your new home is located. You should also budget for garbage collection, Internet, cable, and phone expenses.
   
4. Maintenance, Repairs, Renovations & Redecorating
   Regular home maintenance (cleaning windows and gutters, landscaping, minor updates) is estimated at one percent of your home’s value each year. This does not include larger, unexpected repairs that may happen.
   
   In addition to maintenance and repairs, allow for renovations and redecorating you may undertake when you move into your new house to make it your home.
   
5. Moving Costs
   In your excitement to find and buy a home, it’s normal to overlook the cost of moving. Moving can end up being a huge expense that you’ll need to prepare for. There is a wide budget range depending on the route you take — hiring movers or a DIY move. But no matter what you choose, you’ll be looking at paying for boxes and packing materials, a truck, time, and gas. Create a moving budget ahead of time, so you have the right amount on hand. Plan and schedule as far in advance as possible, so you have your choice of movers.

If you’re buying your first home, don’t be discouraged by these hidden costs. With the right planning and the right real estate agent, you’ll be able to find your dream home and make your purchase without any major setbacks.

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Downsizing Isn’t So Bad: Why Less Can Be More

Downsizing frees you from the time, energy, and effort required from living in a larger home.

People have become obsessed with the idea that bigger is better. You see it everywhere: bigger burgers, bigger cars, and bigger houses. It’s time to set the record straight — selling your house and downsizing your home might actually be a better lifestyle choice for you.  

Choosing to buy a smaller home often has to do with the desire to live a more simple life. If you’re trying to decide whether downsizing is the right move for you, here are some benefits to consider before taking the plunge. 

1. Increased Cash Flow. Smaller homes are less expensive to buy and less expensive to maintain. If your monthly mortgage and utility payments are lower, chances are you’ll have more money every month to invest, travel or pay down your mortgage sooner than expected.
   
2. More Time. The larger the home, the more you have to maintain. A smaller home reduces the time spent on household tasks giving you more hours in the day to do something else more enjoyable.
   
3. Reduced Consumption. Buying smaller forces you to pare down your belongings and regularly keep what’s important and used. If there is no room for it, you probably won’t buy it.
   
4. Reduced Carbon Footprint. A smaller home requires fewer resources because it uses less electricity, heating, and cooling. Building a smaller home also requires the use of less lumber and other wood products.
   
5. Less Stress.
   Downsizing definitely has its perks. Less work, more money, and greater flexibility — all these add up to reduced stress. Homeowners who have downsized their homes seem happier when they’re no longer overwhelmed by the demands of a larger home.

Downsizing your home is about doing more with less. Rather than spending your time and energy maintaining a larger home, you may enjoy your life more by living in a smaller one.

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