Not a lot of space for a garden, but looking for some of the fun of planting and enjoying the beauty of a garden? Try something on a small scale by using a container to plant your bright blooms.
Anyone can grow plants in a container, as it is simple to design and plant, and a snap to maintain. Even apartment dwellers can have pots on a balcony or deck to brighten up the view. Containers have the distinct advantage of being moveable to change the look outside your home. They can also be a handy solution for a yard with poor drainage and soil.
The key to successful container gardening is to use a rich soil with manure and peat added, or use a bag of ready made peat-based growing mixture. Make sure there is plenty of good drainage in any container you use, so the plants don’t become water logged after a plentiful rain or watering.
Try using a 16 inch terra-cotta pot and add larger plants for an immediate flower show. Start in the center by setting the plants that work well together in shade or sun. Don’t forget some vinca vines, or ferns to hang over the edge to add some green. Some good choices for container gardens are the ever popular geraniums and impatients. Add some variety by including some dusty miller, salvia, and verbena. Or start with a geranium and add some ivy geranium and several Dahlberg daisies.
A combination of color can make the planter really fabulous, such as several shades of pink with some purple, or plants that carry out a theme of blue and white.
Use your imagination when selecting pots, making sure all have adequate drainage. Different size pots and crocks or strawberry planters and wooden planters can all be used together. Vary the height for interest.
One more tip, don’t forget to water frequently and pinch back the spent flower. Starting a planter garden is a sure fire way to add some color to your life! Have fun with it.
Showing posts with label neighborhood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label neighborhood. Show all posts
Monday, August 3, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Creative Vegetable Gardens
If you wish to have a garden, but don’t feel you have the room, look again. A sloped hill which is hard to mow works great when planted in the wide row method. This strategy means to plant in three foot wide rows of the same or mixed plants.
Consider making a strip garden in the middle of the lawn. A small area around the drive way or deck could be used to plant.
Containers provide an excellent way to grow vegetables. Make sure these plants get frequent waterings.
Think about growing climbing vegetables in a long rectangular box and using the deck railing as a pole support.
Use one of these great methods and you can have a great vegetable garden in no time!
Consider making a strip garden in the middle of the lawn. A small area around the drive way or deck could be used to plant.
Containers provide an excellent way to grow vegetables. Make sure these plants get frequent waterings.
Think about growing climbing vegetables in a long rectangular box and using the deck railing as a pole support.
Use one of these great methods and you can have a great vegetable garden in no time!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Raised Bed Gardening
Do you long for some color around your house, but need a garden without a lot of maintenance? Consider creating a raised - bed garden against the house or near a property line. You will add three seasons of color and some low maintenance landscaping.
You can start small by spreading 12 inches of dirt, holding it in place with rocks. Start by planting from low to high so the bed rises in tiers and every plant shows well. Annuals can be mixed with perennials to keep the bed in flowers. Set the plants fairly close together at the start so the bed fills in fast.
You may need to divide the plants as they grow, but you will have a lot less weeding. You can also reduce weeds by spreading mulch on the new bed. Now just water, fertilize, and pick off the dead flowers and you will have a garden looking its best in no time!
You can start small by spreading 12 inches of dirt, holding it in place with rocks. Start by planting from low to high so the bed rises in tiers and every plant shows well. Annuals can be mixed with perennials to keep the bed in flowers. Set the plants fairly close together at the start so the bed fills in fast.
You may need to divide the plants as they grow, but you will have a lot less weeding. You can also reduce weeds by spreading mulch on the new bed. Now just water, fertilize, and pick off the dead flowers and you will have a garden looking its best in no time!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Carefree Perennial Gardens
Designing a perennial garden to accent your home and bring a bloom of color to the garden is well worth the investment of time and money. A well designed perennial garden can eventually be almost maintenance-free after it is established. What a wonderful reward to have those shoots of green peeking out of the ground after a long cold winter.
Choose perennials that will guarantee a season-long show of color by laying out a design on paper before planting. Consider the size of the garden, taking into account factors such as lawn size, shrubbery, the formal or informal look, and where the garden will be viewed.
You might want to consider a bed which stands alone in a large open area. Most people prefer to plant a border along a house, fence or walkway. The border will soften the lines between building and lawn and lend a dash of color and interest as well.
Choosing which plants to buy can be an overwhelming task if you arrive at the nursery unprepared. The primary requirements of the plants must match the soil, light and climate conditions of your garden. Ask for assistance if you are unfamiliar with the best plants for your area.
If you are a beginner you may want to start with the “cottage garden” look, which is essentially for people who don’t want something highly organized. Plants are added to suit the taste of the gardener.
The most important thing is to choose the plants that you love without regard to right and wrong. The effect will be a kaleidescope of color as the true cottage garden has a casual but charming appearance.
The nice thing is if you plant something and want to change it, you can even move perrenials to a new location the next year. So just get started and begin seeing the rewards in a blooming way!
Choose perennials that will guarantee a season-long show of color by laying out a design on paper before planting. Consider the size of the garden, taking into account factors such as lawn size, shrubbery, the formal or informal look, and where the garden will be viewed.
You might want to consider a bed which stands alone in a large open area. Most people prefer to plant a border along a house, fence or walkway. The border will soften the lines between building and lawn and lend a dash of color and interest as well.
Choosing which plants to buy can be an overwhelming task if you arrive at the nursery unprepared. The primary requirements of the plants must match the soil, light and climate conditions of your garden. Ask for assistance if you are unfamiliar with the best plants for your area.
If you are a beginner you may want to start with the “cottage garden” look, which is essentially for people who don’t want something highly organized. Plants are added to suit the taste of the gardener.
The most important thing is to choose the plants that you love without regard to right and wrong. The effect will be a kaleidescope of color as the true cottage garden has a casual but charming appearance.
The nice thing is if you plant something and want to change it, you can even move perrenials to a new location the next year. So just get started and begin seeing the rewards in a blooming way!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
How Useful Are Open HousesÉ
Across the country, every Sunday afternoon, open houses are being held. The question is why? Statistics show that less than 3% of buyers who bought property in the last three years bought the property because they saw it at an open house.
Then why are so many open houses still being held? One reason is that sellers still think that agents should hold an open house. Most sellers see open houses as a way to find a buyer for their home. The truth is, open houses do find buyers, but most of the time not for the homeowner that is holding the open house. Buyers meet an agent, and over time, the better agents match the buyers particular needs to exactly the right home.
When a buyer comes through an open house, he may have simply dropped in to take a look without knowing anything about the homes price range or features. Most of the time the house does not fulfill the particular needs of the buyer.
It would be like going to a car dealer and deciding to buy the first car you see, without knowing it’s price, features, or financing options. What’s the chance that you would qualify or that the car would suit your needs? About the same chance that your home would perfectly suit a “drop-in” buyer.
So what’s the other reason open houses are still being held? Open houses are great ways for newer agents to get their feet wet. By holding an open house they meet buyers who might be interested in another property on the market. So don’t be surprised if a more experienced agent refuses to hold an open house on your property. Seasoned agents know what types of advertising and marketing work best, and won’t use your home as an avenue for finding buyers for other agent’s listings.
Then why are so many open houses still being held? One reason is that sellers still think that agents should hold an open house. Most sellers see open houses as a way to find a buyer for their home. The truth is, open houses do find buyers, but most of the time not for the homeowner that is holding the open house. Buyers meet an agent, and over time, the better agents match the buyers particular needs to exactly the right home.
When a buyer comes through an open house, he may have simply dropped in to take a look without knowing anything about the homes price range or features. Most of the time the house does not fulfill the particular needs of the buyer.
It would be like going to a car dealer and deciding to buy the first car you see, without knowing it’s price, features, or financing options. What’s the chance that you would qualify or that the car would suit your needs? About the same chance that your home would perfectly suit a “drop-in” buyer.
So what’s the other reason open houses are still being held? Open houses are great ways for newer agents to get their feet wet. By holding an open house they meet buyers who might be interested in another property on the market. So don’t be surprised if a more experienced agent refuses to hold an open house on your property. Seasoned agents know what types of advertising and marketing work best, and won’t use your home as an avenue for finding buyers for other agent’s listings.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Garden Beauties
Have you been wondering what’s new? Or, what plants are tried and true? There are many recommendations advised by the experts. Here’s just a few that came in on the top of their list.
Two new roses come in ahead of the rest: ‘Carefree Delight,’ a relaxed 5-foot shrub rose, that covers itself with dainty 1-inch single pink flowers. Also, ‘Liven Easy,’ a four foot tall floribunda, blooms in clusters of two to five salmon-pink flowers, each up to 4 inches across.
Both roses flower steadily from late spring through fall and grow well without any spraying to control leaf diseases.
Also recommended is the ‘Oakleaf Hydrangea,’ a two season shrub. It’s one of the few deciduous shrubs that flower well in the shade. If you’d like more great flower and plant picks, talk to your garden center.
Two new roses come in ahead of the rest: ‘Carefree Delight,’ a relaxed 5-foot shrub rose, that covers itself with dainty 1-inch single pink flowers. Also, ‘Liven Easy,’ a four foot tall floribunda, blooms in clusters of two to five salmon-pink flowers, each up to 4 inches across.
Both roses flower steadily from late spring through fall and grow well without any spraying to control leaf diseases.
Also recommended is the ‘Oakleaf Hydrangea,’ a two season shrub. It’s one of the few deciduous shrubs that flower well in the shade. If you’d like more great flower and plant picks, talk to your garden center.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Some Guidlines for Selecting a Builder
So you’ve decided that a new home is for you. Make sure you follow some guidelines to make sure you’re happy with the home building process.
Select a reliable builder with a strong reputation in the area that you desire to live in. Try talking to people in the neighborhood about their home building experience. Were they happy with how the process went? Do they feel good about the end result? When you’ve narrowed down which builder you think you’d like to work with, then begin working out the details.
Think through in great detail, exactly what features you would like in your new home. You will prepare a detailed agreement before building, usually referred to as “plans and specifications.” It is easy to have misunderstandings if you are not very specific in this agreement.
Make sure if interest rates are low when the building process begins, that you “lock in” an interest rate. Do not allow any arrangement where the lender may increase the interest rate later if they go up before your home is finished. Also, make sure there is a definite completion date stipulated in your contract.
If there are any improvements or street repairs to be made in the neighborhood, find out in advance whether you or the builder will be responsible.
Keep an eye on how your new home is progressing during the building process. If things don’t seem to be going according to schedule, don’t be afraid to inquire with the builder. If changes are called for that deviate from the original agreement, get a written change order agreement drawn up. This will ensure no surprises at the closing.
If all of this seems like a lot for you to keep track of, call on me first, for help. I can help make sure you are being represented and protected properly. An investment this large deserves special attention to detail.
Select a reliable builder with a strong reputation in the area that you desire to live in. Try talking to people in the neighborhood about their home building experience. Were they happy with how the process went? Do they feel good about the end result? When you’ve narrowed down which builder you think you’d like to work with, then begin working out the details.
Think through in great detail, exactly what features you would like in your new home. You will prepare a detailed agreement before building, usually referred to as “plans and specifications.” It is easy to have misunderstandings if you are not very specific in this agreement.
Make sure if interest rates are low when the building process begins, that you “lock in” an interest rate. Do not allow any arrangement where the lender may increase the interest rate later if they go up before your home is finished. Also, make sure there is a definite completion date stipulated in your contract.
If there are any improvements or street repairs to be made in the neighborhood, find out in advance whether you or the builder will be responsible.
Keep an eye on how your new home is progressing during the building process. If things don’t seem to be going according to schedule, don’t be afraid to inquire with the builder. If changes are called for that deviate from the original agreement, get a written change order agreement drawn up. This will ensure no surprises at the closing.
If all of this seems like a lot for you to keep track of, call on me first, for help. I can help make sure you are being represented and protected properly. An investment this large deserves special attention to detail.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Flowers that Last
A flower that lasts for two to four weeks, even inside in the winter, has got to be popular. The amaryllis, a bulb that produces large, attractive, trump like flowers, is deserving of its reputation for being the easiest to grow of all the bulbs that bloom indoors.
If you visit Holland during the Christmas holidays, you’ll find the amaryllis standing in for the poinsettia as the Christmas flower. The indoor color and ease of growing make it a favorite.
It’s possible to have flowers last two to four weeks, and some growers have even planted multiple bulbs in order to enjoy consecutive flowers. The plants will produce three to five blooms on two stalks, one to two feet tall. The second stalk shoots up just as the first stalk’s flowers fade.
Unusual varieties are available, including miniatures like Scarlet Baby, with small flowers. Miniatures are especially suited for small sitting areas or anywhere space is limited.
Visit your local garden center and you’ll find amaryllis pre-potted or in planting kits. If you choose to purchase the bare-root bulb, follow these instructions: Before planting, place bulb and dangling roots in lukewarm water for several hours. Then place in a pot at least an inch wider than the bulb, leaving room for watering. Allow about a third to half of the top of the bulb to show.
Water sparingly until part of the stem and bud have developed. Water more liberally through the blooming stage, keeping the soil moist.
Amaryllis like a bright, warm room, about 70 degrees. Direct sunlight and a warmer room speed flowering. A cooler room will prolong the blooms.
If you enjoy flowers, keep the bulb growing outdoors, in the shade. Follow instructions for moving back indoors, and with luck, you’ll have blooms again in 4-12 weeks.
If you visit Holland during the Christmas holidays, you’ll find the amaryllis standing in for the poinsettia as the Christmas flower. The indoor color and ease of growing make it a favorite.
It’s possible to have flowers last two to four weeks, and some growers have even planted multiple bulbs in order to enjoy consecutive flowers. The plants will produce three to five blooms on two stalks, one to two feet tall. The second stalk shoots up just as the first stalk’s flowers fade.
Unusual varieties are available, including miniatures like Scarlet Baby, with small flowers. Miniatures are especially suited for small sitting areas or anywhere space is limited.
Visit your local garden center and you’ll find amaryllis pre-potted or in planting kits. If you choose to purchase the bare-root bulb, follow these instructions: Before planting, place bulb and dangling roots in lukewarm water for several hours. Then place in a pot at least an inch wider than the bulb, leaving room for watering. Allow about a third to half of the top of the bulb to show.
Water sparingly until part of the stem and bud have developed. Water more liberally through the blooming stage, keeping the soil moist.
Amaryllis like a bright, warm room, about 70 degrees. Direct sunlight and a warmer room speed flowering. A cooler room will prolong the blooms.
If you enjoy flowers, keep the bulb growing outdoors, in the shade. Follow instructions for moving back indoors, and with luck, you’ll have blooms again in 4-12 weeks.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Top Fixes Recomended By Home Inspectors
Buyers today are more educated and demanding than they were in the past. It should not be surprising to a seller that a buyer would ask for a home inspection before signing a hefty purchase agreement. Therefore, it would be wise for homeowners to look at the areas where most home inspections fail. Start by fixing those areas up in advance, before you’re ready to place your house on the market.
The most frequently found problem area is water in the crawl space or basement. Poor drainage can result in water damage that will be more than apparent to an inspector. This can be an expensive problem to fix.
Start by re-grading the soil around the foundation of the home where water seems to be entering, or invest in waterproofing. It’s also a good idea to invest in a dehumidifier to remove moisture on an ongoing basis.
There are some areas that are more prone to water in the basement than others. Most buyers know if a little water is to be expected or not. If you’re unsure how prevalent the problem is in your area, feel free to call me anytime for advice.
The second most common problem found by inspectors is poor wiring. The wiring in your home needs to be up to code, and has to have sufficient overload protection.
Sometimes the best way to be sure the wiring in your home is in good shape is to hire a home inspector, or electrical contractor to check it out for you. Even if you’re not selling your home right now, you would want to make sure your family is living in a house that is safe from fire hazards.
Another major problem found in certain areas, is termite damage. If you begin to suspect at any time that your home may have termites, it’s urgent that you call a pest control service right away. This particular problem needs to be taken care of quickly.
More Important Home Fixes
Other areas that should be looked at as potential problems are the heating systems of your home, structural damage, such as extensive cracks in the walls or ceiling, or leaky roofs.
When deciding what is important to fix, put yourself in the place of the buyer. If you were considering buying the home you live in now, what would you consider important that the seller fix?
Handle problems in condition or construction with estimates and repair by a reputable contractor. Sooner is better than later, especially when the demands of moving and evaluation of the buyer run high. Do it now!
Anything you can do to make your home more saleable in advance may mean more money and less hassle when you’re actually ready to sell.
The most frequently found problem area is water in the crawl space or basement. Poor drainage can result in water damage that will be more than apparent to an inspector. This can be an expensive problem to fix.
Start by re-grading the soil around the foundation of the home where water seems to be entering, or invest in waterproofing. It’s also a good idea to invest in a dehumidifier to remove moisture on an ongoing basis.
There are some areas that are more prone to water in the basement than others. Most buyers know if a little water is to be expected or not. If you’re unsure how prevalent the problem is in your area, feel free to call me anytime for advice.
The second most common problem found by inspectors is poor wiring. The wiring in your home needs to be up to code, and has to have sufficient overload protection.
Sometimes the best way to be sure the wiring in your home is in good shape is to hire a home inspector, or electrical contractor to check it out for you. Even if you’re not selling your home right now, you would want to make sure your family is living in a house that is safe from fire hazards.
Another major problem found in certain areas, is termite damage. If you begin to suspect at any time that your home may have termites, it’s urgent that you call a pest control service right away. This particular problem needs to be taken care of quickly.
More Important Home Fixes
Other areas that should be looked at as potential problems are the heating systems of your home, structural damage, such as extensive cracks in the walls or ceiling, or leaky roofs.
When deciding what is important to fix, put yourself in the place of the buyer. If you were considering buying the home you live in now, what would you consider important that the seller fix?
Handle problems in condition or construction with estimates and repair by a reputable contractor. Sooner is better than later, especially when the demands of moving and evaluation of the buyer run high. Do it now!
Anything you can do to make your home more saleable in advance may mean more money and less hassle when you’re actually ready to sell.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Rewards of a Rose Garden
Roses have the reputation of being difficult, fussy plants that require a great deal of attention and time. Although it takes some effort on your part to maintain the beauty and health of a rose garden, the reward of numerous blossoms in wonderful vibrant colors is sufficient reward for most gardeners. A little water, fertilizer, and spray, on a weekly basis, can be a pleasant excuse to spend time in your fragrant garden.
Your rose bed should be planted where it receives full or partial sunshine at least six hours a day. There are varieties of roses that thrive in more shade but they will not be as fragrant as the others. Good drainage is also critical for roses. They like a lot of water, but do not like wet feet, so a raised bed of at least ten to fifteen inches high is a solution. It also makes gardening chores easier. Roses do best in loamy soil with high humus content. Amend the soil with organic matter such as compost, peat moss or cow manure and be sure to test the soil to determine the acidity.
Check with a nursery in your area for tips on when to transplant roses, but generally, any time from spring to fall, or when the plant is dormant and the ground is workable. Water every 3 or 4 days, soaking the soil to 8 inches; and fertilize depending on your type of soil, but usually about once every 4-6 weeks.
Lots of varieties of roses are available. The choices include climbing roses, tree roses, miniature roses, hybrid perpetual roses, grandiflora roses, and antique roses to name a few. Look at your space and the view from the house to determine how you want to define the space for planting. The rose can serve many functions including becoming a fragrant hedge, which provides bouquets of fresh cut flowers to decorate the inside of your home.
Give roses a try. The rewards are many and the satisfaction of seeing a perfect rose that you have grown makes it well worth the effort.
Your rose bed should be planted where it receives full or partial sunshine at least six hours a day. There are varieties of roses that thrive in more shade but they will not be as fragrant as the others. Good drainage is also critical for roses. They like a lot of water, but do not like wet feet, so a raised bed of at least ten to fifteen inches high is a solution. It also makes gardening chores easier. Roses do best in loamy soil with high humus content. Amend the soil with organic matter such as compost, peat moss or cow manure and be sure to test the soil to determine the acidity.
Check with a nursery in your area for tips on when to transplant roses, but generally, any time from spring to fall, or when the plant is dormant and the ground is workable. Water every 3 or 4 days, soaking the soil to 8 inches; and fertilize depending on your type of soil, but usually about once every 4-6 weeks.
Lots of varieties of roses are available. The choices include climbing roses, tree roses, miniature roses, hybrid perpetual roses, grandiflora roses, and antique roses to name a few. Look at your space and the view from the house to determine how you want to define the space for planting. The rose can serve many functions including becoming a fragrant hedge, which provides bouquets of fresh cut flowers to decorate the inside of your home.
Give roses a try. The rewards are many and the satisfaction of seeing a perfect rose that you have grown makes it well worth the effort.
Monday, June 15, 2009
What to Look For in a Lawn Care Contractor
Whether you decide to hire a neighborhood teenager, a local company or a national firm, there are certain requirements that you should look for when hiring a lawn contractor.
First you should decide what your lawn care needs are. If you only want the grass mowed and nothing more, than a teenager would be perfect. If you’re hoping to have the most beautiful lawn on the block, than chances are a professional company would suit your needs better. Most professional lawn care companies offer services such as mowing, edging, fertilizing, pesticide spraying, tree trimming, weed control, and shrub maintenance.
Before hiring a contractor set some goals for your lawn, and communicate them in writing. Also, ask for written bids from the companies you are considering, and check out their reputation with the Better Business Bureau in your State.
Ask the company to provide you with proof that they are properly insured. If one of their workers falls out of your tree during a trimming, you’ll want to know the company is insured.
On a final note, make sure the company will be easy to reach and quick to respond to problems. Lawn care is a competitive business so you can expect, and should get, a high level of service.
First you should decide what your lawn care needs are. If you only want the grass mowed and nothing more, than a teenager would be perfect. If you’re hoping to have the most beautiful lawn on the block, than chances are a professional company would suit your needs better. Most professional lawn care companies offer services such as mowing, edging, fertilizing, pesticide spraying, tree trimming, weed control, and shrub maintenance.
Before hiring a contractor set some goals for your lawn, and communicate them in writing. Also, ask for written bids from the companies you are considering, and check out their reputation with the Better Business Bureau in your State.
Ask the company to provide you with proof that they are properly insured. If one of their workers falls out of your tree during a trimming, you’ll want to know the company is insured.
On a final note, make sure the company will be easy to reach and quick to respond to problems. Lawn care is a competitive business so you can expect, and should get, a high level of service.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Selecting the Right Neighbourhood
Choosing the right neighbourhood is just as important as picking the right home. Perhaps it is even more important.
After all, you may be able to renovate a kitchen but you can’t move a nearby bus stop, or make a playground magically appear within walking distance.
The neighbourhood you choose to live in has a huge affect on your lifestyle and that of your family. So it’s important to take as much time shopping for great location as it is a new home.
Hobbies and Hangouts
Imagine that you’re looking for your net home. You drive into a neighbourhood, and it looks beautiful.. There are plenty of trees, well-kept homes, and parks nearby. What more could you ask for?
In addition to the usual characteristics of an ideal neighbourhood, it’s important to make sure it also fits your unique lifestyle – and that of your family. For example, is the area reasonably close to upscale restaurants where you and your spouse can enjoy dinner? Or, is there an indoor recreational center where your daughter can continue her swimming lessons? Or a golf club where you can refine your swing?
The closer a neighbourhood is to hobbies and hangouts, the more ideal it will truly be.
Take a Walk
Once you have toured a house that interests you, take a walk. Explore the neighbour hood. Get a sense of the atmosphere, community an personality of the surrounding area.
Is the street relatively quiet? Or, is it a main throughway for commuters into and out of the neighbourhood?
Stop and listen. Is there a lot of ambient noise from traffic or other sources?
What about local amenities. Find out about parks, playgrounds, community centers, and shopping. These can be very convenient if located nearby.
Do you have kids? Then you’ll also want to learn about the local schools. Are they within walking distance? If busing is required, where do your kids meet the bus?
Ask Questions
If you see any neighbours while exploring the area, chat with them. You could simply say, “Hello, we’re considering buying a home in this area. May we ask you a couple of quick questions about your experience living here?”
You’ll spend as much time in your neighbourhood as you do inside your home. So get to know it, before you decide to make an offer.
After all, you may be able to renovate a kitchen but you can’t move a nearby bus stop, or make a playground magically appear within walking distance.
The neighbourhood you choose to live in has a huge affect on your lifestyle and that of your family. So it’s important to take as much time shopping for great location as it is a new home.
Hobbies and Hangouts
Imagine that you’re looking for your net home. You drive into a neighbourhood, and it looks beautiful.. There are plenty of trees, well-kept homes, and parks nearby. What more could you ask for?
In addition to the usual characteristics of an ideal neighbourhood, it’s important to make sure it also fits your unique lifestyle – and that of your family. For example, is the area reasonably close to upscale restaurants where you and your spouse can enjoy dinner? Or, is there an indoor recreational center where your daughter can continue her swimming lessons? Or a golf club where you can refine your swing?
The closer a neighbourhood is to hobbies and hangouts, the more ideal it will truly be.
Take a Walk
Once you have toured a house that interests you, take a walk. Explore the neighbour hood. Get a sense of the atmosphere, community an personality of the surrounding area.
Is the street relatively quiet? Or, is it a main throughway for commuters into and out of the neighbourhood?
Stop and listen. Is there a lot of ambient noise from traffic or other sources?
What about local amenities. Find out about parks, playgrounds, community centers, and shopping. These can be very convenient if located nearby.
Do you have kids? Then you’ll also want to learn about the local schools. Are they within walking distance? If busing is required, where do your kids meet the bus?
Ask Questions
If you see any neighbours while exploring the area, chat with them. You could simply say, “Hello, we’re considering buying a home in this area. May we ask you a couple of quick questions about your experience living here?”
You’ll spend as much time in your neighbourhood as you do inside your home. So get to know it, before you decide to make an offer.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Signs of an Improving Neighborhood
Buying a home in a neighbourhood that is on the upswing can be a very good investment. both financially and in terms of lifestyle. As the area improves, the home values will likely increase. In addition, the people who live there will tend to enjoy their properties and surroundings, and continue to invest in them.
So how do you determine if a neighborhood is improving? Here are a few signs to watch out for as you shop for a new home:
So how do you determine if a neighborhood is improving? Here are a few signs to watch out for as you shop for a new home:
- Home Improvements. Look for indications that home renovation or remodelling projects are being done in the neighbourhood-contractor sings on the front lawns...tradespeople’s trucks parked in the driveways... building supplies being delivered. When homeowners spend money to improve their homes. It show that they are happy enough with the neighbourhood to invest in it.
- Landscaping. Notice how well the homeowners take care of their home exteriors. Are the shrubs pruned? Are the driveways swept? Are the lawns mowed and relatively weedless? Homeowners who keep their landscaping well-maintained tend to also care about the surrounding area.
- Real Estate Activity. Look for “Sold” signs on the lawn. This may mean that the neighbourhood is in demand. By contrast, lots of “For Sale” signs could be an indication that people are trying to move out of the area.
- Commercial Investment. When there are a lot of nearby shops and restaurants under development, there is a strong indication that business owners have faith in the area. If, however. You see a lot of “For Lease” signs on empty stores and building, this may mean that these businesses have moved onto greener pastures.
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