Indoor flowering plants might seem intimidating even to experienced houseplant owners. However, there are many options for low-maintenance indoor flowers to brighten up your home. It’s also simpler to help your indoor flowering plants thrive if you follow some basic best practices. Here are some tips for growing indoor flowering plants:

Give them enough sun

While most plants will adapt to indoor conditions, flowering plants cannot produce blooms unless they get enough sunlight. It’s important to make sure your indoor flowers get the light they need throughout their growing season to encourage blooms and healthy new growth. Some plants require direct sunlight, while other more delicate varieties prefer filtered sun. Research your individual plant’s needs to give it the best possible home environment.

Water regularly

While many houseplants are fine without a strict watering schedule, most flowering indoor plants require consistent watering to thrive. How frequently you water depends on the type of plant you choose, but once you have a schedule, try to stick to it. It’s also essential to be aware of other factors that can affect water needs, such as ambient humidity, light, temperature and growing season. For example, many plants go dormant in winter and therefore don’t need as much water as they do at the peak of their growing season.

Know when to fertilize

Indoor plants only have access to the nutrients contained in their soil. Therefore, it’s crucial to supplement their nutrition with fertilizer, especially to ensure healthy blooms. Most plants will benefit from a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted with distilled water. Some indoor flowering plants, like orchids, have more specific nutritional needs.

For the healthiest plants and the best possible flowers, find out what your plants of choice require and how frequently.

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Buying land can be a tricky matter for many people, especially when they’re first getting started. No matter how valuable a property may seem at the time, it may not take very long to realize there were more strings attached than you thought. Before signing a contract, here are a few facts to keep in mind. 

Zoning laws

Building in certain neighborhoods may be difficult, depending on the size and configuration of the property. You also may want to consider how future laws will affect your building. For example, consider costs of complying with energy conservation or environmental protection laws. 

The state of the land

It’s crucial to know if the soil has been contaminated while the land sat vacant, how fast the tree roots are growing and whether the ground can support certain infrastructure. If the roots are moving close to the property site, you’ll need to factor in the cost of removal. 

The neighborhood

Some folks jump on “up-and-coming” neighborhoods, only to find the demand is less than expected. Other times, it might take too long before a neighborhood to become valuable. Think about what you’ll do if you can’t sell for the price you want (e.g., rent, etc.).

Buying land can be a great way to both meet the housing demand in an area while generating profit for you. The key is to consider the most common scenarios (and problems) that may occur before moving forward.

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If you’re interested in horses and have found yourself typing into your search bar “North Carolina horse farms for
sale” – you may be curious about what the state has to offer equestrians. 

With a long-standing equestrian community and plenty of land for sale, the state is a gold mine for those who enjoy
working with horses. Knowing the basics may help you decide if NC is the right place for you to start your own horse
property. 

How many acres do you need to own a horse in NC?

In NC, it’s recommended to have at least 2 acres per adult horse on your equestrian property, along with adequate
fencing and shelter to protect your animals from the elements. 

This amount of land provides the proper amount of room for your animals to move around and graze to maintain their
health. 

Where is the cheapest place to live with horses?

Hickory, North Carolina has been rated as the most cost-efficient city in the US to raise horses. The city often has
a moderate climate throughout the year and is home to some of the best North Carolina horse properties the state has
to offer. 

Is North Carolina a good place for horses?

NC is a wonderful place for horses, as the state features towns such as Southern pines with rich and welcoming
equestrian communities. Western North Carolina is home to many horse farms and has many trails and boarding stables
for those who may not have their own horse property.

Speaking to a real estate agent who specializes in horse properties can help you find the right space for you and
your animals.

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As the divide between indoor and outdoor living space continues to blur, homeowners and designers continue to think up new ways to enjoy the outdoors. Living room furniture and design ideas are perfect for helping connect two spaces with comfort and functionality.

While designing an outdoor living room is similar to designing an indoor space, there are some specific ideas you can use as inspiration:

Use plants as a focal point

While an indoor living room commonly features a television as a focal point, it can be more practical to turn to nature in designing your outdoor space. Try creating a focal point with plants instead. A single tree or collection of container plants add greenery and depth to the outdoor room. To save space, you can plant a living wall or horizontal garden as a focal point.

Break up the space with levels

Creating multiple levels in outdoor spaces can create the illusion of more space while also adding a cozy vibe. To use this design tip, try creating a classic sunken room design by raising your deck or patio surface. You can also define your outdoor room using raised garden beds, platforms and plant stands of varying heights.

Illuminate with an outdoor lighting scheme

With the right lighting, you can enjoy the ambiance and functionality of your outdoor living room well into the evenings. Start by bringing the traditional indoor lighting concepts outside: combine ambient, task and accent lighting outdoors for a perfectly lit space. Solar lights are environmentally friendly and an extremely low maintenance choice for illuminating your space.

Create a seamless flow

The flow of a room is just as important outdoors as indoors. Make sure to arrange outdoor furniture with accessibility and comfort in mind. If you need additional methods of creating flow and definition between other parts of the yard, you can mix flooring materials like pavers to designate boundaries and create pathways.

Along with your outdoor kitchen and outdoor dining area, an outdoor living room will provide you hours of comfort and enjoyment of your outdoor space. 

The post Tips for designing an outdoor living room you’ll love appeared first on Shelly Eshelman Realty.

It helps to know what to expect after you attend a house showing. Because if you know what to do following a showing, you may be able to speed up the process of going from homebuyer to homeowner.

Now, let’s take a look at three tips to help you make the best-possible decision about a house following a showing.

1. Assess the Pros and Cons of a House

Performing a comprehensive home analysis is a must after a showing. That way, you can weigh the pros and cons of a residence and decide whether a house is right for you.

Think about how you felt as you walked through each room of a house. If you can envision yourself as the owner of a home, you may want to move sooner rather than later to submit an offer to purchase.

Conversely, if you find a house is in need of major repairs or simply does not suit your lifestyle, you should not hesitate to continue your house search. With a diligent approach to home evaluations, you should have no trouble discovering your dream residence in the foreseeable future.

2. Consider the Next Step in Your Homebuying Journey

When it comes to finding the perfect residence, it helps to plan ahead as much as possible. And if you have a plan in place for what to do after a home showing, you’ll be better equipped than ever before to prepare for the worst-case scenarios.

For example, a home seller could accept a rival buyer’s offer to purchase before you have time to consider your options following a showing. But if you have a backup plan in place, you can move quickly to continue your homebuying journey, regardless of how a showing pans out.

3. Collaborate with a Real Estate Agent

If you are unsure about the best course of action at a home showing’s conclusion, you may want to consult with a real estate agent. This will enable you to gain expert insights into the housing market and make an informed decision about how to proceed with a particular residence.

A real estate agent is happy to teach you about all aspects of the housing market. Following a home showing, a real estate agent can meet with you and help you review all of the options at your disposal. And if you decide to submit an offer to purchase a house, a real estate agent will make it easy to put together a competitive homebuying proposal.

There is no need to worry about what to do after a house showing. Use the aforementioned tips, and you can boost the likelihood of making the best-possible decision following a home showing.

The post What to Expect After You Attend a Home Showing appeared first on Shelly Eshelman Realty.

Everyone talks about preparing financially to purchase and own a home. However, it’s not always exactly clear how to prepare. Rather than get overwhelmed by details, there are some basic things you can start with in order to get your finances ready for home ownership. Here we will go over the best ways to prepare.

Take Care of Your Credit Score

Unfortunately, there is no quick cure for a low credit score. It’s based on a lot of long-term factors like bill payment history and age of your credit accounts, so it’s difficult to boost your score short term. However, the more you prepare for buying a home, the better—and creating and maintaining good credit habits will help you in the long run. The first thing you can do is sign up for a free credit monitoring service so you are aware of your starting point. You can also identify any errors that might count against you so that you can dispute them. Some other things you can do are:

• Hold off on opening any new credit cards or loans to avoid “hard inquiries” on your credit

• Set up auto-payment with any recurring bills to avoid late payments

• Don’t completely close any old accounts, even if you don’t use them anymore

These are just the basics and while they are general best practices, only consider them in your own credit situation. For detailed financial advice, always consult a professional.

Start Saving for a Down Payment

The down payment on a new home is the largest upfront expense to prepare for. The size of the down payment will depend on the terms of the mortgage you choose, as well as the purchase price of the home. However, most experts recommend aiming for 20% of the price on the home. While the amount you need in the end might be lower, consider the advantages of saving more than not enough. Some simple strategies for saving up for this expense include automatic deposits into savings and redirecting funds you would normally contribute to a retirement fund. Everybody is different, and it’s important to consider the details of your particular financial situation. Hiring a financial advisor who can create a customized savings plan is a great idea for getting the most savings possible.

Look Into First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Programs

Among the myriad loan options available for homebuyers, there are some programs that exist specifically to help first-time homebuyers. There are various forms of financial assistance available, including special mortgages with low interest rates or tax credits. You can usually find these types of programs available through state governments. Take some time to research whether your state offers any financial help in buying your first home — it might surprise you how many opportunities are available.

The financial aspect of buying your first home is complicated and so is saving for it. However, if you follow these general best practices, you’ll be creating a solid foundation for yourself and your financial future.

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Moving is a strenuous process, and it’s common to feel exhausted after it’s over. For some, the first few days in your new home can feel even more overwhelming than the weeks before the move. Luckily, there are some simple things you can do to stay organized and maintain your moving momentum to feel comfortable in your new space. Here’s a list of things to do on the first days in your new home.

Set Up Essentials

If you packed an “essentials box” for your move, now’s the time for it to shine. There are some things you can do right away in your new home to make it comfortable, functional and avoid any frustrating surprises. One major area to focus on is the bathroom. Make sure at least one bathroom has toilet paper and hand soap. You may also want to hang up your shower curtain and liner so you can take a refreshing shower as soon as you want to.

There are also some kitchen essentials you can set up to make things easier in your first few days. If you brought your own microwave, find a spot for it and plug it in. You’ll appreciate the freedom to heat a frozen entrée for a quick and easy meal while still unpacking your kitchen. Have a set of silverware and a few dishes out as well. These things will help you get situated and keep you comfortable while unpacking your belongings.

Secure Your Home

If you have a home security system or smart devices, don’t delay setting them up. It’s important to make your new home as secure as possible as soon as possible, and you may find it easier to do before you set up everything else. Unfortunately, moving households are a common target for opportunistic thieves, so keep track of your belongings and lock your doors when you leave.

Speaking of locks, change them. While it’s unlikely that anyone else has keys for the current locks, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Besides, changing the locks and getting brand new keys gives you the opportunity to get copies for each housemate or family member. Don’t forget to make a spare and keep it in a safe location.

While these are just a few suggestions for first-day tasks in your new home, they can make a significant difference in the rest of your process. The more comfortable and safe you are in your new home, the more efficient you’ll be with the rest of your unpacking.

The post What to Do Your First Day in Your New Home appeared first on Shelly Eshelman Realty.

While many homeowners would prefer to either ignore or take a DIY approach to common household problems, electrical wiring should be reserved for licensed professionals. Even minor electrical issues can be dangerous if left unaddressed, and trying to fix them yourself can be risky.

But how do you know when it’s time to call an electrician? Here are the seven things you should always contact a professional for:

Unexplained buzzing or humming sounds

If you notice a new buzzing or humming noise in the house, it could be an electrical system issue. Try to find the source of the noise if possible, even if it’s just a general area of the home.

Dim or flickering lights

Dim or flickering light fixtures can be annoying, but a minor inconvenience you might simply ignore. While in some cases flickering or dimming can indicate a dying light bulb, other cases are more serious.

For example, you could have deteriorated or damaged wiring somewhere in your home due to pests. Rather than risk losing power throughout the house, it’s best to contact a qualified electrician as soon as possible.

A constantly tripping circuit breaker

It’s common for your circuit breaker to trip sometimes, especially when using certain appliances. However, if you notice it happening frequently, it’s time for a professional to investigate. The circuit could either be overloaded, or there could be an electrical wiring issue elsewhere.

A burning smell

One of the most serious consequences of residential wiring problems is fire. If you notice an unexplained scent similar to burning plastic or rubber, try to find the source immediately. Make sure to note any issues like discoloration on switches or black marks near power points.

Small shocks from outlets or appliances

Static electricity can build in the home and manifest in tiny shocks. While generally this is a common annoyance, sometimes it can be a faulty electrical wire somewhere in the house. Instead of risking serious injury, have an electrician find the source of the issue.

Visible sparks

Have you ever noticed a spark when plugging something in to an outlet? This can be a serious fire hazard and indicate something wrong with your home’s electrical system. Avoid using any outlet where you’ve noticed sparks and call a professional right away.

Moving to a new home

Home inspections are part of every home buying process. However, it’s worth hiring a licensed electrician to inspect your new home specifically for electrical issues. They can identify any potential risks or problems before you make your final decision.

Electrical wiring is complex and requires specific training and tools to repair. While you might be tempted to address issues with electrical wires yourself, it’s safer to contact a licensed electrician.

The post When to hire a professional to help with electrical wiring appeared first on Shelly Eshelman Realty.

When it comes to landscaping, bushes and shrubs are essential to a great design. Not only do they add dimension and aesthetic interest to an outdoor space, they are useful for creating natural barriers and highlighting other features.

If you’re interested in beginning your landscaping journey but not sure where to start with bushes and shrubs, here is a basic guide to some of the most popular choices:

Arborvitae

Arborvitae is a needled, evergreen shrub that’s extremely common in landscaping. Different cultivars can grow to different heights, some as tall as 60 feet. One of the most popular uses for arborvitae in landscaping design is to create hedge walls for privacy, either along the edges of properties or even as living fences.

Boxwood

Boxwood is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that’s perfect for formal hedges. Its small leaves and dense growth habit make it easy to trim and sculpt into specific shapes. Boxwood bushes are an excellent option for low-growing landscaping shrubs, and can thrive in full sun to part shade. However, they are a slow-growing shrub, making mature plants somewhat pricey as a result.

Rose bushes

Various types of rose bushes have been favorites in gardening and landscaping design for centuries. Deciduous rather than evergreen, rose bushes boast beautiful and fragrant blooms during the growing season. However, roses can be difficult to grow even for experienced gardeners, requiring full sun and slightly acidic soil to survive.

Lilac

Another deciduous shrub is the fragrant lilac bush. While it’s not the best choice for year-round interest, from early spring into summer the intoxicating scent of lilac flowers is a major draw for gardeners all over. Lilacs shrubs bloom in dense, purple clusters and their strong, woody stems make for strong plants that bounce back every year to put on another show.

Rhododendron

Rhododendron is an evergreen flowering shrub with broad, leathery green foliage. Their spring flowers come in a rainbow of colors depending on the cultivar, including pink, red, white, coral and yellow.

As landscaping shrubs, rhododendrons are often planted as a specimen focal point, or grouped together in woodland gardens. While they can grow very large, their growth habit doesn’t lend itself well to forming dense hedges.

When it comes to landscaping shrubs, the possibilities can seem endless. However, starting with these suggestions should put you on the right track to finding the best possible shrubs and bushes for your every landscaping need.

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Buying a home is a complicated transaction with many expenses. Part of the transaction involves closing costs, which vary in amount depending on the situation. One way to reduce the closing costs for the buyer is to ask for a seller concession so that the seller pays a portion of the closing costs instead. Even though this results in the seller spending more money on the transaction, there are some key reasons seller concessions can benefit both parties.

Types of Seller Concessions

A lot of individual expenses add up to make the final closing cost on a home purchase. Some concession requests or offers will pay for one or more specific costs, while others will be a percentage of the overall amount. Some of the individual expenses commonly involved in seller concessions are repairs, property tax, loan fees and homeowners’ insurance fees. The buyer can include a concession request in their offer or the seller can introduce them to help negotiate. It’s important to note that there are limits on seller concessions determined by the type of loan the buyer has.

Concession Benefits

Concessions have an obvious benefit for the buyer. A concession can mean less money required upfront when making a purchase. Closing costs typically combine to equal about 2 to 5% of the total purchase price, so anything that can reduce the amount is a bonus for the buyer.

Concessions can actually benefit the seller in certain situations as well. The biggest advantage is that they can speed up a transaction and entice buyers to purchase sooner. If a seller is having trouble closing the deal on their old home too long after moving into their new one, the result can be extremely costly. A concession can speed up the process to help avoid the risk of double mortgage payments. Concessions can also help a seller negotiate with a buyer who won’t budge on a low offer or to gain an edge in a competitive seller’s market. Discuss your options with a real estate agent or other professional to determine the best strategy.

Concession Disadvantages

As a buyer, requesting seller concessions in a competitive buyer’s market means you risk your offer being rejected. If there are multiple offers on a home, the seller is more likely to agree with a buyer who will put up more cash up front rather than ask for a concession. Concessions can cause issues for the buyer in the long-term, as well. Seller concessions get added in to your mortgage total which can increase your monthly payments. This also means you will pay more interest over the term of the loan. It’s important to weigh the long-term effects before making the request.

Concessions can help you both as a buyer and seller, but those benefits will always depend on your individual situation. Always consult a financial advisor to help you decide if requesting or offering seller concessions as part of your home transaction is right for you.

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