Posted By Andrea Robinson
July 25, 2023 Category: General

Our Summers are only getting warmer, which means everything is prone to getting dehydrated a lot quicker than usual - especially the flowers we plant in our garden.   That being said, here are 7 Summer garden maintenance tips to help your flowers beat the heat, so they look beautiful all season long:   Water deeply and early   Water your garden early in the morning before the heat of the day sets in. This allows the plants to absorb moisture before it evaporates, and it prevents the risk of fungal diseases. Water deeply at the base of the plants, rather than just spraying the foliage, to encourage strong root growth.   Mulch the soil   Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw, around your plants. Mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil, reduce weed growth, and regulate soil temperature. It acts as a protective barrier, keeping the roots cooler during hot summer days.   Provide shade   If your plants are particularly sensitive to heat, consider providing them with some shade during the hottest parts of the day. You can use shade cloths, and umbrellas, or even strategically place taller plants to provide relief from the intense sunlight.   Deadhead spent flowers   Regularly remove faded or dead flowers from your plants. Deadheading encourages new blooms and prevents energy from being wasted on seed production. This also helps maintain the overall health and appearance of your

Posted By Andrea Robinson
July 25, 2023 Category: General

Shopping for insurance isn’t something that comes easily for most of us. There are all types of jargon and lingo we don’t understand, different tiers that we don’t quite comprehend, and add that to the time pressure many of us are under when selecting title insurance due to it usually being purchased in the same time as you’re closing on a house - it’s a lot.   That being said, here are four questions you should be asking when shopping for title insurance to make the choice a bit easier for you to make:   What does the title insurance policy cover?    It's crucial to understand the extent of coverage provided by the title insurance policy. Inquire about the specific risks and potential issues that the policy protects against. Typical coverage includes protection against fraud, undisclosed liens, errors in public records, and other title defects.   What are the policy exclusions and limitations?    Title insurance policies often have exclusions and limitations that outline certain situations or risks not covered by the policy. Ask for a clear explanation of these exclusions to understand any potential gaps in coverage. Common exclusions may include environmental hazards, boundary disputes, and certain types of title defects.   How much does the title insurance policy cost?    Title insurance premiums can vary, so it's essential to obtain a detailed breakdown of the

Posted By Andrea Robinson
July 25, 2023 Category: General

Summer is only a few days away which means most of us will be spending most of our time outdoors instead of indoors.    If you really want to enjoy the sunshine this Summer (or any Summer!) then you may want to look into rearranging and renovating your backyard. Not only will this help increase your home’s resale value, but it will also allow you to make the most out of your Summer.   Here are 4 backyard rearrangements or renovations you can do this Summer:   Create a cozy outdoor lounge area   Transform your backyard into a comfortable and inviting space by adding outdoor furniture, such as a sectional sofa or lounge chairs. Consider adding a gazebo or an umbrella for shade, and enhance the ambiance with string lights or lanterns. Adding some potted plants or a small garden can also bring a refreshing touch to the area.   Build or buy a fire pit   A fire pit can be a fantastic addition to your backyard, providing a focal point for gatherings and creating a cozy atmosphere. You can choose to build a permanent fire pit using bricks or stones or opt for a portable fire pit that can be moved around. Don't forget to add some seating options around the fire pit for everyone to gather around and enjoy the warmth.   Install an outdoor kitchen or BBQ area   If you love to cook and entertain outdoors, consider building an outdoor kitchen or BBQ area. You can start by adding a grill, countertop space fo

Posted By Andrea Robinson
July 25, 2023 Category: General

When summer comes around, it’s normal that you feel like you want a refresh. However, we can’t be gutting our house every summer - we’d be constantly under construction mode! And that’s without even mentioning the cost.   However, there are a few types of renovations you can make to get that fresh summer feeling in your home, without breaking the bank.    That being said, here are some ideas: Paint your home   One of the easiest and most affordable ways to give your home a fresh new look is by painting the walls. A new coat of paint can make a big difference in a room and is a relatively simple DIY project. Swap out your lighting   Updating your lighting fixtures can instantly change the mood of a room. Consider replacing old fixtures with new ones or adding new lamps or accent lighting to improve the ambiance. Replace your hardware   Replacing the hardware on your cabinets and drawers can give your kitchen or bathroom a whole new look. You can find affordable options at most home improvement stores. Put in some new flooring   If you have old or worn-out flooring, consider replacing it with something new. While this can be pricey depending on what kind of flooring you like, vinyl plank flooring is a budget-friendly option that looks great and is easy to install.   Update your bathroom    Renovating your bathroom can get pretty pricey pretty quickly if you’re not careful. But sm

Posted By Andrea Robinson
July 25, 2023 Category: General

While most of us know what title insurance is, we don’t all realize its importance. Especially since the law doesn’t make it obligatory for you to get it.    But purchasing a title insurance policy may be what makes the difference between you actually having a home and losing it, despite paying the mortgage!   That being said, here are 5 things you need to know about title insurance:   It provides protection from Title defects   Title insurance provides you with protection against financial loss due to defects in the title of a property. This includes any issues such as outstanding liens, judgments, or other claims against the property that could potentially cause loss or damage.   It gives you peace of mind   Title insurance gives you and your lenders peace of mind by reducing the risks associated with owning or financing real estate. It ensures that any title defects will be identified and resolved before the transaction is finalized.   It is cost-effective in the long-term   Title insurance is a one-time cost and it provides ongoing protection for as long as you own the property. This makes it a cost-effective way to protect your investment in real estate.   You get access to professional assistance   When you purchase a title insurance policy, you get the benefit of professional assistance from an experienced title company. They will conduct a thorough search of public r

Posted By Andrea Robinson
March 16, 2023 Category: General

We know that title insurance protects you from losing your home, being liable for liens, and losing part of your property due to an encroachment issue.   But it also brings a lot of great benefits that aren’t talked about enough. Here are three benefits of buying title insurance:   Piece of mind   There’s nothing that can help you sleep better at night than knowing if something does come up in regard to the title of your home that you’re covered.    This is because when you purchase a title insurance policy, the fee you paid is essentially a premium that facilitates the transfer of the cost of a potential loss to the insurance company. We’re not saying that all insurance companies cover every single thing no questions asked, but having coverage is certainly better than no coverage at all.   Savings down the road   While it may feel a tad bit discouraging to have to spend money on yet another type of insurance, this title insurance policy is guaranteed to save you money down the road should a title dispute occur.    Since your home is essentially the biggest purchase you make and the most valuable thing you own, the last thing you want to do is put all of that at risk as title disputes can be quite costly.   Lower risk   Lastly, purchasing title insurance might not guarantee that there’s ever someone who claims something against your home, but it sure does bring

Posted By Andrea Robinson
November 30, 2022 Category: General

  With the cost of living reaching an all-time high, we’re all looking for ways to save a few bucks here and there. Here are 5 tips on how you can save money on your energy bill this winter:   Switch to a smart thermostat   If you’re someone who tends to forget to adjust your heating manually, investing in a smart thermostat that adjusts your heating based on the controls you set up will save you a ton of money over the winter months.   Find air leaks and seal them   Your door frames, window, and chimney may be letting some cold air into your home and/or letting the warm air out, making your heating system work harder to keep the heat. Make it a priority to check these frames yourself and hire a professional to let you know if any air is coming in from your chimney.   Swap out your regular bulbs for LED bulbs   LED light bulbs are 70% to 90% more efficient than incandescents and last 15 times longer. This means not only do you save money on your energy bill but also from not have to buy replacement bulbs as often.   Heat your home naturally   While you can’t heat your home to 70 degrees with only the sun, opening up your curtains during the day and letting the sun’s rays hit the inside of your home can help warm up your home by up to 2 degrees.    Unplug unused electronics   If you’re not actively using an electronic and it can be easily unplugg

Posted By Andrea Robinson
November 30, 2022 Category: General

  While this November may be one of the warmest Novembers we’ve ever experienced, let’s not forget that a couple of inches of snow is just around the corner!   That being said, there are a few things you can do to prepare your home for the Winter season once that snow starts falling.   Inspect all windows and doors for leaks   The first thing you want to do is go around your house and make sure that all windows and doors are properly sealed. If they’re not, then water from the snowfall and cold air can make its way into your house. Failing to seal your doors and windows can cause you a lot of money in repairs due to water damage and a hike in your energy bill.    Assess your roof   Heavy snowfall means lots of water accumulating on your roof. You want to make sure that you won’t have to climb a ladder to repair a spot on your roof during the cold and icy Winter months. Look out for any shingles that may need special attention. Also, look at the caulking around the chimney and your air vents while you’re at it.    Pad exposed pipes in unheated areas   When it gets really cold, this can cause your pipes to freeze. And we all know how expensive that can be if those pipes end up bursting! An easy and inexpensive method to avoid this happening is to pad the exposed pipes, even the smallest ones. Look in your attic, basement, and crawl space for pipes that may need

Posted By Andrea Robinson
November 30, 2022 Category: General

  Buying a home is a big step - and many dreams about this big day! But this dream can quickly turn into a nightmare if someone surprisingly shows up at your door claiming you owe them money.   Here are three things no one tells you about buying a home that you should be aware of and how purchasing a title insurance policy can protect you from these situations:   You might owe someone you don’t know money   If you’re moving into a new home, you become the new owner of this property. But you also become the person who is responsible for any liens that are associated with the house! Unfortunately, if the previous owner might have been in a pickle, these debts they have doesn’t magically disappear when they sell you the home.   Luckily, this is a situation that can be avoided by purchasing a title insurance policy. The agent would be doing some preliminary research to make sure you don’t have anything of this sort happen in the future. Should something come up that wasn’t discovered by the agent at the time they conducted their initial research, your insurance would cover you.   You might have your fence on the neighbor's property   Believe it or not, it often happens that someone’s pool or fence oversteps on their neighbor's property because they weren’t properly aware of where the limitations of their property are.    Again, if you have title insurance, this

Posted By Andrea Robinson
November 03, 2022 Category: General

By now, you most likely know that the real estate market is completely different from what it was a mere 6 months ago. If you have a home you are trying to sell, the market we are in right now will most likely resemble the one we knew before the pandemic hit.    That being said, most homeowners are looking for things they can do to ensure they can still get the highest amount possible for their homes.   While it would be awesome to increase your home’s value simply by wanting it to, it doesn’t work that way. You need to spend some money to make some.   Here are 3 different types of renovations you can do to increase your home’s value and get the highest possible price when selling:   Remodel your kitchen   It’s no secret that your kitchen is the heart of your home. Plus, it’s usually the main deciding factor when it comes to someone putting an offer on a house. It can easily make or break a deal!   Whether your cabinets are beaten up and could use a refresh or you’re thinking of changing up your backsplash for a more modern tile, it’s definitely worth the investment.    Update your main bathroom   Every bathroom is important, but the main one which is usually situated upstairs is THE most important.    This may not be as important as the kitchen, but it comes in second place in a buyer’s criteria for a home.    Everyone dreams of a spacio