farmhomesrealty

Ok we have worked our hinnies off this summer to get the greenest lawn, the flowers to bloom and  garden to grow. But now that fall is upon us what do we do to get ready for next year. Most of our clients that have purchased property in our area or not originally from here and have lots of questions with what to do with these things in the fall. So here are a few tips that might help with lawn and flower beds.

Lawn:

 Fall is actually the best time to pay attention to your lawn, what you do this fall with really pay off next year and maybe save you some work. aerating your lawn will provide a path for air, water and nutrients to reach the grass roots.

 Fall is also the best time to fertilize your lawn. If you do it twice in the fall you don’t have to do it in the spring. Make sure you use a good fall fertilizer intended for lawns. Don’t forget to seed your lawn. This is a great time to start a new lawn or take care of dead spots.

 As temperatures start cooling off it’s a good idea to cut your lawn shorter than you would in the summer. Two inches by the end of the season works well and makes it easier to rake those falling leaves.

Flower Beds:

Now is a great time to take a look at your beds and see what worked this summer and what didn’t. Do you need to move something that needs more sun, a plant that needs more room, etc. Now is also a great time to divide perennials.

Fall is the time to plant spring bulbs (you might think of placing a screen over the top to keep the squirrels out of them). Be sure and put some bulb fertilizer in the hold and scratch it in, place the bulb point side up, cover and enjoy. Don’t forget to take care of your gardening tools, now is a great time to clean them up before putting them away for the winter.

This is just a few tips and suggestions.  Hope it was interesting and helpful. Happy Gardening
Barb

Homeowners that are considering selling their home today are facing a scary realty: A down market. For the last several years property has increased in value by leaps and bounds. But today’s market as one of my customers put it is a buyers market.

I have shown this customer several properties over the last few weeks and when they would find something that was of interest they would make a very low offer compared to list price. When I would try to explain that the sellers were most likely not going to accept that she would just smile and say: “It’s a buyers market” and I would always say: I guess so, but that does not mean they are going to give their property away. To make a long story short we did finally find her something that she was able to get at a good price and both buyer and seller walked away happy.

So if your thinking of selling your property look at a few of these tips to help a buyer make a good offer for what your property is really worth. A buyer will pick it to pieces right now so lets take care of a few low cost issues that will bring high dividends.

According to the National Association of Realtors, median existing home prices are down 7.1% from last July and are not expected to recover until well into 2009.

Don’t set your mind on big ticket items that you most likely will not recoup all of the cost when you sell. Just look at a few inexpensive projects that will make your home stand out and seem to be well cared for and add a few extra dollars in your pocket at closing.

1. The first thing I like to tell a seller is have your home inspected by a professional home inspector.  The cost will range from $250.00 to $500.00 depending on how in depth your inspector is. Let him/her go through the home and look for things that you would not see or have seen  but think that it’s nothing to worry about. Remember all the little things add up to bigger things. 
2. Paint: a little paint can go a long way in making your home look well cared for and fresh. Remember your not painting for you so stay away from bold colors. Stay neutral but warm.  Be sure to fill all nail holes, sand and caulk where needed.  I suggest that you start with your front porch. Were not just talking about the inside of the home. The front entry is going to be their first impression so make sure that the door is painted as well as trim. Don’t forget to freshen up the baseboards, trim and ceiling after you finish the walls. (Oh by the way now that you have the family photos down pack them away and be selective on what you do put back)
3. Fixtures: Give a room a more modern look by replacing old faucets, door handles and knobs and light fixtures.
4. Energy Efficiency Updates: These can be a little more expensive than new handles on your cabinets, but will go a long way in selling your home. If you are still using a older furnace/air conditioner, hot water heater etc.  now would be a good time to look at replacing it. A buyer will most likely make a lower offer if they fill they are going to have to put a new one in soon. And think of the money you will save on your utility bills while your home is on the market.
5. Landscaping: First impressions are everything. I don’t know how many times a buyer will drive up and down the streets looking at homes that have for sale signs in the yard. But if your home does not make a good first impression they are not going to call on it. Make sure that your yard is mowed when needed, flower beds are well maintained, toys and debris are picked up. Blooming flowers and fresh mulch will give the buyers a feel that the inside is as well maintained as the out.

There are always something that needs done when your a home owner, but these above mentioned items are not costly and will bring you a higher return in the long run.

If you would like to get additional tips on selling your home, give me a call. I would be happy to do a walk through of your home and let you know where your at on the market.

Happy Updating
Barb

November & December 2008: Houston Chamber of Commerce and Local Business go together to host the Annual Christmas Shopping Spree. There will be hundreds of dollars to give away to help with your Christmas Shopping. All you need to do to win is register with participating business. Drawings will be held weekly. Contact the Local Chamber of Commerce for more details.  417-967-2220

December 13, 2008: Bring the family to watch the annual Christmas Parade in Downtown Houston. Parade starts at 2:00 p.m.  Don’t forget to dress Fido and enter him or her in the annual Dog Show. Contact the Local Chamber of Commerce for more details.  417-967-2220

November 29, 2008:  Annual Taste of Christmas. Local businesses and residents bring out their best recipes for the holidays.  Tour the hosting business to taste and judge the winners. Contact the Local Chamber of Commerce for more details. 417-967-2220

November 21, 2008: The annual Christmas Tree Lighting located Downtown Houston. Contact the Chamber of Commerce for more details.  417-967-2220

October 11, 2008:  Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. Contact the Chamber of Commerce for more details 417-967-2220

October 3rd. & 4th: Houston Alumni Association Gathering. Contact the Chamber office for more details  417-967-2220

September 13, 2008:  Houston Area Chamber of Commerce will host their annual charity golf tournament.  Call the Chamber office for more details  417-967-2220

So it’s official!! This morning the Secretary of The Treasury announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were being put into conservatorship because they are not capable of operating in a safe and productive manner on their own.

I have read several blogs today about this subject and it can be a little confusing.  Most are saying it should bring interest rates down. Some are saying it will cost the taxpayers, some are saying it’s a great thing and others are saying it’s the worst.  What I do know is the market is in need of some help with all the foreclosures, homeowners upside down with their home value and buyers still sitting on the fence. It seems to me that if your thinking of makeing a move, now would be a great time.