Be Aware! Termite Season Is Here!

National Termite Awareness Week is March 12-18 

The arrival of spring brings more daylight and the rebirth of nature. Unfortunately, it also creates the ideal conditions for termites–a tiny but destructive insect that annually causes homeowners an average of $5 billion in repair costs. March 12-18 is National Termite Awareness Week, and Terminix Service, Inc. is arming homeowners with preventative measures to protect their properties from termites, including the more aggressive Formosan species spreading across the Carolinas. 

"The warmer, wet weather in the springtime creates the perfect environment for termite activity, making this the perfect time to remind homeowners about the increased risk to their properties," said Terminix Technical Director Kevin Hathorne. "With many new residents relocating to the South, it's important to understand the risks associated with termites. Our region is home to several species, including subterranean, drywood, and now formosans. We're here to help educate homeowners about how to make their property less attractive to these pests." 

Terminix encourages homeowners to follow these Top 10 preventative measures, including:

1. Repair plumbing leaks.
2. Make sure gutters and downspouts are not clogged or damaged and are directing water away from the foundation. Install gutters if you don't have them.
3. Point sprinklers away from your foundation.
4. Prevent pooling water next to your foundation by re-grading the soil so that water flows away from your house, or install a drainage system like a French drain.
5. Keep your roof in good shape and free of leaks.
6. Repair and replace damaged siding and flashing.
7. Store firewood, scrap lumber, or any other wooden products as far from your house as possible.
8. Do not use excessive mulch or pine straw around the foundation.
9. Trim any adjacent bushes and trees.
10. Ensure your crawl space has adequate ventilation and a moisture barrier or is encapsulated and conditioned like the Terminix Humidi-Seal system offers.

Locally-owned Terminix Service, Inc. provides a termite protection plan with the strongest guarantee in the business. For more information, visit www.trustterminix.com or call 1-800-TERMINIX. 

About Terminix Service, Inc.

For 75 years, our customers have trusted Terminix Service, Inc., for the best termite and pest control protection for their homes and businesses. With annual revenue of over $150 million, the family-owned and operated Terminix Service, Inc. is the tenth-largest pest control company in North America. Terminix Service, Inc. operates in South Carolina, western North Carolina, and the Central Savannah River Area of Georgia. Visit www.TrustTerminix.com or call 1-800-TERMINIX.

Top Vegetables That Are Easy To Grow In Your Garden

Growing your own vegetables can be a rewarding experience, both for the taste of fresh produce and the satisfaction of knowing where your food comes from. However, not all vegetables are created equal when it comes to ease of growth. Here are a few vegetables that are relatively easy to grow and tips for controlling pests without chemicals. 

Easy-to-grow vegetables: 

• Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a classic garden staple and for good reason. They are relatively easy to grow, especially if you live in a warm climate. They do require a bit of staking or cage support, but once they get going they will produce an abundance of fruit.
• Peppers: Peppers are another easy-to-grow option. You can choose from hot or sweet. They like warm weather, so make sure to plant them in a sunny spot. They also do well in containers, making them a great option for small spaces.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers are a great choice for a home garden. They grow quickly and don't require a lot of space. They also do well in containers, but make sure to provide a trellis or other support for the vine to climb. They do need a lot of water, especially if you live in a hot climate. Keep in mind that if you do plant in a container, you should water daily. Just make sure your container has adequate drain holes. 
• Leafy Greens: Leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, bok choy and kale are easy to grow and can be planted in succession to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.
• Okra: Okra are pretty hardy plants and grow quite tall as they give off fruit. It is important that you check them daily to harvest as needed. If you grow about 3-4 plants, you will get enough okra to add into your favorite recipes well through the summer. 

To control pests without chemicals, try using companion planting, row covers, and hand picking. Companion planting is the practice of planting certain crops together to discourage pests. For example, planting basil or marigolds near tomatoes can help deter tomato hornworms. Row covers can also be used to protect crops from pests. And hand picking pests off plants can be a simple and effective way to keep populations under control.

Another tip is to make sure your garden is healthy and strong, this will make it less attractive to pests and diseases. This can be achieved by ensuring your soil is rich in nutrients, providing adequate water, and choosing plants that are well suited to your climate.

In conclusion, growing your own vegetables can be a very rewarding and delicious experience, and there are many easy to grow options available. By using companion planting, row covers, hand picking and making sure your garden is healthy and strong, you can control pests without resorting to chemicals.

Ultimate Home Cleaning Guide to Starting the New Year Fresh

With 2023 underway, it can leave you feeling like you want a fresh start. New year, new you, right? Maybe you are creating new personal goals you want to achieve, or maybe you are just wanting to do a deep clean to give your home a fresh start in the new year. Look no further for our ultimate home cleaning guide to starting the new year fresh.

Is a real estate transaction part of your new year resolutions? Get some more information on current mortgage rates and how they compare to past years, plus learn more about if now is the right to list your property for sale.

Categorize

Our first step in our cleaning guide is to categorize your cleaning tasks. Having a clear game plan for what needs to be cleaned when will make keeping your home spotless much more attainable. You should decide if a task is to be completed:

• • Daily
• • Weekly
• • Monthly
• • Quarterly
• • Annually

At first, your home will feel like it’s not perfectly clean, but after a full year of following these tips and steps, you will have a sparkling clean home that you will easily be able to maintain!

Daily tasks include tidying clutter, wiping countertops, washing dishes, emptying trash cans, making beds, and hanging up towels. Think of these tasks as just a daily reset to start your day on the right foot.

Weekly tasks include cleaning floors, scrubbing bathrooms, cleaning mirrors, completing laundry, dusting surfaces, changing bedding, and wiping down appliances.

Monthly tasks include dusting walls and baseboards, dusting blinds, cleaning your laundry appliances, cleaning your dishwasher, and your vacuum cleaner.

Quarterly tasks include cleaning the inside of your refrigerator, cleaning under furniture, cleaning your oven, descale your coffee maker, and washing mattress protectors.

Annual tasks include cleaning your fireplace, shampoo carpets and upholstery, clean windows, and cleaning drapes and curtains. 

Stay on top of it

Now that you have your categories of when each task should be completed, it’s time to stay on top of it! Focus on each task and the frequency it should be completed. If creating a physical list you can check off helps you, do it! If you need reminders in your phone, create them! Anything you can do to help keep yourself on track with cleaning will keep your home fresh for the new year.

Be positive

If the current state of your home is less than spick-and-span, don’t let it discourage you! Instead, shift your mindset to be more positive. If you missed out on one day of daily cleaning tasks, it’s important not to beat yourself up about it. Instead, give yourself grace and get back to it the next day. Cleaning is (unfortunately) a constant. No one is constantly perfect all the time!

We hope you’ve found this ultimate home cleaning guide to starting 2023 fresh helpful, inspiring, and motivating! You will have a sparkling clean home in no time.

6 Tips for Starting a Backyard Garden

Starting a backyard garden can be a great way to save money on groceries and enjoy fresh, homegrown produce. However, it can also be costly to get started, especially if you plan to purchase expensive equipment and plants. Fortunately, there are several economical ways to start a backyard garden and maximize your yield. 

1. Plan your garden before you start. Before you begin buying plants or seeds, take some time to plan your garden. Consider the size of your backyard and the amount of sunlight it receives. Think about the types of plants you want to grow and the best way to arrange them. This will help you avoid buying unnecessary plants or seeds and ensure that your garden is productive from the start.
2. Use seeds instead of seedlings. Buying seedlings can be expensive, and they may not be as hardy as plants that you grow from seed. By starting your own plants from seed, you can save money and also have a greater variety of plants to choose from. You can purchase seeds for a fraction of the cost of seedlings, and you can also save money by reusing seed packets from year to year. 
   
   
   
3. Create a compost pile. Composting is an excellent way to turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into rich, nutrient-dense soil that is perfect for your garden. By creating a compost pile, you'll be able to save money on expensive fertilizers and soil conditioners. Plus, the compost will help your plants grow strong and healthy, which will lead to a higher yield.
4. Use natural pest control methods. Chemical pesticides can be expensive and can also be harmful to the environment. Instead, use natural pest control methods such as companion planting, row covers, and hand-picking pests. This can save you money and also help your garden to be organic.
5. Take advantage of vertical space. By using vertical space, you can grow more plants in a smaller area. This is a great way to maximize your yield and save space in your backyard. Examples of vertical gardening are trellises, hanging planters, or stacking planters.
6. Grow in containers. If you have limited space in your backyard, growing plants in containers can be a great way to maximize your yield. Container gardening is also a great option if you have poor soil or if you want to move your plants around to different locations.

By following these tips, you can start a backyard garden that is both economical and productive. With a little planning and effort, you'll be able to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce all season long.

Most Important Tips for Renting Luxury Apartments

If you are planning to rent a luxury apartment, here are some tips to help you out. These include knowing what you're looking for and how much you can afford. Luxury apartments are not for everyone, so take your time to find the right one for your needs. Renting a luxury apartment can be a daunting task, especially if you're not sure what to look for. To help make the process easier, here are some of the most important tips to consider when looking for a luxurious rental property. From researching the area to understanding the rental agreement, these steps will help ensure that you're getting the best deal possible and living in a comfortable and stylish home. Check out apartments for rent in orange ca.

By following these tips, you can make sure to find the best match for your budget. Read on for more tips! Listed below are some of the most important tips for renting luxury apartments. 

Considerations before renting a luxury apartment

While luxury apartments for rent are available in many locations, the process of renting one is coldblooded. A property manager can't afford to take a chance on a poor tenant, and you should ask about their lifestyle and financial profile. You can also ask them questions about their lease history and current location. Then, once you have a shortlist of potential renters, you can start the screening process. Considerations before renting a luxury apartment should be made based on these factors.

One of the biggest mistakes that many tenants make is skipping the contract. Luxury apartments are often very expensive and come with several amenities, including a gym, apartment wifi, swimming pool, and other amenities. However, it is important to read the contract thoroughly so you don't end up paying more than you intended. Also, it is essential to check parking facilities. If you have to park your car, luxury apartments can have a limited number of parking spaces. While luxury apartments may seem tempting, they are not a good option for early retirement. 

Cost of renting a luxury apartment

The cost of renting a luxury apartment is largely determined by its amenities. Luxury apartments typically come with more amenities, including a gym and washer-dryer. These extras can be a better use of your budget, depending on your lifestyle. For example, an average three-bedroom apartment in Manhattan can cost more than $4,400 a month. The average rent in other cities is lower than that, but it's still important to consider these additional costs.

Although there are some cities where the cost of renting a luxury apartment is more expensive, many small cities are turning into luxury real estate markets. For example, luxury apartments in Charlotte, NC, and Austin, Texas, cost roughly $1,000 more than their low-end counterparts. This difference between high-end and low-end rents can add up over the course of a year. In those cities, savvy renters are willing to bargain down some of these extra incidentals in advance. 

Amenities in a luxury apartment

Amenities in a luxury apartment make all the difference when it comes to attracting potential tenants. In fact, 87% of current renters say that amenities are one of the top factors in choosing a luxury apartment. This can be a big help in keeping occupancy rates high and resident satisfaction high. For example, many renters want an apartment that is pet-friendly, but this doesn't mean you have to fence off an area of the apartment for your furry friend.

Apart from being a good location, luxury apartments also offer excellent finishing and furnishings. You may find an on-site concierge and parking as part of the package. In addition, you may also find countless amenities, including high-end fitness centers, large pools, and even spas. You can even find a movie theater in a luxury apartment. It will make your living space more comfortable and enjoyable. You can even purchase smart home devices to make your living experience more convenient. 

Finding a luxury apartment

Whether you're looking for a luxurious apartment in an exclusive area, or are just seeking a stylish and sophisticated place to live, luxury apartments are an excellent choice. They are often located on prime real estate and feature updated stainless steel appliances and smart home technology. Luxury apartments are also pricier than average apartments, so you will likely have to pay more for your rental. It's also more difficult to find luxury apartments than standard apartments, so you should set a budget beforehand.

The first step to finding a luxury apartment is to find a realtor with a track record of success in the luxury market. A good realtor should also have an extensive database of luxury apartments available for rent in your area. 

4 Tips for Pressure Washing

Pressure washing is a useful method for cleaning outdoor surfaces at your home or business, but it can be difficult to learn how to use appropriately. Here are four tips for pressure washing. 

1. Do It Yourself versus Hiring a Professional

There are professional cleaning companies available that you can hire to do pressure washing for you if you so choose. For example, if you live in South Carolina you could search online for something like pressure washing Greenville SC to seek out a professional. If this is the route you take, you should just need to explain the surfaces you need cleaned, get a price quote and let the professionals take it from there. If, on the other hand, you decide to do the pressure washing yourself, you'll need to get the right equipment, make sure your surfaces can be pressure washed and learn how to safely pressure wash a surface.

2. Which Surfaces Can Be Pressure Washed

Only certain surfaces can be safely pressure washed. Roofs and other more easily damaged or delicate surfaces must be cleaned using alternative methods, such as soft washing, due to the risk of compromising the structure with the high power of pressure washing. Decks, pavement and solid walls, made of materials like concrete and hardwood, can be power washed quite easily. Siding may be pressure washable, but that depends entirely on the type of material the siding is made of. Vinyl and clapboard siding are probably fine to pressure wash, but if your siding is aluminum or if it's painted it's best to avoid pressure washing.

3. Equipment Options

The first decision to make when weighing your equipment options is whether to purchase your own or rent equipment. This will largely depend on how often you think you'll need to use it and whether you're willing to store and perform upkeep on it. There are pressure washers that are battery powered, gas powered and electric. Each type should effectively use any standard nozzle you need. Nozzles range from very low pressure to very high pressure, so your choice of nozzle will depend on the surface you need to clean, how big the surface is and the type or amount of grime you need to remove.

4. Safety

Safety is imperative to using pressure washers. Always begin by reading the manual and keep it handy to refer back to as needed. Prep the area by covering or removing openings like vents or windows and electrical outlets and equipment. Clear away any tripping hazards and use an extension for your nozzle rather than climbing a ladder. Keep your hands out of the pressurized water stream and safely sequester all non-washers, including pets and children, from the area being washed. Make sure you wear protective clothing such as gloves, boots, googles and noise-cancelling headphones.

Pressure washing can be done safely by an amateur, but if you choose to do it yourself rather than hiring a professional, you must do your research before making any purchases. Once you complete your research and purchases, make sure you read all directions to use the equipment and study and practice how to use the equipment before you attempt to actually wash your surfaces.

How to Add a Personal Touch to Your Home

Your home is your personal space. It’s your area to relax and be yourself.

 

What turns a house into a home are those small personal touches. The things you display around your house convey your personality, or showcase your achievements and memories.

 

Here are the best ways you can add a personal touch to your home. Even if you're renting or you hate clutter, these tips are easy and appropriate for you!

 

1. Print Out Your Own Photos

 

The photos you take capture the most special memories that you want to remember forever. There is no better way to keep these memories at the forefront of your mind than to print them out and hang them up around your house.

 

Lots of people are using laser printers to print out their favorite family photos. These machines are an affordable way to bring your photos to life in bright colors.

 

Get yourself a laser printer, print a few photos, and you’re ready to display them across your home. You could even print some out to gift to other people if you have photos with them.

 

2. Show Off Your Achievements

 

If you’ve had an amazing achievement in the past, and have an award to show for it, you should be proud of yourself. What better way to display your pride than having up your awards in your home?

 

You could hang up your certificates in some beautiful frames, or place your trophies on your sideboard. Whatever achievements you have to show, having then displayed is a great way to add a personal touch to your home.

 

3. Display Your Homemade Accessories

 

For those of you who love arts and crafts, displaying your homemade accessories is a lovely way to add your personality to your home. They reflect who you are, and showcase your skills and hobbies.

 

Maybe you have painted your own canvases that could be hung up in your bedroom. Or maybe you have created patterned ceramic vases that would make a great addition to your living room. Because these accessories are home-made, they’re one of a kind and add a unique touch to your house.

 

4. Hang Up Your Children’s Work

If you have young children who love painting and drawings pictures for you, it’s always lovely to hang them up around your home. Not only does this add a personal touch to your living space, but it also makes your child proud and happy that you’re showing off their work. You may want to laminate their artwork to keep it looking like new.

 

5. Display Travel Purchases

 

If you love going on city breaks, chilling by the beach, or exploring exotic countries, you likely have lots of items that you’ve purchased on your travels. Displaying these in your house helps you to re-live the memories and show them to any guests that visit your home. It's like showcasing your steps across the world!

 

Whether you have a bunch of fridge magnets or unique seashells that you’ve spotted whilst on vacation, displaying them gives your home an amazing personal touch.

The Interesting World of Skirting Boards In The UK

Skirting boards are typically overlooked when planning interior, renovating, or even when buying a home. The truth of the matter is, that they actually provide not only protection to walls but that they also add an additional design flair to any room. 

These wooden or vinyl features are actually much more interesting than you might think. In this article, we will look at the interesting world of skirting boards in the United Kingdom. 

What is a Skirting Board? 

Also known as a mopboard, baseboard, skirting, base molding, or floor molding, the skirting board is a vinyl or wooden feature that covers the part of the wall closest to the floor. It can be cut into different lengths to fit the room’s layout and are typically screwed, nailed, or glued to the wall. 

First designed in the Victorian era as the elite’s decorative pieces for their homes. Because the area where the floor and the wall met would usually have bad painting jobs and uneven brick textures, the area would be covered with moldings to create a more luxurious and appealing look. Watch this video to discover more about the history of these underrated pieces: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75sQvwZ_PIA&feature=emb_logo. 

They are not only made from different materials, but they can also be found in many different designs and molds. Depending on the design you are going for, baseboards can measure up to a height of 1.5 meters high. These higher skirting boards are named wainscots and covers between 1-1.5 meters of the lower part of the wall. 

Characteristically, baseboards cover only up to ankle height (less than 20 centimeters) of the wall.  

Skirting Material 

Materials used for baseboards vary between price, durability, texture, and color. Here is a list of the most typically used materials when manufacturing them: 

• PVC: The most commonly used plastic when manufacturing baseboards is PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). It is used because it is hard, flexible, and durable.  These designs are typically found in white or other shades of white. Owners do have the option to paint and repaint vinyl models too. They are a popular choice because they can fit any kind of wall, no matter the uneven texture, compared to wood which isn’t as flexible.
  
  Because they are glued to the wall with strong adhesive, they can be difficult to replace and remove. Regardless, Vinyl is durable and can last for a very long time without any maintenance. Furthermore, they are much more affordable than expensive timber types.
  
  

• Wood: Traditionally, wood was used to create different molds in Victorian homes. Today, it’s still a material of choice for many builders and home owners. The type of wood used to create these baseboards are usually softwoods like Pine, Spruce, Cedar, Cypress, and Yew. Hardwoods like Birch, African Blackwood, Maple, Oak, Teak, and Walnut can be bought raw to be stained or lacquered.
  
  Boards made from wood are either sold as one single piece or are finger jointed to create a longer unit. Recently, more home owners have
  
  

• Engineered Wood: Different woods that are engineered and combined like plywood, wood-plastic composite, glue laminated, hardboard, MDF (Medium-density fiberboard), cross-laminated, and OSB are also popular material choices.
  
  

Function

Its main function is to provide protection to the area of the floor where the wall and the floor meets. This area can easily get damaged because of walking, furniture being pushed against it, abrasion, and accidental kicks against it. When left unprotected, the area can easily look unpleasant. Floorboards, carpet, or tiles can lift up and will need to be replaced much more often if there isn’t any skirting protecting that area. 

Furthermore, it can also be used for decorative purposes. Either casing the door or windows, crowning the area between the ceiling and the wall, as well as placed running through the middle of the wall as a chair rail. Check out this illustration for an example of its different decorative molding purposes. 

Different Treatments

To treat the skirting boards in order for them to fit a specific design aesthetic, manufacturers use different treatments. The treatment of the skirting will have an effect on the overall price. Different treatments can include: 

• Oil

• Paint striped

• Thermal 

• Varnish

• Waxing

• Adhesive

• Heat bending

• Wood stain

• Wood preservation, finishing, and drying

• Steam bending

• French polish

Design 

The United Kingdom is known for different design and architectural eras. Derived from these different eras, skirting is usually named according to the era in which it was designed. Periods like the Edwardian and Victorian eras are popularly used in modern designs today. 

There are loads of different wooden and plastic designs available for home owners, interior designers, and builders to choose from. Here is a list of the most popular designs available:

• Chamfered: This design features a subtle rounded middle that is sleek and polished. It remains a go-to design because of its simplicity and clean shape. They are popularly used in the UK.
  
  

• Bullnose: Another very popular design is the bullnose. It features a thick top and a gradual decline to the floor. It’s popular in many modern homes because of its simplicity and adaptability to any design aesthetic.
  
  

• Torus: The Torus is an ornate skirting board that features a half circle design at its top and an angular downward cut to the floor. This design looks great in MDF material, like the ones found at Metres Direct skirting boards.
  
  

• Ogee: Perfect for all classically styled dining rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms, the ogee is an extremely ornate design that can be made from hardwoods, softwoods, and engineered woods. 

Additionally, designers and builders can choose different architrave designs to add an extra touch of design to door and window frames. Just like skirting boards, architraves are made from all kinds of materials and can be customized to fit the shape and size of any room. 

When you are planning to renovate an old room or design a new room’s interior, be sure to add skirting boards to the plan. 

Understanding Reverse Mortgage Talk

Retirement is supposed to be a fun and relaxing time for people. If you don’t pay attention to the financial side of things in the years leading up to it, you could find yourself in a rough spot when that time arrives. A reverse mortgage is one of the most sound ways of getting around the financial strains that come with retirement. When you first start investigating, there may be some terms and concepts you are not familiar with. Do not panic! We want to help you by breaking down the basics. 

Finding the value of your home

During the duration of your home ownership years, you most likely will make improvements to your property. This is one of several factors that could influence the overall value of the home. Others might include how old the home is, whether or not the area the home is located in is considered desirable, and if you still have an active mortgage on the house. 

Understanding a Reverse Mortgage Calculator 

The reverse mortgage calculator is a central component of the reverse mortgage application process. It is a subjective way for the bank (or any other lender) to determine how much money you can borrow in the form of a reverse mortgage. Because government has implemented laws that prevent you from borrowing the full value amount of your house, the reverse mortgage calculator will help to determine what percentage of that you will be able to borrow. It calculates the value and the applicable percentage.

But what is an HECM, then?

The concept of reverse home loan comes down to the fact that the surety of the bond is linked to your house, and that the loan can provide you with a source of money each month for as long as you choose to live in the house, as opposed to a traditional loan, where you would have been liable for paying the loan back in monthly payments during the course of its validity. 

HECM is very similar. It stands for home equity conversion mortgage, and it is also a reverse loan, but what makes it different is that it is issued by a federal agency and not by banks. The chief difference is that an HECM is insured by government, whereas a privately-issued reverse mortgage is not. 

Receiving your reverse home loan money

One of the most popular ways of doing this is to take it out as a line of credit. Another is to opt for being paid out all in one go, as a lump sum payment. There is also the option of taking receipt of your money in the form of monthly payments of equal value. Many people like this option, as the prospect of a predictable amount coming in monthly gives them a way to budget these funds. Of course, the same applies as if you were drawing a regular salary: you’ll have to keep your spending in check to prevent running out of money!

The Beginner’s Guide to Home Loans

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Okay, you’re finally ready to buy a house. You’re cruising the market, scouting neighborhoods, and just beginning to look at your finances. Unfortunately, however, house hunting is a lot more difficult than the shows on HGTV portray it to be. Here are a few basic financing terms you should know before showing up to your bank when looking for a house.

First, you should know what a mortgage is. A mortgage is essentially a long-term loan where you borrow money from a bank and pay it back, with interest, until you’re the full owner of whatever you bought. Basically, it’s a type of loan for property. It’s also usually a secured loan, where you put something up for collateral that the bank can take in case you stop making payments.

You also should understand what a loan is, more broadly. A loan technically occurs anytime one person borrows a lump sum of money and agrees to pay it back at a later date. Typically, formal loans involve interest, which means that you pay back a little more than you originally borrowed. Mortgages are always a type of loan, but not all loans are mortgages.

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Home equity loans are loans for a set amount of money that’s secured by your home — in this case, your home is the collateral. The danger, here is, that you might lose your home if you stop making payments. But many use a home equity loan to make home improvements, pay for their child’s education, or invest in some other significant item — they’re usually used for big purchases that you can’t otherwise afford.

This is actually almost a synonym for a second mortgage, which is probably another term you’ve heard. They’re essentially the same, but have slightly different rules for how much you can borrow and when you can get the loan. Home equity loans typically occur after you already own a property, whereas a second mortgage can be taken out while you’re still paying off your first mortgage. Your credit history, financial state, and bank will all determine what you’re allowed to do, however.

Hopefully, this brief guide helped explain some of the differences between the types of loans you can take out as you prepare to buy a house. Nothing about the process is simple, but with a little research and a lot of expert help, you’ll be homeward-bound in no time — happy house hunting!

Top 5 Ways To Make Your Upholstery Last

You've invested a lot of money in your upholstery. You spent time doing your homework on Joybird reviews furniture to choose just the right sofas and chairs. Now it's time to take good care of them.

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1. Vacuum Regularly

You should vacuum dirt and pet hair away from your upholstery about once per week. Use a vacuum attachment with a brush that is made for furniture. This will keep dust, soil and hair from getting stuck in the weave of the fabric.

2. Revive and Flip Cushions

If possible, shuffle the cushions on your couch once in a while to make sure that they are each used consistently. Flip other cushions and pillows regularly to ensure that they wear equally on both sides. These items will eventually become flat or stretched from use. Hit cushions gently with your hands to get them back in shape and keep the furniture you found through Joybird reviews comfy.

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3. Use Stain Protectors

Purchase a fabric protector spray as soon as you get new upholstery. Make sure that you follow the instructions and perform a color test on an unseen part of the fabric before spraying the entire piece. This coats the fabric and makes it repel stains. 

4. Clean Stains Immediately

Just like you did with the stain protector spray, test upholstery cleaning spray on a hidden part of the furniture or curtain. Do not allow the stain to dry before you clean it up.

5. Utilize Yearly Professional Cleaning

Even if you keep up with the regular maintenance of your upholstery, there is no substitute for a professional cleaning service. You should have this done every year or two. A qualified cleaner will have special equipment and cleaning products to take care of stains and buried dirt that you cannot get rid of on your own. They can make your upholstery look new and apply a powerful stain protector.

How To Prevent Accidents In Your Home

Since we spend most of our time at home, it stands to reason that we are prone to having an accident there. It’s simply a numbers game. From slips and falls to burns to just about any other injury you can imagine, our home is where it is most likely to happen.

As they say, prevention is the best medicine, so rather than just have a first aid kit ready for an injury, it’s best to try to avoid the accident to begin with. It’s easier said than done, of course, but with the right idea you can make your house an injury free zone.

In this article, I will give you several ideas on just how to keep your home safe from injury.

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1 - Keep a safe pool

Homes with pools are especially prone to injuries and they can be quite serious. If you have a pool then you need to pay particular attention to safety and have some protocols in place to make sure everybody knows how to stay protected.

The first line of defense is to have a fence around the pool that has a lock on the gate. This way kids or dogs can’t wander in and get into trouble by falling into a pool. You can research more at pool safety melbourne for details about pool fencing options and to better understand what safety features might be necessary for your home. This is actually required in some municipalities if you plan to have a pool anyway.

It’s a good idea to have a camera in the pool area so you can monitor what is happening there so there are no surprises. A home automation system will have motion detecting cameras that turn on when something comes into frame. Then you’re alerted on your device so you can watch remotely.

Then, have a non-slip surface on the deck area around the pool so there are no slip and falls that could be really bad. Also, make sure that you have signs for no diving and other types of rough activity that can result in an injury.

2 - Have fire extinguishers

It is a good idea to have several fire extinguishers around the house. Fires are very common and not just in the kitchen. Of course, it makes sense to have one within reach in the kitchen in case of a grease fire. But, you should also have one in the laundry room where fires can happen from lint build up in the dryer exhaust.

In fact, make sure that you are cleaning out your dryer exhaust occasionally so it is less likely to happen.

Then, keep some others scattered around as you never know where a fire can break out in the house. If you have a barbecue area in your garden, then this is another location that should definitely have a fire extinguisher.

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3 - Keep appliances maintained

Some appliances like the dryer being dirty with lint as was already mentioned can be quite dangerous if they are not maintained. Especially appliances that get hot like a water boiler or heater.

If your water heater is overheating, then this could spell danger in two ways. One is that it can send scalding hot water to your fixtures that can burn you. And, young children are susceptible to burns from hot water with their sensitive skin.

Secondly, they can explode or cause fires if they overheat. Sometimes it’s the electrical work that is old on these older water heaters that can cause fires, as well.

Make sure that you are having your appliances inspected and serviced on time so that way at the first sign of danger, you can have it fixed or replaced. If you have old appliances then this is a good time to replace them with something more efficient and even safer.

3 Easily Grown Flowering Plants

Many homeowners who have acquired a new house or done major renovations to change the look of their existing house long to do something special with the landscaping. Inexperienced gardeners can make mistakes, so it is important to plan out what to buy and where to place it ahead of time to avoid nasty surprises. Plants that are easy to care for are the best friends of anyone who is just learning about gardening, or who does not have much free time to tend to their yard.

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1. Black-Eyed Susan

One of the easiest flowers in the world to grow is the black-eyed Susan. A lovely yellow flower with a black center that stands about two feet tall, it is a great complement to all types of landscapes. It is a perennial plant with a strong root system that ensures it can come back stronger every year. It is native to North America and is hardy to heat and cold. They can spread into other parts of the garden, so it is prudent to keep them in check. There are different varieties available, so make sure that an annual is not selected by mistake, as it will likely not come back the next year. They can be grown from seeds or purchased as seedlings.

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2. Hostas

Hostas come in different shades of green, with some varieties being all one color and others having two different colors on the leaves. They are a leafy green plant that flowers in mid-summer. The flowers appear on long stems that grow from the middle of the plant and are usually white or purple. Once the flowers have died, the stems can be cut down and just the fleshy leaves will remain as attractive foliage until the late fall. They can be purchased as small plants from a garden center, but they can also be gotten from any friends or neighbors who have some. They need to be split in half or thirds when they grow too large, so most people try to give away the cuttings during the spring or fall.

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3. Marigolds

Most commonly known for their puffy orange or yellow blooms, marigolds are incredibly easy to grow. They can be started from seed a month or so before planting season starts to give them a head start in making the garden beautiful. They can be planted directly in the ground to create a stunning garden or walkway border, but they also do great in pots. In fact, pots are a great way for a new gardener to learn how to care for plants, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes that bring a lot of character to a yard.

Not everyone is born with a green thumb and great instincts for plant care. Most people who are just starting out need to do research into proper plant care. Anyone who is looking for something that can be cared for with minimal effort should plan their gardens with sun and shady spots in mind and get appropriate plants that will thrive in different areas.

Spruce Up Your Walls With Canvas Prints From Canvas Champ

Today's post is sponsored by Canvas Champ. All opinions are my own. 

Can you believe that we are heading into yet another month of staying at home? While many states have opened back up a lot of businesses, some people are still choosing to stay home a bit longer. We have been taking this time as a family to work on numerous projects around the house. We have tackled everything from cleaning out closets and drawers, to repairing little things that are manageable, and even starting a vegetable garden. When you are home it seems like the projects and work never ends.

There have been holidays that have come and gone in the past couple months, and now we are in graduation season with Father's Day coming soon after. Celebrations are being done in very different ways. My husband graduated earlier this month from his MBA program, and his college did a virtual graduation. He got fully decked out in his cap and gown to watch the ceremony. Although it was a bit odd, it really went nicely and we did our own iPhone photo session with the graduate afterwards. We had to make do with the current at-home situation and ended up having a fantastic time.

One of our traditions each time a family member graduates is to take a photo of them in their cap and gown and have it turned into a canvas print. Canvas prints are a great way to display your important memories and definitely jazz up a plain wall. Canvas Champ makes it easy to upload your images and order a variety of sizes of canvas prints. You can even do multiple canvas prints to make a gallery wall.

The ordering process is super simple, and takes only few minutes to do as long as you have your images picked out ahead of time. Since we are all spending so much more time at home, we might as well have nice things to look at each day. Father's Day is coming up next month, and I am certain any dad would love a canvas print of his kids for his home or work office. I know my husband would!

If you are considering sprucing up around your house a bit, I recommend canvas prints since they are affordable and are a nice way to display your favorite memories. They come with the mounting hardware, so all you have to do is hang and enjoy! So open up that photo gallery and get those moments turned into a beautiful piece of art.

Thanks for stopping by today!

The Benefits of Gutter Splash Blocks on Your Home

Owning a home requires a lot of maintenance and upkeep. From indoor cleaning to yard work, the list of chores seems never-ending. Certain home-improvement projects are crucial to protecting your home from further damage in the long run. For example, failure to clean and maintain your gutter system can cause leaks and cracks in the gutters, damage to the siding, and even mold, fungus, and rot. Splash blocks are key components of the gutter system and play a key role in protecting the home from serious damage. 

What Are Splash Blocks?

Gutter systems require regular cleaning to avoid build-up and water overflow from the gutters. When gutters overflow, it can lead to damage to the gutter system, siding, and foundation of the home. However, splash blocks are critical pieces of gutter systems as well.

Splash blocks lie at the base of the gutter downspouts. Gutters collect precipitation, which flows into the downspouts and out onto the splash blocks. The purpose of placing splash blocks at the bottom of downspouts is to guide water away from the foundation of the home. Splash blocks allow water to be distributed evenly across the yard.

Splash blocks are made up of various materials, such as rubber, concrete, granite, or plastic. Most splash blocks have narrow entries for the water to flow down from the gutter. The shape widens at the base with a slight angle, so that the water can continue to flow down away from the house. The appearance of splash blocks is usually not noteworthy; however, some homeowners select ones that add to the decorative landscape of their yard.
Although splash blocks are small and simple structures, without them, your home could be at risk for serious damage that could cost you hundreds of dollars to repair.

What Are the Benefits of Splash Blocks?

The benefits of splash blocks are countless. The most obvious benefit of splash blocks is that they eliminate water pooling around the foundation of your home. Without splash blocks, the water will have nowhere to go, and it will grow into a puddle. Water can cause cracks and mold in the foundation of the home, which can be incredibly expensive to reverse.

Without splash blocks, the water buildup can lead to damage similar to that of a clogged gutter, including rot, fungus, mold, drywall damage, and soil erosion. The pool of water can become so large that it eventually ruins the yard.

In addition to home protection, splash blocks evenly disperse the water across the yard. This provides natural irrigation to the landscaping. Despite all these benefits, splash blocks should be directed away from gardens or new grass. The streams of water can be too much for the vulnerable areas of the yard. You will also need to make sure the splash blocks are pointed in the correct direction. Otherwise, they do more harm than good.

Where Can You Buy Splash Blocks?

Most garden supply and big-box retailers sell splash blocks. They range in prices depending on the material as well as how simple or complex the splash blocks are. You should purchase the same number of splash blocks as the number of downspouts in your gutter system. Splash blocks come with a slight angle but can also build a natural ramp of mulch or rocks for quicker distribution of water, which will slow erosion of the area. Splash blocks are a necessity for all homes and must be replaced regularly to remain effective.