Posts with tag 'Lucas OH'

We're all thrilled when the winter storms are gone and it's time for the spring thaw. But with that warmer weather comes a multitude of pests, both in our yards and sometimes our homes. 

To prevent pests in the house you've chosen among Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale, follow the tips below.

Keeping Pests Out of Your Home

Not surprisingly, most of the pests homeowners in our area are quite common, rather than some of the newer, exotic species that have just begun invading the South and the West, such as certain species of exotic ants and mosquitoes. Here are some of the main ones to be on the watch for.

1. Mosquitoes
   There are several species of mosquitoes in our region, and like anywhere, they are mainly a problem during warm, rainy weather. The best preventative is not allowing stagnant water to collect in containers, birdbaths, or ponds. Water in a pond or birdbath is fine as long as it's being aerated or changed frequently. Remove old flower pots or containers and store them away. Cut back on dense foliage, where mosquitoes like to hover during the heat of the day. If you decide to spray, talk to your pest control specialist about measures that won't kill beneficial insects such as butterflies and other pollinators.

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It's not so easy to travel across borders right now. But that doesn't mean you can't take a trip that's out of this world without ever leaving the comfort of your back yard. If you're getting a little stir crazy, our REALTORS® suggest you set your sights on the night sky to see the show the masters of the universe are putting on. One glance at the heavens is all it takes to get hooked on a hobby that can educate and entertain for decades to come.

• Get Started with an App
  There are many free apps you can download to your smartphone. One of the best is Star Walk. The app features augmented reality, event notification, and the opportunity to track both the ISS and deep sky objects. All you need to get started is a reliable phone and a decent pair of binoculars. It is a fabulous way to learn more about the stars and develop a deeper understanding of what you discover.

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Your home is as much an investment in your comfort as it is your financial future. Over the years, you'll make changes and alterations to your home that reflect your tastes and interests. However, our REALTORS® have seen time and time again situations where homeowners have gotten a little too comfortable. And, in the process, decreased the curb appeal and market value of their home. As you consider all the changes and alterations you can make, the following are six we strongly advise against.

1. Skipping Quality Paint
   Saving money on the interior and exterior paint is penny wise but pound foolish. You will save money when you buy it, and you'll save even more money when you paint the walls yourself. However, low-quality paint doesn't last as long as more expensive options. And a professional installer will make sure the coats are even and that the finished paint job both protects your home and creates a durable, long-lasting finish that won't peel, fade, or fall away.

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One of the first things any home seller does is declutter and reorganize. Of course, you want buyers to know that your home has the storage space they need. But it can be a challenge to store those everyday items you still need at your Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale in a way that is both useful and appealing. Adding one or more of these storage solutions to your home might be just what you need.

1. Outdoor storage shed. If you have space in the yard, this can be a great idea. Becoming a new homeowner often means you need a few new things like a lawnmower or tools. A storage shed can let you stash those away neatly so buyers can see that your garage is actually big enough to put their car in.
    
2. Storage hanging from the garage ceiling. Again, it can make the space useable for its intended purpose. You can use a rack for storage bins or ladders, and there are even storage solutions for hoisting bikes up and out of the way. That can be a nice touch if you are in an area where there are trails and recreation areas that appeal to buyers.

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Riding a horse is great exercise—it strengthens the core, improves balance and coordination and may even get your heart pumping. Here in north central Ohio, riding a horse also means the chance to soak in the serene natural beauty of family farms and ancient forests. Whether you've never sat in a saddle or are looking for a place to ride and train your own horse, there are plenty of options nearby.

Photo courtesy of Malabar Farms

1. Pleasant Valley Lake Park & Malabar Farm, Perrysville/Lucas

Both Pleasant Valley and Malaba...

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