Posts

Halloween Decor Trends

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Decorating for Halloween is a tradition that many families take part in year after year. As with most traditions, though, the decorating trends that dominate Halloween change from time to time. Giant inflatables and laser light shows were all the rage just a few years ago, but now things are starting to shift a bit more toward subtle. The over-the-top Halloween decorating style will likely never fully go away, of course; there’s at least one house in every town that goes all out with its display and people always love it. If you’re looking for something simpler (and easier on the power bill), here are a few trendy options to keep in mind. Candles With the right candleholders, basic white candles can add a spooky ambiance that hearkens back to older Halloween traditions. Specialty candles are available that are carved to look like bones or horns as well. No need to go overboard with effects-candles, such as those that “bleed” when lit; just a few tapers burned to different lengt...

Is your house ready for an electric car?

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While they aren’t quite dominating the automotive market just yet, electric vehicles are definitely seeing a rise in popularity. More and more consumers are embracing the vehicles as a stylish and more environmentally friendly way to get around, and charging stations are starting to appear in places such as hotels, rest stops and even shopping centers. There’s definitely a market for electric cars out there, and it’s growing. If you’ve considered an electric vehicle before, you should stop and ask yourself if you’re actually ready for one. Here are 2 things to consider: (This isn’t a trick question or a suggestion that electric cars are somehow superior; it’s a legitimate question that you’ve probably never given a thought to). 1.) Electric vehicles need to be plugged in and charged somewhere, so you need to figure out whether your house is  actually  ready for an electric car. 2.) They cost more upfront, so your monthly payment is going to be more—will that out w...

Multi Sides to Solar--Should You Buyer or Lease Solar Panels?

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The cost of solar panels has come down greatly in recent years, prompting more homeowners to consider going solar. Properly sized panels can slash energy expenses by 50% or more and generate extra income during peak months. These are just two of many benefits of adding solar panels to your home. One of the first decisions you must make is whether to buy or lease the panels. What Are the Advantages of Leasing Solar Panels? Solar panel leases offer many advantages, including: No upfront cost. Solar panels cost tens of thousands of dollars to install, even with a decrease in manufacturing and installation costs. Therefore, many homeowners who would benefit from lowered utility expenses do not have enough money to buy panels outright. Leasing puts solar panels within everyone's reach. Some utility savings. Depending on the company you choose to lease panels from, you will receive a 10% to 20% reduction on your electricity costs. While the savings are not as great as when you ...

Are single family homes going the way of the dodo bird?

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  Now if you know me, I am not one to cry the sky is falling, but I can see a troubling trend that I feel must be said.  **This blog is a bit long- but hopefully will make you think.**  Many buyers are wondering where to find houses for sale in today’s market. It’s a true dilemma. We see an increase in buyer demand, but the supply available for purchase isn’t keeping up. There is so much construction that you see all over the valley, but a majority of it is multifamily housing, not single-family homes. So, is that a good thing, or a bad thing?   Well depend on where you are at in your life, and your needs the answer varies. Starting out in life, a condo is better than an apt, because you are building equity and not paying someone else mortgage.   But as you get married, and your family grows, you may want to trade that urban condo in for a single-family home, so you kids can play in the backyard and you have more space.   I f your kids have al...

Caring for Potted Plants in the Arizona Summer Heat

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Having plants on a patio or up a walkway can be delightful and welcoming.  But it can be tough caring for potted plants during the scorching summer ðŸ¥µHere are a few tips to help you succeed.   Remember they may need to be watered two time a day to keep up with the evaporation that is happening.  Here are some great tips!  Pot up. Transplanting into larger containers will increase rooting space and provide a larger reservoir for moisture. Use a quality potting mix, and consider adding water-holding crystals to the soil mix.⁣ ⁣ Raise up. Place rubber spacers or shims underneath your pot to lift it up off the ground and prevent the heat from your pavers, concrete or gravel radiating up into the pot. ⁣ ⁣ Group containers. Groupings not only look better, but also allow the pots to shade each other, decreasing the amount of sun that hits their sides, thus reducing evaporation and unnecessary water loss.⁣ ⁣ Move pots to cooler locations. Place con...

Phoenix Arizona-- 3 bed 2 bath with Den or office in Sun Lakes

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Phoenix Arizona--3 bed, 2 bath 2 car garage on a large lot- No HOA

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