Posts with tag 'REALTOR®'

Whether you're planning a brand-new garden or want to enhance what you've already got, using native plants used to Michigan's diverse climate can make maintenance more comfortable and save you time and money. Our REALTORS® love it when homeowners take great care of their yards with beautiful landscaping and colorful gardens. There's no doubt that curb appeal adds value to your home, and getting your hands dirty is good for the mind, body, and soul. These seven plants will make your garden an inviting, colorful oasis to enjoy for years to come.

1. Black Gum Tree (Nyssa sylvatica)
   This slow-growing tree can reach 30 to 40 feet tall, and provides gorgeous, vivid fall foliage in shades of yellow, orange, and crimson. Its dark bark and distinctive branching pattern also provide some visual interest in the winter. Squirrels and birds love its tiny, tasty fruit, and the black gum tree easily tolerates wet, clay soils and salt.
2. Common Ninebark (Physocarpos opulifolius)
   This hardy shrub grows 6 to 9 feet tall and can thrive in even the harshest conditions. Super easy to maintain, it grows in shade or sun and many different types of soil conditions. You'll enjoy pink and white flowers in the spring and summer, with red fruit birds love to eat in autumn.

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Don't wait until your home is on the market to get it in top-notch shape. Instead, ready your home for buyers before you even put it on the market. Get started on this list before adding your home to the inventory of Brighton homes for sale. 

1. Declutter Your Space
   Some homeowners want to wait until they're moving to get rid of unwanted items; instead, declutter every space in your room now so that your home appears clean and organized. Take decluttering a step further and pack away items that you seldom use (like holiday decorations, seasonal clothing, and old mementos)...

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Livingston County is located in the "thumb" region of southeast Michigan and is an excellent place to call home. It's rated highly in many statewide categories and also comes in ahead of many counties throughout the country.

Our real estate agents share the following 7 things you'll love about living in Livingston County:

1. Outdoor Recreation is Fun and Varied
   You won't have to struggle to find activities to keep you healthy and busy in Livingston County. You can golf at several courses in the county and pursue many popular activities at Island Lake Recreation Area, which is a balloon port and also has a shooting range, canoeing, volleyball courts, and spots where you can swim. And if you're into skiing or snowboarding, Mt. Brighton is well worth a visit as you're looking for Brighton homes for sale. It has 25 trails available on its 130 acres.
   
   
2. The Local Business Community is Vibrant
   Livingston County is home to many local businesses that make living here more fun and convenient. You'll find fine dining restaurants as well as more casual options, so whether you're in the mood for a European deli setting, casual Italian, or something else, you'll find it here. You'll also be able to visit antique shops, doctor's offices, home improvement shops, and much more.
   
   

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As homes become more wired and technologically sophisticated, buyers are looking for smart home features to make their lives more convenient and secure. And it's not just younger buyers who want smart home features - they appeal to buyers of all ages.

Our real estate agents point out the following smart home features that today's buyers are looking for:

1. Home Security Cameras
   Many different types of smart home security cameras are available, but they usually have the following features: motion sensors, night vision, and two-way talk capabilities. Also, your smart camera system will come equipped with an app that gives you access to a live feed of camera views if you're away from home.
   
   
2. Programmable Thermostats
   These smart home features make your home more comfortable and can even help reduce your heating and cooling bills. They can be programmed to turn on before you wake up in the morning or return home in the evenings. Over time, they'll learn your habits and respond accordingly, keeping your home comfortable without running your HVAC unit unnecessarily.
   
   
3. Lighting Control System
   Smart lighting involves replacing your traditional light bulbs with smart bulbs, which work in your existing sockets. Using a hub that's connected online, you can then adjust your lighting from anywhere. You can program your lights to turn on before you come home from work or slowly get brighter as you prepare to wake up in the morning.
   
   
4. Smart Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors
   These detectors may not be the most glamorous smart feature, but buyers appreciate the convenient safety enhancements they offer. If they detect smoke or carbon monoxide, they'll send a text alert to your phone and will also warn you if their batteries are getting low.
   
   

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When you have to move quickly, your home may be vacant when you put it up for sale. Like anything else, there are pros and cons to selling a home that isn't occupied. Although you don't have to deal with the hassle of prospective buyers coming in and out while you're still living there, vacant Brighton homes for sale can be harder to unload because buyers may wonder why they're empty and if there's something wrong. Whether you're still in your home or need to move and sell it while it's vacant, our real estate agents can help you understand how to make it more appealing.

1. Make a Good Impression Online
   If you're going to be moving soon, clean up, stage your home and take photos of it before you move the furniture out. Send the photos to your real estate agent to add before it's listed online. An empty house may not seem like a big deal, but buyers who are looking for homes online often skip the vacant ones because it's hard for them to envision their furniture and possessions in the space. Some companies do virtual staging, which adds computer-generated furnishing to photos of the rooms.

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