You’ve spent months deciding what type of home will be best for your family. You’ve researched the best schools and areas, narrowing it down to where will be a good fit. You, your real estate agent, and your family members … Continue reading →

Being able to afford a home has grown more complex as home prices have soared and interest rates increased, according to a recent report from ATTOM Data. You, like many, may be asking yourself why have the interest rates jumped and … Continue reading →

Celebrating 54 years of fair housing This month, we celebrate the 54th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. For much of American history, discriminatory housing practices were widely accepted and even part of the law in some states. Through the … Continue reading →

Owning a home is a great achievement for anyone. Your home should be something to be proud of. That’s why when it comes to selling, you may be interested in going for the For Sale By Owner route. While selling your home … Continue reading →

With the holidays right around the corner, you may be facing the challenge of getting your home ready for your friends and family. While getting your home ready for guests can be a daunting task, we’ve pulled together a list … Continue reading →

With Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday coming fast, it’s time to think about your holiday shopping endeavors.  Shopping local is great because it provides support to your community, and gives back to the people that make these businesses … Continue reading →

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…well its getting closer anyway! One of the best ways to enjoy the season is to take in some of the wonderful light displays that are hosted throughout the holidays. If you’re wondering where … Continue reading →

Over the past few years, jobs in the “gig economy” have become increasingly popular. Uber/Lyft drivers, pet sitters and dog walkers, freelancers, influencers, DoorDash/Grubhub drivers. The list goes on. Having the freedom to create your own schedule is exciting and … Continue reading →

You have gone through the process of pre-approval, and you have searched to find the perfect home. You love this home, so you decide to put in an offer above the asking price. Your realtor sends your offer to the … Continue reading →

Theres a prevailing perception that summer is hands down the best time to sell a home. The sun is shining, and home buyers are looking to get their new home and their kids all settled in before the school year starts. Traditionally the market lags when fall rolls around but there are more than a few benefits that listing in the fall rather than the warmer months can provide you.For one there is less competition. Since most home sellers are listing in the summer, it provides buyers with a lot more options to look at and sometime this makes it difficult for your home to stand out from the rest of the crowd. In the fall however, the demand for a home is still strong and this gives listing in fall an advantage as it can mean more eyes and attention on a listing.In addition, buyers during the fall are serious. The holidays are just around the corner, and no one wants to juggle the hectic holiday season and the stress of a move at the same time. Buyers want to be in their new home, have time to decorate it, and be able to be settled before it gets too cold. Prospective home buyers tend to spend the early part of the year shopping around, researching and planning so by the time its autumn, they are in prime decision-making mode. Many of them are likely pre-approved for a loan by the time they tour showings and want to close a deal before the end of the year. Fall is also one of the most picturesque seasons. Beautiful orange and yellow foliage offer great curb appeal. It’s also comes with a lot less upkeep and maintenance. During the summer months, sellers may have to maintain consistent landscaping work on their lawn between showings but during the fall all that’s required is some light raking and gutter cleaning. Toss in a few harvest themed decorations and fall scenery can add up to some gorgeous listing photos. For the reasons mentioned above, listing during the fall can certainly tout some benefits. If you’re thinking of buying or selling this autumn, get in touch with one of our great agents today!https://www.coldwellbankerishome.com/agents  Continue reading →

Apple picking, pumpkin patches, beautiful scenes — it’s no wonder that fall is a fan favorite! Temperatures start to cool off and you start looking forward to the upcoming holidays. While it is easy to get distracted with all of the fun fall festivities, it is also the perfect time to work on some of those home improvement projects you’ve been putting off.Not sure where to start? See below for some projects you can tackle this season.Clean The GuttersWhile it may not be an enjoyable task, it is important to ensure your gutters are clean. Gutters are in place to direct water away from your home, and with leaves coming down, there is a high chance for clogs. Having clogged gutters may not seem like a big deal, but if the water can’t be diverted, it can lead to water damage to your roof and the exterior of your home, as well as put you at risk for flooding. In addition, remove any debris that is on your roof so they don’t find their way to the gutters and cause a clog during the next storm.When cleaning your gutters, remember to take precautions to prevent risk of injury. Use a ladder that is sturdy, and have someone stabilize the bottom of the ladder. If you are unable to find a helper, be sure to let someone know you are using a ladder and cleaning the gutters. Also, wear shoes with rubber soles to help prevent you from slipping off of the ladder, and to reduce the risk of slipping and falling if you need to walk on the roof during the cleaning. Wear thick gloves to keep your hands protected from any rotting debris and contaminated water that is sitting in your gutters, and wear eye protection!Not a fan of cleaning your gutters year after year? Consider installing gutter guards to help protect against any blockages, or hire a professional to tackle the task.Roof MaintenanceKeep your home warm and dry during the colder months by taking the time to ensure you have a solid roof. By inspecting your roof, or having a professional do it, you can stay on top of any issues before it gets worse. Check to make sure you don’t have any leaks that have developed, and replace shingles that are missing, curling, or cracked. Regular maintenance of your roof will help prolong its life.Break Out the PaintFall is a great time to get those painting projects done! Because many fall days don’t drop below freezing, it is the perfect time for putting a fresh coat of paint on your front door and to the exterior of your home. Don’t forget to power wash your home to clean it of any dirt, mold, and mildew before painting.In addition, now that you longer have to deal with the summer heat, it is also a great time to paint the interior of your home because your can open the windows to air out the room. You would be surprised what a difference it makes to just paint the trim!Window Care or ReplacementWindows that are not functioning to their fullest ability can have a severe impact on your monthly energy bills, so it is important to take the time to inspect your windows. Check the sealant and caulk to ensure water and insects cannot get in, and that you don’t feel a draft on those windy days. Additionally, take a look at the weather stripping and make sure it is still in tact – this will seal any air leaks.If you notice condensation or frost on your windows, or notice any damage, it might be time to call a professional because you may be in need of new windows. Continue reading →

Does Real Estate Slow Down When the School Year Starts? There are a lot of things that impact the housing market, I'm sure we all know that by now, but is the school year one of them? I mean, sure, the seasons begin to shift from summer to fall; but does returning to school really have an impact on the housing market?Generally speaking, Spring is the busiest time in the real estate market(1). From the mild weather to the new blooming plant life helping to improve curb appeal, It’s no wonder that’s the case. In addition, a large motivator for people to move in the spring is to give their kids time to adjust to the new area before the school year starts(1). But believe it or not the market in the fall is also very active. People like to start searching for houses around Labor Day after they return from vacation. There are also tax benefits if you own a home, you can get significant tax return dividends (1). The weather in the fall makes it a good time to look for a home too because it’s cooler outside compared to the summer months.If you want to know how the school year affects your local housing market feel free to contact one of our agents: https://www.coldwellbankerishome.com/(1) https://www.webuyuglyhouses.com/blog/real-estate-slow-school-year-starts/(2) https://www.rockethomes.com/blog/home-selling/best-time-to-sell-a-house Continue reading →

Countless factors can affect one’s decision to buy a home, from the neighborhood, square footage, upgrades, and of course the location. These components can all be important, but one that has played an increasing influence on buyers, is the school district of a prospective home. Parents want what is best for their children and high scoring schools are certainly included in their wishlist. A 2017 survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors highlights how deeply homebuyers feel about school quality and the education of their children. NAR found that 26% of recent homebuyers were influenced by the quality of the school district when choosing a neighborhood. This percentage jumps to 46% among buyers aged 30-39 and is followed by 36% of 22-29 year old’s (1). For access to top-tier school districts, many buyers have been willing to forgo features like laundry rooms or an additional room. Some parents consider higher home values to be an investment in their children’s future and will weigh the cost of private schools vs. the cost of larger home. With school quality becoming such a deal maker or breaker for so many home buyers, it is only natural to wonder how this upward trend is affecting home values. Below are a few ways that a local school district may affect home and property values in the surrounding area. Duke University conducted a two-year study that concluded that housing prices increase by $0.52 for every percent increase in school district PSSA scores (2). In addition to this, according to the New York Times, a 5% improvement in test scores can raise home prices by 2.5% in suburban areas (3). While test scores are the most quotable, they are not the only component that goes into designating an area as a desired school district. The National Bureau of Economic Research also found a strong correlation between school expenditures and home values. This report posited that for every dollar spent towards an area’s public schools, the home value can increase by $20 (2). This means that additional school costs can have a positive impact on all homeowners in a community, not just those with children in the school system. This may not be giving the full picture though. According to the bureau, some school districts may just be operating more efficiently, so despite their expenditures being lower, their quality of education is still high. Also keep in mind that the size of a school district or proximity of schools in neighboring district can affect the perception of a school’s value beyond their spending. When looking at data about home value vs. school districts, it’s important to realize that it can often seem like a chicken vs. the egg dilemma. But on average, the data shows if your house falls within the boundaries of a great district, you’ll likely be able to sell it for more than if you were in an average one because of the increased buyer demand.    1.     https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/reports/2017/2017-home-buyer-and-seller-generational-trends-03-07-2017.pdf2.     https://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/how-schools-impact-home-values.html3.     https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/03/30/upshot/good-schools-affordable-homes-suburban-sweet-spots.html       Continue reading →

Do you have a spare room or an empty floor on your house? Well, perhaps you have thought about renting this space out on Airbnb or a similar service. It seems like a no brainer as you basically get paid for others to house sit for you. However, this isn’t a decision that should be made lightly. From legal issues to regional factors there are a lot of components that go into renting out a property. Before you roll out that welcome mat, keep the following things in mind. The first and probably most important issue to iron out is whether you legally can host a short-term rental at the desired property. States, cities, townships, and even HOA’s can all have their own restrictions when it comes to rentals. With the widespread success of Airbnb, more and more communities are concerned about the effect it will have in high traffic areas where affordable housing is already in high demand. In Centerville for instance, short term rentals are treated and inspected the same as other rental units, while some cities like Yellow Springs recently passed legislation to heavily regulate the use of short terms rentals, and Oakwood made the somewhat controversial decision to ban these properties. It is essential you do your research on the area and what rules apply to your residence. Airbnb does have an online tool to check for issues such as these, you can also look up your cities municipal code at municode.com. The type of home and length of stay you offer are also possible factors. It should be noted that even if a rental is allowed, it is likely going to affect your taxes. In Ohio, rentals offering accommodation for fewer than 30 days with ­­­“establishments with five or more sleeping rooms” are subject to state sales tax. However local lodging taxes can differ from city to city. Deductions may also be available. Tax time is a maze that catches many of us off guard, so it is wise to consult a professional before this undertaking. Okay, so you’ve done your due diligence and your area is zoned for a lodgings such as yours, so you’re all ready to rent it out, right? Well, have you talked to your neighbors yet? If your neighbors aren’t aware of your new arrangement, they might be a bit startled by a changing stream of strangers lodging right next to them. To keep the peace with the Smiths next door, Airbnb Superhosts (someone with 80% five-star reviews) recommend reaching out to your neighbors early on and letting them know your plans to avoid drama later. Location, location, location! While you may find that your neighborhood is zoned for short term rentals, you want to take into account other market factors. Such as, what are other homes in your area valued at? How much does a hotel near you charge daily? You don’t want to charge too high and price yourself out of the market. At the same time, you don’t want the rental fee to be too low that you’re losing more funds that you’re taking in. Also think about the type of host you want to be. Are you planning to be living in the home when the visitors come to stay? Will you be out of town periodically? Airbnb users can run the gamut of people looking for a place to stay with minimal interaction with their hosts. While some want the full traditional traveler experience complete with dinners and stories. Neither style is wrong, but you want to set the expectations ahead of time. Keep in mind that as a host, you are responsible for everything from communication lines, toiletries, general cleanliness, even to first aid kits and safety instructions. You can set the tone in your properties listing description under “House Rules”. As you can see, becoming a host is more than just downloading the Airbnb app and taking a few pictures of your home. It’s definitely not a lifestyle for everyone. However, it wouldn’t be catching on so much if it didn’t have its own appeal. Many users have found it to be a great source of income even supplementing the cost of a car or their home. Other superhosts talk of all the great people they have met from different walks of life. Once you take into account all these factors, you can determine whether the Airbnb life is right for you!Sources:https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/local-govt--politics/dayton-mayor-opposes-oakwood-ban-short-term-rentals-airbnbs/Lvi3IQMol7OxknUjlYX1fL/https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/local-govt--politics/local-cities-wrestle-with-growing-short-term-rental-industry/gi8zIM3Q8XMq9QUbZ5UxiI/https://library.municode.com/ohhttps://www.avalara.com/mylodgetax/en/resources/vacation-rental-tax-guides/ohio.html#:~:text=What is the definition of,or located in different structures. Continue reading →

Looking for some fun without a crowd? Bring the experience of being a the movies home with you with an outdoor movie theatre! Skip the lines, get the best seats, and best of all - have your favorite snacks! Here are our tips for helping you make this dream a reality.The Scene, Screen & ProjectorTo set the scene, you need to determine which screen and projector will work best for your particular situation. One thing to consider is the location of electrical outlets and the space you will have. Depending on how far your screen will be from the projector, you will want to keep this space in mind when choosing an appropriate screen size and a projector that will project the adequate distanceTo find the optimum distance for your space, you will need to measure the size of your screen diagonally and divide that size by .84. For example, a 100-inch projector screen requires an optimal viewing distance of 119 inches or 3m from the screen (Projector Screen 2021). Additionally, the size of the space will determine the appropriate throw distance. Common throw distances are Long Throw, Short Throw, and Ultra-Short throw. Larger spaces will allow for a greater throw distance. When choosing a projector, you will also want to consider the types of content you may be projecting. For instance, if you plan to stream content, you will want to choose a projector with smart features or that allows you to connect a smart tv device like Chromecast, or in the case of sports, you may want to ensure they have the ability to add the ESPN streaming app. If you plan to use for gaming, you may also want to consider the potential for input lag. Lastly, you want to consider whether standard or high-definition is more your style.Don't forget the snacks! As we hinted above, one of the reasons we love being able to have the movies at home is the freedom and affordable price tag of our own snacks. While you can obviously pick any snack to your hearts desire, some snacks are better movie snacks than others. Our suggestion for the ideal snacks for your movie night? Choose something that doesn't get your hands too messy, can snack on throughout the entire movie, and doesn't have loud packaging. Since you can, it wouldn't hurt to add a nutritious option also!SOURCES:https://www.techradar.com/news/short-throw-vs-long-throw-vs-ultra-short-throw-projector https://www.projectorscreen.com/projector-screen-calculators https://www.customht.com.au/blogs/home-theatre/calculating-the-ideal-screen-size-from-your-seating-position  Continue reading →

Summer is just around the corner! Do you know what that means? It means that it is time for you to dust the cobwebs off of your grill and get your backyard ready for summer cookouts! What better way to spend your summer than to be surrounded by family and friends as you showcase your grilling skills!However, is your outdoor space in needs of some updates this year? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.Check out these ideas to take your outdoor space to the next level.Prep ZoneNothing is worse than trying to grill but having to constantly walk back and forth between your kitchen and outdoor area because you don’t have the space to bring everything out at once. Having an outdoor prep area would not only provide you with a convenient space to prepare your meal, but will also save you some time. Be sure to use a surface that is easy to clean and something that offers storage to keep your grilling equipment protected.It might also be a nice investment to add a small fridge to your outdoor cooking area, especially if you grill often. Not only would this help with making trips back and forth between the kitchen, but it would be perfect for keeping meat cool and out of the sun as well as for storing beverages for the cook and any guests. Keep CoolThe hot summer sun can definitely become unbearable, especially if you are out by the hot grill. One way to help keep yourself cool while working the grill is to have a free-standing umbrella to protect and keep you out of the sun. You can use it to provide shade to your prep area, keeping food out of the sun, and then you can easily move it to the seating area when it is time to dig in. Or, if you have a covered deck or patio, consider adding an outdoor fan to help circulate air and to keep you cool.Add ShelterAs we all know, the weather can certainly be unpredictable. If your grill is out in the open, consider adding some sort of covering to protect both you and your grill from rain. This is also a great way to keep you out of the sun during those hot months! Remember to keep your shelter or structure a safe distance from the grill to avoid any risk of fires.Grab A SeatOne of the best parts of summer is having the opportunity to invite your family and friends over for a cookout. When the cook is outside manning the grill, guests tend to migrate outside to watch the chef work. Be sure you have plenty of seating available for you and your guests. A nice table and chair set works perfect, but if you want a luxurious feel to your outdoor cook space, consider a built-in area with a bar where spectators can pull up a stool near the grill. Or, set up a bar-height table and chair set. Limited on space? A thin table with bench seats often fits the most guests when space is not available.Plan on hanging around outside after cooking? If so, a fire pit would be a wonderful investment. Not only can you use the fire to keep you warm when the sun goes down, but you can also kick it old-school and use grill grates to cook over the open flame. Pull up some chairs, grab a blanket and sit back and relax!EntertainmentWhether you are outside grilling solo or if you have people over, an outdoor television is the ultimate addition to your space. You can stream your favorite shows and won’t miss out on the big game while keeping an eye on the grill. Be sure to do your research before making that purchase to ensure your investment will hold up to weather and heat.No space for a TV? Invest in a good quality outdoor speaker in its place! Or, if you are planning to host cookouts often, now would be a great time to invest in some fun yard games, such as Cornhole, Giant Jenga and Yard Checkers, to keep guests entertained while you run the grill. Continue reading →

Whether you’re visiting or you live here - from history, to culture, to helping to grow the community - these companies and organizations get our pick as Gems in the local Dayton area.High-Street GalleryLooking for artwork from local vendors? The High Street Gallery is a must-see! Located in a historic Victorian House was turned into a gallery in the late 1960's. The DSA has served area artists since 1938 and continues to fulfill its mission of supporting, connecting and educating artists and the community. The gallery is always free and open to the public, with 7 exhibitions per year. Learn more about High Street Gallery.Dayton International Peace MuseumFounded in 2004, the Dayton International Peace Museum is the only museum in the US dedicated to peace honoring the 1995 Dayton Peace Accords that ended war in Bosnia. Located in downtown Dayton, the museum is housed in the Issac Pollack House, a 3 story historic structure built in 1877. Its mission is to inspire a local, national, and international culture of peaceDayton International Peace Museum raises awareness of nonviolent strategies for achieving peace now and in the future. Learn more about Dayton International Peace Museum.SunWatch Archeological CenterIntertwining culture and history, SunWatch Archeological Center allows you to journey back in time to discover Dayton’s earliest neighborhood! SunWatch is the site of an 800-year-old American Indian Village situated along the banks of the Great Miami River. Discovered by local amateur archaeologists, the site has been excavated and studied since 1968, and was opened to the public in 1989. SunWatch features an Interpretive Center and reconstructed Village, as well as prairie with native grasses and other plantsLearn more about SunWatch Archeological Center.K12 Gallery & TejasIf you’re looking for a way to unleash your creative side - then you definitely will want to check out the K12 Gallery & TEJAS located in the heart of Dayton at 341 S. Jefferson Street. The K12 Gallery & Tejas is an artist-centered regional visual arts center offering art classes, in school and after school hands-on making programs, summer art camps, field trips, professional exhibitions, public art, workshops, community outreach, and art parties for all ages.  Professional artists also lead low-income students, youth on probation, adults with disabilities, prisoners, and survivors of violence achieve equal access to experience the educational and healing quality of the arts.Learn more about K12 Gallery & Tejas.AVRO carIs it a bird, plane or is it a flying saucer? Maybe it’s the AVRO Car! The Avrocar was a vertical take off and landing aircraft (VTOL) built in 1959 as part of a secret U.S. military project carried out in the early years of the Cold War. In the air, the Avrocar distinctly resembled a flying saucer. Two prototypes were built as “proof-of-concept” test vehicles, before building a more advanced USAF fighter. Though the Avrocar was made to fly up to 190 km/h and it was believed with some modifications the project was salvageable, funding ran out and the project was canceled in September 1961. Scheduled for restoration and display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center the Avrocar has been loaned to the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. The reproduction was prepared for the 2002 TV production, Avrocar: Saucer Secrets from the Past. Learn more about AVRO CAR.GemCity MarketNew to the Dayton area is the area’s first grocery cooperative! Located on Salem avenue, Gem City Market has an honorable mission to serve, engage, and empower our neighborhoods by providing affordable, high quality food in a clean and welcoming environment. Unlike typical grocery stores that are owned privately, grocery cooperatives offer community members / shoppers the opportunity to have ownership in the cooperative, and in doing so, provide input into products sold and the representing board. Learn more about GemCity Market.Sources:https://gemcitymarket.com/https://k12tejasgallery.org/https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/dayton-ohiohttps://daytonpeacemuseum.org/https://daytondsa.org/gallery Continue reading →

While summer is a favorite season for many, the heat can take a toll on grass. If you mow too low or underwater the sod, the grass can suffer and become damaged resulting in large unsightly patches. When it concerns lawn maintenance, it is best to think of the season in phases of early, mid and late summer. How you care for the lawn will depend on the phase you’re currently in. Keep your lawn looking its greenest throughout the whole summer with these tips. Early Summer Mow at the Right HeightAdjust your mowers height to leave grass taller in the summer. Taller grass provide shade for the soil which can reduce evaporation, prevent weeds, and lead to deeper roots over time. Aim to time your mowing’s so you don’t remove more that 1/3 of the surface at one time. FeedFeeding your lawn in the early summer helps strengthen the grass so it withstands the heat and draught that summer usually brings. Treat for PestsMany insects like to lay their eggs in the grass in early summer. These eggs then hatch into grubs later in the season. These pests munch their way through the roots of grass which results in dead patches. Let Grass Clippings LieIf you’re mowing your lawn at the right height, you can just let clippings lie on the lawn. They will breakdown and help feed your lawn. This is called “grasscycling” and can save you time, money and fertilizer.  Mid Summer Feed as NeededYour lawn may require some mid-summer feeding to continue to promote healthy growth throughout the season. However, be careful not to damage your already heat stressed grass. It’s a good idea to check with your local garden center, if you’re unsure, for recommendations on whether you should fertilize.  Water ProperlyWater your lawn deeply but at infrequent interludes. You can use a screwdriver or small trowel to see how deeply water is sinking into the soil. A depth of 4-6 inches is ideal.  Late Summer Water in the MorningLater in the summer your lawn will lose less water to evaporation if you time yourself to water it between 6 and 10 am. Monitor your water usage to make sure certain areas aren’t becoming too saturated. Don’t forget to factor in rain, if it’s been drizzly you won’t have to water as much if at all if the ground still seems moist. Sharpen BladesA dull mower blade will tear your grass up and create a ragged edge that will make your lawn lose moisture quicker than grass that is cleanly cut. Regularly sharpen your blades to avoid these issues.  After RakeWhen autumn rolls around, the leaves begin to fall. Act quickly and don’t wait for these leaves to pile up. Remove them often so they don’t become damp as piles of wet leaves can create fungal problems for your grass. WeedSet yourself up for success for the next spring and summer by getting some weeds under control now. Apply fertilizer as needed to give your lawn the nutrients it needs to get through the winter season. As we can see lawn care doesn’t just cover the summer months. Prepare your lawn in advance for the heat that summer brings and you can have a yard that can thrive into fall and beyond.  Sources https://www.bioadvanced.com/articles/lawn-care-keeping-lawns-healthy-summer-lawn-watering-guide https://www.scotts.com/en-us/library/lawn-care-basics/summer-lawn-care-tips https://www.thisoldhouse.com/lawns/21244213/summer-lawn-care-tips  Continue reading →

Mother’s Day will be here before you know it! Are you trying to find a fun gift for mom this year? Consider the gift of a she-shed! Moms everywhere are turning their ordinary backyard sheds into a private space to escape to and get away from the world. Check out the tips below to help guide you in create that perfect space for mom.Find The SpaceThe first and most obvious step is to either obtain a pre-made shed or build one yourself if you don’t already have one in the backyard you plan on using for the project. In addition, it isn’t often required but it is a good idea to check to see if you need a building permit before you begin. That would inform you on whether there are any size restrictions or if there are any other regulations you need to follow.Make A ListBefore you get too ahead of yourself with decorating, make a list of everything that needs to be completed. Do you need electricity? If you are using a pre-existing shed, is the structure in good shape? Are there any repairs that are needed? Do you need new flooring? By making a thorough list of everything that needs completed, you can ensure that mom’s new space is usable and, most important, safe. As an bonus tip, don’t forget to get a smoke detector for this space!Define A PurposeAn important step in creating that perfect space for mom is to determine what she is going to use that space for. Whether it is for crafting, exercising, gardening, a home office, or somewhere just to relax, the best she-sheds are designed with a specific purpose in mind. Once you have that determined, you can run with your ideas and get creative!Add Some ColorWhether you are starting from scratch or converting a backyard shed, you would be surprised how big of a difference one coat of paint can make on a space! Consider an accent wall or a fun colors to bring that space to life. Or, maybe even add a fun wallpaper to create a unique and bold space.Time To DecorateLet the fun begin! If you don’t have any spare furniture or decor to put in the she-shed, consider searching flea markets, antique shops, thrift stores and yard sales to obtain some inexpensive items that will make the space feel comfortable and complete. Be sure to get cozy furniture and fun textiles to make the space feel inviting, and be sure to fill the room with items that relate back to the purpose of the space.Finishing TouchesBefore you reveal your latest project to your mom, take some time to make the outside look just as amazing as the inside does – first impressions are important after all! Consider painting the exterior of the shed to her favorite color or to something that suits her personality. Plant some fresh flowers, hang some string lights or lanterns, and maybe even add a cute outdoor sitting area to finish it off.And there you have it, the perfect she-shed for mom! Now that you are done creating this perfect space, it is time for the big reveal! There is no doubt that she will be surprised and appreciative of all the work you put into her gift – this will be a Mother's Day she is sure to remember! Continue reading →

To build or to buy? That is a decision many buyers are contemplating as inventory conditions continue to dwindle and home values have continued to rise. So what factors should you consider when making your decision?  Deciding if New Construction … Continue reading →