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How to Solve the Most Common Succulent Problems

Succulents are some of the most popular houseplants because they are easy to care for. However, there are some very common problems that you might encounter when keeping succulents despite their low-maintenance demands. Each variety has slightly different needs, but here we will go over some of the most common issues and how to avoid them.

Sunburn

Succulents may be desert-native, but that does not mean they all thrive in direct sunlight. In fact, most succulents prefer bright but indirect light and can get damaged by harsh UV rays. If you notice brown spots or dry discoloration on your succulent’s leaves, it might be sunburn. If you find your succulent has sun damage, carefully remove the damaged leaves and find a new spot where the plant won’t burn. North or south-facing windows are great for succulents because they’ll get plenty of light all day without risk of damage.

Underwatering

“Low-maintenance” does not mean you can completely ignore a succulent. Though they are drought-resistant plants, they need enough water in order to survive and grow. The easiest way to tell if your succulent needs more water is if the upper leaves look shriveled and dry. You might also notice a usually vibrant succulent looking dull or gray when it needs more water. Luckily, this is an easy problem to remedy. All you need to do is to soak the soil completely and then allow it to drain. You should see the appearance change gradually once the plant has quenched its thirst.

Overwatering

Succulents frequently top the “hard to kill” list of houseplants, but the most common reason succulents die is from too much water. Desert native plants like succulents and cacti are extremely efficient in their water consumption and can store it for long periods of time. Watering your succulents too frequently can lead to root rot which will eventually kill the whole plant. If you notice the underside of the plant turning brown, it might be a sign of rot. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to save the plant once the roots have decayed, but it’s easy to prevent the issue entirely. The soil must dry out completely between waterings. You should also make sure you use the right soil: go for succulent or cactus-specific soil that drains well rather than soil that retains moisture.

Stretching

Sometimes your succulents might grow unevenly in one direction. If you notice your succulents stretching one way or the other, it means it’s trying to get more light. Plants will typically grow toward their light source, so if you have succulents facing the same direction in the same spot without ever being moved, you might find them getting stretched or “leggy.” The simplest way to avoid this is to rotate them frequently or find a new spot for them where the light is more consistent. You can also use special LED grow lights indoors to create a perfectly symmetrical lighting environment if you don’t get enough sunlight through your windows. Just make sure that if you change the amount of light for a leggy succulent that you do so gradually and watch out for sun damage.

Each type of succulent is a little different in terms of ideal light and water situation, but all share the risk of the above issues. The most important thing to remember when caring for succulents is not to drown them or expose them to extreme heat or cold. Otherwise, let the plant tell you what it needs and adjust accordingly.

What Impacts Home Values

You may have a rough idea of what your home is worth. Maybe you have recently been given an assessed value on the home, or have peeked on an online search as to what comes up for your home. Do you really understand all of the things that affect the value of your home? There are many things that may not be obvious but are important to the number that you’ll come to when you decide to sell your home.

The Number Of Your House

Do you live at 13 Elm Street or 7 Winner’s Way? Buyers have superstitions that surround numbers and street names. Don’t be surprised if the number of your house or even the name of your street brings buyers in or sends them running. There’s not much you can do to change the house number or street name, but it’s something to keep in mind. Sometimes the reason that certain buyers are turned off from your house is truly out of your control. If you do live on a desirable street, that can help bring up the value of your home due to the demand in the area. Remember that what some consider “unlucky” others consider a blessing (like the number 13!)

The Neighborhood

While your home may be perfectly pristine, you don’t have much control over what your neighbors do. If there are neighbors nearby that have strange items in their yards, strange colored homes, or other eccentric tastes, buyers may be turned off from your home. This could actually cause the price of your home to drop slightly. You should be prepared for this to affect the sale of your home, but don’t be discouraged. If buyers enjoy your home enough, they’ll be able to turn off that all too bright paint color next door.

Greenery

Trees and greenery increase the value of a home. Don’t think of cutting down those trees on your property unless you have to! Trees that have grown up on your property will add a lot of value to the home in the future. If you’ve been living at your residence for 20 years or so, think of the value that those first seeds and bushes you planted have added!

Interests Are Not Universal

If you have displays, shrines, or rooms dedicated to a certain hobby, it could either be beneficial or detrimental to your home sale. This all depends on who comes walking through the door for a home showing. If you’re a Veteran and have some Marine Corps things around the houses, it could attract the attention of other Vets. However, that strange Marilyn Monroe room you have might actually deter from the pool of people available to buy your home. Buyers like to be able to see themselves living in the home. Some circumstances make it easier than others for buyers to have a vision for themselves in your home.

Strategies for Managing a Short-Notice PCS Move

In the military, sometimes a Permanent Change of Station, or PCS, move happens quickly and orders to move to a new location can leave you scrambling.

When you have to make a fast move, the whirlwind of activity can leave you feeling a little dazed and wondering if you’re forgetting anything. Here are some tips for a short-notice PCS move.

Prioritize Your To-Do List

From contacting schools to changing addresses with the Post Office or collecting medical records, there is a lot to do when moving. Find out if there are specific dates or requirements for turning in gear or check-out procedures with the unit. Create a prioritized list of most urgent and time-sensitive things. Then create one of things that could wait until after the move. Changing a driver’s license isn’t urgent because most states give at least 30 days post-move. But, changing your address with the Post Office and anywhere you get deliveries from (like an Amazon or a magazine subscription) is important to do before moving.

Speed Declutter

You don’t have time to sort through small boxes of trinkets, so be really careful not to get caught in the little things. Start by immediately throwing out any trash. Move on to large items you can donate or get rid of (furniture, small appliances or large toys). As you declutter, you can also box up the items you know you are keeping. When sorting through books or movies, for example, make quick decisions and have a box to donate and a box to pack so you are getting both jobs done at the same time.

Work in Bursts

It is important to take mental breaks so you don’t burn out. Work for a few hours and then take a complete break to get lunch or do something different for an hour. When you have days or weeks of a fast-paced move, you want to stay focused. However, your brain can only focus for so long before it gets tired. By taking those breaks, your work time is more efficient by giving your brain a moment to rest.

Expect a PPM Move

When you do it yourself, moving is called a PPM, or personally procured move, by the military. With a short notice of days or just a few weeks, you likely won’t get moving support for companies working with the military. You can certainly check the options, but be prepared for a DIY (do it yourself) move. Often, the military will provide you with a high percentage of the moving stipend they would have given a company. So you make a little extra money while having more control when packing your items.

Mark Your Boxes

One of the most overwhelming parts of a move is unpacking what you need when you need it. Grab a sharpie and label your boxes either: IMMEDIATE, SECONDARY or STORAGE. Add the room the box will go in when you arrive to make it easy to take everything to the right rooms and prioritize what gets unpacked first.

Whatever you do, don’t get lost in the details. Keep your labeling quick and easy to understand. All important documents, like the marriage certificate, passports or birth certificates, should be kept in one box and carried by you (not packed in the truck).

Plan for Time With the Truck

Of course, you need to plan for time to rent and pack the truck, but don’t forget about weighing the truck in order to get reimbursement for a DIY move. If you are moving on your own (PPM), go to a local weighing station before and after the truck is loaded to record how much you are moving.

Pay Attention to Final Details

If you are selling a home you own off-base, your real estate agent will tell you what cleaning and staging will increase the likelihood of a sale. If you live on-base, you will want to patch up and repaint spots, like nail holes, to avoid any final charges. Cleaning and sweeping the floors will probably be one of the last things you do to make sure the space looks as good as possible for inspection (on-base) or showings (off-base).

Home decor upgrades: Creative ways to DIY with paint

If you’re searching for ways to upgrade existing furniture and decor, DIYs with paint might be perfect for your next project. A little paint can go a long way, whether it’s on walls, cabinets, furniture or decorative accessories.

DIY paint projects for your walls

Painting your walls might seem like an enormous undertaking, but the reward is well worth the time and effort. A new coat of paint can transform an entire room without making any other major changes.

However, for a smaller scale project, consider painting an accent wall in your room of choice.

You can create bold geometric shapes and patterns using painter’s tape to mimic the appearance of wallpaper. Try a colorful honeycomb motif in your bathroom, or a more subtle herringbone in the bedroom using neutral tones.

Another great idea for DIY projects with paint is to paint the inside walls of your closets. A quick coat of white or another light shade will instantly make your closet seem bigger and brighter.

DIY ideas with spray paint

Spray paint offers a wealth of possibilities for DIY projects, especially when it comes to upgrading existing pieces. The key is to choose the right type of paint primer for the material you plan to refurbish.

Do you have old metal filing cabinets taking up space in your home office? Try spray-painting them in a bold hue to turn them into statement pieces.

For decorative pieces, don’t forget you can spray paint glass or ceramics. Turn unused mason jars into decorative containers with your choice of spray paint in a high gloss finish. Try transforming an old glass vase or pitcher into charming farmhouse style accent pieces.

Are you ready to grab a paint brush, roller or spray can? With painting projects, you can upgrade your existing pieces and create design statements with bold like-new decor. Keep these ideas in mind the next time you need ideas for DIY paint projects.

Navigate the Homebuying Journey Like a Pro

The homebuying journey may seem long, complicated and time-consuming at first. Fortunately, there are lots of things a property buyer can do to streamline the process of finding his or her dream residence.

Now, let’s take a look at three tips to help a homebuyer navigate the property buying journey like a pro.

1. Narrow Your Home Search

If you know you want to buy a home, you should take the next step forward in your quest to find your dream residence by narrowing your property search. That way, you can hone your search to properties that meet specific criteria and are located in your preferred cities and towns.

Oftentimes, it helps to envision what your dream home looks like and what features it offers. You may want to consider where your dream house is located as well. By examining these factors, you should have no trouble crafting homebuying criteria that you can use to narrow your property search.

2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

A mortgage generally is a must-have for homebuyers. Lucky for you, there is no shortage of banks and credit unions willing to provide mortgages to homebuyers across the United States. And if you meet with these financial institutions, you can get pre-approved for a mortgage and enter the housing market with a budget in hand.

Typically, it is beneficial for a homebuyer to pursue as many mortgage options as possible. This approach allows a homebuyer to search for the lowest interest rates and find a mortgage that complements his or her finances perfectly. Plus, if a homebuyer makes an informed mortgage decision, he or she may reap the benefits of this choice for years to come.

3. Collaborate with a Real Estate Agent

Even an expert homebuyer may need help as he or she navigates the property buying journey. By hiring a real estate agent, you can receive comprehensive assistance as you search for your ideal residence.

A real estate agent understands what it takes to find a great house at a budget-friendly price. He or she also is happy to share homebuying recommendations and suggestions with you to ensure you can seamlessly navigate the property buying journey.

In addition, a real estate agent will assist you at all stages of the homebuying process. He or she first will help you craft a homebuying strategy. Next, a real estate agent will keep you up to date about houses that become available and meet your homebuying criteria. A real estate agent then will set up home showings and attend open house events with you. And once you discover your dream residence, a real estate agent will help you submit a competitive offer to purchase this home.

As you get set to kick off the homebuying journey, it helps to prepare as much as you can. Thanks to the aforementioned tips, you can plan ahead for the homebuying journey. As a result, you can navigate the property buying journey like a pro.

Plants: 5 Common Houseplants to Avoid with Cats

Your new home may feel more cozy with the addition of pets and houseplants. However, some combinations of the two simply don’t mix. Avoid these five common houseplants if your home has four-legged family members.

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is good for soothing dry, irritated skin, chapped lips and minor burns. Many homeowners keep an aloe plant on hand for just these emergencies. However, if you have a furry family member, you might not want to bring home this tropical succulent. Aloe is toxic to some pets. As a result, if your cat or dog ingests it, they could suffer vomiting, diarrhea and listlessness.

Safer Alternative: Haworthia

Identifiers: Deep green spines with white “stripes”

2. Pothos Plant

Pothos is a pretty houseplant that grows well in low light and is deceptively easy to care for. However, if your cat eats a leaf, they’ll likely suffer oral burns and swelling, complicated by vomiting. So while this bloom is beautiful, remember it can also be deadly for your furry friend.

Safer Alternative: Spider Plant

Identifiers: Long, thin leaves with a lighter green tint

3. Begonia

Begonias are beautiful, there’s no argument, and they grow inside or out. They’ll even winter over under the right conditions. However, begonias are highly toxic to cats. This means if your cat gets too curious, they may end up with a severe burning sensation in their mouth, lips and gums. They may also suffer excessive drooling and trouble swallowing.

Safer Alternative: African Violets

Identifiers: Deep green, fuzzy leaves and rich violet or purple flowers

4. Jade Plants

Jade plants are common houseplants. Their waxy, green leaves grow quickly, making this a popular choice for homeowners with green thumbs. However, if your cat takes a bite, they can suffer the symptoms of depression, ataxia and slowed heart rate. Vomiting is another serious symptom that may arise if your cat or kitten comes into contact with Jade plants.

Safer Alternative: Christmas Cactus

Identifiers: Brilliant hues of green with supple red flowers

5. Mistletoe

While you may not grow mistletoe in a pot on your windowsill, many homeowners still bring clippings inside over the holiday. Whether used to decorate the mantel or hung over the doorway out of tradition, mistletoe can make your cat or dog feel anything but merry. This plant can cause cardiovascular collapse, erratic behavior and dangerous dips in blood pressure.

Safer Alternative: Christmas Cactus (A clear fan-favorite)

Identifiers: Brilliant hues of green with supple red flowers

While this may be a long and somewhat frightening list, there are alternatives. Most nurseries or other plant supply stores will be able to give you excellent and safe alternatives for your home.

Highly Ranked Places to Live in California

If you’ve been searching for a desirable place to live in California, there’s good news and bad news:

There are a lot of worthwhile options to choose from!

That’s not exactly “bad news,” unless you have difficulty narrowing down choices and picking the best one! Actually, a lot of the research and analysis has already been done for you by websites such as Livability.

The California communities on its list of “Top 100 Best Small Towns,” for example, include a handful of top-notch possibilities: Sebastopol (#9), Los Alamitos (#12), Arcata (#14), Emeryville (#34), and Pacific Grove (#39). If you like the idea of small-town living without having to sacrifice features like superior health care and an abundance of nice shopping locations, then those five small California towns might very well meet your requirements. They reportedly offer amenities and services that are usually associated with more densely populated areas.

Speaking of larger centers of population, quite a few medium-sized California cities also have been ranked as highly desirable places to live. In its 2017 Top 100 Best Places to Live list, the cities (of under 350,000) which scored well in the rankings included Palo Alto (#7), Pleasanton (#17), Walnut Creek (#34), San Mateo (#41), Roseville (#48), San Luis Obispo (#50), Santa Cruz (#56), Irvine (#59), San Rafael (#64), Camarillo (#66), Santa Rosa (#79), Santa Barbara (#82), and Berkeley (#86).

It’s no surprise that the city of Palo Alto made the top ten portion of the list, due to its proximity to Stanford University, the many high-tech employment opportunities available at Internet companies headquartered there, and the abundance of parks, quality healthcare services, high-end shopping outlets, and appealing historic neighborhoods.

Pleasanton was the next highest-ranked California city on the list. Its prominent ranking was due to the quality of its school system (top 10 in the state), its more than 220 diverse restaurants, and the historic nature of its downtown shopping area. In addition to being home to a number of high-tech industries, itself, the community also features 1,200 acres of parks, hiking trails, and other open spaces for residents to enjoy.

Walnut Creek is another well-regarded community known for its highly rated school system, shopping, and restaurants. The medium-sized city is a short drive from the Pacific Ocean, nearby mountains, and public parks. It has a robust economy bolstered by a thriving healthcare and biotechnology industry.

Several of the small- to-medium-sized California cities on these lists offers proximity to bustling metropolitan centers like San Francisco — except without the aspects of urban living that some people prefer to avoid. While all homebuyers have different criteria when it comes to housing, budgetary ranges, and preferred amenities, there are literally dozens of California communities that are sure to meet the expectations of discerning West Coast house hunters!

Biggest Myths About Buying a House

As you prepare to embark on the homebuying process, you may encounter a variety of homebuying myths. And if you believe these myths, the risk increases that you may be forced to deal with many problems along the homebuying journey.

Now, let’s take a look at three common homebuying myths, along with the problems associated with these myths.

1. Buying a house is a quick, stress-free process.

The homebuying process may prove to be long and arduous, particularly for a first-time homebuyer. Fortunately, real estate agents are available to help you simplify the process of acquiring a top-notch residence at a budget-friendly price.

A real estate agent understands the challenges associated with buying a house. As such, he or she can help you identify and address these problems before they escalate.

Typically, a real estate agent will learn about what you want to find in your dream house and help you plan accordingly. With this approach, a real estate agent will ensure that you can enjoy a fast, worry-free homebuying experience.

2. Getting a mortgage won’t take long at all.

There are many factors that will dictate your ability to acquire a mortgage that matches or exceeds your expectations. For instance, your credit score, income and outstanding debt will impact a lender’s decision to provide you with a mortgage. And if you have experienced financial problems in the past, they may impact your ability to acquire a mortgage today.

It generally helps to get pre-approved for a mortgage before you enter the housing market. Because if you have a mortgage in hand, you can narrow your house search.

Also, it may be beneficial to shop around for a mortgage from several banks and credit unions. If you explore all of the mortgage options at your disposal, you can select a mortgage that suits your finances perfectly.

3. The first home that you see in-person likely will be the house that you’ll end up purchasing.

The homebuying process offers no guarantees. And if you expect to buy the first home that you view in-person, you ultimately may be disappointed with the final results of your home search.

Oftentimes, it is a great idea to check out a wide range of houses. By conducting an in-depth home search, you can select a house that fulfills all of your homebuying demands.

As you search for a home, you may want to work with a real estate agent too. This housing market professional can set up home showings and keep you up to date about open house events.

Furthermore, a real estate agent is happy to provide homebuying recommendations and suggestions. He or she will do whatever it takes to help you find a terrific residence, as well as negotiate with a seller’s agent on your behalf to ensure you won’t have to pay too much to acquire your ideal house.

The aforementioned myths can be harmful to any homebuyer, at any time. If you hire a real estate agent, however, you can learn the ins and outs of the housing market and avoid potential hurdles throughout the homebuying journey.

How To Add Value To Your California Home With Landscaping

If you’re getting ready to sell your California home, you may wonder what the return on your investment will be for specific projects. One of these potential projects is that of landscaping. Will you get more money for the sale of your home? How much more will you get if you make these outdoor improvements? Everyone knows that it’s a general rule that curb appeal adds value to your home in many different ways.

First, buyers will feel more welcome if they see a home that appears inviting from the outside in. Elaborate landscaping excludes buyers who are solely focused on buying a fixer-upper.

It’s suggested that you invest about 10 percent of your home’s value in landscaping. That’s a significant investment. We’re talking about $20,000 on a $200,000 home. That’s not an easy decision to make. There are some simple things you can do if you don’t have the money to invest in landscaping.

Add color with seasonal flowers and shrubs

Add mulch

Add edging

Do an excellent job of weeding the yard

Give the lawn extra TLC

Even something as simple as a deep clean of your yard can make a big difference. The costs of these jobs range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. The main concern is making your home look good from the curbside.

These little changes can make a significant impact on the appearance of the home. The return on your investment can really vary. It’s hard to pinpoint an exact number as to how much return you’ll actually get for spending time and money landscaping your home. The only sure thing is that it will be worth it. Not only will your California home sell for more, but it will also be more attractive to buyers that are out there.

The Negative Side

A good landscaping job does deter buyers who don’t want a high maintenance property. Too many shrubs to trim or too much grass to mow is definitely a deterrent to these buyers. The bottom line here is that the more extensive the landscaping job you do before selling your home, the bigger the risk you’re taking.

Focus On Simple Things

The best thing you can do to landscape your yard before you sell is to focus on simple things in the yard including:

Weeding

Keep it free from chemicals

Add potted plants

Keep the lawn looking trim and watered

Mulch the yard

Remember that inside and out, a positive first impression of your California home is critical to the sale.

New Construction: Green Features to Improve Your New Build

Photo by Maria Orlova from Pexels

With a greater focus on energy efficiency in recent years, new construction has been using green features. These features are designed to reduce negative impacts on the environment and help homeowners reduce their energy usage. If you’re planning to have a green home built, the following are some of the more common energy-efficient features available. Having these features installed in your new home can significantly lower the amount of energy you use and the amount you spend on your utility bills.

Eco-Friendly Windows

Newer windows typically have one or more energy-efficient features that help homes stay warmer in winter and colder in summer. This helps cut back on the energy used for cooling and heating homes. Low-emittance, or low-E, windows are made to reflect more of the sun’s UV rays, which helps keep homes feeling cooler during summer while still letting in plenty of natural light. Vinyl frames with insulation and fiberglass frames provide high amounts of resistance to heat flow, which also helps reduce energy usage. Other eco-friendly features to consider for windows include gas fills and double or triple glazing.

Energy-Efficient Appliances and Plumbing Fixtures

Stoves, washers, dryers and other major appliances typically use up a lot of energy if they’re older models. Green new construction homes usually come with Energy Star appliances, which helps improve energy efficiency. These appliances require less electricity, resulting in lower energy bills. Green new construction homes also tend to have plumbing fixtures with energy-efficient features, such as high-efficiency toilets and low-flow showerheads and faucets. These fixtures use less water overall and can significantly lower the amount of water your household uses on a regular basis.

Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

HVAC systems are one of the biggest sources of energy usage in homes. New eco-friendly homes often have an HVAC system that is designed to use lower amounts of energy overall, such as a heat pump or geothermal system. These HVAC systems also use cleaner sources of energy compared to gas furnaces and other heating and cooling systems that require fossil fuels. Green homes also usually have a programmable thermostat rather than a manual one. Programmable thermostats provide an easier way to keep homes cooler or warmer as needed without using as much energy.

Eco-Friendly Lighting

Green new construction homes are much more efficient when it comes to lighting compared to older homes. These homes often have compact fluorescent (CFL) or LED bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs that use up higher amounts of energy. These energy-efficient bulbs provide a lot of light without using up as much energy, and they last longer. Green homes also tend to have design features that allow as much sunlight in as possible, such as skylights or oversized windows. Increasing natural light helps cut down on the amount of lighting used during the day.

Cool Roof

Cool roofs refer to roofing that is designed to reflect more of the sun’s rays. These roofs, which are often made of metal and light in color, can help keep homes much cooler inside when it’s hot out. This leads to a lower need to run the air conditioning or have ceiling fans on. Having this kind of roof can help you lower your energy bills, especially during summer.