Summer/fall harvest?

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

I’ve been walking around my yard looking at all the work to do. Divide perennials, rake up scattered fall leaves that wintered over in crooks and crannies, add fresh mulch and plant annuals. No matter how clean I leave my yard in the fall.. it always looks like it’s partied hard all winter!

I look at my home the same way each spring. What can I do to perk up the exterior? What inexpensive things can I do to up the curb appeal? Bring it up to current market trends? Why do I care? I just do.

It’s planning time. For my yard and for my home. More bushes/perennials.. less annuals, but strategically placed. Just like planning for a new addition, porch or exterior update.

Don’t let today’s April snow flurries and cold fool you. It is spring and soon will be summer. Soon here in Minnesota your summer seedlings can be nestled in warm soil, and with tender care and time you will have gorgeous summer blooms! And the same goes for your home project. We plant your “seedling,” cultivate it and in time you will harvest the beautiful addition, kitchen or home interior update of your dreams!

Plan now for summer/fall harvest!

~the Artist

Stay? Move?

Illustration by Tori Bidwell on Unsplash

Recently the Carpenter and I met with a couple to talk about possible updates to improve their small home for their current life situation. They live in a terrific neighborhood where their kids have many friends, and they are surrounded by wonderful neighbors. We discussed a few ways to make their home more conducive to a busy family life. From staying within the footprint of the home to an addition off the back to open up the kitchen/dining areas.

Towards the end of the discussion we came to understand that they were also considering selling. But were feeling torn with the idea of giving up relationships and starting over. A bigger house but maybe not the most welcoming neighborhood.

A few weeks ago we met with a woman who wants to sell the home she grew up in within the next 5 years, and move into a townhome. She wanted our advice on what she needed to do to make her home sellable. She has lived in her home over 40 years and it is full of many loved antiques and collectables. Her elderly mother lives with her and that is a big part of her decision making process.

This past week we met again and asked a real-estate couple we know to join us. We toured the home and the realtors were extremely helpful to the homeowner. Answering all her questions. The idea of selling felt so overwhelming to her. I think the two meetings gave her enough information and peace of mind to be able to make some good steps forward in her future plans.

I did not realize that the real estate market is super hot right now. There is more demand for homes than inventory. And the interest rates are super low.

I’m just writing to make this suggestion. If you are considering a remodel and staying in your loved neighborhood we’d love to meet with you! We have a consult service. https://www.applewoodremodelers.com/services-2 to help you explore your remodel options without committing to us.

I felt like we were able to help in both situations- bring enough information to help both parties make the decisions they were wrestling with.

If you are considering selling we know the sweetest young couple who could help you through the sale process all the way to stepping through the front door of your new home. Just contact us through the website.

In the meantime… stay cozy in your home on this bitter cold weekend ahead!