Cozy season is almost here! It’s time to get out those chunky knit sweaters and pour yourself a pumpkin spice latte. It’s also time to start getting your home ready for the coming season. By tackling these tasks now, you’ll be able to enjoy those crisp fall days ahead. Here’s what you need to know to prepare your home for the fall.

Check your fireplace and chimney

Do you have a fireplace in your home? Lucky you! There’s nothing cozier on a fall day than a fire. But fireplaces come with their own set of risks, and you need to make sure yours is in good working order. Now is the best time to have your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned.

Stock firewood

If that fireplace of yours is wood-burning, then it’s also time to stock up on firewood. It’s so much easier to get your firewood together now before the weather gets bad. Make sure you have a place to stack it outside where it will be protected. And have an easy way to bring a load inside on those blustery days.

Check your furnace

It’s also time to make sure your furnace is in good working order. There’s nothing worse than having your furnace go out when the outside temperature drops below freezing. Have your furnace inspected and change out the filters. This will help to extend the life of your furnace and save you on your energy costs.

Prep your outdoor furniture

Outdoor living spaces have become such an important part of our homes during the pandemic. Keep your outdoor furniture looking good by washing it and bringing cushions and fabrics inside for the fall and winter. If not, they can get moldy. Store furniture in a shed or garage or keep them covered over the next few months.

Bring in your houseplants

Did your houseplants get a summer vacation in your garden? Then it’s probably time to bring them back inside. A good rule of thumb is to bring your houseplants back inside once the nighttime temperatures begin to fall below 50 degrees. Give them a good soaking to rid them of pests before bringing them inside.

Get out your cozy bedding

You don’t want to have to go in search of a warm blanket in the middle of a cold night. That’s why you should get out your cozy bedding now. We’re talking about those comfy down comforters, luxurious velvet bedspreads, and chunky knit throw blankets. Give your summer bedding a good wash and keep it stored in the closet.

Plant spring bulbs

Finally, we know it’s hard to think ahead to spring when fall is just beginning. But you’ll thank yourself if you do. Now is the time to start planting spring bulbs in your garden. We’re talking about daffodils, tulips, and other flowers that are amongst the first to bloom in early spring. Those first signs of life can be good for our mental health after a long winter. So get those bulbs in the ground now before it freezes and you’ll enjoy that effort in just a few short months!

Compliments of Virtual Results

When you are looking for your dream home, you get to find a home uniquely suited to the way you live. Think about your lifestyle and how your Dream Home should reflect that. This way you can find a space that’s perfectly suited to your preferences and lifestyle. Modern houses tend to feature muted colours, large windows, and clean lines. They may use materials like reinforced steel or concrete to create layers and textures. Another key difference is the floor plan. In a traditional home design, the space is divided into separate, single-purpose rooms. Modern homes often have open concept floor plans with fewer dividing walls and rooms that serve multiple purposes.

Written By: Saron Desta

A lot goes into buying a home. Not only are you looking for a home that meets all your needs, but you’ll also be looking for a neighborhood that does the same. These are big decisions, and they shouldn’t be taken lightly. While you may already know what you’re looking for in a home, have you thought about what you want in a neighborhood? If you’re still determining what kind of neighborhood you’d like to move to, then here are the questions you should ask yourself.

Is it a safe neighborhood?

One of the most important considerations you should evaluate when looking for a neighborhood is its safety. This is particularly true if you have young children. You want them to grow up in a safe environment. You can research a neighborhood’s safety by checking the crime statistics in the area. We also recommend driving or walking around the neighborhood at different times of the day to get a feel for how safe and secure it is.

Is it easy to get from one place to another?

Another thing you should consider when looking at a neighborhood is how easy it is to get from one place to another. Is the neighborhood close to the main streets and highways? Will you have easy access to public transportation with bus or train stations nearby? Is there a local airport? In addition, think about whether you’ll be able to walk or bike to nearby amenities, such as parks, restaurants, grocery stores, and local attractions.

Is it safe for bikes?

Speaking of bikes, is the neighborhood safe for bicyclists? Do the local roads include bike lanes? Are there places to park and lock up bikes near popular destinations? Do local public transit options allow you to take a bike aboard? When you visit, do you see other residents riding their bikes in the neighborhood?

Is there noise?

Nobody wants to live near noise, whether it’s street noise or noisy neighbors. Living in a peaceful environment and getting a good night’s sleep are important to most buyers. So, if possible, visit the home a different times of the day to see what kind of ambient noise you may be dealing with. Check to see how close the property is to busy streets as well as commercial districts. Also, take into consideration how close the house is to the neighbors. The closer you are, the more likely sounds from the neighbors might annoy you.

What amenities are nearby?

You should also check out what kinds of amenities are close to the home that you may enjoy. Look for parks, cultural attractions, nature preserves, restaurants, and conveniences such as grocery stores, banks, and gas stations. Having these amenities close by may be more important to you than you realize.

How connected is the community?

Finally, you should also look for signs that residents are actively engaged with the community. Are people out walking their dogs? Do they utilize public spaces? Are there frequent community events such as live music or even fundraisers? Moving to a neighborhood where residents are actively engaged in the community can be a real asset and even influence the value of your home.

Compliments of Virtual Results