Articles Tagged "Bellville OH"

Our REALTORS® know how important it is for you to save money during and after your home purchase. After all, it's crucial to budget for home maintenance, repairs, and renovations. The average buyers of Mansfield homes for sale strive to save about 1% of the purchase price per year for these expenses.

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Have you been considering adding solar panels to your home? Upgrading to solar energy is expensive upfront, but it can offer some substantial advantages in the short and long term. Keep reading for a basic introduction on solar from our REALTORS®.

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In business, preparation is the key to success. When it comes to owning a home, preparation is the key that keeps things in top shape. Your home is a valuable investment, and it's imperative that you plan ahead for maintenance. For exceptional results, our REALTORS® recommend planning for the following tasks, so they don't fall through the cracks.

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Congratulations! You just bought your first home and can't wait to move in. Suddenly you realize that you'll need to buy a lot of new furnishings to fill the house. Don't worry, our REALTORS® know that buying your first home is a big expense, and we have some helpful tips for furnishing your new home without breaking the bank.

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Housing has been through a wild ride in 2022. As the action settles down, our REALTORS® want aspiring homeowners to know there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of. With the right strategy, 2023 can be the year you achieve the dream of homeownership.

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If you're not looking forward to another glitz and glam New Year's Eve party, why not spend this year at home with your family? Our REALTORS® have some ideas for a family-friendly New Year's Eve where you can hang out with the kids and stay casual and cozy around the fire.

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Unless you're the perfect gift giver, you've probably realized at the last minute that someone in your life is missing a present. Instead of purchasing a random gift, you should consider putting together a personalized mason jar. To help you get started, our REALTORS® have whipped up a quick list of our favorite mason jar gift ideas.

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With the holidays weeks away, it's time to think about your plans for the season. A holiday dinner party is a terrific opportunity to celebrate with food, fun, and fellowship. Here are some tips from our REALTORS® for hosting a memorable holiday dinner party. 

• Plan Your Menu Ahead of Time
  The menu for your holiday dinner party is something that you'll want to think about well in advance of your party date. You need a menu that suits everyone's tastes, and you should confirm that you have food options for people with different dietary restrictions or diet preferences. Ask your guests if they have allergies or restrictions that you need to be aware of.
  
  When planning your menu, think about the appetizers, meal, dessert, and beverages you want to serve. Once you know your menu, you can make a grocery list to stock up on essential items. Or, if you're planning to order some of your party items from a local restaurant or catering company, place the order so that you know your spot is reserved.
  
  When deciding on your beverage alternatives, check that you have some non-alcoholic options for children and adults who don't drink. 

• Schedule Extra Cleaning Sessions
  Being a successful party host is difficult when you're worried about how your home looks. Take care of this issue by scheduling a few extra cleaning sessions before your holiday party. In addition to cleaning your home, spend time decluttering and putting up your holiday decorations. A couple of days before your party, see that your home's current layout will work for your gathering.
  
  If you have decorative items that you feel will take up too much space, store these items until your party is over. Or, if your kids like to use your living room for their hobbies, have them transport their stuff to their rooms for the party.
  
  You may need to move furniture or grab extra chairs to ensure everyone has a spot to sit. Or, you might want to rearrange the room so the flow works better for your holiday party. A dedicated drink table is one way to reduce some of the traffic in your kitchen and provide another place for your guests to gather and converse. 
  
  
• Clear Space Outside for People to Park
  Even though you're busy looking at Ashland homes for sale, you want to ensure that there's an area for your guests to park. Clear your driveway of toys and furniture to maximize your parking space.
  
  If your driveway isn't large enough to accommodate everyone, your yard is another option, but wet or snowy weather may make this a less attractive alternative. See what the rules are for street parking to determine if that can give you a few extra spaces.
  
  The day of your party, move your personal vehicles into your garage or yard so that you have more room for your guests to park. Check that your guests have a safe, accessible pathway to your home. Consider using battery-powered luminaries to light a walkway.

Throwing a holiday dinner party can be stressful, but it also gives you the opportunity to make memories with your family and friends. Feel like your current home doesn't have enough space for holiday festivities? Contact us to explore your options!

Have you hesitated to get a real live Christmas tree because you're afraid it won't last long enough, or do you struggle with keeping your tree going every year? Most of us love the sight and fresh scent of a live Christmas tree, which is why many Mansfield homes for sale are decorated for the holidays this time of year. Fortunately, a healthy, well-cared-for tree should last around five weeks, providing plenty of time for the holiday season. Here are a few tips from our REALTORS® on keeping your tree alive and well until after Christmas.

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In the excitement of shopping for a home for the first time, it's tempting to rush into a purchase. But before you commit to buying, Our REALTORS® would like to remind you to answer a few important questions.

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As temperatures dip colder, you can take plenty of steps to prepare your home and shield your budget from overheated utility bills. Our REALTORS® recommend taking action sooner rather than later to ensure you don't end up with an eye-popping surprise in the mail.

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The holiday season is just around the corner, so it's time to fill your home with holiday cheer and special greetings for those houseguests who come to visit. Our REALTORS® have tips to help you welcome your guests into a home filled with cozy comforts.

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November is a big month for those who serve our country, as we honor them on Veterans Day November 11. But November is also Military Family Month, acknowledging the sacrifices made by service members' families.

If you're military, you know how suddenly Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders can be handed down. Civilians may have ample time to plan and carry out a move, but for military personnel, PCS orders can come quickly and with no warning. Here are a few tips from our REALTORS® to make your move as smooth as possible.

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You've done your financial homework. You've saved money and made sure your credit score is healthy. Now it's time to go house shopping! How exciting is that? But before you reach out to our REALTORS® to tour available Bucyrus homes for sale, have you decided what you want? If you haven't given much thought to architectural options, you may want to consider some of the most prevalent styles in the area.

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If you love Halloween, it's time to prepare your home for the food and the festivities. Our REALTORS® want you to have a fun-filled night with spooky little trick-or-treaters who are excited about yummy candy, scary costumes, and furry creatures that go bump in the night.

As soon as the sun goes down in Galion neighborhoods, trick-or-treaters will make the rounds to load up their pumpkin pails with delicious treats. Before they arrive, you must ensure that your yard and home are safe for Halloween. Here are five tips for a safe, fun-filled evening.

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Did you know that October is Fire Prevention Month? The timing of this important month of awareness isn't coincidental. October is the beginning of fall and, therefore, the beginning of the season where most Americans start heating their homes for the winter. The National Fire Protection Association reports that home heating equipment is the second biggest cause of house fires, making October a timely reminder to begin thinking about how to protect your home and your family this winter. Here are five important tips for fire prevention from our REALTORS®.

• Install and maintain smoke detectors.
  Smoke detectors are your earliest warnings of a house fire, especially at night when everyone is sleeping. Generally, Ashland homes for sale should have a smoke detector on every level and one outside every bedroom or sleeping area. A smoke detector in or near the kitchen is also advisable but should be at least 10 feet away from the stove and oven to avoid false alarms. Check all smoke detectors once a month to ensure they are operating correctly, and replace the batteries once a year.

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Fall offers so many opportunities to stage your home, with some real advantages over summer. For one thing, the weather's cooler, and those shopping for their next house among Mansfield homes for sale may be more inclined to look and linger. We also have the opportunity for creative home staging, with a few fall displays of leaves, flowers, and fruits and some subtle fall scents in the home.

But fall also offers some challenges, particularly if you have trees with falling leaves. It can be you're expecting potential homebuyers just as your ash, birch, maple, and oak trees are shedding leaves. You'll have to be vigilant, raking as needed to keep the yard clear.

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Though home trends come and go, filling your home with items you love to use will ensure that your home remains a comfortable, inviting haven.

Our REALTORS® know that it's important to have a space to work on your hobbies so that your home is a functional space you look forward to spending time in. Here are a few ways to repurpose an existing space for your hobbies.

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Selling your home while you're still living in it is difficult for many sellers because it requires keeping the house show-ready, or not far from it, at all times. You never know when someone might schedule a showing, so you may have fairly short notice to clean and spruce up your home. Fortunately, decluttering and staging your home before listing it for sale will help prepare you for anything. Here are a few tips from our REALTORS® on decluttering when selling your home.

• Make use of a storage unit.
  Most of us have way more belongings than your real estate agent would like to be in your home when it's being shown. Clutter tends to make homes look smaller and ruins buyers' ability to imagine themselves living there. It will help you declutter if you get a storage unit to hold everything you don't need right now, such as off-season clothes, holiday decorations, and other seldom-used items.

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Before you can enjoy the pumpkin spice and everything nice that fall has in store, you have work to do as a homeowner. As you get ready to sit back and enjoy the beauty of the season, you have to take care of the landscaping and your home so that everything is ready for the cooler months ahead. Our REALTORS® suggest doing the following chores: 

• Clean the Dryer Vent - This simple chore is essential for ensuring proper ventilation and, more importantly, reducing fire risk.

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Autumn may be famous for ushering in pumpkin spice lattes, but our REALTORS® want to remind you that here in Ohio, fall also means more than 50 varieties of locally grown apples. Homebuyers shopping for Mansfield homes for sale may be interested to know that there are many opportunities nearby for them to take the kids to pick their own, like Apple Hill Orchards. But what are you going to do with all those apples? Here are a few kid-friendly ideas:

• Candy Apples
  For very young children, our first choice is Wrapples, made by Concord Foods. The package has enough sheets of caramel, sticks, and bags for five apples for a microwave family treat. The same company offers kits for 10 hard cinnamon candy or caramel apples. If you prefer to make your own, an 11-ounce bag of caramels is sufficient to coat five apples.

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To build or buy? That's one of the first questions every homebuyer asks themselves before making a decision. Both choices offer plenty of benefits and plenty of challenges. Our REALTORS® know it's a difficult choice, but we also know that in most cases, buying a home is the better choice that offers far more advantages than drawbacks. As you consider your options, there are five key advantages every homebuyer should consider.

1. Existing Homes Are Move-In Ready
   The vast majority of existing homes are sold in move-in-ready condition. In most cases, the work that needs to be done is more of a "want" than a "need." For instance, you may want to repaint a room or change the flooring, but you don't need to do it immediately. This gives you time to thoroughly consider your options, find a contractor to perform the work, etc.

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Summer sunshine and cool evening breezes are still here, so it's time to get outside and tackle some cleaning chores. Whether you prefer relaxing by the pool or hosting a family cookout, our REALTORS® know that it's much more fun in a clean outdoor environment.

If you're like most homeowners, you know outdoor chores aren't much fun, but they're necessary if you want a beautiful, safe home. Buyers looking for Galion homes for sale are impressed by well-manicured landscaping, clean decks and patios, spotless windows, and outdoor lighting. Take a look at seven outside cleaning tricks that will make your home shine.

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Staging a home is one of the most effective ways to attract potential buyers. Like all things, it's easy to make a mistake when you haven't done it before. To help you out, our REALTORS® have put together a quick list of potential mistakes that you should avoid. 

• Not Keeping It Clean
  Homeowners often make the most obvious staging mistake of not keeping everything clean enough. Once you decide to sell your house, you should act almost as if a potential buyer who's looking for Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale could walk through your doors at any moment. You should be cleaning up every evening or morning, intending to be able to present your home within a half hour or less.

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Can you believe summer is almost over? The first day of school is right around the corner, and while it will be a relief for some, it may be a frightening experience or a dreaded event for others. Our REALTORS® know that a new home can also mean a new school and would like to offer a few ideas to make the experience more positive. 

1. Arrange a Tour
   Is there anything scarier than feeling lost? Younger children will be much more confident if they know where and how to get there. Middle and high school students don't want to be outsiders wandering around looking for their classrooms. You can eliminate this anxiety by taking a reconnaissance trip before school starts. Identify bus stops or walk the route with them until they feel secure with the journey.

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When looking for Mansfield or Ashland homes for sale, many buyers feel intimidated by the idea of the down payment. As in other kinds of loans, the down payment is the cash amount you'll "put down" to secure the transaction and get the financing you need.

Our REALTORS® know this is a potentially confusing issue. Advice about down payments has changed in recent years. Whenever the housing market takes a big swing, it's important to double-check all of your assumptions. A qualified real estate agent is the best person to ask.

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Summer is an exciting season filled with fun activities. It means spending more time outdoors, catching up with friends, and enjoying the hot weather. Unfortunately, the weather is also ideal for bugs and mosquitoes during summer. Our REALTORS® compiled these tips to help you get rid of mosquitoes.

1. Install Fans to Blow Them Away
   Mosquitoes are tiny and weak. They cannot withstand a strong breeze. Therefore, installing outdoor fans is an excellent remedy to keep them at bay. It will also make you and your guests more comfortable since you'll need the fresh cool air.

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Of all the many delights of creating a backyard nature preserve, few can compare to the pleasures of watching hummingbirds visit your property. These fascinating creatures will provide hours of interest for you and your family, as you witness their vigorous aerobatics over your feeders or your hummingbird-attracting plants. Not only is it fun for you, but you're also helping hummingbirds survive by providing nectar, either in a feeder or in your choices of backyard plants.

If you've taken the plunge and bought a home from among Mansfield or Ashland homes for sale, attracting hummingbirds is just one more way to maximize the enjoyment of your property while also helping out wildlife. Read on and try out these tips from our REALTORS® for attracting hummingbirds.

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When looking for Mansfield or Ashland homes for sale, how often do you consider the landscaping? Landscaping is essential, especially if the house is built on elevated or sloping yard space. Retaining walls not only help improve your yard but also present other benefits. Our REALTORS® have put together these benefits of retaining walls.

1. Better Aesthetics
   A retaining wall can add a distinctive look to your landscape. The wall can level out your yard, making it more attractive. Additionally, you can use the walls to create flower beds in your yard or entryway, making your home more appealing.

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Our REALTORS® know that the Fourth of July is one of Ohio's biggest holidays, and starting this year, there will be new ways to celebrate at home. Beginning on July 1, 2022, Ohio's new fireworks law goes into effect, allowing adult residents to use consumer fireworks on certain holidays throughout the year. If you've just finished shopping for Mansfield or Ashland homes for sale and want to celebrate the Fourth of July in your new yard, it's important to practice good safety habits for consumer fireworks use.

• Get to Know Ohio's Fireworks Law
  For Fourth of July Celebrations, the new fireworks law allows consumer fireworks to be discharged on July 3, 4, and 5. Fireworks can only be set off on your own property or another private property with the property owner's permission. Fireworks cannot be set off while under the influence. Before setting off fireworks, check the regulations for your community, as some communities are still considering local bans despite the new law.

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Going green is the best way to keep some green in your wallet this year. If you're searching for ways you can reduce your environmental footprint, protect the ecosystem, and save money at the same time, then the following are five home features our REALTORS® recommend taking a look at as you consider upgrades for your home.

1. Install New Windows and Doors
   New windows and doors will go a long way toward protecting your home against heat gain and heat loss. These will protect your interior from UV rays and significantly reduce the amount of work your furnace and air conditioner must perform to ensure your comfort. Further, they'll go a long way toward enhancing your home's curb appeal and updating the structure's outward appearance. These will most certainly help your home stand out in the field of Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale when you go to put your home on the market.

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Aging brings many changes in lifestyle and personal needs that can have a significant impact on finances. While some seniors choose to remain in their homes and age in place, others choose to downsize and move to smaller homes. If you're considering a move, our REALTORS® have some tips to make downsizing to a new home a smoother transition.

If you're considering moving to Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale, finding a home with the right amenities is essential for your senior years. Take a look at five home features that are important to your safety, health, lifestyle, and finances in your senior years.

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The ideal for a garden or lawn does not include pesky weeds, which, if allowed to go unaddressed, can crowd out your cultivated plants, take up fertilizer and water, and leave you with a landscape far from your plan. 

No doubt you're in love with that home you bought from among Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale, and you want to improve it, inside and out. Springtime is, of course, prime time for cultivating your garden and creating a healthy-looking lawn. Among other tasks, that means keeping weeds out.

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Even in a buyer's market with plenty of affordable houses with little competition, buying a home is a stressful endeavor. This stress is amplified in today's market, where prices remain high and scant inventory leads to bidding wars. You can quickly become emotionally drained between finding a home that suits your needs and navigating a grueling loan approval process. Our REALTORS® can take some of the strain off your shoulders, but it's just as important to arm yourself with information to avoid buyer burnout.

Read on for some tips and tricks on navigating what can be both a stressful and joyful journey.

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Most potential buyers looking into Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale want large outdoor spaces to undertake different projects. Composting has especially become popular among homeowners who want a sustainable way of reducing trash. Our REALTORS® are also great fans of composting, and they share their top tips below in honor of Learn About Composting Day on May 29.

1. Get a Bin
   Compost bins are available in different materials, shapes, and sizes. The ideal type primarily depends on the amount of space you have. For instance, a plastic bin suits a small space, and it retains heat and moisture to facilitate rapid decomposition.

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May 22nd is Buy a Musical Instrument Day. A good quality instrument is important for a music lover, but having the right place to play it is just as important. There are plenty of Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale, and our REALTORS® can help you find one with an extra room that you can use as a music room. Here are some tips for setting up the ideal space.

• Location. Which room should be your music room? There are several considerations. First, pick a room that doesn't get a lot of outside noise. If you live in a busy area, that may mean the room furthest from the street. Also, if possible, choose a large room, as they have better acoustics.

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If you're like most people, you can probably close your eyes and hear your mother saying, "No playing with your friends until you get that bedroom clean!" With the eyerolls and the grumbling, you probably turned a half-hour job into an all-day nightmare. But does it have to be that much of a struggle? May 10th is National Clean Your Room Day, and our REALTORS® have a few suggestions that may help your kids get in the habit of keeping a tidy room without the tears and frustration. 

• Start Small
  That is, start working with your children when they are toddlers. Clean together and encourage them to put toys in the toy box, dirty clothes in the hamper, and shoes in the closet. Applaud their efforts and cheer their successes, just as you did when they took their first steps. Positive reinforcement at their earliest stages of development is far more effective than negative responses later. Even if you have to follow behind them for thorough dusting, let them try to do it themselves. They'll get better with practice.

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A new home is a blank slate. That said, our REALTORS® know how hard it can be to get organized when moving into a new home. Most garages end up being junk purgatories where items that don't yet have storage space end up. Unfortunately, this leads to garages getting cluttered almost to the point where you can't use them for their intended purpose—to park your car.

Every April 26 is dedicated to proper planning, cleaning up, and decluttering. It's a great time to get some spring cleaning done on Get Organized Day. Here are some tips to help you clear the clutter after you've found a house among Mansfield or Ashland homes for sale.

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There are many reasons to concentrate your gardening efforts on creating a colorful, cool, and intriguing patio with container plants. Maybe you're lacking room in the yard to landscape it satisfactorily. Or, you spend a lot of time on the patio entertaining guests or just relaxing.

Whether it's trees for shade or height, shrubs for privacy, or vibrant annuals for your color fix, container gardening on your patio is a big winner in our climate. After all, we can protect those plants over the winter and enjoy them in spring in any of these Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale.

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Waking up to see what the Easter Bunny left is almost as exciting as looking for Santa's gifts. But Easter festivities don't need to be limited to eating the ears off a chocolate rabbit. Our REALTORS® have some great suggestions for family time before the big day. 

• Dyeing Boiled Eggs
  While this option seems intuitive, we certainly couldn't bypass it. You'll find any number of kits at every grocery store, filled with the tools to complete the task as well as decorative augmentations. If you prefer to do the job the old-fashioned way, just line up a cup for each color and add ten or more drops of food coloring to each. Add one teaspoon of vinegar and 1/2 cup of boiling water. Place the eggs in the cups for about ten minutes before removing them with tongs or a slotted spoon.

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While many homeowners keep dogs and cats, other people desire non-traditional animals that are just as loving as dogs and cats. Our REALTORS®, who are also pet-lovers, highlight some unconventional pets to consider below.

1. Guinea Pigs
   Guinea pigs make excellent pets as they're social and easy to tame. However, they require constant attention and commitment to thrive in captivity.

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April 2nd is National DIY Day, so it's time to get started on some projects around the house. Roll up your sleeves, get out your tools, and tackle five home improvement projects that will make your home shine. Our REALTORS® know that a little elbow grease goes a long way in boosting your home's resale value in today's market.

1. Shampoo Your Carpets and Rugs
   If you have carpets and area rugs, you may be living with hidden germs from food debris, dust mites, dead skin, and pet hair, even if you vacuum on a regular schedule. Experts recommend that you shampoo your carpets and rugs twice a year.

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As you search through Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale, you may notice they're the perfect place to start a family— and that includes a furry family, too! If you've been thinking of heading down to a local shelter and giving a puppy its "forever home," you'll need to prepare your property for its arrival. In honor of National Puppy Day on March 23rd, our REALTORS® have put together some quick tips to get it ready.

• Secure the Trash
  As everyone knows, dogs have an amazing sense of smell. Add to that a puppy's curiosity, and it's a recipe for disaster—or the very least, a recipe for a big mess for you to clean up. Not only that, but a puppy may eat something toxic or a discarded item that can get lodged in its throat or cause internal damage. Always be sure that your trash cans are properly sealed and secured.

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A butterfly garden is a perfect investment if you dream of a colorful and lively yard as you browse through Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale. Beyond adding color to your garden, butterflies are active pollinators and will enhance the health of your plants. A little planning is necessary to grow a successful butterfly garden, and you can start with the tips below.

1. Research the Common Species in Your Area
   You'll find it easier to create the ideal butterfly habitat if you know what attracts the common species in your location. Researchers have recorded over 130 species in Ohio, although the state has no official butterfly.

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What better time to have fun with your kids than a St. Patrick's Day celebration at home. Our REALTORS® share five family-friendly activities to help you observe St Patrick's Day with family.

1. Wear, Drink, and Eat Green
   Since the holiday theme is green, you can do everything green for the day with your family. As opposed to the green beer, you can get a little creative and choose green ginger ale since it's kid-friendly. You can have the entire family dress in green and add green food coloring to the day's meals to add to the festive mix. Alternatively, you can bake a green cake. Some sweet treats you can make include green cake pops, sweet green popcorn, and mint chocolate bark.

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If you're looking to get a jump on spring cleaning, using vinegar to clean your Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale is effective, economical, and easy. And you probably already have some in your kitchen. It's natural and safer than many commercially marketed cleaners too. Vinegar does a stellar job cleaning around the house, and it is especially effective for the following six tasks. 

1. Clean the refrigerator. Use equal parts vinegar and water mixture to spray the inside shelves, drawers, seals, and other surfaces. Wipe off with a damp sponge.

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When surveying Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale, you need an emergency plan for after your family moves in. Emergencies like power outages, fires, and natural disasters can be scary, but they don't need to be disastrous as long as you're prepared. Our REALTORS® have compiled some common crises and their responses below.

1. Power Outage
   Stash battery-operated flashlights and candles in every room in case of power outages. Then, furnish your emergency kit with extra batteries to power through a power outage that lasts several days.

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Remember when Valentine's Day meant a class party with lots of homemade cookies and a carton of milk? Times have changed and most schools don't allow such activities anymore, but that doesn't mean kids of today need to miss out. Our own kitchens are great party venues. Our REALTORS® would like to share a few tips with you to help bring those parties home! For easier clean-up after the fact, line the counters with waxed paper before you begin. 

• Classic Sugar Cookies
  Hands down the most popular valentine's cookie of all time, sugar cookies are simple to make, inexpensive, and versatile enough for the youngest children to participate in the process.  Traditionally decorated with a buttercream frosting tinted pink, you don't need to feel tied to that.  There are plenty of options for toppings or add-ins. Toddlers are delighted to spread colored sugar sprinkles on top to bring them to life. Bonus: to let children decorate cookies without making them from scratch, you can always purchase pre-made dough and count on perfect results every time. Add a can of pre-made frosting and some writing icing in a tube and inexperienced bakers can look like pros.

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Whether you're buying a home or fixing up a home you've lived in for many years, our REALTORS® know just how quickly the cost of renovations can rise through the roof. If you aren't careful, the simple, cost-effective renovation can end up taking a hefty bite out of your savings. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to ensure your renovation gets done without breaking the bank.

• Create a Plan
  Determine what renovations you need, which you want, and which will add the greatest value to your home. Always put the "need" renovations first, as these typically include plumbing systems, electrical systems, roofing, and other critical renovations for safety and comfort.

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Our REALTORS® have been getting many questions about what to expect from the housing market in the coming year. No matter whether you're interested in Mansfield or Ashland homes for sale, there are plenty of opportunities.

The big question on everyone's mind is how financing will change in 2022.

Over the last year, many places in the country have seen home prices skyrocket. Homeowners have had the chance to attract abundant attention, with many homes receiving competitive bids from multiple buyers at once. As a result, quite a few homes have sold for well over asking price.

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If you've been searching through the long list of amazing Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale, you've probably already noticed that each one is chock-full of unique designs and amenities. It may not take long, however, before you're ready to add something extra to your new or existing home.

Let's take a look at a handful of home improvement trends for 2022 and beyond. 

1. Multi-Functional Room
   A big trend that's been happening over the past few years and will continue into 2022 is creating a multi-function room. This is where you basically take a single room, and instead of using it solely as an office, guest room, or other such function, you combine two or more aspects. This means you can create a sweet movie and gaming room but also stick a desk in the corner so that it doubles as a home office.

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Are you planning to sell your house this year to take advantage of the seller's market? That's a great idea, but our REALTORS® would like to call your attention to a few things you will want to address before you do. Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale are certain to bring healthy profits to the sellers, but maximizing those profits is still important. Here's how that can be done:

• Forgo unnecessary upgrades
  In more competitive markets, sellers often invest thousands of dollars in renovations in the hopes of making a greater profit. At this point, sellers are better off making minor upgrades such as new paint than major remodels. Focus instead on presenting a clean and welcoming environment by eliminating clutter and personal items. You still want potential buyers to easily imagine their own belongings in the home rather than yours. But instead of paying an interior decorator to stage your home, remove photographs and add some houseplants to make their first impressions inviting.

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Cleaning can be a tedious chore, and some areas are easy to overlook. In fact, our REALTORS® find that many Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale aren't as clean as they seem. Over time, the neglected areas in your home get grimier as they accumulate dust, mold, pet dander, and mildew. Explore the five things in your home that require a deep clean below.

1. Garbage Disposal
   If your kitchen sink gives off foul smells, the garbage disposal is the likely culprit. Since the appliance stays concealed under the sink, many homeowners don't give it much thought. However, food particles often get stuck in the grinding chamber and splash guard and start to decay.

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Congratulations! You've found the perfect Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale, and you're about to ring in the New Year in your new home. Spending New Year's Eve at home is a fantastic opportunity to bond with your loved ones while counting down to midnight.

Here's are some fun ideas to try out this NYE.

• Host a Holiday Movie Marathon
  Are you a great fan of movies? There's something about long, high-fantasy adventure films that make them perfect for the holidays. The best part is you get to make some hobbit-inspired meals.

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When selling a home, you often have a lot of decisions to make. One of those decisions has to do with what you leave behind and what you take with you to your new home. Many things, you can either take or leave depending on your own needs. However, there are a few things you cannot legally take with you when selling a home. Our REALTORS® would like to present you with a list of these items below.

• The Landscaping
  You may be tempted to dig up a prized rose bush or a specific hosta you really love, but if a plant was there when you listed the home, you have to leave it behind. The same goes for any hardscaping elements, such as built-in stairs, fountains, and handrails.

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Buying a home is one of the most significant purchases most people will ever make. And, just like when you go shopping at the store, the sticker price is not the home's total price. This can come as a shock to many first-time home sellers and first-time homebuyers alike, which is why our REALTORS® want you to know everything about closing costs and how they affect the final price you pay for your new dream home.

• Fees and Commissions
  You will also need to factor in real estate agent fees and commissions. These can be around 6%, but they vary depending on the agent. The seller is the party that typically pays the agent fees and commissions. The seller also pays for title insurance and any pro-rated property taxes on the property. It is also the seller's responsibility to pay any HOA fees, attorney fees, and escrow money owed to the buyer. To help ink the deal, some contracts allow the seller and buyer to split, or have the buyer pay 100 percent of, the owner's title fees on cash deals.

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While cold weather seems to be here to stay in Ohio, you still have time to get your home ready before any significant snowfall arrives. Our REALTORS® suggest checking these maintenance tasks off your to-do list for Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale. You'll be glad you did!

• Clean and repair your gutters. It's true that gutter cleaning isn't fun, but it is very necessary. Getting out all the leaves and debris that can cause back-ups and ice damming is a must. Fix any holes or leaks and any places where the gutters aren't attached correctly or are sagging. All those areas are prime spots for ice and water to accumulate, potentially causing damage to your home.

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Is it beginning to feel a lot like Christmas? Whether you're still looking at Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale or you've already closed the deal, spending Christmas in a new home has to be very exciting. Our REALTORS® want to remind those who celebrate the holiday that they have one more decision to make very soon: What kind of Christmas tree should grace your home?

• What are your options?
  At first blush, you might think you must choose between real and artificial. But some folks find that with a little bit of imagination, they can create an alternative to traditional trees that can fill the house with the spirit of the season with minimal cost in either money or time. That could be very helpful if your budget was stretched to the limit to buy the house. If that's the case, don't hesitate to wrap the front door like the perfect present that it is!

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Modern appliances offer many features and options that can enhance your comfort and reduce your monthly utility bills. While appliances require a significant investment, many will pay for themselves in terms of comfort and resale value. When you're considering which appliances to add to your home, the following are some that our REALTORS® recommend because they will give you the biggest bang for your buck.

The Best Investments

• Refrigerators
  French doors and built-in water/ice dispensers will woo prospective buyers who step into your kitchen. These aren't just trendy options within Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale; they are necessities for modern comfort. You will want to choose a refrigerator that is easy to organize and features plenty of storage space. And, while pricier, high-efficiency refrigerators that offer WiFi connectivity are the perfect addition to the 21st century Smart Home. These will not only reduce your monthly utility bills, but they will also make it easier to shop, store, and prevent spoilage of your groceries.

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Our REALTORS® know that no matter what your homebuying goals are, the process of getting a loan can seem intimidating. Whether you're looking at Mansfield or Ashland homes for sale, the question of financing looms large for most buyers.

If you're a U.S. military veteran, the Veterans Administration loan program may be a good fit for you.

Known popularly as the "VA home loan," it's one of the biggest benefits offered to America's veterans. It grants a wide range of perks compared to conventional loans, including no down payment and attractive rates. There are many other advantages that you might qualify for.

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Congratulations on your new home! You looked at the Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale and made one of them your own. What better way to show it to your friends and family than to host your first Thanksgiving dinner? That may seem rather daunting at first, but our REALTORS® want to encourage you to give it a try by sharing this helpful guide. 

• Plan ahead
  Create a plan well in advance of the holiday for several different reasons. First, you want to make sure the guests you invite don't already have other plans. Next, think about how you want your gathering to look. Will you have a few people over for a small, intimate gathering, or will you have an enormous guest list? Think about whether you will be able to accommodate everyone at the dining room table or if you'll need to get creative with seating. This is also the best time to consider your resources, including the comfort of your guests, the cost of the meal, and your kitchen skill set.

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The wise homeowner doesn't wait until the last minute to winterize an Ohio home. You've probably already cleaned your gutters and insulated your windows to keep out icy drafts. Our REALTORS® want to call your attention to one more critical action to take if your home has a fireplace. Be sure to call a chimney sweep to inspect and clean the chimney. 

• Why is this important?
  Chimney fires occur an average of 17,600 times a year. In addition to fires, many of the 4,000 lives in America lost to carbon monoxide poisoning are due to dirty chimneys. Another 10,000 are made ill each year after exposure to these noxious fumes. No one should ever be a statistic, particularly since this one is so easily avoided.

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Fall weather is just around the corner, and thousands of children are anxiously awaiting Halloween. Before your street is lined with little ghosts, goblins, furry creatures, and storybook heroes this year, our REALTORS® have some tips to keep your trick-or-treaters safe.

The fun of trick-or-treating on Halloween night can be quickly overshadowed injuries like cuts and bruises, falls, and animal bites. Trick-or-treaters in areas with Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale should be protected from scary things that may be lurking in the front yard. To prepare for a safe Halloween, follow these tips to get your yard trick-or-treat ready.

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Different people have different priorities when purchasing a home. From the kitchen layout to the number of bathrooms, it's important to mull over every aspect of a house before making a decision. You don't want to experience buyer's remorse, especially after a purchase as big as a home. That's why our REALTORS® make a point of guiding you through every step of the home-buying process.

When it comes to bathroom remodeling, there are several factors you must consider. The size and style of the bathroom are essential. For instance, do you need a handicap-accessible bathroom? Do you want a bathtub or shower or both? On the subject of bathtubs, there's a dizzying array of sizes, styles, and materials available in the market today.

Let's remove some of the stress that comes with shopping for a tub by going through some of the essential factors you need to consider. Here's a rough guide on how to choose the perfect bathtub.

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Our REALTORS® know one of the best things about owning your own home is being able to enjoy all kinds of seasonal activities in your outdoor space. And fall is a great time to do exactly that. Crisp air and colorful leaves truly make it a season to enjoy here in Ohio. And while those colorful leaves look stunning on the trees, eventually you'll probably need to clean up some in your yard.

As far as yard work goes, getting rid of the leaves isn't a horrible chore. Raking a few leaves can even help you enjoy the fall weather and maybe even get a little excited about the season. But depending on the size of your yard and how you do it, it can get time-consuming. And who wouldn't rather be spending their time enjoying fire pits, football games, or hayrides instead?  So try these tools to make leaf clean up at your Mansfield or Ashland homes for sale a whole lot easier.

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Buying a home is a smart investment. Incorporating smart home tech into your new home enhances the value and comfort of that investment. Our REALTORS® keep a keen eye on the future of smart technology and highly recommend the following features and systems that will make maintaining, protecting, and enjoying your home a little bit easier.

• Smart Lighting Lights Up Your Life
  Smart lighting is easy to install and can significantly improve both security and comfort. Smart lighting systems allow you to control everything from brightness to color. This lets you set the mood for special occasions and improve the illumination outside your home to make it easier for guests to find their way around during an evening gathering.

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Before looking at Mansfield or Ashland homes for sale, many would-be buyers take time to improve their credit scores. As a general rule, the better your credit is, the easier it is to access home loans on favorable terms. That usually means better interest rates and saving thousands over a mortgage's life.

Our REALTORS® have helped many clients understand how to tackle this process. We have spoken to many people who have put off their plans to buy a home due to their low credit score, even when they have substantial current income.

Luckily, you can improve your credit score in 2021 no matter where you start from!

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The housing market is pretty hot nowadays, and investors are flipping like it's 2006 again. If you've been browsing homes for a while, you've probably come across flipped houses. But, buying a flipped house can be risky business.  Our REALTORS® are more than happy to guide you through the process and ensure you avoid any pitfalls.

If you're looking to buy a house in this market– for instance, these Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale – knowledge is the best tool you have at your disposal. So, here's a guide to help you figure out whether a flipped house is worth it.

Buying A Flipped House: What You Need To Know

House flipping occurs when a real estate investor buys a house, makes some upgrades, and sells it at a profit. House flippers do it to make money. That's not to say you should discount these houses. You can get a great deal on the house, considering you don't have to dig further into your pocket to make renovations.

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In a perfect world, you'd have several months to fully prepare for a move. But in the real world, you often learn you need to move at the last minute. Maybe your house sold faster than you ever dreamed it would, or perhaps you stumbled upon the house of your dreams and bought it quickly. Regardless of why you need to move in a hurry, Our REALTORS® have some tips to help you out.

1. Hire Movers ASAP
   The good moving companies book up quickly! As soon as you know you need to move and have a reasonable idea when you need to move, start getting estimates from moving companies. The earlier you book, the more flexible the movers can be. Once you have arrangements with a moving company, you can schedule everything else around their services.
   
   If you plan on renting a moving truck and moving yourself, the same advice applies. Book the moving truck ASAP so you can get the right size truck from a company you trust.

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Homeowners are constantly hit with a barrage of sales pitches for home improvements that will boost its value, from solar panels to water softeners. But how do you know whether an investment is truly worth it in terms of ongoing benefits and return on investment? Our REALTORS® felt that you should have some facts at your disposal in order to make an informed decision about water softeners. 

• Initial Cost
  According to Home Advisor, on average, a water softener, including installation, will cost between $1,000 and $2,800. A smart filtration system in a larger home may cost up to $6,000. Some systems can be self-installed for as little as $500.

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Moving presents the perfect opportunity to get rid of unwanted or less-used items. And while you could easily donate, trash, or recycle those items, hosting a garage sale is an excellent way to pare down your possessions and earn some extra cash at the same time. Plus, you'll spend a lot less time packing and save money by not having to pay for transporting things that are going to add clutter to your new life. Now you just need to figure out how to make a profitable and hassle-free garage sale. Our REALTORS® are here to help you with the following tips.

• Decide What to Sell
  Your first task when planning a pre-move garage sale is to sort and organize your unused items. Go through all the items in your closets, cabinets, attic, garage, basement, shed, and other dark corners. Assess their financial, practical, and sentimental value and set aside for sale things that are in good conditions but don't serve a purpose in your life. If an item is broken, dirty, or not in working order, then toss it.

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Moving from an apartment into your first home is exciting. But, it's also a bit nerve-wracking as you ponder plans for all the additional space you now have at your disposal. Our REALTORS® understand how you feel, and there are plenty of things you can do to keep your mind focused on the tasks ahead. The following tips will help you tie a bow on all the details so that you can enjoy settling into your new home.

• Take care of the apartment first. Make sure to reread your lease and notify your landlord of your intention to move within the specified timeframe. You will want to confirm your responsibilities, when you'll get your deposit back, etc. You should also take care of any final rent payments, utility bills, and don't forget to file a change-of-address form with the post office.

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Our REALTORS® know raising chickens is a fun way to improve your diet and enjoy animal companionship.

Whether looking at Mansfield or Ashland homes for sale, there's plenty of potential to use your yard as a place for feathered friends. Just be aware of the zoning ordinances that may apply to you. Richland County has its own zoning requirements. Mansfield requires at least three acres of land and a permit.

Let's look at some of the most important things to know about raising chickens.

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When that fabulous old house on the hill looms large in your thoughts, it's easy to get swept up in the nostalgia of the past. Whether it's memories of your youth or a longing for the days of yore, it's important to know what you could be getting into. While old houses most certainly have their charms, our REALTORS® know that it's important to look for warts, as well. That said, owning an older home is most certainly rewarding if you are willing to put in the work and resources required to maintain it.

• Buying Older Homes in the Region
  There are many Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale that date back to the late 1800s. These old homes were built with hand tools, solid wood, and stone. They were built to last, and many have made their way into the present day.
  
  As the years have passed, styles evolved, materials advanced, and lifestyles changed. This means when you buy an older home, you're likely to find many different eras represented within the rooms and behind the walls. You may find solid wood floors from the 1900s covered by linoleum from the 1950s. Sometimes, these are pleasant surprises that, with a little TLC and creativity, can significantly boost the ambiance and appearance of the home.

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Pets are bona fide, integral members of the family. But finding a home with pet-friendly features can be quite a hassle leaving many animal lovers in a pickle. Let our REALTORS® find you safe, welcoming homes for creatures great and small, like these pet-proof Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale.

Every year an estimated 40,000 pets die in home fires, mostly from smoke inhalation and inability to escape. Not only is it essential to find a home that has features designed to keep your pets safe, but you should be more mindful of the fire-related hazards in your home.

It's vital to pet-proof your home. Here are some pet fire safety tips to start you off.

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While most homebuyers consider a garage a necessary or important home feature, many buyers overlook potential problems that may be lurking in the space. If you're looking around at Ohio homes for sale, our REALTORS® at Haring Realty can help you find a beautiful home with a two-car garage that's in great shape.

A garage is an asset to any home because it can serve many purposes. As a utilitarian space, its primary purpose is storage and protection for your car, which is a big expense. However, a garage can also provide a large amount of storage space for a washer and dryer, lawn care equipment, tools, household items, and clothing. Most homeowners with a two-car attached garage use the space for much more than storing vehicles.

Although your garage is separated from your living spaces in Mansfield or Ashland homes for sale, it's still space with structural components that need attention. Your garage can reveal telltale signs of damage that can have a significant impact on a home's investment. To avoid problems and expensive repairs, pay attention to your garage.

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You've been browsing Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale for quite some time now and have finally found something perfect for you and your family's needs. You're ready to take the plunge and put in an offer on the house. But how long should you wait ?There's really no conventional answer to that question. But in a seller's market, when inventory is low and demand is high, you may have to go above and beyond to make sure you submit an early offer and that it stands out from the competition. Here's what you should know about making early offers along with strategies for making a winning one.

Potential Problems with Early Offers

Making an offer isn't as simple as knocking on the door and informing the seller you'll take the house. Your intentions trigger the start of an intricate process between you and the seller. Don't expect the seller to accept your offer just because it came in first. Sellers usually think they've priced their home too low when an offer comes in fast. So, they want the house to have the longest exposure possible on the open market and get bids from a large number of buyers. An early offer would need to be mighty attractive for the seller to accept it instead of waiting too long for better offers.

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Are you tired of mowing lawns and cleaning gutters? If you're approaching retirement, you may be one of the millions of Americans that are looking for ways to simplify their lives by selling the family home and moving to a townhouse or condominium. But is this the right time to make a move? Our REALTORS® will be happy to help you assess your personal situation to help you make that decision. 

• Seller's Market
  Property values have skyrocketed, and many homeowners are amazed at the prices commanded by homes similar to theirs. But change is hard, especially if you have lived in the same home for many years. Surely the trend will remain for quite some time, won't it? Experts would say "no." While houses may not lose a lot of value in the near future, optimal conditions for sale will decrease. At this time, inventories are low, generating bidding wars, which elevate selling prices. In the near future, approximately $13.5 trillion in additional properties will also come to market, altering the current trends.

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A lush green lawn can be a great way to attract attention when you list your home among Mansfield or Ashland homes for sale. Green grass is a real eye-catcher, so you won't want to neglect nourishing the green in your lawn this summer. 

So how do you get there, transforming your thin, sparse, weedy lawn to a perfect, uniform expanse of healthy-looking green? Follow the tips below, and you'll see some big improvements this summer.

Tips for Getting a Greener Lawn

1. Improve your soil
   A greener lawn starts with improving your soil. You can determine your soil's pH with a testing kit. Talk to a lawn care specialist about what amendments you'll need to bring your soil up to the right pH for the kind of grass you want to grow.

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Real estate markets across the country are red hot. It is not uncommon for sellers to receive numerous offers within days of listing their property. Time and time again, our REALTORS® have seen homes sell for well above their listing price. If you have your eye on the perfect property for your next home, we recommend taking the time to get prepared before you jump into the pool of buyers eager to get their hands on your dream home.

• Preapproval
  Start by getting preapproved for a loan. This is more rigorous than a prequalification process and shows you precisely where you stand and how much the lender will loan for your purchase. There are multiple advantages to this when searching for Mansfield or Ashland homes for sale. It helps narrow down your search to only those properties within your price range. This speeds up the process considerably. It also shows you how high you can go if a bidding war breaks out. Equally important, when multiple offers are submitted, sellers are more likely to accept offers from preapproved buyers than those who are merely pre-qualified.
  
  In fact, be prepared to pay more than the listing price. This is especially true for well-maintained homes in desirable locations. It's not unheard of for homes to sell for 100-110% or more of the asking price. As you search, factor this into your calculations and search for homes that are 95% or less of your preapproval.

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Our community has been blessed with many exquisite mature trees, some of which have gracefully shaded our towns for more than a hundred years. Many of the most beautiful Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale boast the majestic beauty of giant white ash trees or red oaks. As you seek to add value to your property, investing in trees is a wise option. But before you buy, there are some important options to consider, from what you plant to where you plant it. This handy guide may help you begin:

• Northern Red Oak
  These magnificent beauties will grow at least 2 feet each year for at least 10 years. At their full maturity, they will reach a height of at least 60 feet offering a canopy of shade about 45 feet in diameter. It should reach a height of about 20 feet in 10 years. It loves direct sunlight and tolerates drought, although it thrives in moist, well-drained soil. Since its roots will readily tolerate compacted earth, it is often the choice for newly constructed homes. Blue jays and squirrels may put up a fight over the tastiest acorns.

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Since the COVID lockdowns began last year, almost half of U.S. employees shifted to remote work. The dining table was fine for some time. But as weeks turned into months and months into a year, we started looking for working spaces out on the patio, in the kitchen nook, or behind closed bedroom doors. Now more than ever before, people are saying goodbye to open floor spaces and seeking to find designated home office spaces from which they can be as efficient and productive as possible. And so the "cloffice" trend re-emerged. According to the 2021 Pinterest trend report, there has been a two-fold increase in the volume of searches for "cloffice ideas" on the platform over the past year.

If you're unfamiliar, a cloffice is a closet that has been converted into a functioning office space. It offers a functional yet design-savvy way to create a feasible workspace at home when square footage is tight. Here are tips for creating a stylish, affordable cloffice as recommended by our REALTORS®.

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