Ah, yard work; one of the many chores that come with home ownership. As the long cold winter finally loosens its grip, now is the time to get the yard cleaned up and ready to grow. Doing a few special maintenance chores at the start of the season can set up the yard for the whole year, giving you the most “bang” for the effort. Early-spring yard work can provide an appreciable and lasting improvement in the health and appearance of your yard and make regular yard maintenance easier.

The Grass is Greener
Getting that picture-perfect green lawn can be frustrating for late starters. Spring is the time to seed, feed, and develop the healthy grass that will flourish through the summer. One huge tip is to customize your grass seed to your yard. Certain grasses do better in different agricultural zones, soil types, and moisture levels, and in different levels of sun and shade. Do a little research and pick the best type of grass for your yard. Many seeding attempts fail due to inappropriate seed choices. Picking the right grass for your yard conditions gives it the best chance of growing.

Once you seed, consider applying a fertilizer or weed killer. In some parts of the country, a pest control method may also be needed (like for fire ants!). As your grass grows, be sure to mow it regularly. Young lawns need frequent mowing at a high setting. The longer grass allows the chlorophyll-filled green blades to produce food for the plant, but frequent mowing encourages root development. By mowing it at a high level, you can foster healthier, stronger plants that will last longer and endure the harsher late-summer conditions better.

Landscape for Life
The key to landscaping is planning. By working out the moisture and sun levels for the areas of your yard, and selecting plants that thrive in your zone, you can create a beautiful and long-lasting yard. Low-maintenance yards are all about perennials. An annual plant grows for one year and then dies. While some Annuals are self-seeding, meaning if you let the plant wither in its natural cycle it will drop seeds that will grow in the same place next year, the most reliable decorative plants are the ones that stay alive. Plant annuals only with the understanding that they will have to be replaced somewhere down the line. Some go-to annuals are roots and bulbs, like daylilies, tulips, and daffodils, that die back in the summer and pop back up again each year. Other constant yard staples are the greenery: trees, bushes, and flowering shrubs. Most persistent greenery needs only a little trim-work during the dormant winter period or just after the flowers fade. You can get great information from local arboretums, nurseries, and landscape professionals to select the best mix of plants to suit your yard conditions and maintenance preferences, and set your yard up for year-long attractiveness.

Problem Solving
Spring is the best time to tackle yard problems. One common yard issue is when plants and grass keep dying off around the base of a tree means the tree isn’t getting enough water and is leaching it off of the surface. Try surrounding it with a thick circle of well-watered mulch to trap moisture and replenish the nutrients in the soil. Loosen compacted soil with aerators, apply lime (limestone) to acidic soil, till compost into poor soil, fill and level holes and ruts… the list goes on. Tackling problems in small projects early not only makes the work easier (when it’s cool and the soil is moist and workable), it gives the growing things time to take advantage of the improvements before the stress of summer heat can deter them.

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About David Goldstein — David Goldstein is an Owner and Founding Partner of Express Schools, LLC. which operates online education providers Real Estate Express, Insurance License Express and License Tutor. Follow him on Twitter.

With warmer weather approaching, it is the perfect time to take advantage of those home improvements colder weather prevented. These money saving upgrades help maintain a home’s value as well as help improve the environment. Agents, have your clients prepare for the upcoming summer season with these home enhancement techniques to give a competitive edge in today’s market.

Replacing windows and doors
Not only will replacing windows and doors cut down on the heating and cooling expenses, it is a great opportunity to save on your taxes. Individuals who install energy star qualified windows and doors can acquire a tax credit anywhere from $200 to $500. For those who do make these improvements be sure to ask your accountant or whomever does your taxes to file a “5695 form” during the next tax season.

Increase curb appeal
Warmer weather allows people to enjoy the outdoors, especially during the summertime months. Making the exterior of your home more attractive can be as simple as maintaining your landscape to adding colored flowers or plants to your walkways. Give your home a refreshing makeover and add more appeal by painting or replacing worn siding. Accomplish that “brand new” look by repaving your driveway or refinishing your deck. Glossing your wood deck protects it from natures ever changing weather conditions.

Install solar panels
For those who live in a region where they endure mostly sunny days, installing solar panels can be highly beneficial. Take advantage of the sun by incorporating a solar power generation system that converts sunshine into usable household energy.

Fresh air ventilation systems
People now have the capabilities to improve the quality of air inside their homes with air ventilation systems. A modern air ventilation system filters air in and disposes of harmful toxins such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. For example, newer air ventilation systems can even prevent the buildup of chemicals from dry-cleaned clothes.

Controlled sprinkler systems
In many parts of the U.S. like Nevada or Missouri, people experience droughts during the summer months where regions can go weeks without rain. As 55places.com states, there is a new WeatherTRAK watering resource management system that allows homeowners to conserve water while effectively watering their lawn. This new management system uses satellites to stay in touch with local weather conditions and will only turn on sprinklers as needed.

For many, summer is the perfect time to upgrade and enhance the functionality of their homes. These tips provide a minimal insight of the endless possibilities a homeowner can choose from to improve their home. For more beneficial real estate knowledge and tips please visit RealEstateExpress.com’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

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About Geoff Thompson — Geoff Thompson is an Owner and Founding Partner of Express Schools, LLC. which operates online education providers Real Estate Express, Insurance License Express and License Tutor. Follow him on Twitter.

There is a lot of dismal news about the real estate market if you are a seller, but if you are a buyer or an investor, the deals that you can find right now are unbelievable. In a report by Inman News, the top ranked real estate investment markets are in some of the most desired states to live in the country.

Texas has fared rather well through the economic storms of the last few years. In fact, in a recent report by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Texas has passed New York to become the second largest economy in the United States. The booming economy is just one of the reasons why Texas appears on the top ranked markets to invest in. San Antonio, Texas ranked seventh on the large investment list. On the mid-size investor market Texas made the list three times: McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Texas is at number eight, Corpus Christi, Texas at number seven, and Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas tied for third.

California is the largest economy in the United States, and has been long considered one of the dream places to live in the country. It has some of the most desirable real estate in the nation, and it is now at the most affordable pricing it has ever been. It is no surprise that California has made both the mid-size and large investor lists with Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, California being the fourth on the highest ranked large investor market and Bakersfield, California making the mid-size list at number nine.

Along with California, Florida is one of the most sought after destinations in the United States. The Sunshine State has the fourth largest economy in the US, and it also has many of the markets that experts think are worth investing in. Port St. Lucie-Fort Pierce made the mid-size investor list at number six and Lakeland, Florida rounded out the top ten. When it comes to the large investor market, Florida makes up almost half of the top-ten list. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater came in at seventh, Jacksonville came in fifth, Orlando-Kissimmee grabbed the second place spot, and the top ranked large investor market in the country is Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Miami Beach.

After years of a constant up and down pricing battle, the U.S. housing market is finally returning to its’ normal state. With the housing market resembling normalcy for the first time since 1997, there is not a better time than now to get involved with the real estate industry.

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About Tom Davidson — Tom Davidson is Vice President of Express Schools, LLC. which operates online education providers Real Estate Express, Insurance License Express and License Tutor. Follow him on Twitter.

Many times, saving money for the down payment to buy a home is the one obstacle that stands in the way of homeownership for would-be buyers. What many people do not know is that there are a number of programs that can help buyers come up with the money that they will need to buy a home.

For those buyers who have a clean credit record, there is a no down payment loan program available. A Guaranteed Rural Housing Loan offers a no down payment loan with additional assistance provided with the closing costs if you purchase a home in an approved area and meet the income restrictions. If you have some minor flaws on your credit rating, you could look into an FHA loan. FHA loans can have down payments as low as 3.5% on a home purchase.

FHA loans can also work in conjunction with some nonprofit down payment assistance programs approved by HUD. These programs provide down payment assistance in the form of a second lien on the property. Nonprofit and Nonprofit Instrumentality of Government down payment assistance programs must be approved by HUD and on the approved roster.
Government Entity down payment assistance programs also offer help in the form of a second lien on the home, however they do not require HUD approval. The secondary loan works in conjunction with the FHA loan. Your lender must be sure that all of the FHA requirements are met.

In addition to the federal programs mentioned, there are a variety of first time homebuyer grants that may be available in your state. Check with your lender on what programs might be available to you where you live. Find the program that works the best for you and take advantage of the affordability and low interest rates that are available to assist first time home buyers.

Want to find out if you have what it takes to be a Real Estate Agent or Broker?

About David Goldstein — David Goldstein is an Owner and Founding Partner of Express Schools, LLC. which operates online education providers Real Estate Express, Insurance License Express and License Tutor. Follow him on Twitter.