Posts with tag 'For Owners'

Thanksgiving is practically synonymous with pie. Pumpkin, apple, or pecan pie, it may be traditional to have a slice after Thanksgiving dinner. But pie isn't the only way to end your meal. Sometimes change is good and our REALTORS® encourage you to think outside the pie pan and try something new. We've rounded up six Thanksgiving desserts that are well worth saving some extra room for.

• Pumpkin Layer Cake
  A fluffy Pumpkin Layer Cake would make a great addition to your Thanksgiving spread. The pumpkin flavor comes from pureed pumpkin and a blend of beautiful spices: ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Adding lots of eggs to the batter gives it the custardy flavor and texture of pumpkin pie. It's classic to pair this layer cake with tangy cream cheese buttercream frosting. Making this soft, moist, and delicious pumpkin layer cake is relatively straightforward and takes about 1 hour to bake and frost.

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As you've spent most of the summer at home, have you been looking for extra projects to keep the family busy? Maybe you've listed your house among Mansfield homes for sale and have been getting your home shipshape for potential buyers, but you've still got time on your hands. Has the urge to feed your backyard birds flitted across your mind? Helping them out — especially as the weather gets colder — is a fine thing to do.

But it's not enough to toss out pieces of dried bread. Bread has no nutritional value for birds and can be harmful by filling them up so they don't eat the foods they need. If you're going to feed the birds, invest in good quality seed.

Here are some additional tips for helping your local feathered friends get the nutritional boost they need.

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Spending more time at home gives everyone a bit of a home improvement bug, and that's never a bad thing. But if you've been watching home makeover shows, your vision of the process may not match reality. Many small and mostly cosmetic projects are DIY-friendly. But there are times when you'll need to call in the professionals for safety and legal reasons. Our REALTORS® want your remodeling project to go off without a hitch, so we'll help you sort out which projects you can tackle on your own and which need to be done by the pros. 

• Make A Splash 
  Plumbing-related repairs and updates should be approached with caution, but several are DIY-friendly. It may be the first time you locate the shut-off valves in your home, and this can be crucial information in case of a leak or break in your pipes. Changing plumbing fixtures, including installing a toilet, can be done by a careful homeowner and can take years off the look of a room. 
  
  If you're looking to add a freestanding bidet or an outdoor sink, however, you should leave that to a professional plumber. Re-routing existing pipes or installing new ones can get tricky fast. Any project involving shutting off water to the entire house should also be left to a plumber, as the necessary equipment may require a plumber's license.

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Our REALTORS® often hear buyers say one of the best things about getting your own home is customizing and decorating it any way you like. That includes decorating for your favorite holiday. A jack-o'-lantern on the porch or as a part of other Halloween decorations in your yard is a fun way to express your creativity. It's also the perfect fall decoration for Mansfield homes for sale. They're festive without going overboard, and once they're cut, they don't last long. Whether you're looking to make a classic simple design, or go next level and carve the best one on the block, these five tips can help.

1. Pick a quality pumpkin. Start with a pumpkin that is in good shape and not split, withering, or starting to go bad. Your pumpkin should be firm, free of soft spots, and relatively smooth and blemish-free on at least one side, so it has a good "face" and is easier to carve. The stem should also be intact. Since most people pick out their pumpkins in advance, you want the freshest possible.

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Changing from summer to fall means crisper air, cooler temperatures, and, of course, an abundance of leaves, pumpkins, and seasonal colors. Fall is also the time to make your home feel warm and inviting. Get in the spirit of fall by playing up the natural scenery outside and giving your front porch a seasonal refresh with carefully chosen fall decorations. And it's easy, enjoyable, and affordable to put together a festive look and elevate your outdoor space. Our REALTORS® have got a few ideas for how you can achieve a beautiful front porch for fall.

1. Go Traditional with Pumpkins and Mums
   It doesn't feel like fall without pumpkins. They come in different colors, shapes, and sizes so you can take advantage of the variety to add visual interest and create an inviting statement. You can place the pumpkins on the ground, put them in a lantern or another decorative container, or place them on a hay bale for a fresh fall look. Also, mums and pumpkins are a natural pair when it comes to outdoor fall decorations. The vibrant tones of the flowers flawlessly complement the soft pastel colors of the pumpkins. Create an eye-catching display by placing small pumpkins and mums on opposite sides of the entryway.

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