HOW TO PLANT YOUR OWN FLOWER GARDEN Starting a flower garden in that empty space in your yard is a great way to increase the curb appeal of your home and an opportunity to apply some of your personality to your outdoor area. First, find an area you could use for your flower garden and try to identify if the space gets direct sun, partial sun, or shade. The amount of sunlight that your garden gets determines what kinds of flowers you can grow. For example, chrysanthemums and sunflowers … [Read more...]

Summertime is here and it’s bringing the heat! It’s always an option to blast the air conditioner all summer long, but there are ways to keep your home cool that are better for the environment and won’t double your energy bill. Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans may be an overlooked method to keep your home cool, but that’s because they are often used incorrectly. During the summer months a ceiling fan should be rotating counterclockwise to send cool air down otherwise you will be recirculating the … [Read more...]

For many young or first-time homebuyers, purchasing a home can feel intimidating. A recent survey shows some homebuyers ages 25 to 40 may be unsure about the homebuying process and what they can afford. It found: “1 in 4 underestimated their buying potential by $150k or more” “1 in 4 underestimated the increase in value by $100k or more” “47% don’t know what a good interest rate is” Because they feel uncertain, many young homebuyers have given up on their search, or worse, they’ve … [Read more...]

If you’re looking for a home to purchase right now and having trouble finding one, you’re not alone. At a time like this when there are so few houses for sale, it’s normal to wonder if you’ll actually find one to buy. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), across the country, inventory of available homes for sale is at an all-time low – the lowest point recorded since NAR began tracking this metric in 1982. There are, however, more homes expected to hit the market later this … [Read more...]

If you are a big wine connoisseur or just saving a few bottles to crack open on special occasions, it’s important to understand how best to store them safely until you’re ready to partake. Follow the guidelines below! For more information on Wineries in the Prescott, Arizona area be sure and read our Yavapai County Wineries post. Temperature To ensure each wine bottle maintains the proper flavor and aroma, storing it at the correct temperature is essential. Regardless if it is red, … [Read more...]

You’ve just purchased your first home and it’s time to start filling it up. But, where to start? Below is a list of must-haves for each room in your home! Living room. Aside from standard furniture, like a couch, chairs, coffee table, and television, there are a few other staples you should consider purchasing, such as a plush rug, floor lamp, TV stand with cupboards or drawers, and throw blankets. Kitchen. On top of dishes, silverware, and glassware, don’t forget other kitchen … [Read more...]

Purchasing a home is arguably one of the biggest financial decisions you will make in your lifetime. As you start your hunt, don't forget there will be other costs associated with your purchase then the price of the home. Here are 5 fees to keep in mind as you begin to budget. Fees to Expect When Buying a Home Home inspection. This is a crucial step in the home buying process. The findings that come from the inspection can help you negotiate price and repairs. Generally, you can expect … [Read more...]

CREATE THE HOME OFFICE OF YOUR DREAMS Whether you work full-time at home or occasionally need to conduct business in the evenings or on the weekends, a home office a great way to utilize an extra room. A dedicated workspace in your home can be designed to increase productivity and comfort. Here are 5 ideas to get you started. Invest in a good office chair. Investing in an ergonomic office chair is essential. You may be spending anywhere from 30 to 50 hours a week sitting in it, so your … [Read more...]