Buying a Home

What to Ask Your Landscaper Before They Dig In

If you’re designing a new garden, patio or outdoor living space, you’re likely going to work with a landscaper. Aside from the cost of the project, there are some important conversations you should have with your landscaper before they break ground. Here are four questions to help.

Can I see examples of your work? It’s an error to assume someone will get your design ideas without seeing past examples of their work. They likely have a stack of examples, so all you have to do is ask.

How long will the process take? Make sure to have a clear time window (dates are preferable) so you know how long your landscaper expects the job to take. This will also help hold them accountable should the project run longer.

 

When will the plants reach maturity, and what will that look like? In all likelihood, some of most of the plants your landscaper is putting in aren’t at full maturity. Should you expect fully matured plants in one year? Three years? Ten? And what will these plants look like then?

How much maintenance will the space require? If you’re not a gardening buff yourself, it’s important to let your landscaper know this, especially if you plan to do all of the upkeep yourself. This way, they can help design a low maintenance space if that’s what you require.

 

 

Christine Cleek

ABR, CRS, SFR, E-Pro

Broker, Owner

Rising Star Real Estate

850-217-0990

Chris@RisingStarRealty.com

www.RisingStarRealty.com

Cutting the Clutter

Ways to Conquer Cord Clutter

Feel like you own more electronic devices than ever before? If so, you’re not alone. Many of us are constantly plugged into our cell phones, tablets, TVs, computers, gaming consoles and other gadgets, especially when we’re at home. And while technology can be great, one of its biggest downsides tends to mean that more electronics means more wires. But with a few simple steps, you can easily manage cord clutter and create a neat and orderly space at your home or office.

1. Untangle and Organize – The first step is to organize your cords and pair them with their corresponding devices. You may find you have cord orphans left behind after devices like VCRs (hello, ‘90s flashbacks!) and gaming consoles have been replaced or thrown out.

Get rid of any cords that aren’t in use. Chances are you won’t need them in the future and keeping them only creates more clutter.

2. Bundle and Label Cords– When it comes to organizing cords, twist ties, zip-ties and Velcro are going to be your best friends. Take the time to neatly coil, loop or bind slack cord with these tools, which you can find at most office supply and home organization stores. Binder clips are also great for bundling cords. You can wrap masking tape around the coil of cord slack, leaving a folded over tab of tape to write the name of the cord on with a marker. Labeling may seem like overkill, but it will come in handy the next time you are on your hands and knees reaching behind a bookshelf to unplug a specific cord.
3. Use Baskets and Boxes– When placed near a desk or TV, storage boxes and wicker baskets can make for great places to store unsightly wires and certain electronics. Just bundle wires together and organize them neatly inside said box or basket. Boxes and baskets also make for great spots to hide internet routers and store chargers when not in use.
4. Buy a Cord or Cable Sleeve– Most home maintenance stores carry cord covers, which are inexpensive plastic coverings that hide wires. Cord covers are great for electronics like wall-mounted TVs, and they come in all different sizes and lengths. They do require a bit of installation, but the steps aren’t very complicated. Cable sleeves are another simple way to easily organize cords, and they can also be found at most home improvement stores.
5. Go Cordless– Want to deal with less cords overall? Invest in some cordless technology. Thanks to Bluetooth-enabled devices, like speakers, keyboards and printers, you can play music, write an email or print documents seamlessly through your smartphone, without needing to deal with a mass of wires. Next time you need to replace a device, consider a wireless option if one is available.

The easiest way to eliminate cord clutter is to keep it from building up in the first place. Whenever you’re setting up new computer equipment or moving into a new space, be sure to carefully bundle, label, clip, stow and plug cords in neatly from the get-go. It will make things much easier for you in the long run! Plus, a tidy, uncluttered space to live in can reduce stress and make your home more welcoming.

 

 

Christine Cleek

ABR, CRS, SFR, E-Pro

Broker, Owner

Rising Star Real Estate

850-217-0990

Chris@RisingStarRealty.com

www.RisingStarRealty.com

 

 

2016 Voted in the TOP 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL

REAL ESTATE AGENTS IN FLORIDA

 

2015 Trulia TOP RANKED Real Estate Agent 

Based on Client Reviews & Ratings!

 

Featured in  January 2014 FLORIDA REALTOR MAGAZINE 

Furniture to Splurge On

Furniture Pieces Worth the Financial Investment

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned homeowner moving into a new home, it can be tempting to run out and spend your savings furnishing every nook and cranny of your new place. But before you do, stop to consider whether the furniture you’re buying is worth the investment.

There may well be a time and need for simple, affordable, IKEA-type furniture, but there are some pieces that are well worth splurging for. Spending more money on fewer pieces can pay off in the long run, especially when you’re purchasing furniture that can be passed on to your kids – and even grandkids – one day.

You may be thinking “but they just don’t make furniture like they once did,” and that is certainly true when considering the mass-produced furniture that’s saturating the market. But if you know what it is you’re looking for, finding those pieces that can truly stand the test of time is still possible. Here are six pieces worth the extra investment.

Sofa – When you move to a new house, a new sofa is a must. That sectional that fit perfectly in your old space will probably stick out like a sore thumb in your new place. Most importantly, choose a sofa – or a set complete with loveseat and armchair or recliner – that is well-made. Good living room furniture is an investment, no doubt, but it is possible to find a well-crafted, sturdy sofa in just about any price range. Skip the patterns and stick to neutrals so you won’t feel the need to replace your sofa when your taste changes. Need an updated look? Swap out throw pillows and window treatments and slap a new paint color on the wall rather than shopping for a new living room set. And pay the extra for treated, stain-resistant fabric. You’ll thank yourself when your kid spills his juice (or worse) on your sofa.

Bed frame and headboard – Choose a timeless headboard because it’s one piece you’ll have for the long haul. Upholstered headboards are simple, elegant and classic – and easily recovered when you need a fresh look. Or go for solid wood with clean lines to stand the test of time. If you purchase a stand-alone headboard, be sure to invest in a solid bed frame as well. Invest in a frame with horizontal slats to support your mattress so you won’t begin to feel the sag after a few years of use.

Mattress – There’s no reason this shouldn’t be at the top of your list. Too many of us are sleeping on old, worn mattresses that cause back pain and sleepless nights. Sleeping on a good mattress shouldn’t be a special treat reserved to vacation nights spent in a hotel – they are a luxury well worth the investment. While it can be tempting to shop online, before you do, step into a mattress store that will help you find the mattress that is right for you and your sleep style. You’ll be glad you did. And you might just be surprised to learn that while you’ve always gone with a pillowtop mattress, it’s really a firm, memory foam bed you need to get the best sleep at night. If you’re on a tight budget, once you know what kind of mattress you need, you can move your search online where you may find better prices.

Dining Room Table – Whether you love entertaining and hosting elaborate dinner parties or prefer simple meals with the family, a quality dining room table is another must have. This is a piece you’ll use regularly, and one that’s certainly worth the investment. It’s not necessary to buy new if you find a previously-loved piece you just can’t live without. The secret is to find a table that’s durable and will stand up to daily use and abuse from the entire family. Opt for a solid wood table with simple, clean lines rather than intricate designs and it’s sure to last you decades.

Hutch or chest of drawers – Or both! Use it in your bedroom as a dresser, in your dining room to hold extra dishes, table cloths and table settings, in your living room as an entertainment center or in your entry way as a catch-all. The wonderful thing about a piece like this is that it can be moved to virtually any room in your house to serve a new purpose just as elegantly as it did in the previous space. Every home needs at least one universal piece like a hutch, chest, bachelor’s chest or credenza.

The unexpected – It may be an antique armoire, an old wardrobe, a small roll top desk or a modern statement piece – invest in that one piece you just can’t quit thinking about. Your home should be an expression of your personality, and a unique, unexpected, versatile piece is just that.

Ready to buy new furniture, but need a new home to furnish first? Contact me today to speak to an experienced Real Estate expert who can help you start the process of buying a new home.

 

 

Christine Cleek

ABR, CRS, SFR, E-Pro

Broker, Owner

Rising Star Real Estate

850-217-0990

Chris@RisingStarRealty.com

www.RisingStarRealty.com

 

5 Reasons to Shop at Your Farmer’s Market

The whole foods trend has made a trip to the farmer’s market a regular shopping trip for many. Why should you swap your weekly grocery store trips for market excursions? Read on to find out.

Support small farmers – With large industrial farms monopolizing most of the produce you find in stores, farmer’s markets are one place where small farmers can continue to make a living. Just like you can control what industry you support by the food you put on your fork,  you can choose to support small over industrialized by choosing to spend your money at the market.

Support your local economy – Similar to supporting small farms, supporting local farms puts money directly back into your local economy. Helping out small businesses—including local farms—is a great way to do your part and give back to your community. 

Gain a sense of community – Even if your farmer’s market produce is a smidge more expensive than what you can get at the grocery store, there is nothing like chatting with the farmer about his corn harvest, or running into familiar faces week after week. Shopping at the local market, the way people did before huge fluorescent-lit grocery stores were the norm, can foster a sense of closeness within the community that is irreplaceable. 

Eat seasonally – By planning your meals around your farmer’s market purchases, you’re making most of your meals local. Since we are so accustomed to being able to get anytime of product at anytime of year in our grocery stores, we rarely focus on seasonal produce. Eating seasonally helps reduce your carbon footprint (less fuel used to transport those veggies!) and allows you to appreciate those seasonal gems—hello, garden tomatoes!–when they do make it to your plate.

Eat fresh – Hands down, fresh picked garden produce tastes better because it’s fresher than anything you can purchase in the grocery store which was shipped and stored for who knows how long.

 

 

Christine Cleek

ABR, CRS, SFR, E-Pro

Broker, Owner

Rising Star Real Estate

850-217-0990

Chris@RisingStarRealty.com

www.RisingStarRealty.com

 

 

2016 Voted in the TOP 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL

REAL ESTATE AGENTS IN FLORIDA

 

2015 Trulia TOP RANKED Real Estate Agent 

Based on Client Reviews & Ratings!

 

Featured in  January 2014 FLORIDA REALTOR MAGAZINE 

This prestigious award honors excellence among the top 1% of 

agents in the country based on 2014 sales and client reviews. 

 

Visit Rising Star Real Estate on FACEBOOK!

Join my Network on Linkedin!

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New to the Neighborhood? Here’s How to Meet Your Neighbors.

How to get to know the people in your new neighborhood 

A new home means new neighbors, and while you likely have a full plate trying to get settled after your move, it’s also a great idea to meet the people who live near you. Knowing your neighbors can provide a sense of community that helps you feel safer, more settled and happier in your new home.

10 Simple Tips to Help You Connect with Your New Community

Host a Housewarming Party – Once you’ve had a little time to finish unpacking, a housewarming party is a great way to welcome friends, both new and old, into your home. Plus scheduling a party is a powerful incentive to finish getting unpacked! Keep it simple with a come-and-go party and a few finger foods and refreshing drinks. Your new neighbors won’t be expecting an elaborate gathering, considering you’ve just moved in.

Strike Up a Conversation – Whether you’re walking your dog, taking the trash out or picking up the mail, if you see a neighbor outside, don’t be too quick to rush back in the house. Shake a hand and introduce yourself. You might be surprised how one small effort can evolve into a friendship that lasts a lifetime.

Get Involved in Your Community – Volunteering is a great way to connect with others over something that matters to you. Find your passion and spend some time at your local food pantry or animal shelter. Get involved with your child’s school. Attend meetings for your neighborhood homeowner’s association. No matter the size of your new community, if you want to feel like a part of it, it’s going to take time and effort.

Connect on Social Media – Many neighborhoods, apartment complexes and small towns use social media sites such as Nextdoor to connect residents. You can search for a dedicated neighborhood page or group where members of that community can connect and engage with one another.

Spend Time in Your Front Yard – In decades past, the front porch was a place of gathering. Neighbors came together to enjoy one another’s company while the kids played in the front yard. Today, most of us are so consumed in our own lives that we neglect the opportunity to connect with those who live near us. Read a book on your front porch, spend time working in your yard, plant a flower bed in front of your home. Make yourself visible to your neighbors passing by and coming home for the evening. Simply let people see you. This is the first step in meeting someone new.

Host a Neighborhood Cookout – There’s nothing that brings people together quite like food. Pick an afternoon or evening and invite your neighbors for a potluck cookout in the front yard. Invite those around you to bring tables and chairs. Set out a few activities for the kids and enjoy a few hours of fun with your neighbors.

Be Helpful – If you see your neighbor unloading groceries from the car, offer a helping hand. Pull their trash can to the curb on trash day. Lend a hand planting a garden. Offer to water plants or feed the dog while your neighbor is out of town. Suggest exchanging contact information. Small gestures go a long way in creating a lasting relationship. A simple smile or a nod can brighten someone’s day and open the door to more interaction in the future.

Let Your Dog Break the Ice – Even if you’ve got a big backyard, take Fido on a walk around the neighborhood or to your local dog park to play. Taking your pet out in public is a great way to meet and connect with other animal lovers. As an added bonus, when you build relationships with other pet owners in your neighborhood, you’ve likely found someone you can lean on to take your pup for a walk when you’re not home or even pet sit while you’re out of town.

Become a Regular – Get to know your neighborhood coffee shop. Become a regular at the nail salon down the street. Frequent places where you’re likely to see plenty of regulars. Spend some time there conversing with others. It may take time, but at least you’ll make a few acquaintances that can help make a new place feel a bit more like home.

Start a Local Group – Whether it’s a book club, bunco night, play date for kids or monthly dinner party, starting a local group only requires a few hours of your time once a month. These simple events provide an opportunity for neighbors to connect on a new level, and you’ll no doubt build some friendships over time.

Stepping out of your comfort zone to get to know your neighbors can be scary but becoming a part of a new community could be a wonderful and rewarding life experience. You’ll never know if you don’t try.

 

Are you planning a move to a new neighborhood or community? Contact me today and let’s discuss how I can help you find your new home!

Avoiding Problems While Moving

Consumers across the country filed more than 8,000 complaints against moving companies last year, according to BBB. Below are five tips from BBB to help your move go as easily—and trouble free—as possible.

• Plan early – summer is high season for movers, especially since an estimated 37 million Americans a year change residences.  Reputable movers will want to do an on-site visit before writing up an estimate to see if there are any impediments which may extend the amount of time required to complete the move.
• Ask for proof – Reputable movers will be able to show you proof they are registered with the state of operation, and are licensed and insured.  
• Get Full Value Protection insurance – Under “Release Value” insurance, movers assume liability of no more than 60 cents per pound per article at no extra charge. With Full Value Protection, your mover is liable for the replacement value of any lost or damaged goods.  Under this option, they also have the choice of repairing the item, replacing it with a similar item or making a cash settlement offer for the cost of replacing the merchandise at its current market value.
• Know your rights – Under federal law, movers are required to give to you a copy of the federal publication “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move”.  

Visit ProtectYourMove.gov – You will find a wealth of resources from the Motor Safety Carrier Association at ProtectYourMove.gov. This information clearly outlines your rights and can help you make an educated decision before hiring a mover.

The BBB also recommends consumers thoroughly research prospective moving companies at bbb.org before selecting one.