the real estate Advisor
Outdoor DIY Project Tips and Ideas
Ever get the itch to do a DIY project? Whenever we do, our favorites involve getting outdoors and mixing up our landscaping features. Whether it’s as simple as installing some lighting or a little more time-consuming like re-plotting plants, a fresh look for the lawn always gives your home a fresh look as well. Here are our top five easy landscaping projects!
Create a pathway
To guide you and visitors throughout your yard and link different areas together, install a pathway. You can use materials from a variety of materials, including reclaimed pallet wood,flagstones, gravel, and more to add texture and color.
Add a wall or border
Installing a flagstone, rock, or brick wall around flower beds or trees adds a sleek, clean look to your landscaping and helps separate different sections of your yard.
Install a water feature
Nothing says zen quite like the sound of trickling water as you relax in your backyard You can start simple with by purchasing and installing a small feature powered by a solar panel or create a larger focal point in your yard by installing a waterfall wall or small pond.
Light your way
An easy way to transform your yard is to strategically use lighting. Place cool-colored to recreate a moonlight feel, use pathway lights to naturally guide the eye, or highlight objects or plants.
Plant upwards
Expand your yard space by drawing the eye to the sky with a trellis fence or screen made of wood or metal. Once you install your trellis, select your climbing plants and vines and get to planting!
TAKE 5: Create your Dream Man Cave
Sometimes, the man or men of the house just need a little space to do their thing. That’s why, if your home layout allows, a man cave is a great addition. Now that you have the space picked out, how should you fill it? Check out the below to get you started!
- Mini fridge and bar. Every good man cave has a stockpile of drinks and food. Purchase a mini fridge and fill it with your favorite alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages. Then, don’t forget to fill a basket with easy-to-grab snacks.
- Ample seating. You’ll likely be spending a large chunk of time in your man cave watching tv, relaxing, playing games, and more, so choosing the right couch or recliner is crucial. Plus, if you plan to have the guys over, you’ll want to make sure you choose furniture that can seat everyone comfortably and have backup folding chairs in case you need more spots.
- Favorite décor. Whether you’re a big movie buff, die-hard sports fan, or dedicated concertgoer, your man cave is the perfect place to let your interests shine by displaying your favorite memorabilia, posters, jerseys, and more.
- TV. The centerpiece of your man cave is your TV. You should purchase one that is large enough to see clearly from any spot in the room and comes equipped with streaming services to ensure you can catch the game or newest movie release with a click of a button.
- Games. Video games, card games, board games, and more. Fill your man cave with all your favorites to keep you and your guests entertained with some friendly competition.
Safety Tips for Doggy Doors
You’ve purchased a home with a large backyard and all your pup wants to do is be outside. But after the 10th time, you have to get up and open the door to let him or her in and out, you start researching doggy doors. Long-term convenience with a fairly simple installation sounds great to you! However, consider how it may affect the safety of your home.
A doggy door is a home feature that can make your house more susceptible to burglary. These doors are almost always placed in a back door or wall of the home, putting it out of the line of sight for passing traffic and neighbors. If a robber is small enough, they may be able to slip right through the door or use it to reach in and unlock the door. As long as you remain conscious and aware of the safety implications, there are
several ways to secure your doggy door, keeping convenience in place while protecting you and your family. The first and easiest option is to select a door that includes a sliding bolt or has a self-locking feature. If you have a security system in place, you can have the design adjusted to include the doggy door and surrounding area. Many of these systems include sensors and cameras intelligent enough to ignore your pet’s body weight or shape, but pick up on anything else. Alternatively, you could install a motion detector that will signal you on your phone or report to your security company if someone is coming in and out of your home.
Regardless of the option you choose, make sure you take precautions to protect the safety of your family members, both human and furry.
Year Over Year Market Changes January to January
December 2022 Market Statistics
Maricopa County Market Statistics for December 2022
Pinal County Market Statistics for December 2022
The market statistics are for Maricopa and Pinal Counties. Please let me know if you’d like similar statistics for a specific city or neighborhood within the Phoenix Metro area.
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