Spring Landscaping Tips

With the temperature slowly rising, spring is the perfect time to make your lawn picture-perfect!  Landscaping can make or break a potential buyer or renter's first impression of your home, along with adding value and curb appeal.

The following tips will help you to get your lawn in perfect shape this spring:


Inspect Lawn Maintenance Equipment
Begin by ensuring that all of your lawn maintenance equipment is in good working order.  Address and repair any issues so that you won't be sidetracked in the middle of lawn maintenance if a problem were to occur.

Trees, Plants and Shrubs
Inspect trees and shrubs to see if they're broken and/or damaged.  If needed, prune as soon as possible before spring growth occurs.  Cut back perennials.  Spring is the perfect time of year to plant.  The temperatures are a comfortable level for plants to adapt to a new habitat.  Transplant any plants as soon as possible before they have time to start spring growth.

Flower Beds
Neaten up flower beds by edging and weeding them.  Add fresh mulch if needed.

Fertilizing and Weed Control
Choose a fertilizer that best suits your soil's needs.  Apply a pre-emergent weed killer to get a jump start on weeds before they sprout.  

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Spring Home Maintenance Tips

It's that time of year!  Spring is right around the corner and we couldn't be happier here at Bluewater.  We know you're probably gearing up for spring cleaning, but have you also considered a spring maintenance checklist?

Following are some helpful tips to get your home in shape so that you can enjoy the beautiful weather on our Crystal Coast:

Exterior

• Examine your siding and replace and/or repair any damaged, loose or missing siding.  Now would be a perfect time to power wash or scrub the outside of your home.  Inspect for any visual signs of termite damage.
•  Look over your foundation for structural damage. 
• Ensure gutters are free of debris and are not loose or leaky.
• Examine your roof for debris and replace any missing shingles. 
• Inspect your concrete driveway or sidewalk for cracks.
• Clean your chimney and inspect the flashing.  
• Clean your dryer vent.
• Check for leaks around windows and doors.
• Inspect and repair your deck, steps and/or fences, if needed.
• Drain your hot water heater.  Sediment can form in the bottom over time and prevent the drain valve from working properly.
• Service your heat pump as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Trim tree branches that are hanging too close to your home.

Interior

• Test and replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Inspect your attic and ensure attic fans are functioning properly.
• Clean the inside or your fireplace.
• Check your electrical outlets for potential fire hazards.
• Check your fire extinguisher and ensure that it is operational. 
• Check and replace air filters, if needed.
• Vacuum refrigerator coils.

Simple Steps to Revamp your Curb Appeal

Everyone remembers a pretty face. This also holds true with your home. Potential home buyers will remember your home long after they view it if your house puts its best foot forward. Check out this 2 minute video to help you decide what step you need to take to appeal to your audience. 

Updated 3/22/16 for relevant video re-association