Winter brings new opportunities for plant care | Home & Garden

Winter brings new opportunities for plant care | Home & Garden

URBANA — Wednesdays just got merrier and brighter. Each week, University of Illinois Extension educators will share holiday plant and home landscape tips for winter.

The free online workshops begin Dec. 1 and include live, follow-along activities led by Extension educators Andrew Holsinger, Chris Enroth, Ken Johnson, and Katie Parker, Each hour-long session begins at 3 p.m. Register online at go.illinois.edu/GoodGrowingWinter21.


YARD AND GARDEN: Change up your holiday plant tradition with amaryllis

• Unique Plants for the Holidays — Wednesday, Dec. 1: Are you searching for the perfect holiday gift for that plant lover on your list, but don’t want to give them the typical poinsettia or Christmas cactus? Learn about some out-of-the-ordinary plants and how to grow them like plumeria, citrus, tea, coffee, and miracle fruit that can make great gifts for the plant enthusiast in your life, or yourself!

• Going Nuts Over Tree Nuts! — Wednesday, Dec 8: It’s just nuts! Yes, through the holiday season it can get a bit hectic but sit back and relax while you learn about the wonders of growing nuts in your own back yard. The nuts that will be covered fall into the traditional holiday fare of chestnuts, walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts.

• Wonderful Winter Interest — Wednesday, Dec 15: The winter season can be a dreary time for your landscape. Learn what plants to use to add color, texture, and plant architecture to your winter landscape, such as red and yellow twig Dogwood, winterberry, witch hazel, serviceberry, and false cypress.

• Dealing with Winter Wildlife Damage — Wednesday, Jan 12: Wildlife can be fun to watch, but wild animals can also be very destructive to the home landscape. Learn how deer, rabbits, racoons, squirrels, voles, and mice may cause damage to your yard or garden this winter and some tips to help protect your landscape.


OVER THE COLES: Watering trees, shrubs in the fall and winter is a balancing act

If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, or for more information, contact Katie Parker at keparkr2@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting access needs.

For more information on University of Illinois Extension programming in Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie and Shelby county, visit our website at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/ccdms/index.html or call us at 217-849-3931.

 

Katie Parker is Local Foods and Small Farms Educator with the University of Illinois Extension

You Could Save Over ,500 This Winter With This Home Improvement

You Could Save Over $3,500 This Winter With This Home Improvement

For many people, winter evokes images of evenings spent in front of a toasty fireplace with a hot beverage, an afghan, a good book, and a pet. It’s a time of holiday gatherings with family and friends amid decorations, movies, music, and tons of amazing food. You might even build a snowman, make an ice tree, or go skiing or sledding.

If you’re a homeowner or real estate investor, you can of course enjoy all those things too. But you might want to think about getting a little work done first. That’s because winterizing your home could save you thousands of dollars.

Snowy decorated home exterior at night.

Image source: Getty Images

Let’s look at what exactly you might need to do, how much it’s all likely to cost, and how much money you stand to save.

Getting your home winter ready

There’s no scene quite like a beautiful snow-covered landscape. Seeing the yard you’ve been looking at all year transformed into a winter wonderland overnight can be spectacular. But severe winter weather can bring more than beauty to your property. Icy temps, powerful gusts, and heavy snow can all threaten your home.

Fortunately, careful preparation can help ensure your home stays safe this winter and that your utility costs don’t get too outrageous. It can also reduce your odds of losing a blizzard of cash to a painful repair bill.

Home services company Angi surveyed over 2,000 homeowners to find out how they handle winterization. Results revealed that the average homeowner spends $1,316 per year to get their home winter ready. That result lumps together those who hire out each task with DIYers, so you could spend considerably less if you’re willing and able to tackle some of these chores yourself. 

Here are some tasks homeowners can undertake before Old Man Winter comes to town.

Cover it up

According to Angi, insulating your pipes with plastic foam pipe wrap is one step that can save big bucks. How big? Well, a burst pipe could leave you with $3,500 in damage. That price tag — not to mention that mess — could put a pretty big damper on your holiday festivities. Plumbing insulation costs vary widely but start as low as $110, according to HomeAdvisor.  

Seal it up

Cracks around doors and windows can let in that frosty air and drive heating costs up. Caulking them, using foam or rubber weather stripping, or installing door sweeps beneath exterior doors is a low-cost fix that can help you hold on to more of that money or spend it on better things — like your holiday party and gifts.

Clean it up

When all that lovely snow melts, you don’t want to end up with clogged gutters full of water. The result could be water damage or broken gutters, leaving no way to divert all that water away from your foundation. That’s why you’ll want to be sure your gutters are clear before winter.

And don’t forget about that cozy fire. The ambiance of a fireplace on a cold winter’s night is hard to beat, but fireplaces do need to be maintained. According to HomeAdvisor, you can expect to pay about $252 each year for a chimney sweep. Lighting a fire when you have built-up soot and ash in the chimney is a house fire risk, so this isn’t much to pay for the peace of mind that comes with a clean chimney.

Another reason not to let it go too long? Hiring a chimney sweep when you have years of buildup could raise the price to as much as $800. 

Winterize your home for peace of mind this season

If you’re unsure where to begin or if you haven’t winterized recently, Angi recommends hiring a local handyperson to do a walk-through. They can point out what needs to be done and what might need updating, as well as provide estimates. You can then look into what each step of winterizing your home will involve in detail to get an idea of which tasks you might be comfortable tackling on your own, if any.

Like so many things in nature, winter can be both awe-inspiring and devastating. Fortunately, a little preparation can go a long way toward protecting your investment. Whether you’re a homeowner or an investor, knowing you’ve prepared your property for whatever winter might bring could keep you feeling warm and cozy all season long.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium advisory service. We’re motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer.

Lawsuit claims Oregon’s real estate ‘love letter’ ban stifles free speech

Lawsuit claims Oregon’s real estate ‘love letter’ ban stifles free speech

Free speech advocates have filed a preliminary injunction against Oregon’s new law banning love letters from prospective home buyers.

Free speech advocates have filed a preliminary injunction against Oregon’s new law banning love letters from prospective home buyers.

Kristian Foden-Vencil / OPB

Free speech advocates have filed a preliminary injunction against Oregon’s new law that bans so-called “love letters” from prospective home buyers.

Total Real Estate Group out of Bend wants a federal judge to block Oregon’s law before it goes into effect in January.

The law would stop real estate agents from passing along personal pitches to sellers. Proponents say these letters can be the only edge a first-time buyer has against deep-pocketed investors that buy up entry-level homes to flip or rent out. The concern is that such letters could violate fair housing laws by revealing a buyer’s race, religion, sexual orientation or marital status.

Related: Oregon becomes the 1st US state to ban homebuyer love letters

The Oregon lawmaker who sponsored the legislation, Democratic Rep. Mark Meek, told USA Today in August that Oregon is not impeding free speech.

“We are limiting transmission of communications that are not relevant and could potentially be breaking fair housing laws,” he said.

But Daniel Ortner, a free speech attorney with the Pacific Legal Foundation, said there’s no evidence of a problem.

“If you’re trying to restrict speech you’d better have a compelling reason to do so,” Ortner said. “And you have to have evidence. You have to prove that it’s necessary, that it’s serving some very important function or purpose.”

Ortner said love letters help first-time buyers compete with institutional investors and can show sellers who might be good neighbors.

“Speech about the home is especially important and protected by the Constitution,” he said. “It’s a greatly unconstitutional law and I look forward to getting it struck down.”

Oregon is the first, and so far the only, state to ban real estate love letters.

The movement to stop love letters is part of a reckoning within the real estate sector following decades of housing segregation and red-lining that kept minorities out of certain neighborhoods.

The National Association of Realtors has warned its members that love letters may not be as harmless as they seem.

But they can be effective. Redfin real estate brokerage looked into the best ways to to win a bidding war in 2019. At the top were all-cash offers, followed by love letters, which increased a buyer’s chances almost 60{d4d1dfc03659490934346f23c59135b993ced5bc8cc26281e129c43fe68630c9}.

Central Oregon’s hidden luxury real estate gem lists brand new homesites

Central Oregon’s hidden luxury real estate gem lists brand new homesites

Just 18 miles south of Bend, Oregon – the PNW’s outdoor playground and craft beer sanctuary, lies a stunning resort community woven carefully among the Ponderosa pines. A custom home community whose friendly resident dogs fully subscribe to a “walk lightly, but carry a big stick” philosophy. Resting on over 1,000 acres alongside the eastern slope of Mount Bachelor, Caldera Springs has quickly found its way atop many aspiring homeowners’ wish lists – featuring custom homesites, impressive (and growing) resort amenities, miles of trails, and picturesque lakes and streams.

Born from the legacy of Sunriver Resort – arguably the most visited destination in Central Oregon by adventurous spirits up and down the west coast, Caldera Springs offers an intimate luxury home experience. Surrounded by miles of old-growth forest, winding nature trails, and roaming wildlife, Caldera Springs has it all.

Its unforgettable setting near Mt. Bachelor allows visitors to enjoy both the solitude of nature and its four seasons of adventure. From morning walks to evening bonfires, Caldera Springs provides a gateway to moments that matter. Discover a community of warm hospitality, good people, and adventurous spirits – a perfect place to enjoy a brew and perfectly charred s’mores with family and friends.

The feeling of being in Caldera Springs takes you away, whether you’re escaping for adventure or solitude – and it’s hard to imagine a community with such a strong impact can be so accessible. Just 180 miles of scenic driving from Portland through the Cascade mountain foothills, or an easy flight from Seattle, San Francisco or Los Angeles. Nearby Redmond Airport features direct flights from eleven major West Coast cities, and Sunriver Airport provides front-door access by private plane.

The Magic of Sunriver

Many believe there’s a special something about Sunriver, which may explain why so many have planted our roots there. For more than a century, adventurers have flocked to Sunriver to explore this unique outdoor haven. A place where memories are made among the mountains and trees, and stories shared on the green, at the stables, or on the crystal-clear waters.

Caldera Springs was designed to be close enough to access all the things people have come to love about Central Oregon. Situated just 20 miles from Mount Bachelor, and 20 miles from downtown Bend in the other direction, endless opportunities await. Whether you’re after a few powder runs from the Northwest Lift, a day of biking at Phil’s Trail, fly-fishing the Deschutes, or an afternoon tapping into the culinary and brew scene – there truly is something for everyone to enjoy. After a day of adventure, Caldera Springs is here to welcome you with a sense of peace, privacy, and tranquility.

Preserving the forest wild

The team behind Caldera Springs believes in fostering a harmony with its forested surroundings. From the gentle sound of birds chirping to the scent of pine needles scattered on the trail, these elements are here to stay. The Wildlife Forest Preserve, a protected 220 acres of woodlands encircling the neighborhood is a large tract of forest land that will remain wild indefinitely. The preserve will allow mature pines to grow uninhibited and encourage mountain wildlife to roam freely. Created to align with wildlife migration patterns, our four-legged resident friends will happily traverse the terrain. The connection between the community and the land feels as thoughtful as it is beautiful.

Caldera Springs’ mission is to protect the story in which nature is already telling. The Caldera rock outcroppings left behind by once active volcanoes have become a visual cornerstone in many of the brand new homesites. Trails and streams weave around these formations in a way that compliments the land – reminders that our environment is preserved and respected at every turn.

Finally, new homesites available – the first in 14 years

Arising from the east, among 600 acres of stunning forestland, Caldera Springs recently announced its new expansion – the brand-new Mirror Rock neighborhood. Surrounded by ponderosa pines and marked by several native rock outcroppings, the setting is one of the purest and most beautiful in the area.

Mirror Rock is the first new expansion of Caldera Springs since 2007, and the popular resort community just released a limited number of homesites for sale to the public. These properties offer a variety of settings and sizes, with prices starting in the mid $300s.

For more information on the new homesites available at Caldera Springs, please visit the website or contact Linda Dorr or Kristen Butz on the Sales Team at 541-550-1334.

7 Tips To Selling Your Investment Property

7 Tips To Selling Your Investment Property

Investing in real estate has its share of ups and downs, and a time will come when you need to let go of one of your investment properties. When you’re planning to sell your property soon, it can be a lucrative one under favorable market conditions.

Once you decide to put an investment property for sale, expect some challenges along the way. Make it a priority to come up with a plan to save yourself the hassle and costs. If you want to sell your investment property, here are several tips to consider:

  1. Assess The Current Market Situation

Before selling your investment property, you need to know everything about the current trends in the local market. Once there’s a good, upward trend in the market movement, it’s crucial to make a move.

You need to note the occupancy rates, employment situation, and the rental market’s overall status. Generally, potential investors consider a property in an area with low unemployment rates, high occupancy rates, and favorable rental conditions with more value.

When you’re considering putting your property on the listing soon, getting a property value estimate by LocalAgentFinderor from other reliable providers would be a good starting point to know the value of your property.

  1. Stage The Rental Property

If you want to sell your investment property successfully, make sure to stage it well to maximize its appeal. It’s best to consider hiring the services of a professional stager to make it happen. Remember that a staged property can make a significant difference in your property’s overall appeal and value.

Some of the benefits of staging it will help you sell faster, highlight the key features, give an impression that your home has a higher value, and depersonalize to make the property more appealing to potential buyers.

  1. Lessen The Expenses On Your Investment Property

A move worth considering during the selling process is to reduce the monthly operational costs. It’s an effective way to make the property appealing to potential buyers.

There are various ways to lessen the operating costs of your property, such as upgrading the furnace, air conditioning system, or other major appliances. Although you’re going to work out on a few extra costs, the savings over time will make a good impression on potential buyers.

  1. Decide On The Right Price

One way to boost your chances of selling your investment property is to decide on the right price. Make sure you’re within the middle range between expensive and low value. Remember that both extremes will hamper your chances of selling your property.

If you want a reliable basis in terms of the price, you might consider a comparative market analysis. Without one, you won’t have a foundation for setting the price for your investment property. The primary purpose of the analysis is to determine the recent sales prices for other similar properties in the same neighborhood.

  1. Provide Superior-Quality Visuals Of Your Property

Make it a priority to showcase your property in the best way possible with good-quality photos. If you lack photography skills, hiring a professional specializing in real estate is worth considering if you want eye-catching photos to include in your listing.

Providing attractive photos of the property in the listing will entice potential buyers to visit, especially if they see the main selling points. Additionally, providing outstanding images of your property can increase the likelihood to sell faster and with a higher value.

  1. Prepare All The Documents

Before putting up your investment property on the listing, you need to be ready with pertinent documentation. Prepare those covering the overall financial health of the unit. Generally, you need to include the budget and expenses log and the income data.

Don’t forget to provide all the necessary documentation when it comes to the repairs and maintenance history. Make sure it includes a comprehensive overview of the capital expenditures.

Always remember that by providing complete documentation, you’re being transparent about your property. It can help establish trust and will help potential buyers make the final decision.

  1. Work With Agents With Experience On Investment Properties

If you’re going to work with an agent, you should hire one specializing in investment properties. Hiring one without experience might lack the skills to market and successfully sell it. During the selection process, you need to ensure potential candidates have the skill sets and experience in the industry.

Conclusion

Selling an investment property can ensure a good profit. If you want to make a successful sale, make sure to consider these valuable tips to significantly boost your chances of attracting potential buyers and getting a good deal in no time.

Author Bio

Arthur Spencer is an investment property specialist. He has been in the industry assisting people in building wealth through investment properties and providing coaching to improve their portfolios. During his free time, Arthur enjoys hiking, mountain climbing, and reading good books at home.

 

Christmas decor shopping guide: How to find the right decorations for you | Home & Garden

Christmas decor shopping guide: How to find the right decorations for you | Home & Garden



Here are four tips for avoiding the hazards of holiday decorating.







Even though Christmas has been celebrated for centuries, you’re not restricted to decorating in the classic style — unless that’s the style you prefer.

You could use modern Christmas home decor with sleek, clean lines and a pared-down design. Rustic is another option; think simple, distressed pieces in soft, neutral colors. A quirky design scheme uses memorable items that have a unique flair, and a humorous style incorporates funny elements into the decor scheme.

If you have children, you might want to tailor your Christmas home decor to them, making it more whimsical.






Christmas lights




Decor category

Since Christmas is one of the most popular holidays, there’s a wealth of Christmas home decor items that fall into many categories.

Widely available types of decor include:

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Material

The materials that compose Christmas home decor make a significant impact on its appearance. Material options include metal, wood, ceramic, porcelain, resin, glass, crystal, silk, plastic and straw.

Functional decor






Christmas stocking

iPEGTOP 18” Burlap Christmas Stocking, $16.99, Amazon




No holiday home decor scheme is complete without Christmas stockings.

All you need is a secure place to hang them.

Of course, this decor is functional in addition to aesthetic, as Santa Claus fills the stockings with small treats during his stop at your home.

Size

The size of Christmas home decor should always suit the dimensions of the space in which it’s displayed.

If you try to squeeze a large piece into a small area, it’ll look overstuffed. And if you display a small decoration in a large space, it’s liable to disappear into its surroundings.

These scenarios demonstrate why size matters when it comes to Christmas home decor.

Christmas decor FAQ

How much should I spend?

The good news is that Christmas home decor is available in a vast price range that makes it accessible for virtually everyone. Pieces can start as low as $8 and can cost upward of $100.

How soon can you reasonably display Christmas home decor?

The window of time for reasonably displaying Christmas home decor has expanded greatly in recent years. Now, many people typically set up their Christmas decorations immediately after removing their Thanksgiving decor.

And rather than rushing to put the items away the day after Christmas or New Year’s Eve, some people choose to enjoy them for days or even weeks longer. Leaving the decorations out until February might be pushing it, but you don’t have to remove them the second the holidays are over.

What kind of Christmas home decor is most versatile?

Certain characters, animals and elements have been associated with Christmas for centuries. While they’re interpreted differently according to the designer, they represent Christmas nonetheless.

— Rudolph/Santa’s reindeer






Christmas wreath

Tiny Land Christmas wreath, $31.49, Amazon




Recommendations are made independently, but we participate in affiliate advertising programs that may pay us commission if you make purchases at Amazon.com and other linked retailer sites.

Megan Oster is a writer for BestReviews, a product-review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.