With the scarcity of homes for sale, you may think it isn't important to deep clean, but if you consider that it can make a difference of $3,500 or more, you may change your mind. A cleaning service will likely charge between $200 and $400. That is a greater return on investment than many other home improvements. Our REALTORS® have a few hints to make the process less overwhelming.

• Start by Decluttering
  When you move, you will have to pack all of your personal possessions anyway, so why not jumpstart the process by removing those things you don't use? Take the photos off the walls, the trophies off the shelves, and remove any other knickknacks. Eliminate all those things you have planned to donate or toss out. Don't fall into the trap of storing boxes in a spare room or the closets. It's as important to show them to their best advantage as much as the rest of the house. Rent a storage room and get them out of the way. The house will look much bigger!
  
  
• Make the Kitchen Sparkle
  Start by clearing out the gadgets. Put all small appliances out of sight to maximize the appearance of counter space. Clean the refrigerator, stove, and microwave, inside and out. Don't forget the dishwasher, as it can harbor unpleasant odors. Vinegar and baking soda will make short work of odor both there and from the garbage disposal. Look at the photos of other Bucyrus homes for sale and select the most attractive kitchens. Take note of what catches your eye and incorporate it into your kitchen. Once it is as clean as you can make it, including windows and floors, stage it with a touch of color from a bowl of fruit or fresh flowers. 
  
  
• Attack the Bathroom Next
  Scrub the toilet to remove hard water rings and stains. Use a deodorizer in the tank, but choose a pleasant scent. Pay attention to the base of the toilet where it meets the floor, as this is a place that collects dirt and debris. Every surface should be shining clean with no soap scum or trash anywhere. If you use a hamper in the bathroom, ensure it's empty before showing the house. 
  
  
• Windows, Floors, Walls, and Doors
  The windows, curtains, and drapes should be clean throughout the house. The hard floors should be scrubbed clean, with special attention to corners and baseboards. Steam clean the carpets. Make sure the walls are clean and free of fingerprints or scrapes. If they can't be washed clean, consider new paint. Make sure doors are clean and handles are polished. Replace hardware as needed. 
  
  
• Living Room, Dens, and Bedrooms
  Before you photograph or show your home, be sure each room is picked up and free of laundry, junk mail, or any of the other little things that clutter our houses daily. Make sure beds are made and everything is in its place. Don't be afraid to add a pop of color here and there with a bright pillow or comfy throw. Open the drapes and turn on the lights for a bright welcome. 

We often talk about staging to increase the price of the home, but if that is not an investment you wish to make, deep cleaning is the next best thing. Before you put the house on the market, contact us for more helpful information on maximizing the profit on your sale. 

On March 17, St. Patrick's Day is held to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland with food, drink, music, and more. Whether you have Irish roots or would just like to celebrate the day in a fun way, you'll have plenty of options in and around Mansfield, OH. Our REALTORS® suggest getting your Irish on at any of the following events.

• Deadly St. Patrick's Day Murder Mystery - 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2024
  Marta Louise Ballroom, Landoll's Mohican Castle grounds - 561 Township Rd. 3352, Loudonville, OH 44842  
  Wear something green or party-worthy to enjoy a popular murder mystery dinner and work with fellow guests to crack the case. The venue is located on the beautiful grounds of Landoll's Mohican Castle near Loudonville homes for sale. After the first act, you'll be treated to a three-course plated dinner from the executive chef, including corned beef brisket and a delicious dessert. You're also welcome to purchase drinks from a full bar.
  
  
• St. Patrick's Day Party - 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, March 17, 2024
  The Vault Wine Bar, 29 W. Main St., Shelby, OH 44875
  Kick St. Patrick's Day off in style with a party at The Vault Wine Bar, which you'll find just around the corner from Shelby homes for sale. It's located in a unique building built in 1911, with 30-foot ceilings and marble walls remaining to give the wine bar ample charm. Stop by and join in the festivities at their St. Patrick's Day Party and treat yourself to Irish food and drink specials as well as live Irish music with Clurichaun Celtic Clan.
  
  
• Leprechaun Felting Class - 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2024
  Alpaca Meadows, 1200 Rock Road, Mansfield, OH 44903
  For a different and creative way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, head to Alpaca Meadows near Mansfield homes for sale to create a cute Irish leprechaun. You'll make him as you learn needle felting, which uses a barbed needle to jab alpaca wool fibers to compact them. The result is a three-dimensional creature you can customize to make it your own. No previous experience is required, and all materials and tools are provided.
  
  
• St. Pat's Kegs and Eggs! Acoustic Show - Sunday, March 17
  The Local @97 - 58 State Route 97, Lexington, OH 44904
  The Local @97 is the perfect place to get together with friends on St. Patrick's Day (or any other day!) for delicious food and drink served in a lively atmosphere. Live acoustic music will help keep the atmosphere festive and fun for the celebration. Go early to treat yourself to breakfast and the Bloody Mary Bar, where you can build your own beverage, complete with toppings like shrimp and bacon. The menu has plenty of pizza, burger, sandwich, and salad options to please everyone in your group.
  
  
• St. Patrick's Day Celebration - March 17, 2023
  City Grille and Bar, 37 E. 4th St., Mansfield, OH 44902
  Located in the historic downtown Carrousel District, City Grille and Bar hosts a St. Patrick's Day Celebration filled with festive food and drink specials. Kegs and eggs help start the day, or wait and get some traditional corned beef and cabbage or Irish stew from 11 a.m.-close. Green beer will be on the menu, of course, along with other specialty drinks like the Fuzzy Leprechaun, Irish Mule, and Naughty Irishman.

Contact us to learn what makes Northeast Ohio a special place to call home or buy or sell a home in the area. 

When preparing to sell your home, it's essential to present it in its best light. Our REALTORS® recommend focusing on key repairs to enhance your property's appeal. Here are seven crucial repairs to consider before listing your home this year.

1. Upgrade the Kitchen Appliances
   Upgrading your kitchen appliances can significantly increase the attractiveness of your home. Modern, energy-efficient appliances not only look better but also appeal to buyers who are conscious about energy use and long-term savings. Additionally, investing in high-quality appliances can elevate the functionality of your kitchen, making meal preparation and cooking a more enjoyable experience for both you and potential buyers.
   
   
2. Fix Any Leaky Faucets
   Leaky faucets are not only annoying but can also signal larger plumbing issues to potential buyers. Repairing these leaks is a small but critical step in showing that your home has been well-maintained and is move-in ready. Furthermore, addressing plumbing issues promptly can help prevent water damage and mold growth, safeguarding the integrity of your home and ensuring peace of mind for prospective buyers.
   
   
3. Update Lighting Fixtures
   Lighting can dramatically change the look and feel of your home. Replacing outdated or malfunctioning fixtures with modern, energy-efficient options can brighten up your space and make it more appealing. Moreover, strategically placed lighting fixtures can highlight architectural features and create an inviting ambiance, enhancing the overall atmosphere of your home and leaving a lasting impression on potential buyers.
   
   
4. Repair or Replace Damaged Flooring
   Damaged or worn flooring can be a significant turnoff for buyers. Whether it's refinishing hardwood floors, replacing cracked tiles, or getting rid of old carpets, updating your flooring can significantly enhance your home's overall appearance. Additionally, investing in durable and low-maintenance flooring materials can increase the value and marketability of your home, appealing to discerning buyers who prioritize quality and longevity.
   
   
5. Service Your HVAC System
   A well-functioning HVAC system is crucial for comfort and energy efficiency. Servicing your system not only ensures it's running smoothly but also reassures buyers that they won't face immediate maintenance issues. Furthermore, regular HVAC maintenance can prolong the lifespan of your system, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs and enhancing the resale value of your home.
   
   
6. Improve Curb Appeal
   Your home's exterior is the first thing potential buyers see, so first impressions really do matter. Simple improvements like landscaping, painting your front door, or power washing your siding can make a significant difference. Additionally, enhancing curb appeal can attract more foot traffic to your property, generating greater interest among prospective buyers and potentially leading to a quicker sale at a higher price point.
   
   
7. Address Any Roof Issues
   Roof problems can be a deal-breaker for many buyers. Repairing missing shingles or any noticeable damage ensures your home is not only aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound. Furthermore, maintaining a well-kept roof can enhance the overall durability and weather resistance of your home, providing added reassurance to buyers and facilitating a smoother sales process.

Selling your home can be a seamless process with the right preparations. By focusing on these key repairs, you enhance the value and appeal of your property. If you're looking at Bellville homes for sale or need more advice on preparing your home for the market, don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to guide you every step of the way.

Would you say you're in love with your home? It's not uncommon for people to fall out of love with their homes over time. After living in the same place for a while, the decor can start to feel a bit stale, even if the home still suits your overall needs. If it truly feels like time to move on, our REALTORS® can help you find the perfect new home. But in many cases, it's possible to re-imagine your space, make a few changes, and fall back in love with your current place. Here are a few changes to consider.

• Polish the Woodwork
  Many of the Bucyrus homes for sale that we've seen recently have polished, shiny woodwork. It's amazing how stately and refined these older homes look when the wood has been nicely polished and cared for. If your woodwork looks dull, purchase a high-quality polish and follow the directions on the bottle to apply it. You can also polish wood furniture such as tables, dressers, and bookshelves. 
  
  
• Add a New Pantry
  Do your kitchen cabinets feel too cluttered and disorganized? You'll fall back in love with your kitchen by eliminating some clutter, and one of the easiest ways to do that is to purchase a free-standing pantry cabinet. Set it up in an empty corner or along a wall, and use it to hold all your food items. This will leave you with more cabinet space for dishes and cooking utensils and make it easier to keep food items organized. 
  
  
• Hang up New Keepsakes
  Do you have some newer family photos that you really love? Maybe there's a print you bought on vacation, or perhaps there's a souvenir shirt you could frame. Adding new and meaningful wall hangings can make your home feel more personalized. Consider hanging such items in the entryway to spark conversation with visiting guests. Or, hang them in your bedroom to help your space feel more like your own. 
  
  
• Paint Your Cabinets
  A kitchen or bathroom can take on a whole new look if you just paint the cabinets. If your cabinets are currently dark, paint them a light color for a fresh, more inviting look. If your cabinets are already light, painting them a deeper color can make the space feel more elegant. Let your new cabinet color inspire you to buy some new decor, too.
  
  
• Add an Area Rug
  If you have hard floors, adding an area rug to the space can provide a hint of coziness. You could center the area rug under your coffee table in the living room. Or, use an area rug to create a nook-like space to the side of a great room. With a few comfortable chairs and a bookshelf, this could be a new place for you to read. We've seen several Bellville homes for sale with nooks like these, and they're lovely.
  
  
• Rearrange Furniture
  Did you ever rearrange your bedroom as a child? It always made the space feel brand new, right? Rearranging any room in your home will have a similar effect on you as an adult. Use graph paper to draw different layouts for your bedroom, living room, or dining room. Find a new layout you love, and get to moving. 

Your home should be a place where you feel not only comfortable and at ease but also excited and inspired. If you follow a few of these tips, you'll fall back in love with your home. Of course, you can always contact us if you decide to look for new Mansfield homes for sale instead.

A wedding is a magical event, and if you're planning your own, one of the first decisions to make is where you want your wedding to be held. The Mansfield area is home to several wedding destinations that can give your festivities a unique backdrop for a memorable ceremony and reception, along with fantastic photos to remember the event. Our REALTORS® suggest tying the knot in style at one of the following Mansfield wedding spots.

• The Meadowood - 4824 Rule Road, Bellville, OH 44813
  Perfectly combining rustic charm with the conveniences and space you'll need, The Meadowood offers weddings at its 25-acre property located close to Bellville homes for sale. You'll be surrounded by a forest of towering pine trees and be able to have your reception in a restored barn with original timber-frame accents. A stone patio with a massive rustic stone fireplace can be used for receptions or as a cocktail area. And the property's Cedar House is the perfect spot for you and your family and close friends to enjoy onsite overnight accommodations.
  
  
• The Gallery on Mulberry - 43 S. Mulberry St., Mansfield, OH 44903
  If you're planning to have a small, intimate wedding but want to have it in a special location, stop by The Gallery on Mulberry. Located in Mansfield's historic downtown, the venue has special touches such as historic doors, large windows that let lots of natural light pour in, and a pine floor that makes the setting even more attractive. If you'd like, you can also schedule the space for wedding showers and other events. 
  
  
• The Legacy on Possum Run - 5384 Possum Run Road, Bellville, OH 44813
  The Legacy on Possum Run offers three different yet equally charming sites for your wedding: the Heritage Barn, Bridgewater, and New Roots Greenhouse. The Heritage Barn is 170 years old and provides plenty of charm and modern amenities to ensure you and your guests are comfortable. Bridgewater has the feel of an outdoor wedding venue—with greenery, wood, stone, water, and natural light—but lets you have your wedding in the cozy indoors. And New Roots Greenhouse provides a blank slate with an airy, light-filled setting you can customize to make your own.
  
  
• Cedar Creek Barn - 7723 US-42, Mansfield, OH 44904
  For an authentically rustic wedding, head to Cedar Creek Barn in a picturesque rural setting. It's part of a real working cattle farm, and you and your guests will have beautiful tree-lined views to enjoy. The large barn has been transformed into a roomy wedding venue that can accommodate more than 250 guests in a setting enhanced by magical lighting and plenty of rustic charm.
  
  
• The Pickwick Place Loft - 1875 N. Sandusky Ave., Bucyrus, OH 44820
  From its past as a dairy farm and a highly successful racehorse farm, The Pickwick Place Loft has been transformed into a charming wedding venue - complete with chandeliers and fairy lights - with all the modern amenities you need. You'll have rooms to get ready in, lots of parking, and more to help make your wedding a success. Located near Bucyrus homes for sale, the venue has a chapel with handmade wooden benches for your guests. After your ceremony, head upstairs for your reception.

Contact us if you want to learn more about the area or buy or sell a home in Mansfield. Our company is a top leader in the real estate industry, and our agents would love to show you Mansfield homes for sale and help you market and sell your existing home. 

Where are you taking your date to dinner this Valentine's Day? If you haven't made plans yet, it's time to get started. To help you orchestrate the perfect evening, our REALTORS® have created a list of some of the top date night restaurants near our Mansfield homes for sale.

• Wishmaker House Restaurant - 116 Main St., Bellville, OH 44813
  The Wishmaker House is a luxury B&B near our Bellville homes for sale—and it just happens to have an excellent restaurant on the premises, too. You and your date can eat in the building's welcoming dining room or the garden's heated private igloo. You can feast on hearty foods like sandwiches, burgers, flatbreads, and other pub food staples alongside some of the Wishmaker House's signature fruit wine. Finish your meal by sharing a slice of their famous gourmet cheesecake with your sweetheart.
  
  
• Hudson and Essex – 51 E. 4th St., Mansfield, OH 44902
  Hudson and Essex offers a fine dining experience you and your date can enjoy right here in central Ohio. The restaurant's menu includes everything from filet mignon and New York strip to braised beef ravioli, as well as luxurious sides like marinated olives and truffle parmesan fries. For drinks, you can enjoy a glass of well-aged red or white wine made at the Cypress Hill Winery downstairs. If you take a shine to a particular variety, you can even get a bottle to take home. 
  
  
• The Oak Park Tavern - 2919 State Route 430, Mansfield, OH 44903
  The Oak Park Tavern is Richmond County's oldest supper club, and they're still serving many of the same dishes they were plating up in 1940. Their menu includes delicious hearty entrees like premium steaks grilled to perfection and lovingly seasoned fish filets. They won Restaurant Guru's 2023 Best Seafood Restaurant in Mansfield award for a reason! After you and your date finish eating, you can enjoy a round of drinks at the tavern's bar. Ask the bartender to make you one of their specialty cocktails for a fun visual demonstration to complete the experience. 
  
  
• HideAway Country Inn – 1601 State Route 4, Bucyrus, OH 44820
  The HideAway Country Inn is a secluded B&B based in a historic farmhouse and barn near our Bucyrus homes for sale. Dripping with old-fashioned charm perfect for a memorable Valentine's experience, this establishment has a spacious public dining room as well as several private and semi-private rooms you can book in advance. Each candlelit meal features three to five courses of sumptuous fare like bourbon-glazed chicken, Atlantic salmon, and New York-style cheesecake. The chef is also happy to accommodate dietary restrictions with vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals. Just let your server know before you order, and the chef will adapt your menu selection as needed.
  
  
• Prohibition Dining – 51 E. 4th St., Mansfield, OH 44902
  You and your date will never forget dining at Prohibition Dining this Valentine's Day. In addition to its delectable dishes, this restaurant boasts a unique setting within the underground Civil War-era caverns below Mansfield. This reservation-only fine dining experience includes eight delicious courses spanning from starters to dessert, each paired with a premium wine to complement the flavors you'll be sampling. Don't forget to snap a picture of each gorgeous dish to commemorate the occasion!

From great restaurants to exciting attractions and events, Mansfield has everything you need to make every occasion special. Contact us today to learn more about our current roster of listings in and around this pivotal central Ohio city.

Creating a dedicated workout space at home can be a game-changer in meeting your fitness goals for 2024. With the expertise of our REALTORS® at Haring Realty, you can find the perfect spot in your home to stay active and healthy. Let's explore how you can carve out an ideal workout area, even in a cozy living space.

• Utilize Unused Spaces
  Every home has underutilized areas that can be transformed into a workout zone. Think about converting a seldom-used guest room, an empty corner in your living room, or even a section of your garage into your personal gym. These spaces, once overlooked, can become the cornerstone of your daily fitness routine.
  
  
• Get Creative with Storage
  Efficient storage solutions are key in a home gym, especially in smaller spaces. Invest in compact, foldable equipment, wall-mounted racks, or storage bins to keep your workout gear organized and accessible. This approach ensures your fitness area remains tidy and inviting.
  
  
• Incorporate Mirrors
  Adding mirrors to your workout space is not just about checking your form. Mirrors can make a room feel larger and more open, creating an inviting and spacious atmosphere for your exercises. Plus, watching yourself progress can be a great motivational tool!
  
  
• Use Multi-Functional Furniture
  In a home where space is at a premium, multi-functional furniture is a lifesaver. Look for items like ottomans that double as storage, or a sturdy coffee table that can be used for exercises like step-ups. These pieces allow you to maintain your home's aesthetic while facilitating your workout needs.
  
  
• Invest in Quality, Compact Equipment
  You don't need bulky machines to have an effective workout. Quality, compact equipment like resistance bands, dumbbells, and a yoga mat can offer a full-body workout without taking up too much space. This approach allows for flexibility in your routine and keeps your space uncluttered.
  
  
• Embrace Technology
  Incorporate technology to maximize your workout efficiency. Use apps for guided exercises, stream online classes, or even consider a compact smart home gym system. Technology can provide variety and structure to your workouts, making them more enjoyable and effective.
  
  
• Personalize Your Space
  Personalize your workout area to make it an inviting part of your daily routine. Add motivational posters, plants, or even a sound system to create an environment that inspires you to stay active. A space that reflects your personality will encourage regular use.
  
  
• Ensure Proper Lighting
  Good lighting is crucial in a workout space. Natural light is ideal, but if that's not possible, ensure bright, energizing lighting. Proper lighting not only boosts your mood but also helps to prevent injuries by allowing you to see clearly as you exercise.
  
  
• Consider Outdoor Options
  When the weather is warm, make use of outdoor space for a change of scenery. A patio or deck can be an excellent spot for yoga, pilates, or other activities. Fresh air and natural surroundings can enhance your workout experience.

In 2024, let your home support your health and wellness goals. With these tips, you can create an effective workout space that motivates and inspires. If you're looking for a new home with more space for your fitness needs, explore Mansfield homes for sale. Feel free to contact us at Haring Realty to find a home that perfectly fits your lifestyle and wellness goals. 

If you love interior design, you're probably just as excited about this year's paint Colors of the Year as our REALTORS® are. From new spins on neutrals like Behr's Cracked Pepper and Glidden's buttery Limitless to bold hues like Krylon's Bluebird, this year's selection has something for everyone. There are also plenty of ways to mix these exciting shades into your home's decor without just repainting a room. Try a few of these top tips from our team to bring a fresh coat of paint (pun intended!) to your home's color story.

• Use Accent Items
  Adding accent items like vases, framed prints, decorative pillows, and throw blankets to your decor is the easiest way to bring new trendy colors into your space. These items are inexpensive and can easily be removed from the room if you change your mind. We use them all the time to quickly update the design sensibilities of a space when staging our Bellville homes for sale. 
  
  Use accent items to experiment with the colors in a low-stakes way if you're not sure how much you want to commit to them just yet. If you can't find items in the exact color you want on store shelves, you can use a print-on-demand service to create your own in the correct shade.
  
  
• Redecorate a Small Space
  Smaller rooms like your bathroom, home office, or laundry room offer the perfect canvas for bold and trendy colors.
  
  These spaces don't get nearly as much attention as spaces like the living room or kitchen, so you can experiment in them without compromising the rest of your interior design. Paint the walls your favorite color of the year or invest in fixtures, flooring, or furniture that shows off the trendy new hue. It won't make your whole home look dated even if its popularity doesn't last.
  
  
• Create an Accent Wall
  Accent walls combine the restraint of accent items with the bold vision of painted walls to create the perfect compromise for the adventurous homeowner.
  
  Choose one wall in your kitchen, living room, or bedroom and paint it your favorite 2024 hue. The fashionable new color will stand out against its surroundings, especially if the rest of the space is decorated with neutral tones. If you get tired of the new look, you can easily repaint that wall and start fresh. 
  
  
• Design Around a Feeling
  If you feel particularly drawn to one of the colors of the year, try incorporating it into your home by designing a room around the feeling that color evokes in you.
  
  Start by thinking about songs, images, and other touch points that make you feel the same way, then build on those associations to fill out your room's new aesthetic and color palette. When you're done, you'll have created a space that will multiply the positive effects of that color you love so much. 

Want to really put 2024's gorgeous paint colors to the test? Use them to decorate your new dream home this year. Contact us today to get in touch with our agents and start combing through our roster of homes for sale to find the perfect property to bring your design dreams to life.

On a chilly winter evening, few things are more comforting than a hot bowl of hearty soup. January is National Soup Month, making it an excellent time to try a new recipe or reinvent your favorite soup flavor. Our REALTORS® suggest trying some of these recipes to celebrate.

• Cheesy Potato Soup with Bacon
  This full-flavored potato soup is a delicious option on a chilly winter evening and can be made in less than an hour. Start by cooking bacon in a Dutch oven until crispy, leaving a couple of tablespoons of the drippings.
  
  Then, add a few pounds of potatoes, scallions, onion, garlic, and butter to the dutch oven. Cook until the onions are soft. Add flour, salt, and pepper, stirring the ingredients to ensure that everything is coated. 
  
  Stir in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and allow the soup to simmer until the potatoes are soft. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes, and add your cheese.
  
  Serve and top with bacon, cheese, and green onions. 
  
  
• Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
  French onion soup makes for a decadent meal, but it's earned an unfair reputation for being a cumbersome, time-consuming dish to prepare and cook. Fortunately, using your slow cooker for this recipe eliminates much of the hassle associated with preparing this classic soup. 
  
  You'll stir onions, pepper, salt, sugar, and melted butter together in your slow cooker before adding thyme and basil. Cook these ingredients on high for six to seven hours, stirring at the halfway point. This caramelizes the onions so they take on a sweet, savory flavor. Your slow cooker will do the work while you explore Bucyrus homes for sale. 
  
  Next, add beef broth and sherry vinegar after removing the basil and thyme. Allow the soup to cook on high for 30 minutes.
  
  Transfer the soup to oven-safe dishes, top with your favorite gruyere or Swiss cheese, and broil until the cheese is golden brown.
  
  
• Roasted Tomato Soup with Cheddar Cheese
  A bowl of tomato soup pairs wonderfully with a tasty grilled cheese sandwich, or serve it as an appetizer before enjoying your main course. 
  
  You'll toss a few pounds of halved tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs. Bake until the tomatoes start to split, usually about 30 minutes.
  
  Peel the skins from the tomatoes and transfer them to your dutch oven. After you add broth, vinegar, and salt, use an immersion blender until your soup is smooth. Bring to a simmer and let the mixture cook for 10 minutes. 
  
  If necessary, blend again to ensure your soup is smooth before adding the cheese. Remove the soup from the heat, ladle into a bowl, and add your favorite toppings.
  
  
• Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup
  This convenient vegetable soup recipe is ideal for enjoying a healthy meal after a long day. Place potatoes, onions, garlic, celery, carrots, beans, and parsnips in your slow cooker. Also, you can add a few strips of cooked bacon for a more meaty flavor.
  
  Add salt, pepper, and chicken broth before cooking on low for six hours. Make sure the potatoes and beans are tender. Then, add spinach or kale and the juice from one fresh lemon. Cook for a few minutes until the spinach or kale is tender, and serve. 

National Soup Month is a terrific time to incorporate soup into your menu. Interested in a home with more kitchen space? Contact us to get started. 

Chase away the winter blues with plant therapy. Create an indoor garden, or just bring in a nice assortment of house plants to lift your mood. Here are some of the houseplants our REALTORS® recommend for boosting your mood, improving indoor air quality, and generally making your home's interior look nicer this winter.

With National Houseplant Appreciation Day coming up on Jan. 10, it's the perfect time to get your indoor garden going so you're ready to celebrate. These plants are known for prospering indoors despite lower light levels.

1. Jade Plant
   The Jade Plant can tolerate low light and a temperature range of 65-75 degrees F in the day and 55 degrees F at night. Keep Jade Plants away from drafty windows where they might get too cold, as it can cause them to drop their leaves. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings; brown spots on leaves indicate you may be overwatering. Fertilize this plant sparingly.
   
   
2. Pothos
   Pothos is easy to grow and can endure chillier temperatures in the home, as well as low light. It's one of the more forgiving houseplants, so every indoor garden should have a Pothos specimen. The leaves should be abundant and will grow in a pleasing, trailing habit, ideal for a shelf or window sill. Pothos is easy to grow, but don't overwater, or it will turn yellow.
   
   
3. Cyclamen Persicum
   Cyclamen is a fabulous plant to add to your indoor garden. You can make a mini indoor garden from different colors of blooming cyclamen. There's red, pink, white, and a near lavender color of cyclamen, so mix and match. Cyclamen doesn't mind cooler temperatures, so feel free to place it near a drafty window or a chilly entryway so you can have a spot of color.
   
   
4. Dwarf Citrus
   Although Dwarf Citrus flourishes outdoors in the summer, it's fine indoors in the winter. Enjoy the delicious citrusy smells of dwarf oranges, lemons, and kumquats. They will thrive in cooler rooms (65 degrees F or so), but they will do best in front of a south-facing window. Remove any suckers that sprout below the graft union. Pinch back tips of new growth to keep a nice, rounded shape.
   
   
5. Sansevieria 
   This easy-to-grow plant will do well in strong or weak sunlight. The plant also tolerates fluctuations in temperature, like the heater going on and off. Just do not overwater, or the roots will rot. 

6. Dracaena Marginate
   This familiar houseplant, also known as the Dragon Tree, is one of the easiest indoor plants to grow. Its long, sword-like leaves make it look more like a tree than a foliage plant. Dracaenas tolerate low temperatures, dry air, and low light. 

Contact us for more suggestions or to answer questions about finding a house among Mansfield homes for sale.

As a homeowner, you should always be thinking about the financial worth of your home. Our REALTORS® have seen many different types of renovation projects in a variety of Bucyrus homes for sale. Here are some of our favorites to help you boost your home's worth in the new year.

• Add a Fresh Coat of Paint
  If you instantly want to spruce up the look and appeal of your home, invest in a fresh coat of paint. This is a low-cost home improvement project that can breathe life into both the exterior and interior of your house. Many of today's homeowners go with bold colors, but if you have an HOA, be sure to check with them first. Standard white is always appealing if you're not sure which color you'd like for your home.
  
  
• Rethink Energy Usage
  With so many homeowners going green, it's no surprise that there are many ways to decrease your energy usage. You can install extra windows or a skylight to take advantage of the sun. Or you can switch out some of your current appliances with more energy-efficient models. You should also make sure that all of your lights are LEDs, which use much less energy than traditional bulbs and can last several years.
  
  
• Modernize the Kitchen
  A home's kitchen is typically the room that gets used the most on any given day. With the wide variety of available technology, you can easily upgrade your appliances and other items to attain a modernized kitchen. You can go with an upgrade as simple as LED track lighting or move forward with something really special, like a smart refrigerator that lets you see items inside without opening the door.
  
  
• Renovate the Bathroom
  For whatever reason, homeowners are often judged on the appearance of their bathrooms. This is one reason why remodels are so popular. Even minor upgrades such as repainting the cabinets, replacing old countertops, or installing new floors can make a huge difference. If you want a full transformation, you should consider installing an entirely new sink or redoing your shower. If you decide to sell, any of these bathroom projects will add value to your home.
  
  
• Revamp the Landscaping
  There are so many different ways to revamp your landscape these days that picking and choosing might be the hardest part of the process. Once the weather breaks,  you can plant a vegetable garden or tackle a more complex project like adding a koi pond. You can add numerous items to your backyard landscape, such as an outdoor kitchen, hot tub, wood-fired pizza oven, or fire pit.
  
  
• Add an Entirely New Room
  If you're looking for a huge, exciting project to undergo and have the cash to make it a reality, then building an entirely new room or completely redesigning an existing room is the way to go. Media rooms with big-screen TVs, video game consoles, and surround sound systems are all the rage. You can also add on a hobby room for the adults or a playroom for the kids. Any of these can transform the functionality of your home and increase its worth.

These are only a few of the exciting renovations that homeowners will be planning for the new year. Contact us to find your dream home and get started on your very own project.

At Haring Realty, our REALTORS® understand the unique challenges of presenting homes during the colder months in the Galion, OH, area. Winter can be a magical time to showcase a home's warmth and comfort, enticing potential buyers right from their first step inside.

Prepping a home for sale in winter requires a strategic approach that emphasizes warmth and welcome. The goal is to make potential buyers feel like they could see themselves living and thriving in the space, even during the coldest months.

• Start by ensuring the home is warm enough. Adjust the thermostat to a comfortable temperature before showings. A chilly house can be off-putting, while a warm and inviting space encourages visitors to linger and explore. However, avoid overheating; a moderate and pleasant warmth is key.
  
  
• Next, focus on lighting. With shorter days and often overcast skies, proper lighting is crucial. Open curtains to let in natural light and supplement with warm, ambient indoor lighting. Consider using floor and table lamps to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in each room.
  
  
• Pay attention to the exterior. Snow and ice can make walkways hazardous. Ensure all pathways and driveways are well-cleared and salted for safe and easy access. A well-maintained exterior also sets a positive tone for the rest of the property.
  
  
• Add seasonal touches. Simple, tasteful winter decorations can make the home feel festive and welcoming. Avoid over-decorating, as too many personal touches can make it hard for buyers to envision themselves in the space.
  
  
• Create a sensory experience. Soft, comfortable throws on sofas and beds, and plush area rugs can add a sense of warmth and luxury. Consider subtle winter scents like cinnamon or vanilla to gently perfume the air, but be mindful of potential allergies.
  
  
• Showcase the home's winter readiness. Highlight features like an efficient heating system, insulated windows, and a working fireplace if available. These elements reassure buyers of the home's comfort and functionality in winter.
  
  
• Highlight cozy spaces. If the home has a fireplace, make it a focal point. Arrange the furniture to create an inviting scene, like a reading nook or a cozy conversation area. This helps buyers imagine enjoying these spaces during the winter months.
  
  
• Emphasize the home's energy efficiency. Buyers are often concerned about heating costs in winter. If the home has energy-saving features like smart thermostats, high-efficiency furnaces, or upgraded insulation, make sure these are prominently featured during the tour.
  
  
• Finally, provide detailed information. Have a handout ready with information about the home's winter maintenance, utility costs, and any recent upgrades. This shows that the home is well-cared for and helps address any practical concerns buyers might have.

In the winter months, presenting a home in its best light requires a focus on warmth, comfort, and functionality. At Haring Realty, we excel in preparing and showcasing Galion homes for sale to resonate with potential buyers, even in the chill of winter. For expert guidance on selling your home this season, don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to ensure your home shines, no matter the weather.

Selling a house during the winter has its challenges, but nothing you can't handle with a little forward thinking. Our REALTORS® have plenty of experience selling homes this time of year, so look to them for advice.

• Maintain Comfortable Temperatures
  Even if you normally lower the heater and throw on a sweater, warm it up when showing it to potential buyers. A warm space is a welcoming space, and you want them to be able to envision themselves in a new living space. If the house is unoccupied, turn on the heat before showing so the house has time to reach a comfortable temperature. If you have a fireplace, a crackling fire is an inviting feature.
  
  
• Keep the Walkways Clear
  Make it easy for potential buyers to access the house. Not only do you want to make it convenient for them, you want them to be safe from falls. A hazard-free walkway is also an attractive walkway, so keep that in mind while you're shoveling snow! If the weather is threatening, add salt or sand to sidewalks to help keep them clear. Buy a new welcome mat to greet them. If you want them to remove their shoes when they come in, let them know and create a place to put them. Provide disposable slippers for their comfort.
  
  
• Break-Up Ice Dams
  While they may be beautiful, these ice formations are safety hazards that can make potential buyers uncomfortable. They also threaten the integrity of the roof, loosening shingles, damaging rain gutters, and destroying insulation. Break them down as soon as possible after they form.
  
  
• Turn on the Lights
  Shorter days mean early darkness, so it could be gloomy outside when potential buyers come after work to see the house. Make sure the entry and drive are well-lit to show the exterior at its best. Even during daylight hours, gray skies limit the sunshine that comes through the windows, so ensure the interior is bright enough to see clearly.
  
  
• Stage the House for Comfort
  The soft blanket you put on the couch to add a pop of color should look like an invitation to snuggle up and get warm. Turn back the covers on the bed, and brew some coffee or heat some cider to add to the cozy, welcoming feeling. You can't go wrong with a plate of freshly baked cookies to make shoppers feel like welcome guests.
  
  
• Add Seasonal Touches
  An abundance of decorations can overwhelm some potential buyers, so make sure they are not over the top. A simple wreath on the front door or potted evergreens on the porch can make the house come to life and contribute to the feeling of home.
  
  
• Beware of External Grime
  Winter weather often brings mud and dirt with it, so be sure to clean the exterior whenever the opportunity arises. Remember that this is the first vision potential buyers have of the house, so try to make a good impression.

If you're considering adding your house to our inventory of Ashland homes for sale, feel free to contact us. Our seasoned professionals will gladly share more ways to help your house sell quickly.

Did you buy a home in 2023? Congratulations! In addition to all the obvious benefits of owning a house, you may also qualify for a variety of tax incentives. Even if you didn't buy this year, you'll discover there may be opportunities to save. Our REALTORS® want you to know them!

Much like tax brackets, tax incentives are subject to change every year. However, one thing remains consistent: Tax breaks for homeowners. By providing these perks, the hope is that more people will take the plunge and buy Mansfield homes for sale.

The best way to learn about tax advantages in any situation is to consult a tax professional. You should consider articles like these as a starting point and bring any questions to an expert. With that in mind, let's take a closer look at some 2023 tax details you should know about:

• Mortgage Interest on Residences
  All homeowners have the opportunity to deduct mortgage interest on a primary residence, no matter how long they occupied it in a year, as long as they made payments. Likewise, most people with a second residence can use the same deduction on it, although there are limits.
  
  
• Points Paid When You Bought a Home
  No matter if you paid for points or the seller did, you may benefit from tax deductions on points paid. These "points" represent prepaid interest borrowers can opt to pay the lender at the time of closing. One point represents 1% of the loan amount and is usually paid by the buyer directly.
  
  
• Home Improvements for Medical Care
  If you need to update your home for medical purposes, you may benefit from tax help. For example, say someone in your home has been diagnosed with a condition that confers mobility impairment. If you now need grab bars in the shower or a lift for the stairs, these may earn tax incentives.
  
  
• Home Equity Loan and HELOC Interest
  Although not pertinent for those who bought a home this year, a homeowner who has built up some equity might take on a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC). This acts as a second mortgage, which means you can deduct the interest if used for home improvement or renovation.
  
  
• Remember Standard vs. Itemized Deductions
  No matter what 2023 held for you, remember that you can save more on taxes if your itemized deductions exceed the standard deduction. The standard deduction for 2023 is $12,950 for single or filing separately, $25,900 for married filing jointly, and $19,400 for head of household.
  
  
• Home Office Deduction
  If you are a business owner whose primary place of business is your home, you can deduct home office expenses from your taxes. The deduction is based on the percentage of your home used to work. Be careful, as it is very easy to overestimate this deduction, which can lead to an audit.
  
  
• Private Mortgage Insurance
  Some lenders require private mortgage insurance as an additional hedge against the possibility you may default on your loan. It's only necessary until a certain level of equity. As an additional expense, it'll impact how much interest you can deduct using itemized deductions.

Contact us to learn more about Ohio real estate.

At Haring Realty, our REALTORS® understand the joy and magic a live Christmas tree can bring to a home during the festive season. Ensuring your tree remains fresh and radiant throughout the holidays requires some attention and care.

• Choosing the Right Tree
  Start by selecting a fresh tree. Look for one with vibrant green needles that are firmly attached. A fresh tree should not shed excessively when you run your hand along a branch. The fresher the tree, the longer it will last in your home.
  
  
• Fresh Cut to the Trunk
  Before setting up your tree, make a fresh cut to the trunk, removing about half an inch from the base. This will allow the tree to absorb water more efficiently, ensuring it stays hydrated.
  
  
• Water Regularly
  A Christmas tree can use up to a gallon of water a day. Make sure you check the water level daily and keep the base of the trunk submerged. Using plain tap water works best; additives or commercial preservatives are not necessary.
  
  
• Position Away from Heat
  Place your tree away from sources of heat such as fireplaces, radiators, and direct sunlight. Excessive heat can dry out the tree faster, posing both an aesthetic and a safety hazard.
  
  
• Use Safe Lights
  When it comes to lighting your tree, opt for LED lights which are cooler than traditional incandescent lights. Ensure that the lights you use are meant for indoor use and are free from any damage. Always turn off the lights when you're not in the room or before going to bed.
  
  
• Limit the Display Time
  While it's tempting to get into the festive spirit early, try not to keep a live tree up for more than four weeks. After this period, even with the best care, trees begin to dry out and become more susceptible to fire hazards.
  
  
• Safe Decorations
  Choose ornaments and decorations that are not too heavy for the tree branches. Spread the weight evenly to prevent any branches from bending or breaking. Also, avoid using real candles or any decorations that pose a fire risk.
  
  
• Recycling Your Tree
  Once the festive season is over, don't just discard your tree. Many communities offer recycling programs that turn your tree into mulch or wood chips. Another option is to compost your tree or use it for firewood if it's dry enough.
  
  
• Watch for Pests
  While uncommon, it's possible for live trees to house pests. Before bringing the tree inside, give it a good shake to dislodge any unwanted guests. If you do notice any pests once the tree is inside, remove them promptly.
  
  
• Pet Considerations
  If you have pets, keep an eye out for any signs of them drinking the tree water, which can be harmful. Also, ensure they don't chew on the tree or any decorations. Place fragile ornaments higher up and out of their reach.

With these care tips, homeowners can ensure their tree remains a safe and festive centerpiece throughout the holiday season. For those still searching for the perfect backdrop to their festive celebrations, consider the stunning Bucyrus homes for sale. And for any of your real estate needs, don't hesitate to contact us. 

On a frosty winter day, a roaring fire helps create a cozy, warm space and adds ambiance to your home. Fireplaces also work well for heating rooms that otherwise are expensive or difficult to heat, like a living room with high ceilings. If your home lacks a fireplace, our REALTORS® encourage you to learn more about this home improvement project. Here's what you need to know.

• Several Options for Your New Fireplace
  There are a few different fireplace designs that might work in your home. Your best alternative will depend on your home's construction, local building codes, and your personal preferences:

• • Direct-vent gas fireplaces can be installed on any exterior wall; installation usually takes a day or so. Gas fireplaces are popular with homeowners who love the warmth and coziness of a fire but don't want to go through the trouble of stockpiling wood and tending and nursing the fire to get it going.
    
    Instead, a direct-vent gas fireplace allows you to start a fire with the flick of a switch. Once you're through enjoying your fire, just flip the switch again to extinguish it. A potential downside of this type of fireplace is the lack of aroma and sounds usually associated with a roaring fire. 
    
    
  • Wood-burning masonry fireplaces are ideal if you crave the scent and sound of a conventional fire. You'll need space above the fireplace's location to add a chimney. This design is also more expensive to install and requires the most time and effort to build a fire. 
    
    
  • Zero-clearance fireplaces require less construction labor and can use several different fuel types, including wood, propane, pellets, and natural gas. These fireplaces contain their own insulating materials and can be installed directly on top of combustible areas of your home.

The cost of your new fireplace will vary depending on the design, style, size, and work required for installation. Most projects cost up to $3,800, but most homeowners pay around $2,300.

• Carefully Consider Your Fireplace's Placement
  One benefit of installing your own fireplace is that you have total control over its location. While fireplaces are traditionally in a living room, den, or dining room, other options include a bedroom, office, or recreational area.
  
  Think about how frequently you want to use the fireplace and whether any areas of your home lack warmth on a chilly day. For example, if you forgo using your home office because it's cold and unwelcoming, adding a fireplace will make the space comfortable and inviting.
  
  If your long-term plans involve adding your home to the inventory of Galion homes for sale, your new fireplace can make your home more appealing to potential homebuyers.
  
  
• Call on an Expert for Installation
  While some home projects make excellent DIY endeavors, leaving fireplace installation to the pros is best. Building a masonry fireplace or installing a gas line requires a contractor with specialized knowledge to guarantee stellar results.
  
  Working with an experienced contractor also ensures that your new fireplace adheres to any applicable local regulations or building codes. 

A fireplace is an attractive addition that helps you heat your home with ambiance and style. If you're interested in a home with more space for cozy gatherings, it might be time to explore your options. Contact us to get started. 

Whether you prefer to watch sitcoms, reality TV, or documentaries, you can probably agree that a good TV is essential for home entertainment. But with so many different brands and models out there, how do you know which TV to choose? In celebration of World Television Day on November 21st, our REALTORS® are excited to weigh in on this topic. Below, they'll offer some top tips to help you pick the best TV for your Ashland home.

• Make Sure There's Space at Eye Level
  Before you start shopping for a TV, make sure you know exactly where you want to put it. You can't really pick an appropriately sized TV until you have a location confirmed. Wherever you decide to put your TV, make sure it is at eye level. You don't want to constantly look up or down to see the TV, as that can strain your eyes and neck.
  
  
• Measure Your Viewing Distance
  Bigger is not always better when it comes to TVs. A large TV may look overwhelming in a small room or in a room where you have to sit fairly close to the TV. A good way to determine what size TV you need is to measure the distance between your viewing spot and where you'll mount the TV. Divide the distance in inches by 1.6 for your ideal TV size.
  
  For example, if your viewing distance is 120 inches (10 feet), you should look for a TV that measures approximately 75 inches.
  
  
• Consider the Resolution
  Resolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the screen. The higher the resolution, the sharper the image on the TV will be. Most TV brands list the resolution in pixels and assign a term to it. You'll see Full HD, Ultra HD, and 8K TVs. Full HD is the lowest resolution, and 8K is the highest. Ultra HD is somewhere in between.
  
  While a Full HD television should be perfectly suitable in most cases, you may want a higher resolution if you watch a lot of sports or play games on your TV. Just keep in mind that 8K TVs can cost significantly more than other types.
  
  
• If Gaming, Consider the Refresh Rate
  The refresh rate is the speed at which a TV can cycle through new frames. Most mid- to high-end TVs now have refresh rates of 120Hz, which makes the gaming experience more fluid.
  
  If you're a really serious gamer, you may want to look for a TV offering a refresh rate of 144Hz for optimal play.
  
  
• Make Sure You Have Enough HDMI Ports
  HDMI ports are used to connect various devices to your TV. Everything from streaming devices to gaming consoles requires an HDMI port.
  
  Some less-expensive TVs only have two HDMI ports, which may be enough if you don't connect many outside devices. However, if you have multiple devices and gaming consoles, it's worth looking for a TV with more HDMI ports. If possible, choose a TV with some ports on each side. This will make setting up your consoles around the TV easier without so many long, winding cables.

Whether you're buying your first TV or replacing an old one, these tips should help you pick the perfect one. Don't hesitate to contact us if you're still looking for Ashland homes for sale. We'll help you find a cozy place to watch TV at night.

November 11th is Veterans' Day—a day to honor those who have bravely served our country. In an effort to help veterans buy a home, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a program to help, and our REALTORS® can guide you through the process. Here's what you need to know about VA loans.

• What Are VA Loans? VA loans are private home loans backed by the VA from a VA-vetted and approved mortgage lender. While conventional mortgages require a down payment of up to 20% of the home's cost, you don't need a down payment with a VA loan. While the VA has no set credit score requirement, oftentimes, the lender does: Some specify at least 620, but others can go as low as 500.
  
  
• Qualifications. To qualify for a VA loan you must have served at least 181 consecutive days of active service during peacetime, 90 days during wartime, or six years in the National Guard or reserves. You can also qualify if your spouse died in the line of duty and you have not remarried.
  
  
• Home requirements. While looking at Mansfield homes for sale, there are a few things to consider. The home must be your primary residence to qualify for a VA loan. You can rent the property if you want, but it cannot have more than four total units, and you must live in one of them. You also can't buy a fixer-upper. The home must be move-in ready when you purchase it.
  
  
• Interest. The interest rate for VA loans is generally lower than a conventional mortgage, but it varies depending on the lender. They can specific debt-to-income ratio, which can impact your interest rate.
  
  
• Maximum Limit. You can borrow as much as you want, but if you want the zero down payment option, there's a maximum limit, which varies based on area. In Mansfield, you can borrow up to $726,200 on a VA loan. Any more than that becomes a jumbo mortgage, which requires a down payment—though typically a lower one than you'd need with a traditional mortgage. Additionally, the VA does not guarantee whatever you borrow over the maximum limit.
  
  
• Funding Fee. While VA loans don't carry many of the typical costs that conventional mortgages do, there are some closing costs, including a funding fee, which is 2.3% of the total loan amount for first-time borrowers or 3.6% for any subsequent VA loans. You can either pay the funding fee upfront or add it to the loan amount. Certain disabled veterans, including Purple Heart recipients, are exempt from funding fees.
  
  
• Military on the Move. Buying a new home can be difficult, and the added requirements for obtaining a VA loan can complicate the matter further. You need a Certificate of Eligibility, verification of your military discharge, and a variety of other paperwork, depending on the type and status of your service. Fortunately, the Military on the Move program partners with top real estate agents across the country who understand the process and know the local market. These agents can help you every step of the way so you can get the loan you need for the home you want.

We're proud to partner with the Department of Veteran Affairs to help those who have served our country obtain a mortgage and navigate the home-buying process. Contact us, and we'll help you find the home of your dreams in a neighborhood that you'll love.

In a bustling real estate market like Bucyrus, OH, our REALTORS® have watched the transformative power of home staging. Even in a seller's market, presentation is key, and here's why.

• The Perception of Value
  Home staging goes beyond just tidying up; it's about creating an environment that feels valuable. Buyers are more likely to bid higher on a home they perceive as well-kept and stylish. Proper staging highlights the best features of your property, making it memorable and desirable.
  
  
• First Impressions Last
  Most buyers make a decision within the first few minutes of stepping into a property. A clutter-free, aesthetically pleasing space can instantly create a positive emotional response. On the contrary, an unstaged or poorly presented home might make potential buyers hesitant, even if the property itself has potential.
  
  
• Showcasing the Potential
  Staging isn't just about decorating; it's about showcasing the home's full potential. By strategically placing furniture and decor, sellers can demonstrate how spacious, functional, and versatile the rooms can be. This helps potential buyers visualize themselves in the space and recognize its potential.
  
  
• Setting the Property Apart
  Even in a seller's market, there's still competition. While buyers might be more willing to compromise due to limited inventory, staging your property can set it apart. Homes that are staged often look better in listing photos and virtual tours, attracting more online views and in-person visits.
  
  
• Speeding Up the Sale
  Staged homes tend to sell faster than ones that aren't. By creating a welcoming atmosphere and making the home move-in ready, you reduce potential buyer objections. This means fewer days on the market and a quicker transition for everyone involved.
  
  
• Enhancing Emotional Connection
  Buying a home is as much an emotional decision as it is a financial one. When a home is staged, it feels warm, inviting, and lived-in. This makes it easier for buyers to imagine their own lives there, fostering an emotional connection that could push them to act quickly and confidently.

The Best Approach to Home Staging

In Bucyrus, OH, our local trends and buyer preferences play a crucial role in staging success. Here are some guiding principles:

• Understand the Audience
  Knowing what local buyers are looking for can help tailor the staging. For instance, if younger families are prominent in the Bucyrus market, a home office or a kid-friendly space can be emphasized.
  
  
• Neutralize the Palette
  While it's essential to have personality in a home, neutral colors appeal to a broader audience. Soft grays, whites, and beiges create a blank canvas that potential buyers can envision molding into their own.
  
  
• Declutter
  Less is more when it comes to staging. Keep decor minimalistic, depersonalize, and create an airy, open feel. This also helps highlight the home's actual size and potential.
  
  
• Focus on Key Areas
  Living rooms, kitchens, and primary bedrooms are crucial. Spend extra time and possibly a bit of budget on these areas as they can be the key selling points for many buyers.

For those looking for Bucyrus homes for sale or if you're considering putting your property on the market, contact us at Haring Realty. Our team is here to ensure that you navigate the real estate journey with confidence and success.

October 26th is National Pumpkin Day, and it's time to celebrate! The pumpkin is synonymous with the autumn months and inspires a slew of fall-themed activities, including pumpkin carving. However, if you're interested in switching up your pumpkin decorating this autumn, our REALTORS® know there are many kid-friendly alternatives. Here are a few options to consider.

1. Paint Your Pumpkins
   The popularity of pumpkin painting is rapidly increasing for several reasons. This decorative option is suitable for any age group; even young toddlers can use non-toxic finger paints to customize their pumpkins.
   
   You can make pumpkin painting as simple or complex as you like. For more in-depth designs, break out the paint brushes and stencils to create an autumn-inspired work of art.
   
   If decorating with adults or older kids, spray paint is another option for pumpkin painting. Or, try paint sticks specifically designed for use on pumpkins. 
   
   
2. Decorate the Pumpkins with Small Objects and Glue
   Have a collection of small craft supplies you're ready to use for your fall decor? Grab a couple of bottles of glue and use your craft collection to adorn your pumpkin.
   
   Some objects to consider include buttons, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, plastic spiders, ribbons, felt, pom-poms, and construction paper scraps. Arrange the objects to make a collage, or opt for a themed pumpkin.
   
   For example, craft spiders and ribbons or pipe cleaners can be used to decorate a pumpkin with webs and spiders. Or, make an autumn owl by cutting a few circular pieces of felt to make eyes and a beak, and use pipe cleaners at the bottom of the pumpkin for the feet. 
   
   
3. Break Out the Sharpies for Pumpkin Drawing
   If you're arriving home after an evening of exploring Galion homes for sale but still want to enjoy an evening of autumn crafts, Sharpies are one of the simplest solutions for pumpkin decorating.
   
   Stick with a simple design and draw jack-o-lantern faces with black Sharpies. Or, sketch a shadow figure of your favorite Halloween mascot. A witch silhouette or phantom looks especially creepy.
   
   Or, grab a variety of colors for a more colorful look. White pumpkins work especially well for this project. 
   
   
4. Use Contact Paper to Make Spooky Pumpkin Faces
   Contact paper is a type of adhesive vinyl that comes in an assortment of colors and patterns. You can cut it into initials or words to adorn the pumpkin, or you might use it to produce shapes and designs to decorate the pumpkin. 
   
   If you use black contact paper, you can even make jack-o-lantern faces for your pumpkin.
   
   
5. Put Your Sticker Collection to Use
   Stickers are a fun, easy way to decorate a pumpkin. Small, circular stickers are perfect for making a polka dot pumpkin, while letter or number stickers make it a breeze to create a pumpkin with a personalized expression or phrase. 

While carving jack-o-lanterns is one festive option for transforming your pumpkins, there are many other decorating possibilities your whole family will love. Interested in finding a home with more space for holiday-inspired fun? Contact us to get started!

Fall is here, and you might think it's time to abandon the garden and put your feet up while you gaze out the window at the falling leaves. Not so! There's plenty to do around the property you acquired from Ashland homes for sale, including planting, cleaning up the beds and walkways, and getting ready for colder temperatures.

Need a little guidance about what's next for your yard in the fall? Our REALTORS® are wise to the best ways to prep your yard and get it in top shape for spring.

1. Clean up your property.
   After summer, it's time for a general cleaning. Pull up spent annuals and trim back shrubs. Do a general cleanup of landscaping beds and paths. Rake up dead leaves and twigs. If your leaves are already falling, run the lawnmower over them to mulch them and spread them in your flower beds. 
   
   
2. Till the soil.
   After you clear out dead or dying plants, it's a good time to replenish the soil. Dig deep—about 8 to 12 inches—removing rocks as you go, then turn over the soil with a garden fork. Add compost, either store-bought or homemade, or fertilizer, then till again, spreading evenly. 
   
   
3. Plant some fall perennials and annuals. 
   Your perennials may be fading, but this is a good time to plant other perennials. Fill in those blank spots where you may have lost plants during the summer. These perennials will send the nutrients into the roots to strengthen the plant when spring comes. In the meantime, you can also add a dash of color in empty areas by planting eye-catching annuals.
   
   Some of the best perennials for our area are BeeBalm, Black-eyed Susan, Blue Flag, Butterfly Weed (deer resistant!), Blue Vervain, Gayfeather, Goldenrod, Marsh Marigold, and Ox-Eye Sunflower. For beautiful fall annuals, plant Chrysanthemums, Pansies, Ornamental Peppers, Purple Fountain Grass, and Sweet Potato Vine. 
   
   
4. Plant some trees.
   If you've been planning to add trees to your landscape, fall is the time to do it. The cooler temperatures allow the young trees to develop their roots in the ground so they will be stronger when they leaf out in the spring. Planting in the fall also strengthens the trees for summer, when they will face hot temperatures and possible drought. Cooler temperatures allow the tree to direct its energy to the roots rather than the leaves. Most homeowners will want to plant smaller species of trees, such as Japanese Maple, Dogwoods, Sargent Crabapple, Allegheny Serviceberry, Redbud, and Star Magnolia. Weeping Cherry is another good choice.
   
   
5. Collect seeds.
   Before you deadhead your dried-up annuals and perennials, collect the seeds and save them for planting next year. Collect them by hand and label them in envelopes, or plant them in pots until next spring. Coneflowers, Marigolds, and Cosmos are good choices for harvesting seeds.
   
   
6. Divide your plants.
   Some plants need to be divided in the fall so that they can be renewed and have more energy next year. Dividing plants can provide you with more plants for next year. Some of the best plants to divide include Hostas, Daylilies, Bee Balm, and Iris. Gently dig up the plant with a shovel, and when it's out of the ground, divide it into two or more clumps.

Our real estate staff have a wealth of tips for improving the appearance of your property. Contact us today. 

As the days begin to cool, it's no surprise we turn to the flavors of fall. From pumpkin spice to apple cider, you can't go wrong with a hot drink made at home. Our REALTORS® have discovered many options you could savor in one of our gorgeous Mansfield homes for sale. Here are a few delicious favorites.

• Peanut Butter Nutella Hot Chocolate
  Hot chocolate always hits the spot, but it's absolute bliss when you mix in peanut butter and Nutella. Here's how to create this tasty concoction:

1. 1. Heat 4 cups of low-fat or skim milk in a medium-sized saucepan on medium-high heat. 
   2. Once you see some steam, add 2 tablespoons of Nutella. You can also use a chocolate hazelnut or cacao spread. 
   3. Add 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter (or powdered peanut butter for fewer calories). Feel free to adjust the amount of peanut butter to fit your taste. 
   4. Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons of sugar. 
   5. Whisk all of these ingredients until they're fully dissolved and combined. 
   6. Bring everything to a gentle simmer while stirring.
   7. Remove your delicious pan of hot chocolate from the stove. 
   8. Add marshmallows, crushed hazelnuts, chocolate chips, or extra Nutella for added zing. 

• Pumpkin Spice Latte
  Nothing says the magic of fall flavors quite like pumpkin spice. Here's how to make this very flavorful latte:

1. 1. Start with 2 cups of either dairy or non-dairy milk.
   2. Add 2-3 tablespoons of pumpkin puree (depending on taste) and 1-3 tablespoons of sugar (again, to your taste) to a saucepan.
   3. Heat the saucepan over medium heat until the mixture gets hot, but don't let it boil. 
   4. Take the saucepan off the burner and whisk in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and 1/2 cup of strong hot coffee. This will give you two mugs of pumpkin spice latte. 
   5. Top each mug with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. 

• Fall Harvest Hot Apple Cider
  If anything can rival the taste of pumpkin during the fall, it's apple cider. Here's how to whip up this fall delight:

1. 1. Start by placing eight whole cloves on a double-thickness of cheesecloth. 
   2. Pull up each corner of the cloth and tie it with string to form a bag. 
   3. Place the entire spice bag that you've created into a 3-quart slow cooker.
   4. Add 4 cups of apple cider or juice, 4 cups of pineapple juice, 1/2 cup of water, a single 3-inch cinnamon stick, and 1 tea bag. 
   5. Cover the slow cooker and cook the concoction on low until the cider reaches your desired temperature, which will take approximately two hours. 
   6. Before serving, throw away the spice bag, cinnamon stick, and tea bag.

• Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate
  Even though this list is short, we couldn't let it go without one more type of hot chocolate. Here's how to do this super easy recipe:

1. 1. Start with 6 cups of milk, 3 cups of half-and-half, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, two 1.55-ounce Hershey's chocolate bars, and 10 candy canes. 
   2. Add all the ingredients into your slow cooker and cook them on low for at least 2 hours. 
   3. Stir the ingredients to combine them before serving.

These delicious hot drinks may be able to warm your stomach, but our team can warm your hearts with a brand new home in Mansfield or the nearby area. Contact us to get started finding your dream home today. 

Fall is a beautiful season. Leaves on the trees turn yellow and orange. The air becomes cool and crisp, and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy treats like apple cider and pumpkin spice muffins. As fall rolls in, it is also wise to start preparing your home for winter. Our REALTORS® suggest completing the following weatherproofing tasks as a part of your fall home maintenance.

• Clean Your Gutters
  This is a task you should do every fall, then again in the spring. Gutters help ensure water drains from your roof properly, but they can only do that if they're clean. Put on some gloves, reach into the gutter, and pull out any gunk or debris you find. Then, rinse the gutter out with a bucket of water.
  
  If your gutters are way up high and you're uncomfortable on a ladder, consider hiring someone to complete this task.
  
  
• Replace Damaged Weatherstripping
  Weatherstripping is the rubberized, gasket-type material along the edges of doors and windows. Sometimes, it can crack and start peeling away. If your weatherstripping is damaged, replacing it before winter will prevent cool air from leaking into your home.
  
  To replace damaged weatherstripping, first remove the screws holding it in place. Pull the old weather stripping off. Cut a new piece of weatherstripping to the same length. Have someone else hold it in place while you put in the screws.
  
  
• Look Over Your Roof
  Take a good look at your roof, and note any lifted shingles, peeling flashing, or missing shingles. These issues only tend to worsen in the winter and can lead to leaks. Contact a roofer to fix them before the weather gets any colder.
  
  
• Seal Your Driveway
  Sealing your driveway in the fall will help protect it against ice and water damage. It will also help form a barrier between the driveway material and any de-icing agent you may apply.
  
  You can find roll-on driveway sealers at most home improvement stores. Follow the directions on the can to apply the product. You'll want to wait for a clear forecast before applying the sealer; rain keeps it from setting.
  
  
• Rope Caulk Your Basement Windows
  Basement windows often become leaky in the winter, especially if snow piles up against them. Rope caulk can fix this. You simply peel a strip off the roll and use your fingers to press it into the gap between the window and the frame. When spring comes, you can peel the rope caulk off again if desired. 
  
  
• Re-mulch Your Gardens
  Before winter comes, make sure you apply another thin layer of mulch to your garden beds. This will protect your plants' roots as the weather grows colder. It will also help keep the soil moist so they come back strong and vibrant next spring.
  
  
• Check Your Handrails
  When it gets icy outside, you'll want your handrails to be strong and sturdy. Give each railing and handrail a wiggle. You'll need to secure it if it moves more than a little. This might mean tightening the screws holding it to the base. Or, if the material around the screws has degraded, you can add some new screws.
  
  Also, take this opportunity to sand down any splinters on your handrails. You don't want a sliver on a chilly winter day.

Follow these fall maintenance tips and your home will be well-prepared for the colder months. Contact us if you're still looking for Bucyrus homes for sale. Our real estate agents can guide you through the house-hunting process. 

Once our REALTORS® have helped you find the home of your dreams, the next step is to customize it and make it your own. A kitchen renovation can improve your home in a myriad of ways. It can make cooking easier, provide a place for dining and socializing, and improve your home's resale value as well. Be careful, though. Some kitchen renovations may seem worthwhile, but in the long run, they're a waste of money and may even be detrimental. Here are a few kitchen features to think twice about before shelling out the extra cash.

• Excessive Appliances. You want your new kitchen to be on the cutting edge. But how many of the cool new appliances you're eyeing will you actually use? Considering a six-burner stove? Ask yourself if your four-burner range has ever not been enough. A second dishwasher? Unless you feed a small crowd daily, you can probably skip it. Before investing in any new kitchen appliance, consider what value you expect to get from it and how much it will improve your kitchen on a day-to-day basis.
  
  
• Anything Trendy. Once the renovations are done, you'll hopefully use your new kitchen for years to come. So whatever you put in it, imagine yourself using it, or looking at it, a decade from now. There are always new decorative fads, but resist the urge to put something in just because it's trendy. Some trends may be worthwhile but think about them before committing. It may be the "in" thing to use reclaimed wood stools or shiny, glazed tile, but those fads never last long. What's hip and fashionable today may be impractical and an eyesore within a year or two.
  
  
• Backsplashes. Backsplashes around your countertops are different from most kitchen trends. While not strictly necessary, they serve a purpose: to keep water and grease from damaging the walls or getting in that hard-to-reach space behind the stove. However, be careful of making your backsplash too much of a decorative statement, as once it's installed, it's there to stay. A pop of color could clash with the rest of the décor, and patterned tiles can make the area look too busy. You may like it, but too much personality may not appeal to potential buyers if you ever decide to sell your home. If you do opt to install a backsplash, go for soft, muted colors that will complement the rest of the area rather than stand out too much.
  
  
• Wood Cabinets. Getting solid wood kitchen cabinets may be tempting, but they are expensive. Wood veneer is identical, providing the same elegant look for a fraction of the cost. And when treated with polish, it's durable and water-resistant. Just be sure to opt for plywood shelving rather than particle board for durability.
  
  
• Major Layout Shifts. You can rearrange furniture all you want, but not appliances. Leave the dishwasher, stove, and refrigerator where they are unless there's something fundamentally wrong with their positioning. Know that moving them will require an overhaul of things like plumbing and electrical systems, which is costly, labor-intensive, and can take a long time to complete. If you're looking at Galion homes for sale, choose a place with permanent fixtures in your preferred layout.

Whether you're looking for a home you can fix up and make your own or one that's perfect the way it is, we can help you find it. Contact us, and we'll get you into the home of your dreams.

Selling or buying a home is a significant financial and emotional decision. The real estate transaction process can be exciting, but it can also be fraught with potential pitfalls that might halt the deal in its tracks. As a seller or buyer, it's essential to be aware of these potential roadblocks to ensure a successful and smooth transaction. Our REALTORS® explore some common factors that can disrupt a real estate transaction and how to mitigate them.

• Financing Issues
  One of the most common hurdles in real estate transactions is financing-related problems. For buyers, securing a mortgage is crucial to close the deal. Any changes to the buyer's financial situation, such as a job loss or a sudden increase in debt, can affect their loan approval. Additionally, low appraisals may lead to lenders reconsidering the loan amount, which can stall the transaction.
  
  To avoid financing-related obstacles, buyers should get pre-approved for a mortgage before beginning their home search. Sellers can also minimize risks by carefully evaluating potential buyers' financial qualifications and ensuring they have been pre-approved.
  
  
• Inspection and Appraisal Contingencies
  Home inspections and appraisals are essential steps in the home-buying process. However, issues uncovered during these stages can lead to delays or even a canceled transaction. Significant structural or safety concerns discovered during inspections might make buyers hesitant to proceed, while low appraisals can lead to difficulties securing financing.
  
  To mitigate these concerns, sellers should consider getting a pre-listing inspection from ACE Property and address any major issues before listing their homes. On the other hand, buyers should be prepared for potential inspection findings and be open to renegotiating the price or requesting repairs when necessary.
  
  
• Title and Ownership Problems
  Title issues, such as liens, undisclosed easements, or boundary disputes, can cause serious complications during a real estate transaction. A clouded title can prevent a sale from moving forward until the issues are resolved.
  
  To prevent these problems, both sellers and buyers should conduct a thorough title search early in the process. Title insurance can also provide protection in case any hidden title issues arise.
  
  
• Contingency Clauses
  Contingency clauses in the contract give either the buyer or seller the option to back out of the deal under specific circumstances. While these clauses are designed to protect both parties, they can lead to delays or canceled transactions.
  
  For instance, a buyer's sale contingency can put a hold on the purchase if they cannot sell their existing home within a set timeframe. Sellers might want to consider carefully before accepting such contingencies or set strict timelines to ensure the transaction moves forward.
  
  
• Unforeseen Market Changes
  Real estate markets can be unpredictable, and external factors like changes in interest rates, economic conditions, or local housing inventory can impact a transaction. For example, if interest rates rise suddenly, buyers might not qualify for the loan amount they anticipated, leading to renegotiations or even withdrawal from the deal.
  
  To navigate potential market changes, both sellers and buyers should stay informed about local market conditions and work with experienced real estate agents who can guide them through market fluctuations.

Whatever house you choose from among Ashland homes for sale, a successful real estate transaction requires careful planning, open communication, and proactive measures to address potential roadblocks. By working with knowledgeable real estate professionals, you can minimize risks. Contact us to increase your chances of a successful and timely real estate transaction.

No matter how new or old a home is, whatever its history, virtually all homes that are sold in the United States require a home inspection. Our REALTORS® know this process raises questions for buyers and sellers.

Home inspections happen for more than nine out of 10 Mansfield homes for sale. An inspection can protect both the buyer and the seller, though the buyer's lender usually requires it. Lenders want to protect their profits by ensuring nothing is wrong with the home.

Let's take a closer look at home inspections from the buyer and seller perspective:

• Buyers Almost Always Pay for the Home Inspection
  Buyers are on the hook for the home inspection, but it is not much to worry about. While you should be ready to pay up to $500, many qualified services offer a full inspection for around $300. You can't usually finance these costs—they come directly out of the buyer's available funds.
  
  
• Sellers Can Consider a Pre-Inspection
  Provide potential buyers with peace of mind when you take advantage of a pre-inspection. An ACE Property is one that has been pre-examined and certified by a home inspector. Areas reviewed include radon, HVAC, septic, and termite damage. Paid for by the seller, this plan provides many advantages, including fewer hidden inspection issues that will need to be addressed prior to closing on a property.
  
  
• Inspections Can Take as Little as One Day
  Over the last few years, home inspectors and other contractors have learned to work as fast as the market dictates. No matter where you are, it's a guarantee that at least one provider will be able to offer a complete next-day home inspection. However, you might end up paying 2x to 3x more than usual.
  
  
• You Need a New Inspection Even if You Just Had One
  The inspection report will be submitted to the lender, the future homeowner insurance company, and possibly others. That said, every buyer pays for their own inspection, which is theirs to use. If you have an inspection and that sale falls through, the next buyer will almost always have to pay for another one.
  
  
• "As-Is" Doesn't Mean You Get to Skip the Inspection
  Sellers sometimes put a home on the market "as-is" when they already know it has certain issues, usually before any inspection. This sounds alarm bells for buyers, who are even more likely to pursue an inspection early in the transaction. Listing a home "as-is" does nothing to deter buyers or lenders from getting an inspection!
  
  
• Neither Does "For Sale by Owner"
  Homeowners who list a property "for sale by owner" are at a significant disadvantage compared to others. They should be prepared for a longer listing period and a lower asking price. They are also vulnerable to legal issues, including missed disclosures and inspections. A "for sale by owner" home still needs a full inspection.
  
  
• Certain Inspection Issues Can Stop a Sale Cold
  What are inspectors actually looking for when they do their work? Buyers want to avoid problems with electric, sewer or septic, and HVAC systems. Rarer but still serious matters include evidence of mold, water damage, and certain pests. Buyers are empowered to walk away from a sale if they get any bad news.
  
  
• Inspections Give Buyers More Leverage
  An inspection typically benefits the buyer more than the seller since they can negotiate for repairs uncovered during the process. Lenders might also flag certain repairs as required if they are necessary to safely inhabit a property.
  
  
• An Inspection Won't Necessarily Find Everything
  Most inspectors perform a visual inspection and may take extra steps, such as testing light switches and faucets. They may not be able to access every part of the home, such as the attic, and they are not required to search through the property for issues. That means there's still a chance some problems will be overlooked.

Contact us to learn more.

Selling your home and moving is stressful and exhausting, especially if you have occupied the house for several years. But our REALTORS® have some suggestions to minimize both, starting with renting a storage unit. Take a look at how a unit can make your life easier.

• Say Goodbye to Clutter
  Prospective home buyers want to imagine themselves comfortable in their new home. Personal photographs and collections are a distraction from their vision. When you remove items that identify you as the owner, they feel more welcome in the space and can see their decor filling it. A small unit is perfect for these as well as maintenance tools like lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and rakes. 
  
  
• A Storage Unit Offers the Gift of Time
  A mid-sized unit can allow you to spread out packing over time to help you avoid a last-minute crunch. Packing off-season clothing and equipment, sports gear, and infrequently used items such as seasonal decor will give you a big jump in the packing process. A storage unit means you can continue living comfortably where you are without climbing over boxes. 
  
  
• Create a Spacious View of the House
  If you've been looking online at Bucyrus homes for sale, you've probably seen photographs of homes crowded with oversized furniture, laundry rooms with full hampers, and bedrooms cluttered with toys. Many people sell their homes "as is" and still get a good price. But remember, customers shop with their eyes first. Why not maximize your sale price by showing off your home in its most flattering light? Making your home stand out from the rest is the best way to get the highest offer and potential bidding wars on the property. Wide open spaces created by carefully staged homes make the house appear larger and more welcoming.
  
  
• Establish a Safe Space to Sell
  Many people have furniture and other items they don't want to take with them, but they are too valuable to donate or give away. And they might be uncomfortable having strangers come to the house to buy them. Most storage facilities have cameras and onsite managers to add a level of safety to the transaction you would not have at home. By selling the items at a facility, you do not expose the fact that you are moving or that the home may be unoccupied for a time. 
  
  
• Simplify Moving Day
  Whether you are engaging professional movers for a cross-country move or asking a few friends with trucks to pitch in locally, everyone will appreciate the steps they save moving organized household goods from storage as opposed to packing and moving from a full house. You will save them time and energy. By doing so, you may save money if you are paying hourly rates. Speaking of saving time, cutting down the total moving time will mean a much easier day for you. By clearly labeling the boxes, you can put each in the appropriate room in your new home, making settling in much easier as well. As an aside, it is a good idea to pack a single box with all the immediate-need items, such as medications and toiletries, and keep that box with you so you don't have to search for it later. 

If you plan to sell or buy in the Bucyrus area, our licensed professionals are here to help. Contact us at your earliest convenience to discuss your property needs and how we can help you meet them.

Galion homes for sale continue to attract interest from highly motivated buyers. Our REALTORS® are working around the clock to not only connect sellers with the right buyers for them, but also make sure those sellers can maximize the price they get for their property.

One thing more and more buyers are looking for these days is eco-friendly home renovations. With the right "green" upgrades, you create the potential to capture more buyer attention. This might mean getting a home off the market faster, or could even lead to a lucrative "bidding war" between multiple buyers.

Doing your part for the environment doesn't just feel good, it also has a significant impact on the long-term cost of ownership for a home. The more energy efficient a property is, the less it costs to heat and cool, for example.

Let's take a look at some of the most effective and sought-after eco-friendly home upgrades:

• Efficient Roofing
  While the most common roof in Ohio is shingle, you can greatly improve your energy efficiency by choosing metal roofing. Metal roofing that has a light coloration may reflect up to 50% of solar radiation that strikes a roof. This means you will be able to keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter much more easily. Your HVAC system will run less, making it possible to last years longer than it would otherwise.
  
  
• Smart Thermostat
  Another key component of your HVAC system is the thermostat. Many homeowners are replacing their older, primarily mechanical thermostat systems with digital smart thermostats. These thermostats are not only more precise, but they can automatically adjust your HVAC settings. For example, your smart thermostat can turn off the heating while you're away, only to turn it back on in time for you to enjoy by the time you get home.
  
  
• A Modern HVAC System
  Whether you need it for heating in the winter or cooling in the summer, your HVAC system is always there to help. Annual maintenance can significantly reduce the energy expenditure of an HVAC system and make it far more likely to perform over the years. Plus, buyers love to know that they won't need to replace it soon.
  
  
• Attic Insulation
  Your roof, attic, and thermostat all work together to help you manage the climate inside your home. Without the right level of insulation, you might find that warm air gets trapped in your attic as it naturally rises. Even a temperate summer is enough to create a "cloud" of sweltering heat that will damage your roof and keep you from reaching the inside temperature you want. Attic insulation is one important solution.
  
  
• Energy-Efficient Windows
  Today's most efficient windows use multiple panes of glass with a layer of inert gas between them. The gas is 100% non-toxic, so it won't cause any harm if the window breaks. The gas layer acts as a specialized insulator that sharply reduces heat transfer. Even if you don't plan to invest in these advanced windows, you can still get better performance out of your existing ones by sealing cracks and making sure they aren't warped.
  
  
• Water Heater
  Last but certainly not least is the water heater. Older water heaters are generally designed to maintain a supply of hot water at all times, so they are often drawing power. On the other hand, modern water heaters begin to heat water soon after use. This might sound uncomfortable, but it actually takes only a few seconds—saving money in the process.

Contact us to find out more or get started selling your home.

Brick homes exude timeless charm and durability, but sometimes a fresh, updated look is desired. As a homeowner, painting your brick home can be a transformative solution. Our REALTORS® explore various painting techniques, discuss their pros and cons, and provide insights into situations where painting might not be the best option. By the end, you'll have a better understanding of how paint can revitalize your brick home's appearance.

Paint Techniques for Brick Homes

When it comes to painting brick, several techniques can achieve different effects. Let's look at three popular options:

• Solid Color Paint: This technique involves applying a single, opaque color to the brick surface, completely covering its natural texture. It offers a clean and uniform look, allowing you to choose any color to suit your style and preferences.
• Whitewashing: Whitewashing entails diluting paint and applying a translucent layer over the brick, allowing some of the texture and color variations to show through. It creates a soft, weathered look and is ideal for achieving a rustic or farmhouse aesthetic.
• Limewashing: Similar to whitewashing, limewashing involves using a mixture of lime, water, and pigment to create a breathable, mineral-based coating. It provides a beautiful, antique appearance and is well-suited for historical or traditional homes.

Pros and Cons of Painting Brick

Painting brick has its advantages and considerations that homeowners should be aware of. Let's examine the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Enhanced Aesthetics: Painting brick allows you to update the appearance of your home, giving it a fresh and modern look that can increase its curb appeal and overall value.
• Color Customization: With a wide array of paint colors available, you can personalize your brick home to match your desired style and complement the surroundings.
• Protection: Paint acts as a protective layer, shielding the brick from weathering, moisture, and potential damage caused by the elements.

Cons:

• Long-Term Maintenance: Painted brick requires periodic maintenance, including repainting and touch-ups to maintain its appearance and durability.
• Loss of Texture: Painting brick conceals its natural texture, which may be desirable to some homeowners who appreciate the authentic charm of exposed brickwork.
• Difficulty of Reversal: Once brick is painted, it can be challenging to revert to its original state. Removing paint from brick is a labor-intensive and potentially costly process.

When Not to Paint Brick

While painting brick can be a great option for updating your home's look, there are situations where it might not be the best choice:

• Historical or Architectural Significance: If your brick home possesses historical or architectural value, it's essential to consult with professionals to ensure that painting won't compromise its integrity or authenticity.
• Severe Structural Issues: If your brick has significant structural problems, such as cracking, crumbling mortar, or moisture-related issues, painting may only serve as a temporary cosmetic solution. It's crucial to address these underlying issues first before considering paint.
• Personal Preference: Some homeowners simply prefer the natural beauty and character of exposed brick. If you appreciate the original aesthetic and texture, it might be best to leave the brick untouched.

Painting your brick home offers a multitude of design possibilities, from solid colors to translucent finishes. Understanding the various techniques, weighing the pros and cons, and considering the circumstances will help you make an informed decision about painting your brick exterior.

Looking at Ashland homes for sale? We can help. Contact us today.

After our REALTORS® help you find your new home, there are a variety of tasks to be done, from basic cleaning to changing the locks. Duct cleaning often gets forgotten, but it's essential if you want your HVAC system to run efficiently. Why is duct cleaning important, and how do you do it? Here's what you need to know.

Why Clean Your Ducts

Duct cleaning is particularly important when you've just bought a new home. Certain lifestyle aspects of the previous owners can cause dust buildup in the home's ductwork, which aren't always readily visible when looking at Mansfield homes for sale. For instance, if they had pets, smoked, or didn't regularly clean the house, dust and debris may have accumulated in the ducts over time.

Those contaminants then end up in your home's air, as well as getting into your HVAC system. Dust buildup can cause breathing problems, especially for those in your household with allergies or asthma. It can also keep your HVAC system from running efficiently and even cause damage to it over time.

Duct cleaning is even more important if you're buying a home that's just been built or heavily remodeled. A significant amount of drywall, sawdust, and other contaminants permeate the air throughout construction and settle in your ducts.

How to Clean Your Ducts

A professional duct cleaning is a good idea if your home has just been built or remodeled. However, this is a very involved and expensive procedure; in most other cases, it's unnecessary. You can give your ducts a basic cleaning to keep dust and contaminants at bay. Start by removing the covers from your home's vents and registers. Put them in the sink, clean them with warm water and a mild dish detergent, and then let them dry.

While they're drying, take an electrostatic duster with a long handle and clean the inside of your ducts. Reach the duster in as far as it will go and clean on all sides. You can also use the hose attachment of a vacuum cleaner. Once you're done, replace the vent covers over their respective spots.

You might also consider installing a UV cleaner. Ultraviolet light kills organic matter on contact, preventing mold and mildew from growing inside your ducts. You should also change your air filter regularly. When the filter gets clogged, dust and debris build up in your ducts, restrict airflow, and keep your system from running efficiently.

How Often to Clean Your Ducts

Your vent covers should be wiped down every couple of months and given a thorough cleaning at least once a year. Your actual ducts don't need as much attention. A basic DIY cleaning can be done every three to five years.

If you want a full, professional, deep clean of your ducts, then every six to eight years is plenty. In fact, many experts say you can do it as needed. If there's visible mold growth in or around your ducts or a musty smell throughout your home, get a professional duct cleaning. 

With proper maintenance, you can keep your home clean and healthy for years to come. Contact us if you're ready to make Mansfield your new home, and we'll help you find a house that meets your needs.

Moving to a brand-new home is very exciting, but it's also quite stressful. There are many tasks to accomplish before you leave your existing home, during the move, and while settling into the new location. To help ensure that your stress level is as low as possible, our REALTORS® have come up with some quick tips on keeping your anxiety in check.

• Create a Detailed To-Do List
  The first thing you should do to reduce the stress from moving is to create a very detailed to-do list, along with a timeline. If you just "wing it," then you may run into complications or otherwise get behind schedule. Items on your own to-do list can include things such as hiring a moving company, selling furniture you don't want anymore, updating your mailing address, transferring utilities, getting a new driver's license, etc.
  
  
• Unpack Everything Right Away
  Too often, a homeowner will spend weeks unpacking boxes. This creates clutter around your home and can be very overwhelming. We suggest that you unpack everything right away. If you have any boxes or other items that you plan to put in storage, be sure that you move them out of sight as soon as possible.
  
  
• Take a Break Once in a While
  Moving can be exhausting, even if you don't own a ton of stuff. You don't want to slow down too much, but you should take a break occasionally. Maybe even reward yourself with a trip to a new restaurant or buy some artwork or knick-knacks for your new home. This can help you feel re-energized so that you can complete more tasks but have less stress.
  
  
• Stay in Touch with People
  It's amazing how stress-relieving it can be to hear a familiar voice. While you're transitioning from one home to another, be sure that you stay in touch with friends and family members. Or, since we're currently living in the digital age, at least text back and forth with someone close to you. Keeping an open line of communication will help you cope more easily with the entire process and any problems that crop up.
  
  
• Take Good Care of Your Health
  We know there's a lot to do when you're moving, but this isn't the time to let your health fall by the wayside. Maintaining your health is essential to keep your stress level in check. This includes daily exercise, getting enough sleep, and eating nutritious, energizing foods. You might even want to take up yoga or meditation.
  
  
• Explore the Neighborhood
  Learning about your new neighborhood is a great way to avoid stress. It's always fun to walk around and see what kinds of restaurants, bars, grocery stores, parks, hair salons, and other types of locations are nearby. The great thing about modern society is that you can simply Google the area where you live and find many things to explore and enjoy. 
  
  
• Keep Your New Home Clean
  For most people, a dirty home is a stressful home. If you immediately allow your new digs to get dirty, it won't be so exciting to return home after work. Plus, you probably want to make new friends in your new neighborhood, and it can be very stressful to have them come over when your house is a mess. Make sure you put aside enough time each week to clean things up.

Moving to a new home may be stressful, but owning a new home is very exciting. Many Bucyrus homes for sale are perfect for individuals, couples, and families. Contact us to find the dream home you've always wanted.

If you're like most people preparing to sell your house, you're probably delighted to see how much the value has increased since you bought it. You may have considered going it alone without the help of an experienced agent—but is it your best choice? Our REALTORS® would like you to consider a few things that might help you decide.

• Agents bring expertise to the table.
  In a rapidly changing market, licensed real estate agents can provide up-to-date information about appropriate pricing, interest rates, and financing that the average seller does not have. More than recommendations for selling prices, they can also distinguish between buyers who are prepared and likely to obtain financing and those that will waste your time on deals that fall through. They will be familiar with local regulations to keep you on track throughout the sale process.
  
  
• Your listing will attract a wide audience.
  The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) agents use guarantees that your house will be seen by shoppers near and far, boosting your sales price and possibly creating bidding wars between potential buyers. If you search for Galion homes for sale online, you will see how an agent can shine a spotlight on your house, describing and accenting its best features.
  
  
• You will have a professional on your side.
  Agent-assisted house sales generally yield a higher profit than homes sold by the owner. Keep in mind that the agent makes more money when you make more money. Their experience makes them skilled negotiators on your behalf. This also takes a big burden from your shoulders when you don't have to worry about missing the best deal or making costly errors in the process.
  
  
• Your agent will help keep your home safe. 
  The reality is that selling a home involves opening your house to strangers. Trained to ensure open houses and showings are safe, an agent can advise you on procedures to ensure your home is secure and stays that way. For example, agents routinely check to make sure certain doors are locked per the seller's instructions. This could easily fall through the cracks if you're going it alone.
  
  
• You will have access to a variety of services.
  Experienced agents maintain connections with other professionals who provide home staging, landscaping, deep cleaning, photography, and whatever else you may need to get your property ready to sell. They can help you find financing and obtain real estate attorneys when necessary. Putting yourself in the hands of a trusted professional can save you hours of research and the stress that accompanies it. 
  
  
• You will have a seasoned guide.
  From putting the property on the market to turning the keys over to the new owner, your agent will be with you every step of the way. They can provide objective advice about pricing, keep you abreast of fees and inspections, what will be your responsibility, and what will fall to the buyer. You won't need to stress about whether you've forgotten something that can delay or even prevent closing. If you handle everything yourself, you will be saddled with phone calls, questions, schedules, and many details you may not have considered. 

So the question remains, are you better off selling your house on your own or engaging a real estate agent to take care of the process for you? We think the peace of mind and potentially higher profits alone make us the better option. If you're getting ready to sell, contact us to discuss what we can do for you. 

Summer is prime time for enjoying the outdoors—specifically, the landscaping you've created on the property you acquired from among Ashland homes for sale. But maybe it's time to do a little upgrading to enhance the looks of your landscape for your enjoyment and boost the value of your property if you're looking to list it. The good news is that you can accomplish these goals with some fairly easy DIY landscaping projects.

Our REALTORS®  have a good eye for simple hacks to improve landscaping. Let's look at a few of them. 

1. Strike a Balance
   You don't want too much of either. Too much lawn is a boring monoculture, lacking visual interest. Too many plantings look busy and overwhelming. Vary your visual elements to offset and complement each other: plant a few strategically placed trees; erect structures like a wall, a rock border, or a pathway; create a flower garden bordering the house or along a sidewalk. Play with it. Sketch some ideas and work out color schemes with flowers and shades of green and gray shrubs as a backdrop. 
   
   
2. Edge the Garden
   You don't need to do this with expensive bricks or stone. Sometimes homeowners luck out and dig up nice landscaping rocks on their property. Or, maybe you can find some suitable rocks on a country road to load up and take home. They don't necessarily need to be held in place with mortar but can be dry stacked and, if heavy enough, should stay in place. Edging a flower planting, some shrubs, or around a tree is a great way to create visual interest by setting off the planting with a rock border.
   
   
3. Add Lighting
   If you have old light fixtures, it's probably time to update them. Look for fixtures that reflect the style of your home. Light can be used to dramatic effect in your plantings, along pathways, or amidst shrubs and trees. The lighting will also help guests see better. Experiment with white-flowering plants, such as datura, night-blooming jasmine (you may have to replace it after a cold winter), and perhaps even simple white impatiens and petunias, which will reflect light at night. Sweet-smelling white flowers will also attract pollinators. 
   
   
4. Create Pathways
   Pathways can help connect the various elements of your landscape. For instance, you can create a butterfly garden along the side of the house and add a patio where you can sit, have a drink, and watch the colorful display of your butterflies. A pathway connecting the two adds visual interest and helps break up a monotonous green lawn. Line the pathway with stone or flowers.
   
   
5. Add a Climbing Wall
   Have a space you don't know what to do with? Add a trellis or other structure to grow climbing plants such as clematis or roses. 
   
   
6. Install a Water Fountain
   A water fountain can be as complex or as simple as you choose. You might purchase a solar-powered fountain that recirculates water with a pump and lighting that comes on at night. These are all relatively inexpensive from a home store and easy to assemble. Or, you may want to hire an expert in creating stone structures with the water piped in and recirculating. Your local birds will thank you. 

These projects will get you started, and you're guaranteed to love the enhanced visual interest they will create. Have questions? Contact us today. 

You're ready to spend a memorable Fourth of July with your family, but your holiday plans don't involve traveling or navigating crowded outings. Fortunately, our REALTORS® know that it's possible to have a terrific Fourth of July celebration in the comfort of your own home. Here are a few activities to consider for your family.

1. Make Red, White, and Blue Foods for Your Independence Day Menu
   Baking or cooking are fun activities the whole family can participate in, and you can customize your holiday menu to your family's tastes and dietary needs.  A red, white, and blue cake is always a fun option. You can use your favorite vanilla cake recipe or opt for a boxed mix.
   
   After preparing the cake batter, separate it into three bowls. Add red food coloring to one bowl, blue food coloring to the second bowl, and leave the third bowl plain. Layer in your cake pan to create a unique patriotic design, or bake three separate cake layers. Top your patriotic cake with red, white, and blue icing and holiday sprinkles. Or, for a fruity addition, decorate the cake with Cool-Whip, blueberries, and strawberries.

2. Set Up a Fourth of July Craft
   A holiday-themed craft is an excellent addition to your Fourth of July plans. One family-friendly activity is rock painting. Pick up some smooth rocks, patriotic-colored paints, and a few paintbrushes. After the rocks are painted, use them to decorate your yard for the holiday or spread them around the neighborhood to share a little patriotic kindness.
   
   Red, white, and blue luminaries are another terrific activity to light up your 4th. You can use any glass jar, like a Mason jar or an old pasta sauce jar. Grab red, white, and blue acrylic paints, clear gloss sealer spray, and contact paper. You'll use the contact paper to add decorations to your jar, like stars and stripes. After drawing your design on the contact paper, cut it out, peel the paper's backing off, and place it on your jar. Then, paint the jar your preferred color or colors. Once it's dry, spray with a couple of thin layers of clear sealer spray. Add a string of fairy lights or votives to complete your luminaries. 

3. Hold a Fourth of July Quiz Night
   A Fourth of July quiz night is a fun way to test your family's recollection of American history. If you'll have a mix of ages at your July 4th gathering, consider having easier and more advanced questions to ensure you have appropriate questions for everyone. 
   
   
4. Watch a Patriotic or Fourth of July-Inspired Movie
   If you need a low-key activity to relax after touring Mansfield homes for sale, a movie is an excellent activity for your holiday. Look for movies set around the 4th of July or with a patriotic or historical theme. While it's best suited to teens and adult family members, Jaws (set around the 4th of July) is a classic option if you're in the mood for a few thrills and scares from a large great white shark. National Treasure is a fun, exciting flick for kids and adults alike. Join Nicholas Cage as he searches for one of the nation's most important documents: The Declaration of Independence.  Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a classic, clever film that offers a look at how the average citizen fares when trying to navigate American politics. 

5. Have an At-Home Campout
   You don't need a campground to go camping. Instead, set up your tent in the living room or, if you're feeling outdoorsy, in your backyard. Grab a few sleeping bags, pillows, and flashlights, and swap scary stories. If you have a fire pit, make sure to grab supplies for s'mores.

With a little planning, you can have a Fourth of July at home your family won't forget. Need more space for your holiday activities? Contact us to check out homes that better suit your needs.

Ohio weather can be unpredictable, but we're sure to see higher temperatures this summer. Our REALTORS® can help you find the home of your dreams, but paying to keep that home cool can be a burden. How do you stay comfortable without running up massive energy bills? Here are a few tips.

• Repairs. There are many ways your home might be wasting energy. If it has leaks, such as around windows, near corners and baseboards, or behind outlets and light plates, cooled air can escape, forcing your A/C to work harder and use more energy to keep your home comfortable. If your ductwork leaks, the cooled air can escape before it even reaches you. Have your home checked for leaks and other issues that could be wasting energy. Also, consider adding insulation to keep the cool air in during the summer (and out during the winter).
  
  
• Upgrades. When viewing Bucyrus homes for sale, there are several things to look for with regard to cooling. How old is the system? Air conditioners lose efficiency as they age, so if it's more than 10 years old, replacing it with a more efficient unit may be worthwhile. Also, look at the thermostat. Smart thermostats provide more control over your system to help you stay comfortable with less energy. And if the home has multiple floors, consider a zoning system. Each room has its own thermostat, so everyone stays cool without sending air to areas that don't need it.
  
  
• Maintenance. Have your A/C professionally inspected yearly, ideally in the spring. Your technician will ensure the system runs smoothly and make any necessary adjustments. If the system has any issues, they can address them before they become bigger problems that require expensive repairs. Your annual maintenance visit will keep your system running at peak efficiency and help it last for years to come.
  
  
• Ceiling Fans. Ceiling fans use far less energy than your A/C system, so you can use them to reduce your bills. If you run your ceiling fan and A/C simultaneously, the breeze on your skin makes the air feel cooler than it actually is. This is called the wind chill factor, and it means you can turn your thermostat up about four degrees with no reduction in comfort.
  
  
• Grilling. There's a reason summer is barbecue season. Running your stove and oven will heat the house quickly, so your A/C will need to run longer and use more energy to cool it down again. Grill outdoors whenever you can to keep the heat out of the house. Looking for a new grill this summer? We share tips to choose the right one.
  
  
• Trees. Another thing to look for in a potential home is trees in the yard. In particular, look for deciduous trees with large, flat leaves like oak, maple, or birch. Those leaves will provide shade in the summer, keeping your home from getting too hot. Then in the fall, the trees will shed those leaves, so in the winter, when the weather turns colder, more sunlight can get in to warm your home naturally.
  
  
• Windows. One of the simplest ways to cool your home is with your windows. When it's cool in the morning, open them to let the cool, fresh air in. Then, before things start heating up in the afternoon, close the curtains or blinds to keep the harsh sunlight out and keep the cool air in as long as possible.

Tips like these are just some of the ways you can keep your new home well-maintained and efficient throughout the year. Contact us to learn more, and we'll help you find the right house for your needs.

Summer has always been one of the best times to sell your home. The housing market is more competitive, making prices higher and selling times even shorter. Our REALTORS® can help you through the sale—but first, you need to make your home appealing to potential buyers. Here are a few summer staging tips to help you sell quickly.

• Light. The brighter your home, the more inviting it will seem. Keep the curtains and blinds open to let natural sunlight in, and trim any surrounding trees or shrubs that might cast shade. And for rooms that don't get a lot of natural light, ensure there's plenty of artificial light. If a room seems too dim, try bringing in a lamp or replacing the overhead bulb with one of a higher wattage.
  
  
• Outdoor Aesthetics. Summer is the perfect time to highlight your outdoor areas. If you have patio furniture, add some throw pillows on the chairs to make them look cozy. Consider a bit of landscaping as well. Adding a few brightly colored flowers in the yard can add curb appeal and make the whole area pop. Also, while your house is on the market, be sure to water your lawn and plants regularly so they stay fresh and vibrant instead of withering in the summer heat. Your yard will be the first thing potential buyers see, so it's essential that it look its best.
  
  
• Color. For the most part, neutral hues are best, as they allow potential buyers to project their own personality onto your home instead of seeing yours. But a few splashes of color won't go amiss either to make the house look more interesting and, thus, more enticing. In summer, go with bright pastels; yellow, blue, green, and violet are all good options. Use them as accents, like curtains or throw pillows, so they draw the eye without being too overwhelming or invasive.
  
  
• Pool Maintenance. There are plenty of Galion homes for sale, but not all of them have pools. If yours does, it can be a major selling point, especially during hot weather. Make sure the pool looks good, though. Clean it regularly and skim it before people show up to view your home. Keep the surrounding area clean as well, and set up chairs around it, to draw attention to what it can offer potential buyers.
  
  
• Refreshments. On hot days, have a pitcher of lemonade and other cold drinks on hand for potential buyers, along with snacks like fresh berries and other summer fruits. This will give them positive feelings about you and your house, which can help entice them to buy. Also, having refreshments means spending more time in your home. The longer they spend there, the more connected they'll feel, and the more likely they'll want to buy.
  
  
• Temperature. Just as cool refreshments can create positive feelings, an uncomfortably warm house can foster negative feelings. Turn the A/C on at least half an hour before anyone comes to view the house so it has time to cool completely. If the day is particularly hot, consider turning the thermostat down a couple of degrees lower than you normally would. If you have trouble cooling certain rooms, open a window, turn on a fan, or whatever else it takes to keep hot air out.

These are just a few things you can do to enhance your home's appeal and help it sell more quickly. Contact us if you're ready to put your home on the market, and we'll help you through every step of the process.

A clover lawn? Sounds outrageous, right? After all, most of us think of clover as a weed. So why would anyone replace their lush green grass with this humble weed? The fact is, a clover lawn is far less troublesome and expensive than a traditional lawn. So maybe it's worth rethinking that expensive turf/sod project you planned for the property you acquired from those Ashland homes for sale.

Grass lawns are not only expensive; they also require considerable chemicals—pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers—that harm the environment to produce that lush green look we're so enamored of. Plus, grass needs lots of water to keep it green and healthy. In times of drought, heat waves, and water uncertainty, even in the usually wet Northwest, a clover lawn may provide a worthy replacement for grass.

Homeowners have been told for decades to strive for a lush grass lawn, despite the cost and the need for chemical amendments. But imagine that you can have the look without doing environmental harm or breaking the bank. So here are our REALTORS® to tell you how.

Clover Lawns Are Going Viral

The popularity of clover lawns is growing as millions of viewers share images of what a clover lawn can look like. Homeowners who have taken the plunge and replaced grass with clover share the results on TikTok and other platforms and claim they're helping break our addiction to grass lawns.

In general, clover lawns are defined as patches of green where clover moves in and starts weaving its way through the lawn. You wouldn't necessarily want a complete clover lawn—a monoculture where, like with grass lawns, you have to spend time picking dandelions or other weeds. With clover, you can have other plants growing alongside.

Have some bare patches? Clover—also known as shamrock—can be planted in bare places where grass doesn't grow, as it doesn't need lots of sunlight. What's more, it is heat- and cold-tolerant, so it will grow easily in our climate. Further, you don't even need to worry about mowing clover.

One of the main types of clover being used in lawns is white clover (Trifolium repens), or Dutch white clover. It used to be found in lawns prior to the 1950s, but as use of pesticides and other chemicals grew, so did the propensity to rid the lawn of every plant except the grass. 

Another advantage of clover is that it attracts beneficial insects such as bees, but it also attracts parasitoid wasps. These tiny wasps feed on aphids, scales, and whiteflies. While the wasps are harmless to humans, they help to control pests in your yard.

One of the premier benefits: Clover helps fix nitrogen in the soil, thus benefitting nearby plants. It virtually creates its own fertilizer and never needs additional chemicals.  

Clover Cons

There are a few cons involved with planting a clover lawn. For instance, if you'd rather not have bees around, be forewarned that they are attracted to clover. Another issue is that clover won't survive high traffic, so if you have much-used areas in your lawn, it's best to create a mixed clover/grass passageway. What's more, it's a short-lived perennial. That means you'll probably have to reseed every few years. But clover is inexpensive, so you can plan on it being an affordable lawn redo.

Want to know more about creating a less expensive, healthier lawn? Contact us today.

Can you imagine coming home from an amazing vacation to find your home has been broken into? Unfortunately, it is an all-too-common occurrence. Our REALTORS® have a few recommendations for you that can help ensure this never happens to you.

• Shh! Mum's the word!
  When you have the opportunity to take a vacation to a fabulous destination, you want to tell everyone all about it. Contain your excitement and wait until your return to share photographs on social media. Keep the information private until you return. 
  
  
• Share Plans with Trusted Friends.
  Your neighbors can then spot inappropriate activity by simply looking out their windows. If they see someone on the property that doesn't belong there, a quick 911 call can ward off disaster. Provide them with a contact number in case they have concerns. Do you need to leave garbage cans on the street for collection? Ask a neighbor to put them away so they don't sit on the street while you are away. The key word here is "trusted." Keep the first tip in mind!
  
  
• Disconnect Electronic Garage Doors.
  Remote signals are easily hacked, leaving your home more vulnerable to intruders. Closing the garage door behind them, thieves have unlimited opportunity to ransack the house without interruption. By disconnecting the power supply to the garage door motor, you can foil their plans.
  
  
• Consider a Security System
  The average cost of a home break-in is around $2,800, so investing in a home security system could be worth it. In addition, these smart security systems often include ongoing remote monitoring to give you peace of mind whether you're out for the evening or gone for an entire week. Mansfield homes for sale that can offer added security through smart technology can command a higher price than otherwise comparable properties.
  
  
• Forget Hidden Keys
  No matter how clever you may think your hiding place is, an experienced burglar can find it. If you want to give access to your home to other people, leave the keys with them. Be sure to collect them again when you return. Another option is a smart lock on the door. Some models come with temporary codes that can be changed when no longer needed. Others can be accessed from your phone, allowing you complete control from any location.
  
  
• Secure a House Sitter
  An older, responsible teenage family member or a friend who would like to escape from roommates for a while may find staying in your house for a week a mini vacation. But they would still appreciate a little extra cash in their pockets. By coming in and out of the house while you are gone, the home will not appear vulnerable to would-be intruders. If you don't feel comfortable with either option, a professional sitter that has been vetted by a reputable agency could be a better solution. This is especially helpful if you have pets you would rather not take to a kennel while you're gone.
  
  
• Maintain a Watchful Eye
  A Ring doorbell can send phone notifications when motion sensors are activated. Record the activity with an annual subscription of $40 a year per camera on the basic plan. Videos of criminal activities can then be shared with police.

Have you been considering embarking on a different kind of journey? If you're considering buying or selling a home in Mansfield, contact us to arrange guidance along the way.

Our REALTORS® know that successful home financing is one of a prospective buyer's biggest concerns. Bucyrus homes for sale are some of the most desirable in Ohio, so having a plan in place is your best bet for better peace of mind. Financing is an area many people have questions about.

When you choose to buy a home, you will almost always need some form of down payment. A down payment is simply an amount in cash you pay upfront for your home. This amount is not financed and, therefore, represents money you will not need to pay interest on in the future.

In the past, mortgage lenders have expected qualified buyers to provide a down payment of up to 25%. This is no longer the case. Although it is wise to plan for a down payment of 10% or 15%, there are also first-time homebuyer programs that include a lower down payment. Starting to save early is crucial.

Let's look at some of the best ways to save for your down payment:

• Start with a Household Budget
  A household budget can be extremely helpful for many reasons. Having one will make it easier for you to fully understand "how much house" you can afford. Lenders may be impressed by your work. And as you save for your down payment, your budget helps you identify opportunities to cut back.
  
  
• Pay Down High-Interest Debts
  When you pay off debts such as a credit card, you have the chance to use that money to save up for the down payment you want. Look at your credit cards' APR (annual percentage rate) to uncover the best way to pay them. Paying off a higher APR debt saves you more money in the long run.
  
  
• Avoid Taking on New Debts
  One great thing about paying off debt as part of your savings strategy is that it can also raise your credit score. The higher your credit score, the better. One important caveat is that you should not take on new debts, such as a car loan, while you're saving. Also, avoid canceling credit cards that you've fully paid off.
  
  
• Create Opportunities to Cut Back
  The belief that Millennials just need to stop drinking Starbucks to buy a house is, of course, only a tiny fraction of a complete financial picture. When you review your budget, you might find things you no longer want or need. One big culprit is subscription services you rarely use.
  
  
• Increase Your Income Where Possible
  Ask any explorer: More water is superior to better rationing your existing water. You might find ways to use downtime for earnings through a "gig economy" app. You can also seek good old-fashioned career advancement but try to be settled in your job for at least six months before applying for a mortgage.
  
  
• Explore First-Time Homebuyer Programs
  Remember, a conventional bank loan is not your only option when it comes to a mortgage. You may be able to find state or federal programs that will lower your down payment. Likewise, there can be local charitable programs that may help specifically with down payment financing.
  
  
• Get a Great Real Estate Agent
  No matter your goals, your real estate agent is your #1 ally. He or she will be with you every step of the way. Yes, you can consult a real estate agent even if you're months away from looking at a home. Your agent just may have winning advice for your situation.

Contact us to find out more about Bucyrus, OH, real estate.

An open house is one of your best opportunities as a buyer to learn more about a home, not just by taking the grand tour. Asking the right questions of the seller's agent during an open house when you're shopping for Galion homes for sale can reveal information you wouldn't have learned otherwise and help give you the facts that you need to decide whether the home is ultimately the right choice for your specific needs. Our REALTORS® have tons of experience with open houses, and we've put together five key questions you'll want to ask at your next open house.

1. How Long Has the Home Been Listed?
   Finding out how long the home has been listed is a great place to start when chatting with the seller's agent during an open house. If a home has been on the market for a long time without being sold, that may indicate an underlying issue with the home or another reason buyers have been wary of making a bid. However, a seller with a home that's been listed for longer may also be more willing to negotiate to close the deal. Another good question along the same lines is how long the seller's agent has been representing the seller. If the home was listed previously and didn't sell, the seller may have found a new agent before putting it back on the market.

2. May I See the Disclosure Statement?
   To find out more about the home and perhaps shed more light on why it remains on the market if it has been listed for a long time, consider asking to see the disclosure statement for the home. This statement can reveal plenty of useful information, ranging from the age of the roof on the home to whether there's any lead paint present and much more. The seller's agent will typically have at least a few copies of the statement with them during an open house, or these documents can also be emailed as a PDF if requested.

3. Are Appliances/Other Key Items Included with the House?
   Having to purchase new appliances or move the ones you currently own adds another layer of complexity to the moving process, which many buyers hope to alleviate by having the appliances already in the home included with the purchase. If you're hoping that the appliances are included, or there's something else in the house that you'd like to be included in the sale, the open house is a great time to get a feel for the seller's position on what will be included.

4. What Is Your Sale Timeline?
   Naturally, timelines are important in planning ahead and finding out whether the seller may have any extra motivation to close the deal quickly. What you learn about the timeline can be a big help in negotiations and in deciding whether the home is the right fit for you in the first place.

5. Have You Received Any Offers?
   If a home has received multiple offers, and the agent has permission from the seller to disclose, that will influence the type of offer you'd need to make to get the seller's attention. It's always a good idea to get a feel for how many offers the seller has received to help you plan your next steps.

Still searching for just the right home for your needs? Our team is here to help you achieve your real estate goals. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Mansfield, OH, area.

May is National Barbecue Month—the perfect time to gather some friends and some franks and celebrate the beginning of summer. Our REALTORS® can help you find a home with a big backyard, perfect for barbecue parties. The grill itself, though, is up to you. What kind do you need? Here are a few of your options and what they have to offer.

• Charcoal
  Great for things like ribs and steaks, the smoke from a charcoal grill permeates the meat over time, giving it that signature barbecue flavor. It can be a lot of work, though. It takes time to get the grill hot enough to cook on, and maintaining the temperature as your meat cooks requires continual attention. Plus, cleaning up the ash when you're done is a hassle. However, nothing beats a charcoal grill if you're serious about barbecue.
  
  
• Gas
  Gas grills are more expensive than charcoal grills, but they make the whole barbecue process easier and cheaper. They're ready to use immediately and can be controlled more precisely. They're great for burgers, hot dogs, chicken, and other things that cook quickly. They don't produce much smoke, though, so for slower-cooked meats, they simply don't give you the signature barbecue taste that charcoal does.
  
  
• Electric
  The most common type of electric grill is the George Foreman grill. Small-sized ones are great for sandwiches and quesadillas, but they make larger ones for the full barbecue experience. They don't get as hot as charcoal or gas grills, though, and they don't have the smokey barbecue flavor. They're generally used in small spaces like apartments, where you grill on the balcony. If you're looking at Ashland homes for sale, you'd be better off finding a place with a backyard that can handle a real grill rather than bothering with electric.
  
  
• Smoker
  A smoker offers the best of all worlds for the true barbecue enthusiast. It gives meat a delicious, smokey flavor and offers more precise temperature control than a standard charcoal grill. Smokers are for people for whom grilling is an all-day affair. A brisket can take 10 hours or more, but the results can't be beaten when it's done. Not all smokers come with grills, so be sure to get one that does. With a bit of ingenuity, you can convert your charcoal or gas grill into a makeshift smoker. But if smoking meat is something you plan on doing regularly, you'd be better off investing in the real thing.
  
  
• Kettle Grill
  The shape of your grill is almost as important a factor as the type of heat it provides. The spherical kettle shape is likely what you picture when you think of the classic backyard charcoal barbecue. You can build a deeper charcoal bed that stays hotter longer, but their smaller size means they'll hold less food, making them better for small, family cookouts than large backyard barbecue parties.
  
  
• Barrel Grill
  This is the shape typically associated with gas grills, but you can get a charcoal barrel grill too. They have more room for food and are easier to clean than kettle grills. The drawback is a shallower bed for charcoal. This means the heat will dissipate faster unless you continually add more briquettes. It works great for quicker-cooking foods, but if you want to grill something longer, you'll need to give it much more attention.

If you want a home perfect for hosting backyard barbecue parties, contact us. We'll help you find the perfect home for your needs in a neighborhood that's right for you.

Who doesn't love to bask in the summer sun, enjoying the comforts of their private deck? Our REALTORS® will confirm that a deck is one of the most popular features people look for in Mansfield homes for sale. But while beauty and comfort are both important, so is deck safety. Here are a few steps homeowners should take to ensure their decks are as safe as they are beautiful.

1. Inspect for Decay 
   Examine the deck at least annually to ensure that elements prone to rot are clean and healthy. Start your inspection with the ledger boards. These are the anchors that attach the deck to the house. Consider replacing flashing, as this adds a level of protection from moisture that makes the wood vulnerable to decay. Inspect joists and support posts to make sure they, too, are still strong. Finally, check the deck boards for soft spots, loose nails, or splits. If possible, check the underside for water and pest damage. Check for softness by poking the wood with a screwdriver to see if it gives. Small holes in the wood indicate pest damage. 
   
   
2.  Secure All Railings, Fasteners, and Connectors
   Pay particular attention to the ledger boards, as these anchor points prevent your deck from collapsing. Ensure rails and stairs are solidly connected with no signs of wobbling or loose hardware. Check stairs and stringers to make sure they are solid. Check for loose nails and screws. Hammer in nails that could trip or injure anyone. Replace loose screws, as that is an indicator the threads are worn. Replace any hardware showing signs of rust. 
   
   
3. Clean the Deck Regularly
   Debris caught in the cracks harbors moisture that, in turn, rots the wood and attracts insects. Sweep regularly to remove loose debris, but don't stop there. Debris gets caught between the deck boards and absorbs moisture. Periodic power washing will help keep this to a minimum, but if it should get stuck there, remove it by inserting a putty knife into the cracks between the planks. Be sure to use the appropriate cleaning solutions for the materials in your deck. Check manufacturers' recommendations for your best options to avoid damage by harsh cleaners. 
   
   
4. Periodic Sanding
   To prepare the deck for staining, sand it with an orbital sander to remove blemishes and prep the surface. You may need to use a sanding sponge on the rails and trim. This part of the process is necessary to restore the deck to a brand-new appearance. But it serves two other important purposes. It removes splinters that can injure bare feet, allowing the surface to absorb the stain and sealant. 
   
   
5. Stain and Seal the Deck
   An important component of deck maintenance is sealing wooden decks to prevent mildew and decay. This should be done annually to give your deck a long life. Some stains, which are the pigments to give your deck a facelift every year, are also formulated to seal the wood. If not, you will need to follow a two-step staining and sealing process. Follow manufacturer guidelines, but consult the professionals in your favorite home improvement store when in doubt. A good sealant is critical to protecting your wooden deck from the elements. It's important to apply both stain and sealant during dry weather conditions.
   
   
6. What About PVC Decking?
   PVC decking material is popular with homeowners who want a low-maintenance option for their outdoor living space. Unlike wood, PVC decking does not require staining, painting, or sealing to maintain its appearance. This means homeowners can save time and money on maintenance tasks and enjoy their deck without worrying about upkeep. To maintain PVC decking, homeowners should regularly clean the surface with soap and water to remove dirt, grime, and other debris. They can also use a pressure washer on a low setting to remove stubborn stains or dirt buildup.  

If a new home in Mansfield with a deck is on your wish list, don't wait another day. Contact us to help you make your wish a reality. 

There's nothing worse than having your home overrun by pests. Wildlife like squirrels or raccoons are nice to look at from afar but can cause problems if they start to invade your space. Our REALTORS® can help you find the perfect home for your needs, but how can you keep from sharing it with unwanted animal guests? Here are a few tips to keep critters at bay.

• Identify the Problem
  What kinds of animals are you most likely to find in your area? Talk to your local wildlife agency and ask neighbors if they've had any pest problems. Once you know what you're dealing with, you'll have a better idea of how to repel them.
  
  
• Be Careful of Bird Feeders
  You'd love to have birds in your yard, but your bird feeder can also attract other unwanted animals. Hang your feeder in a tree, as high as possible, from a branch that squirrels will have difficulty reaching. Consider adding a squirrel baffle—a metal ring that goes around the feeder, keeping squirrels and other critters out while still allowing your feathered friends in.
  
  
• Be Careful of Water
  Any water out in the open will attract local wildlife, particularly if there aren't many other sources nearby. If you have a birdbath, keep it out of reach of non-flying wildlife, like the feeder. If you have pets, keep their water bowls inside, so they can stay hydrated, but other animals won't come snooping around. Also, ensure any traditionally damp or humid places in your home, particularly your attic and basement, are well-ventilated and moisture-free. And if you find leaks or standing water in or around your home, deal with them quickly before they attract company.
  
  
• Keep Garbage Secure
  Raccoons, in particular, love to scavenge for garbage. Your old food scraps will attract them for miles. Ensure any outdoor garbage cans have tightly sealed lids that can only be opened by human hands and won't fall off if the can is knocked over.
  
  
• Cover Openings
  Be aware of places where animals might gain entry to your home, such as through your chimney, vents, exhaust fan openings, or window wells. Make sure these are covered to keep unwanted critters out.
  
  
• Use Preventative Landscaping
  Some Bucyrus homes for sale are more attractive to critters than others, but a few preventative measures can help get rid of them. Keep tree branches trimmed and make sure they're at least six feet from your roof so squirrels don't have a direct path from their home to yours. Likewise, clear away any leaves or other debris that wildlife might hide in. And if you have fruit trees, gather the fruit as soon as it's ripe, as rotting fruit will attract all sorts of creatures.
  
  
• Get Regular Maintenance
  Keeping your home in good shape will help keep animals out. Have your roof inspected annually for leaks. Likewise, look for things like loose mortar, weatherstripping, or other holes or openings around your basement foundation or near windows that might let animals in. If you have any holes in window or door screens, repair them immediately.
  
  
• Call a Professional
  If you do find yourself with a pest problem, call an animal removal company rather than try to deal with it yourself. They'll help you trap and remove unwanted animals safely and humanely.

With just a few proactive measures, you can make sure you and your family are the only occupants of your new home. Contact us if you're ready to move into the house of your dreams.

As we begin to see warmer weather around Crawford County and the surrounding areas, it's time to start prepping for a vegetable garden. If you haven't had a vegetable garden yet, it's high time you discovered the joys of growing your own delicious produce. Now that you're settling into the property you acquired from among Galion homes for sale, you'll enjoy finding new ways to enjoy your home—indoors and out. And to get you started, our REALTORS® have some advice for preparing your spring garden.

1. Choose your site.
   Choosing the right location for your vegetable garden can determine whether or not you're successful. Most vegetables will require 6-8 hours of sunlight a day. Leafy plants, such as spinach, chard, and other greens, can do with a bit more shade or dappled sunlight. Likewise, root vegetables such as potatoes, radishes, carrots, and beets can do with 3-4 hours of dappled sunlight.
    
   Other considerations:
   • Find a level site.
   • Make sure your site drains well and does not pond with water.
   • Locate your garden near a water source.
   • Make sure your garden is protected from the wind.
     
     
2. Determine how big your garden will be.
   You don't want your garden to be so big that you don't have time to care for it. If you're a beginning gardener, a raised bed set off by a frame that's 4 feet by 8 feet may be all you can handle. If you're more experienced and planting directly into the ground, you can probably handle a 10-by-10-foot garden. 
    
   Once you've determined site location and size, delineate it with stakes and twine, or you can even spray paint the border. Use a garden hose to mark it off if your garden will curve. Be sure to allow for pathways through your garden so you can weed, apply fertilizer, and harvest your vegetables.
   
   
3. Prepare your soil.
   Break up the soil with a fork, digging 8 inches to a foot so that the roots of your plants can reach deeper into the ground. Then add 2 or 3 inches of compost or well-aged manure. This organic layer is crucial to the health of your plants. Level the garden.
   
   In our region, it's recommended that you plant with raised beds. This helps the cold, wet soil dry out and warm up. Before planting, you can cover beds with black plastic to block light, which might encourage weeds and protect them from the elements. To create a raised bed, you may want to surround it with a frame. You can make a frame or buy it readymade at a home and garden store. 
   
   
4. Before you plant, check the frost date.
   Once your soil is prepared, hold off planting cold-sensitive plants until the last frost date for our area—May 2. You may be able to plant some vegetables earlier than others, such as corn, carrots, spinach, turnips, onions, lettuce, seed potatoes, and parsnips, which can be sown directly into the ground once it's no longer frozen. These plants can survive a slight frost or cover them with protective cloth or garden cloches.

Our knowledgeable real estate staff can answer your questions about buying or selling a home so you can watch your garden grow. Contact us today. 

Spring is a season for cleaning and freshening up the house after all the "inside days" of winter, but sometimes it's hard to figure out where to start, not to mention how to find the time for it around your work schedule. Here is a basic spring cleaning schedule from our REALTORS®, laid out in a month's worth of weekends to make use of your free time.

• Weekend #1: Tidy Up
  First things first: Spend some time tidying and decluttering. Put everything away that's out of place, find places for things that don't have one, and fill a box with items to donate. Be ruthless and honest about what you don't need hanging around, taking up space. While making the rounds, carry a duster and eliminate obvious dust. Don't forget about frequently overlooked areas, such as the tops of light fixtures and fans. If you plan to sell your home soon, consider storing some of your belongings while your home is being shown.
  
  
• Weekend #2: The Kitchen
  Ignore the clutter from the week and dive right into the kitchen on the second weekend! Declutter the counters and kitchen table if needed but get right to work otherwise. Wipe down all surfaces, including the counter, cabinets, walls, stove top, and windows. Scrub the microwave and the sink, and deodorize the garbage disposal with baking soda or lemon or orange peels. This is also your chance to do tasks you don't do very often, such as wiping out the fridge's interior and cleaning the oven. Mop the floors last so you don't dirty them while cleaning.
  
  
• Weekend #3: Bathrooms
  Bathrooms are small and typically quick to clean, but if you have several bathrooms in your home, you'll likely still need to devote an entire weekend to the job. Start by wiping down all surfaces, including the counter, walls, cabinets, and floor. Scrub the sink, tile, tub, and toilet using a product for killing mildew or whitening grout as needed. Finish by disinfecting frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and light switches.
  
  
• Weekend #4: Living areas
  With any luck, the decluttering you did the first weekend will have stuck, and you'll only have a little tidying up before getting started in each room. Run the duster around the room again first, sweep if you have hardwood floors, and vacuum carpets and upholstery. Clean the windows and wipe down the walls. This is also a good time to wash throw blankets and bedding.
  
  
• Bonus Weekend: Closets
  If you feel like your closets need special attention and can devote a fifth weekend to it, this one's for you. First, pick a closet, pull everything out, and go through it. Have a big box standing by for things that don't fit, or you no longer wear. Once you've decided what to keep, assess your available closet space and decide if you like your current organization system or want to change it. Custom organization systems are available for purchase and can boost your home's value and appeal, as seen in Ashland homes for sale. Once you've settled on an organization system, wipe down and vacuum out the closet and put everything back, organizing as you go.

Nothing is more satisfying than a freshly cleaned home! Cleaning to sell this spring or summer? Contact us today to find out what else needs to be done first.

Easter will be here before you know it. This year, the big day falls on Sunday, April 9th. Between the candy, the eggs, and the Easter Bunny, this can be a great holiday to celebrate with your kids. Of course, there are the old standbys like Easter egg hunts and baskets, but you can also get creative with your celebrations. Our REALTORS® are excited to recommend a few fun ways to celebrate Easter with your kids.

1. Scavenger Hunt
   This is a new twist on the classic Easter egg hunt. You can print a series of cards that give your child clues as to where the next card will be hiding. For example, the first card might say, "go to the place where you eat your breakfast." The next card will give them another clue, leading them to another place. Finally, after following several hints, they will find the prize.
   
   The scavenger hunt prize can be a toy they've asked for, a giant chocolate bunny, or even a whole Easter basket. If you have more than one child, create separate scavenger hunts for everyone to make each experience special.
   
   
2. Color
   Enjoy a quiet evening together coloring Easter-themed pages. This would be nice to do on the Saturday night before Easter morning. You can find a few printable Easter coloring pages on this website.
   
   To make the coloring experience even more special, give your child a new set of markers or colored pencils. Proudly display their artwork on the fridge for guests to admire before Easter dinner.
   
   
3. Make Butter Lambs
   In some families, it's traditional to place a stick of butter shaped like a lamb on the table for Easter dinner. Instead of buying a butter lamb, consider making your own. This is a fun project for elementary school-aged kids.
   
   To get started, cut about a 1-inch section off the front of the butter stick. Put it on top of the butter stick. This is essentially the lamb's head. Let the butter soften to room temperature, and then use a blunt butterknife to shape it and give it "fur." Add a clove as an eye, and enjoy.
   
   
4. Have a Treat Countdown
   Instead of giving your child a big basket of treats on Easter morning, consider giving them one treat per day for the entire week of Easter. Put each treat in a decorative bag, and label them 1-7. Let your child find the correct bag number and open it each day.
   
   The last bag, to be opened on Easter, can contain a larger or more meaningful treat. These treats don't have to be candy, either. Some can be small toys or stickers. 
   
   
5. Make Donut Bunnies
   These are a fun treat for Easter morning! Take a powdered donut and place a pink-frosted donut hole in its center. Then, use two chocolate chips to make eyes and a little black or brown frosting to draw some whiskers.
   
   To make the ears, take two large marshmallows. Squish them into the shape of ears. You can lightly attach them to the top of the donut with some frosting or just set them above the donut on the plate.

We hope you enjoy incorporating some of these Easter crafts and activities into your spring plans. If you're still looking for Mansfield homes for sale, feel free to contact us. Our friendly agents can help guide you through the process of house hunting and making an offer on the perfect place.

Adding a water feature to your yard can entirely transform the space. Water has a uniquely relaxing appeal that tends to put everyone in a good mood. Plus, a pond or fountain instantly becomes a focal point of your landscaping. Whether you're spiffing up your home prior to selling or customizing a place you recently bought, adding a water feature to your yard is a wise option. Here are a few key things our REALTORS® feel are important for homeowners to know before taking on this project.

• High Ground Is Best
  If you install a water feature in a low part of your yard, it is likely to flood when it rains. So, the best spot for a pond or other water feature is often at the highest point in your yard. If you plan on surrounding your water feature with plants, putting it at a high point will also help them get more sunlight.
  
  
• Check Local Regulations First
  Some towns and cities have regulations related to water features. They may restrict how deep you can dig, for example. Or, they may specify that if your pond is more than a certain depth, it must be surrounded by a fence for safety. In Bucyrus, reach out to the city's Engineering/Zoning Department for a list of codes and rules related to water features. This way, you can build to suit them from day one—rather than having to make changes or pay a fine later on.
  
  
• Set a Budget
  Water features can cost more than you might imagine. There are some pretty pricey, artistic fountains out there. You also have to account for the cost of soil, cleaning supplies, thermometers, and other materials. It's easy to overspend. Set a budget early on, and choose materials and features that fit within that budget.
  
  
• Know What Maintenance You're Comfortable With
  Some water features require far more maintenance than others. A simple, above-ground fountain, for instance, may only require occasional cleaning. An in-ground pond with koi fish, on the other hand, may require daily skimming and temperature checks. Decide how much time you're willing to put into maintenance, and design your water feature around that preference.
  
  
• Consider the Animals
  Water features often attract animals. Decide if this is something you want to capitalize on or minimize. For instance, if you don't want too many birds in your yard, then you may want to choose a moving water feature, like a fountain, over a still one. On the other hand, if you want to attract more birds, you may want to choose a still water feature and decorate around it with bushes that produce berries.
  
  
• Keep Sounds In Mind
  Sound can be an important element of a water feature. When you're resting in your backyard, do you want to hear a waterfall tumbling? Perhaps you'd prefer a slower, trickling noise or the sound of a babbling brook. Think about what sounds you'll find most appealing, and choose a water feature that makes those noises. 
  
  
• Plan for Winter
  Most water features need to be turned off for winter, but there are a few exceptions. A more natural pond, for example, can be allowed to freeze over naturally and then thaw in the spring. Decide whether you want to spend time winterizing your water feature each fall, and choose accordingly.

With the advice above, you should be better prepared to add a water feature to your space. If you're still looking at Bucyrus homes for sale and have yet to find "the one," feel free to contact us. Our real estate agents can help. 

There are many ways to upgrade when you're ready to sell your home, and one of the best is to improve your landscaping and, thereby, your curb appeal. Since we're headed into spring, that can be tricky; it'll be a while before we can reliably count on Mother Nature not to freeze new plantings. So what's a homeowner to do to spruce up the landscape in the spring for one of our Galion homes for sale? Our REALTORS® have learned some tricks from local landscapers and garden store experts, so here are a few that can help you add some color to your front yard before listing your home.

1. Go with annuals.
   If you need to plant right away, the easiest trick is adding color with annuals—those flowers you must replant yearly. Among the best annuals to plant are pansies or violas. Vibrantly colored pansies and violas are sure to catch the eye. The best time to plant them is early spring. Buy them in flats and plant them as borders in geometrically sculptured beds, windowboxes, or containers. Pansies usually become available in mid-March in Ohio. Pansies and violas can handle cool temperatures to 32 degrees, so just cover them up if it will be cooler. Some other great spring annuals are African daisies, sweet alyssums, snapdragons, dusty millers, and petunias.
   
   
2. Plant some colorful and hardy perennials.
   Perennials, as opposed to annuals, are plants that return yearly. These days, many homeowners are planting native perennials, as they do well in our soil and with our weather (intermittently cold/warm spring and hot summer). The best time to plant perennials is in the fall, but planting them in spring should be fine as long as you protect them from frosts while they're getting started. Try black-eyed Susans, cardinal flowers, gayfeathers, columbines, and wild lupine (a great hummingbird attractor). 
   
   
3. Trees to please any time of the year.
   You should plant trees in the fall so they have a chance to get their root systems going over winter. That way, they may be ready to put on a spring display when warmer weather comes. What types of trees to plant? The best will be smaller trees that won't overwhelm your property with their height. Some of the best choices are red oak, planted somewhat distant from the house, as these grow tall; Japanese tree lilac, low maintenance with fragrant spring blossoms; crabapples, showy trees with spectacular blooms, requiring well-drained soil and full sun; and pawpaw, which produces the largest native fruit in the country. 
   
   
4. Don't discount roses. 
   You can plant many kinds of shrubs in your landscape, but why wouldn't you plant a rose or two? Many cultivars do splendidly in colder landscapes these days, so don't be deterred. Plant roses from early spring to late fall. They typically bloom in spring, late summer, and fall. Plant them in full sun in well-drained soil. There are so many growth types—climbers, trees, multifloras, hybrid teas, and knockouts—it's best to do some rose homework before you choose. 

Questions? We can connect you with the experts. Contact us today. 

March 14th marks Pi Day, our favorite math-inspired holiday. Whether you love mathematics or just enjoy a delicious pie, Pi Day is the perfect time to make a homemade pie. Our REALTORS® suggest following these tips for a delicious way to celebrate the day.

• Keep Your Butter Cold
  Cold butter is essential for a flaky pie crust. Unfortunately, when exposed to room temperature, butter wants to melt, making it difficult to maintain a cold, hard texture. If you make your pie crust with soft or melted butter, it will be tough and unable to retain its shape.
  
  Make sure that you leave your butter in the fridge until the last possible moment. Adjust the thermostat to keep your home cool, so the interior temperature doesn't prematurely melt your butter. When using a recipe that calls for water, ensure the water is ice cold. Freeze all your tools, including your mixing bowl, mixer attachments, and baking vessel.
  
  If you notice that your pie dough feels warm when working with it, put it in the freezer or fridge until it's cool. 

• Check That Your Fruit Filling is the Appropriate Thickness
  When baking a fruit pie, you want to make sure that the filling isn't too runny. Otherwise, the moisture from the filling will cause your pie crust to become soggy. You can keep your filling thick by tossing your fruit in cornstarch.
  
  
• Know How to Roll Your Dough Properly
  While a dusting of flour can help prevent your pie dough from sticking when you roll it out, it might not be enough. Try chilling your dough between rollings, and roll it out between two pieces of parchment paper. The parchment paper will also make it easier for you to transfer the dough to your pie pan.
  
  If your schedule includes checking out Ashland homes for sale, the parchment paper will allow easier cleanup before you leave.

• Try Blind Baking Your Crust
  If your pie crust has a history of getting soggy, try blind baking it. This means that you'll prebake the pie crust before filling it.
  
  To blind bake, put the pie dough in your pie dish, line the dough with foil, and fill it with raw rice or beans. The beans or rice will keep the dough from puffing up. Bake it at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes or until the dough no longer looks wet. Then, remove the foil and its contents and bake it another 10 to 15 minutes (or until the crust turns golden). Allow the crust to cool before filling and baking it. 

• Brush Your Pie to Adjust Its Appearance
  Pie brushing lets you change your pie's appearance to suit your preferences. If you prefer a matte look, brush the pie with heavy cream or whole milk. You can give your pie a glittery look by brushing it with egg whites and sprinkling course white sugar on it. Make sure to brush your pie before baking it. 

Following these simple tips will give you a delicious, beautiful pie to celebrate Pi Day. Want a home with more space for baking? Contact us to explore your options. 

When looking for a new home, you're faced with plenty of architectural decisions. At the forefront of all the questions buyers must ask themselves is choosing an open-concept floor plan or a more traditional layout. Our REALTORS® are quite familiar with the struggles and want to share some thoughts with you so that you can make the best choice for your needs.

Since Mansfield homes for sale offer both open-concept and traditional floor plans, it's helpful to understand each option before you shop. Open-concept floor plans don't have many walls between rooms, allowing a clear view of all common areas at once. Traditional layouts mean each room has four walls with adjoining doors between rooms. Your taste and circumstances will dictate which option is best for you. 

You probably don't need to hear about the case for open floor plans. They are trendy, airy, and offer the feeling of spaciousness. But are there downsides to them? Are there any good reasons to stick with a more traditional approach? Here are a few things to consider before you make a final decision:

• Privacy
  With many professionals working from home, issues may arise, such as one party trying to generate excitement on a sales call while another tries to counsel an employee on a sensitive matter. Even if both parties distance themselves sufficiently to create the environment necessary to do their jobs well, they may still find themselves craving personal space. Even strong couples may feel the strain of spending 24 hours a day together if they cannot close a door between them. 
  
  
• Personalized Spaces
  One of the hallmarks of an open floor plan is consistent decor throughout the shared space. That's great if everyone in the house shares similar tastes. But without something that says, "this space is mine," it's easy for one or more family members to feel alienated. Who wants to feel like a guest in their own home? Certainly, with careful decorating, this issue may be overcome. But it will certainly be a challenge. 
  
  
• Variation in Color Palettes
  You've probably noticed a broad expanse of white or another neutral color in all the decorator magazines. That's because too many colors generate a chaotic environment. But a home with limited use of color can quickly become boring. An open floor plan eliminates the interest created when a door between rooms is a transition between colors. It takes some of the rich drama from the decor. 
  
  
• Competing Sounds and Smells
  In an active family, you will often find teenagers listening to loud music in one room while the adults try to watch TV in the other. In one great room, one must compromise with the other. The same holds true with odors. A sandalwood candle in the living room can't cover the smell of cabbage cooking in the kitchen. While open floor plans are supposed to be excellent for entertaining, it's difficult for guests to have a quiet space for conversation while others are dancing in a shared space. 
  
  
• Daily Maintenance
  Let's face it. Life is messy. Dirty dishes in the kitchen sink detract from the lovely buffet you served in the dining area. You may long for the days you could simply close the door when you find yourself washing dishes throughout the dinner party.

Fortunately, Mansfield has homes for every taste! Contact us when you are ready to shop for your perfect space.