Lifestyle

Are you trying to sell houses but getting nowhere? Now that everyone is online, it’s harder to reach them if you’re not personally connected.

Growing your business and selling houses with social media doesn’t have to be a big mystery, though. You can use the power of social platforms to reach new clients and potential new homeowners. Use these tips to get started.

1. Curate a Group

If you want to sell your house fast, curate a group on Facebook. Post the most beautiful new homes every day that you know people will want to see.

Some people really love to look at houses, especially if they’re unique. Even if they aren’t looking to buy, they’ll still follow and share your amazing photos.

When you have an especially beautiful home you’re selling, throw it in the mix. They’ll see a property like others you’ve posted, but this one might be one they could actually buy (more local, better price, etc.).

Because of the outreach and legwork you’ve done to build up your group, other followers will see it, too.

2. Selling Houses on Snapchat

Update your story every day to build followers. Post interesting aspects of the house you live in or a house you want to show off.

Don’t be boring! If you share monotony every day, your followers will skip through and stop paying attention to you. Post anything that demonstrates unique features and interesting homes to build a reputation as a realtor with taste and an eye for detail.

3. Video Tours

Use video to your advantage. Drones and other equipment are more readily available and higher quality than ever. It’s not hard to produce a video that shows off a home. If you don’t have the skills, hire it out like you would for a home’s photos.

Your posts get more attention if you have a virtual tour. More Instagrammers share it, and it’s a better way to tour a home during a global pandemic. Buyers feel more comfortable if they’ve seen a video, not just photos.

4. Harness the Power of Influence

Instagram influencers are accounts with many followers. These personalities often make a living at it, with corporate sponsorships. If you partner with an influencer, your posts will get more views.

While you may not have a lot of money to pay an influencer, you can probably think of local celebrities who you could contact. Talk with them about a partnership. If one of them shares your property, you’ll have a lot of extra exposure.

5. Create Meaningful Content

Use your blog and Pinterest to create meaningful content. If your followers see posts about how to clean their den or throw a bbq, they’ll check back more often.

Giving your followers something of value keeps them interested. Hitting the “unfollow” button is too easy to risk.

Share decor ideas and other home tips and tricks on Pinterest. Curate boards that will be helpful to people looking to buy, move, or redecorate.

Selling and Promoting Online

It takes a lot of work to sell a house. Using social media can be a job all by itself. Yet if you start selling houses with social media, you’ll find you can reach more people.

Use the tips above to help build a following and harness the power of social platforms to grow your business.

Did you find this article helpful? Check out the rest of our website for more information!

To set the tone of a room, Malibu interior designers rely on lighting. Whether it is a flood of natural light through the window, an elegant pair of lamps on matching end tables, or a string of fairy lights along the crown molding, lighting is an essential part of your living room design. Keep in mind that lamps are typically less expensive than furniture, making them an easy and affordable way to update your space without a complete remodel.  To make the most of your living space, try these five lighting ideas that are at the top of designers’ must-haves for their California clients.

Lots of Layers

In the past, matching light fixtures were all the rage. Today’s style is more about creating textures by layering light. A combination of task lighting, perhaps for reading near a table, blended with ambient lighting, such as recessed lighting overhead, creates a mood and enhances the other design elements. Use the color of light as another way to add a layer; for example, soft, yellow lighting mixes well with natural light for a relaxed atmosphere.

Superior Sconces

Another idea that you may see from almost any interior designer Santa Monica is the return of the sconce. These wall-mounted light fixtures are having a moment, especially since they run the gamut from traditional shaded lights to abstract pieces of art. Sconces used to work in pairs, but now, designers may feature just one as a focal point or conversation piece in the living room.

Modern Mounts

Homeowners dearly love their ceiling fans, but if it were up to interior designers everywhere, they would have to go in favor of a chandelier. Pendants and smaller ceiling-mounted chandeliers have been a big part of trends in kitchen remodel Los Angeles, and that focus on lighting from up above has made its way to the living room. Look for geometric motifs, multi-armed lighting, and even mixed materials.

Larger Than Life

Balancing elements in a living room has focused on furniture, rugs, and artworks, but again, it’s time for lighting to take the spotlight. Oversized ceiling pendants or enormous architectural floor lamps are showing up in design magazines and showrooms. To make the style work for your living room, be sure that the scale of your lamp is appropriate for the size of your space.

Tactile Textures

How about a word or two on lampshades, that often-overlooked aspect of lighting? Designers have found a way to breathe life into dull shades by recommending new colors or textures to their clients. The new rule is that there are no rules, so if you want to add a bright color, chunky woven texture, or pattern that reflects onto the walls, go for it. Do not forget that shades should be sized according to the base; otherwise, that bold, daring shade may look awkward or out of place.

These five lighting ideas may get you thinking outside the box for your living room, but they are just a starting point. For more ideas, talk to a knowledgeable interior designer who can listen to your desires and make suggestions that fit with your lifestyle.

When people are pulling up to your home, what’s the first thing they notice? You might think it’s your home’s exterior, but your lawn is actually what carries the most potential for a powerful first impression.

So, what makes a great lawn? Having an impressive lawn is about so much more than planting things outright. In order to keep your lawn looking beautiful, you’ll have to stay on top of lawn maintenance. This isn’t a simple or passive task: in fact, it requires special knowledge and skill to do it successfully.

Luckily, the basics aren’t difficult to learn. By following the right guidelines, you can build and maintain a lush lawn that will be the envy of all of your neighbors. Keep reading to learn all about lawn maintenance.

Planting Grass

The first step in lawn maintenance is getting your lawn started! Even if you’re working with a lot of bare dirt, there is still potential to grow a lush, green lawn.

Here are a few tips for planting your grass:

1. Choose the best grass type for your region. Different types of grass thrive in different climate conditions, so it’s best to know what is most suited for the climate in which you live.
2. Plant your seeds at the ideal time for your grass type. Many kinds of grass do best when planted in the early fall, but you should check what time of year is best for your particular type of grass.
3. Prepare your soil beforehand. Pull out any weeds, roots, or other stray plants that could inhibit the growth of your grass.
4. Loosen your soil before planting. Using a hoe or a rake, loosen the top layer of your soil before laying down your grass seed. If needed, purchase healthy lawn soil and layer it on top of your existing dirt.
5. Spread your seeds evenly. You can purchase a spreader at your local hardware store to ensure you spread an even layer of seed.

Most grasses take about 7 days to start growing. If you notice any bald or sparse areas, you can re-loosen the soil and lay down more seed as needed.

Watering Your Lawn

In the beginning, your grass will need plenty of water to create food and grow. After your initial seeding, be sure to water enough to penetrate 6″ of soil twice a day.

Once your lawn has become established, you won’t need to worry as much about lawn maintenance and watering. However, if you’re living in a particularly dry area, you might need to water your lawn frequently to keep it from drying out.

Lawn Maintenance Basics

After you’ve successfully grown your grass, how do you keep up with lawn maintenance? To answer this question, let’s focus on a few key areas of lawn maintenance.

Aerating Your Lawn

Aeration is the process of creating small holes in your lawn area at fixed depths and intervals. By doing this, you make the soil more permeable for water, fertilizer, and other nutrients.

You can purchase aeration tools at any hardware store. You can also get machines or shoes that will help you achieve evenly-spaced holes.

For most lawns, doing this every few years should be sufficient. For higher-traffic lawns, though, you might want to do it once or twice a year.

Feeding Your Lawn

Another key area of lawn maintenance is feeding your lawn. Generally, this is done twice a year. Again, depending on the type of grass you’re growing, it may be more or less.

For most grass types, you should feed them with a nitrogen-based lawn feed in the beginning of spring. Then, once the cooler temperatures of fall arrive, feed your lawn with a phosphate-based lawn feed.

Mowing Your Lawn

Most people tend to mow about once a week, but the best way to determine how often to mow is by looking at the type of turf you’re working with. If you know your species of grass, then you can better determine its growth rate and use this information to plan out your mowings. However, even if you don’t know what type of grass is on your lawn, you can still observe the growth habits of the grass.

As a general rule, you should mow often enough to remove about 1/3 of the grass’s height. If you remove too much at a time, you could remove the healthy part of the grass that produces “food” for the lawn via photosynthesis. As a result, your lawn will thin out and look a lot less vibrant.

If you want to take the guesswork out of mowing, look for these services to professionally mow your lawn and keep it looking healthy.

Over-Seeding Your Lawn

If your lawn starts to thin out or look less vibrant, there are ways to get it healthy again. Cover the affected areas with a mixture of seeds and fertilizer. This should fill in any bare spots and rejuvenate your lawn to perfect health.

Weeding Your Lawn

The most labor-intensive task of lawn maintenance is weeding, but it’s very important for the health of your grass. Weeds can easily take over a lawn and suck up vital nutrients, leaving your lawn malnourished.

To keep weeds under control, you can pull them up by the root. If there are a lot of weeds, you can use a grass-friendly herbicide to help you get rid of them.

Landscaping for Beginners

If your lawn is bare, or if you’d simply like some more foliage to look at, there are endless landscaping options that will have your lawn looking beautiful. Look for shrubs and flowering bushes that are suited to your area’s climate and sun level. Again, the key to success here is buying the right plant varieties that will thrive under the conditions in your yard.

Growing a Beautiful Lawn

Your lawn is what drives the positive impressions of your home, so be sure you treat it that way! Now that you know the best tips for lawn maintenance, you’ll be able to grow a beautiful lawn that you can be proud of.

For more home topics, check out our other blog entries.

More than 10 million homes in the U.S. are lucky enough to enjoy their own backyard swimming pool.

But while being able to take a dip without leaving your yard is a great perk, it also comes with plenty of responsibility.

Without a little elbow grease, that sparkling pool will quickly turn green and become filled with leaves and other debris.

If you’re curious how often you should be cleaning your pool, keep reading for our pool cleaning guide.

Give Your Pool a Weekly Quick-Clean

How often you need to clean your pool is a tough question to answer. That’s because where your pool is located can affect how clean it stays on its own. There are also many levels of keeping a clean pool, including some tasks that you need to do more often than others.

The best advice you can follow when you want to learn how to keep a pool clean is to expect to do a little bit of work every week.

Once a week, you should check your pool’s pH levels and adjust your chemicals as necessary. This will help keep your water clear.

You’ll also want to skim your pool with a net at least once a week. If you have trees close to your pool or if your yard gets a lot of bugs, you may need to do this task more often.

When it comes to how to clean the bottom of a pool, skip the net.

Instead, you’ll want to vacuum the bottom of your pool to capture any debris that may have sunk. Of course, if you hate vacuuming, you can always invest in an automatic pool cleaner to do the work for you.

Deep Cleanings Every 2-3 Months

Every couple of months, you’ll want to give your pool a more thorough cleaning to keep it looking great.

This includes using a filter cleaner and degreaser. How often should you clean your pool filter? That largely depends on how dirty your pool gets, both through use and through debris getting in.

But a degreaser will help strip any built-up grease and oil that naturally forms. It’ll also help keep your filter running properly.

Next, you’ll want to use a flock or metal remover in your pool. Add it to your pool, then wait a few days. After that, you’ll be able to vacuum out what the treatment caused to sink to the bottom.

Keeping Your Pool in Top Shape

Keeping your pool clean is about more than just regular cleanings.

Checking your equipment and performing both regular and emergency maintenance will also help keep your pool sparkling clean.

Whether you’re re-sealing your pump, deep cleaning your filter, or repairing cracks in the liner, regular pool repair will help ensure that your pool looks as good–and performs as well–as it did the day that you installed it.

Mastering Your Pool Cleaning

Mastering your pool cleaning takes some work. But once you’ve set up a schedule and tackled your weekly and monthly tasks, you can enjoy a clean, beautiful pool year after year.

For more tips on maintaining your pool, backyard, and home, check out the Lifestyle section of our website.

Regardless of how busy the housing market gets, selling a home can be a long process. One thing that helps a lot: improving curb appeal.

As a general rule, homes with great curb appeal fetch higher prices. The secret lies in providing a good first impression. Studies show that people gain impressions of objects after a few seconds, and these initial ideas are hard to shake off.

Not sure how to improve the curb appeal of your home? Here are 4 effective tips that should help you out!

1. Clean the Exterior

Before doing anything else, you should wash your home exterior. A thorough washing – a couple of weekends’ worth – can remove years of dirt and dust. All you need is one pressure washer, a long-handled brush, and a bucket of soapy water.

If this doesn’t make your walls shine, you may want to repaint them. This isn’t a low-budget option, but it can be worth its weight in gold. If you can’t afford a complete paint job, consider focusing on the trim.

2. Manicure the Lawn

Proper landscaping is another thing that can make a big difference in curb appeal. That said, you don’t want to go overboard. A simple yard facelift will only set you back a few hundred dollars while increasing the home’s value by 5-10%.

Focus on trimming the trees, pruning the shrubs, and making sure the grass is neat. If you notice any dead patches, replace them with sod from a local department store. Pulling up weeds, removing foliage, and putting down more mulch also helps a lot.

3. Inspect Your Roof

Does your roof have curled, faded, or missing shingles? If so, that can have a significant impact on your home’s value. You may not think about your roof too often, but this is one of the first things potential buyers will notice.

This is why repairing your roof is one of the best ways to increase curb appeal. You may also be able to get away with just a thorough cleaning, which could set you back about $1,000. For more information, contact a professional roofing contractor.

4. Add More Style

Curb appeal isn’t only about repairing what you have. Knowing how to add curb appeal can go a long way toward expressing your home’s personality. Keep in mind that buyers are more likely to go for a home they can picture themselves in.

For example, most front doors are boring to look at. Why not add a burst of color by painting it red or even replace it with a rustic wood door? You can also install a gray picket fence, add a new mailbox, or lay down an interesting welcome mat.

More on Improving Curb Appeal

These days, most home buyers start their journey online. Many of your prospective buyers will decide whether to drive by your home based on what they’re able to see from the street. The above tips can help you impress them.

Want to know more about improving curb appeal? Interested in making the most out of your driveway or concrete patio? Check out our Lifestyle section!

Many homeowners often use their living room as a relaxation spot whether they want to spend time alone or with their loved ones. Given this, it should allow your unique style shine through effortlessly and remain functional.

It’s ideal to focus on the living room first whenever you’re enhancing your home instead of working on all the rooms at the once. Without much ado, here are some little steps you can take today to transform your living room.

1. Introduce artwork

The artwork is one of the elements that can give an instant lift to any space. This step doesn’t require much effort or money. A large one can come in handy if your living room feels empty.

The good thing is that you can roll up your sleeve and create something stunning. Apart from that, adorn your living room with your children’s artwork.

2. Get quality furniture pieces

The furniture in each room in your home should be comfortable and durable. Bear this in mind as you shop for designer cushions and sofas. Introducing colorful throw pillows in your living room will help to achieve a more vibrant look.

At times, your living room may only need a slight alteration to the seating areas. If you can’t afford new pieces, consider rearranging and cleaning the existing ones.

3. Create a new focal point

In case your fireplace or accent wall has been serving as your focal point for a while, it’s time to switch things up. Other ways to create a focal point is to design a gallery wall and hang a large painting.

4. Use bold colors

Colors can make or break your living room design. Your best bet is to rely on bold colors that will make your home welcoming with a neat appearance. Colors like beige and cream can be used for your walls.

5. Your layout matters

It’s common for some homeowners to have attractive décor pieces and furniture but lack a proper layout. This will make their living room look unappealing. Try to get the furniture pieces that are the right size for your space.

Stick to a layout that will help you achieve a cohesive look and give enough room to move around freely.

6. Lighting fixtures

The lighting system of your living can affect mood, create the illusion of a bigger space, and accentuate other features. The latest LED models can be controlled remotely. This will go a long way to boost the security of your home regardless of your location.

Lighting fixtures come in different sizes. It’s imperative to get your lighting right and opt for the size that’s perfect for your space.

7. Keep it simple

Your living room can reveal a lot about you. Simplicity will help you achieve a balanced and classy look in your living room during each season. Remember to consider this when choosing your furniture and accent pieces. Another thing is to keep the items you rarely use out of sight.

About Author: Rabin is a popular home DIY topic. He is well known to inspire other homeowners.

 

A warning light on your vehicle is designed to inform you of an emergency repair or maintenance issue, but it can be difficult to know what to do when you see one. Learn the signs of an emergency what to do when you see a warning light on your dashboard. Find the exact error code related to your dash light, what wiper blade size you need and other information to maintain your vehicle.

What Flashing Lights on Dashboard Means

Most dashboard warning lights are either yellow, orange or red. Lights are often color-coded to indicate the level of urgency. A red light is usually a more serious issue than a yellow or orange one. If you see a red light on your dash, you should pull off the road as soon as it is safe and inspect the issue.

Flashing lights on dashboard, just like red lights, are used when there is a serious issue. A flashing light should be dealt with immediately to prevent further damage to your vehicle. Examples of a flashing light are dangerously low oil pressure, high coolant levels or transmission issues.

Pay attention to other warning signs on your vehicle. While lights are helpful, there are typically other signs when your vehicle is experiencing a significant issue. Here are some common sights, sounds, smells and other sensory signals that you need to pull over when it is safe to do so:

• Black smoke from under your hood
• Grinding, scraping sounds
• Stuttering or stalling engine
• Sudden increase in RPMs
• Difficulties steering, stopping or accelerating
• Burning odor

These may not always be present, but these signs typically show that your vehicle needs to be serviced. Pull over and inspect your engine, coolant level, brake pads and other components for signs of damage. If you don’t experience any of these symptoms but still see a vehicle warning light, it may be a sign of a loose wire. You should still proceed with caution, otherwise a minor repair issue could cause additional damage to your vehicle and require more costly repair parts.

How To Find Out What Windshield Wiper Blades Best Fit Your Car or Truck

Windshield wipers are a common item that needs to be replaced on your vehicle. If you haven’t inspected or replaced your wipers recently, it may be time to inspect them. Look carefully for damage, a loose fit or other signs that you may need new blades.

Windshield wiper blades are sorted based on size and type. You can use conventional, hybrid or beam-style blades for your car or truck, but you shouldn’t adjust the size. The ideal size should be located in your service manual. You can also ask your local auto parts store representative or use an online database to search for relevant blades that match your make, model and year of vehicle.

For more information on the proper size for windshield wiper blades, stop by your local auto parts store or shop online. Your local auto parts specialist can help you find the exact size you need to see clearly on your next drive.

 

Packing for a move is stressful. We’re not going to pretend that it’s not.

You’ll need to ensure the new home is ready and has no issues. You’ll need to know how you’ll be transporting your items safely, and you’ll need to disconnect utility services and transfer them to the new home. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by a move.

We’re here to show you how to pack for a move in the most stress-free way possible. If you have a plan on how you want to tackle it, then you can do so with ease.

Below is our guide on the best way to pack for moving from one home to another. Continue reading below to get the scoop!

Start the Process ASAP

Our first tip is to start the packing process as soon as you can. The sooner you start, the more time you’ll have to correct errors and figure things out. If you try to do everything at the last minute, then it’s certain you’ll put a lot of stress on yourself.

Pick a day when you have time and begin to plan out how you’ll move from one home to the other. Will you hire a man with a van to transfer your items for you, or will you enlist in help from friends and family?

Have a date for the move and the help you’ll need planned out and marked on the schedule.

Create Your 3 Piles

When you’re packing up your old home, you’re given the perfect opportunity to declutter and rid your home of all that useless junk you never use. To do so, you’ll want to create 3 piles.

As you go through each room, create 1 pile of items you’re keeping, 1 pile of items you’re donating, and another pile of items you’re throwing away. This will ensure you’re not taking any items you don’t want or need with you into your new home.

You can also consider selling some of your old items if they’re in good shape and you simply no longer have use for them. Some extra cash during a move always comes in handy.

Pack Room by Room

To make things as simple as possible, pack up your home room by room. Don’t start one room until you’ve finished packing the first one. This will help you stay organized and sane.

You should start with the rooms that you use the least. For example, begin by packing up your guest bedroom, attic, the basement, or the office. You don’t want to start with the bathrooms or kitchens, because you’ll still need to use these rooms during the moving process.

Have 1 Essential Box Per Person

There will be a few items that can’t be packed until the last minute. These items typically include toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoos and conditioners, toilet paper, and other toiletries.

Because of this, each family member should have their own box for essentials. Their essential box stays with them at all times so their items are always available to them. There’s no sense in packing these items up and then having to dig through the boxes to find them and use them throughout the move.

Make an Inventory Checklist as You Go

While you pack, don’t forget to make an inventory list. An inventory list is essential for ensuring nothing is lost, stolen, or forgotten. It’s even more crucial when you’re using the help of a moving company.

It’s the best way to keep track of everything. Create the list as you pack and then check off items on the list as you unpack.

Label Everything and Keep Rooms Together

Don’t place items in a box and seal them up without labeling them first. You’ll want to label EVERYTHING. It may seem like a tedious task, but it’ll save you lots of time and stress when it comes time to unpack in the new home.

You’ll also want to load boxes from the same room together on the moving truck. All kitchen boxes should be piled together and so on. Also, keep in mind that you’ll want to place toiletries in plastic bags.

If you’re packing any type of item that has the possibility of spilling, you’ll be thankful you placed it in a baggie.

Know What Items Can’t Go on a Moving Truck

Not all items can go on a moving truck. It could be a disaster if your moving company needs to remove different items from each of your boxes because they’re unable to transport them.

If you’ll be using a moving company, then take the time to give them a call before you start packing and ask them what items they won’t move for you. These items can then go in a box labeled with the room they came out of and a note that they can’t go on the truck.

Don’t Unpack Drawers or Containers

You want to make the process as simple as you can. There’s no need to unpack drawers or containers just to place the items in a box. If you can keep your knick-knacks or clothing items inside their drawers, then do so.

The same is true for any type of container you have in your home. Pack the containers with all of the items inside them.

Know How to Pack for a Move and Remain Stress-Free

If you know how to pack for a move, then you can remain stress-free and focus on other more important things regarding the moving process. Use this guide above to help you navigate your move!

For other topics on home and lifestyle, check out our website regularly.

Curb appeal is a vital part of any home. Even if you don’t intend to ever sell your home, it makes everything feel far more luxurious and beautiful.

One way to bump up your home’s outward appearance is by installing a stamped concrete patio. Many homeowners are turning towards this material to bring an extra sense of style to their home design.

If you’re curious about what stamped concrete can do for your home, keep reading! We’ll tell you how to get the most out of this unsung patio hero.

The Biggest Benefit of Stamped Concrete

Have you ever wanted a beautiful wooden patio but hated the idea of all that upkeep? Who wants to work on keeping the wood pristine with sealants and stain when you’d rather enjoy your time out in the sun?

With stamped concrete, you can create any kind of texture or pattern that has all of the strong properties of the concrete. It requires next to no upkeep and lasts for a long time. Plus, it’s often a much cheaper choice than other materials.

It’s possible to make your patio look like wood, marble, natural rock, funky patterns, and more.

By studying the stamped concrete process, it’s possible to make this into the ultimate DIY project. No matter what kind of pattern you wish to create, stamped concrete designs are the perfect way to make them happen.

Match Texture With Similar Texture

When you’re uncertain about how to add a stamped concrete patio into your home’s design, take a look at the textures.

If your home already has a striking texture somewhere else in its design, use your patio space to reinforce that feature. Matching textures bring a sense of symmetry to the entire home that helps it feel cohesive and beautiful.

If there’s no real texture anywhere in your home, the patio is a great way to introduce some! The outdoors is a place to have some fun, so don’t be afraid to experiment with what works for you.

Add Some Fun With Accent Colors

Most of us think of concrete as being a typical neutral gray color that often clashes with a cozy home. These days, however, it’s possible to add all kinds of color to the concrete so that it works well with any design.

When coming up with your stamped concrete patterns, don’t forget to throw in some color. For example, using an accent color on your patio brings out the beauty of your home and adds new energy to the entire design.

Enhance Your Outdoor Area With a Stamped Concrete Patio

Whenever it comes time to spruce up your outdoor space, why not try amping up the design with a stamped concrete patio? The ability to mask this special concrete into nearly any color or texture makes it the perfect choice for all homes.

Feel free to brainstorm any kind of stamped concrete patterns and see what you can create. There are so many possibilities, you’ll make your dream patio a reality in no time at all!

Explore the rest of our blog for all the latest news and trends in home design!