Real Estate Blog

Fall is here!  Time to plant for Spring!

According to the calendar, Summer and its scorching long sunny days are just about ready to move on!  Next up?  Autumn with its wonderful crisp days and cool nights!  Even though everyone is buying the large baskets of Mums, pumpkins and Halloween candy, now is also the time to start thinking past this season to what you want to see growing or blooming in your yard for Spring.

Now is a perfect time to replace a few shrubs, trees or grass that might not have survived the summer.  If you enjoy vegetable gardening, there are a variety of cool-season vegetables such as spinach, chard, cabbage or some lettuce varieties that can be planted now and still be harvested before the harsh temperatures of winter arrive.  This is also the time to consider planting tulip, daffodil, iris or other bulbs for Spring viewing.  If you have squirrels or deer that like to pass through your yard for a snack, consider varieties that are labeled as pest or deer resistant.  Bulbs require a period of cold weather before they are ready to bloom in the Spring so plant those items closer to the heavy frost timeframe for more success.

Gardening at this time of year is a little more forgiving with cooler days and nights, fewer bugs and more rainfall to allow plants a good start before the cold weather of Winter arrives.  The soil is still warm enough to allow plants a good start.  Try to end your Fall planting about 4-6 weeks before the first hard frost, which is usually close to the end of October or early November in Middle Tennessee.

As you wind down your summer schedules and ease into the cooler days of Fall, take some time to clean up flowerbeds, gardens and lawns and do some planning and planting now for next Spring! October is usually the best time to reseed and fertilize the yard.

"You've Got A Friend in Real Estate"....

Jarod Tanksley 615.403.8265

www.BrentwoodandBeyond.com (more helpful tips and featured listings)

Brentview Realty 615.373.2814

There are many reasons people downsize to a smaller home - kids move out, rents get hiked, and people enter into retirement. Whatever your reason, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed by the loss of space. But don't worry! There are lots of advantages to living in a smaller home that you'll get to appreciate in time. There are also plenty of strategies for getting the very best out of your new home.

So, if you're planning a move to a smaller house or need a little help settling in, follow our tips below to make the most of your new space:

1. Purge, purge, purge

Think of downsizing as an opportunity for rebirth:  you can get rid of a lot of baggage that's been cluttering your house and collecting dust. You can hold an estate sale to make some money off your unwanted pieces or simply donate them to a local charity (which may offer free pick-ups!) If you don't want to do it yourself, most communities have plenty of moving management companies that would be happy to help.

What's more, removing clutter from your home is thought to have a profound impact on feelings of serenity and peace. You can create a minimalist look in your home by removing any unwanted paper or objects, keeping dirty clothes out of sight, and getting rid of any unnecessary furniture. With less stuff, you'll spend less time cleaning and promote more calmness in your home.

2. Practice Feng Shui

Another advantage of a smaller home is that it gives you a much easier opportunity to switch up the look and feel of your living spaces. By following the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui, you can experiment with the spatial arrangement of furniture in your home to bring about more tranquility and relaxation to your home. The guiding principles of Feng Shui aim at striking a balance of energy in one's home through the careful placement of its furniture.

According to Feng Shui, a bed should be put in a commanding place and against a solid wall. It should have a solid headboard and be lifted off the ground so that energy can pass under it.

3. Go Vertical

If you've run out of obvious space in your new home, get creative! There's often plenty of space  that can be utilized for storage shelves above existing cabinets and doors. There may also be extra space on top of the clothing rack in your closet, and wall hooks are a great way to organize tools, store bikes and more. If you have extra-high ceilings and are particularly ambitious, you can even install a loft space!

Don’t see downsizing as a problem or hassle - use it as an opportunity to keep a neat and tidy house full of the essentials. By utilizing these simple tips, you’ll be able to find extra space and make your new home the peaceful refuge you deserve.

...."You've Got a Friend in Real Estate"

Jarod Tanksley  615.403.8265

www.BrentwoodandBeyond.com (more helpful blogs and featured listings)

Brenview Realty  615.373.2814