Spring Time is Spring Cleaning Time

     Spring is an excellent time to clean-out your Closets, Attic, Garage and any other places you don't see every day. A great way to get rid of your clutter and even make a little cash along the way is to have a Yard Sale! It takes just a few hours to prepare, and one or two afternoons to start selling. Spread the word to your friends & neighbors, advertise in your local paper and put up a few signs. Determine your prices and label them in advance. On the day of the sale make sure you are organized, and get an early start. Negotiate your prices, and don't be too firm- your goal is to get rid of the items. When it's time to close, don't forget to take down all your signs and you can donate any un-sold items to a charitable organization such as Goodwill. They will give you a receipt to deduct on your income tax return.

In the Great Outdoors!

     A beautiful garden can enhance the value of your home! Here are some of the latest gardening trends from THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF NURSERYMEN:

Going Native: The use of native plants in landscaping is increasing. Native plants are ones already accustomed to the environment in your particular area. They will grow better and need less care than most other varieties.

Year-Round Interest: The best gardens have something interesting in them all-year-long. The use of ornamental grasses, plants with colorful berries and trees & shrubs with interesting bark or seed heads are good choices for all year long gardens.

Water Gardens: New developments such as pre-formed ponds and water statuaries make it easy for every home owner to enjoy the tranquility of this unique garden feature.

Outdoor Rooms: Many home owners are discovering the joys of Dining, relaxing and entertaining in spaces landscaped especially for these purposes. A trellis or a tree canopy becomes a great ceiling. Arbors or shrubs become walls for privacy and ground covers are a natural carpet.

Gardening for Wildlife: Many gardeners create gardens specifically to attract wildlife. Butterfly gardens are very popular, and berries & pinecones attract a wide variety of birds.

  And best of all, a beautiful garden says "Buy Me" to everyone who sees your property - and more GREEN in your pocket!

 An attractive landscape can increase the value of your home by an average of 7.5% and reduce the time on the market by 5 to 6 weeks. The Wall Street Journal reported landscape investments are FULLY recoverable and sometimes even double by the increased value of the home.

Did You Know.....     

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Get Festive!

     Holiday's are a great time to showcase your home! Here's some tips for decorating with a Festive Flair!

Put a log on the fireplace or even a few candle holders. ~ Try putting out some holiday linens in the dining room, kitchen and bathrooms. ~ Use white lights and garland to accent rooms, banisters and entryways ~ Burn some scented candles or heat-up some cinnamon sticks in water for a fresh smell ~ Hang-up a few pine cone bird feeders from your trees outside, rain gutters or porch.