Warm weather can offer many ways to make us smile. Even with COVID-19, most people have been able to safely enjoy some socially distanced activities.
But summertime also brings its own challenges when it comes to managing your property. Here are some tips to help make these last few days of summer as welcoming as you can.
Pesky bugs
We all know storing food properly inside our home goes a long way toward getting rid of insects, but what about the outdoors? It might be a good idea to hire a professional exterminator to help with repeated indoor pests, but one benefit of warmer weather is there are many yard plants savvy homeowners can use to help keep away unwanted guests.
Mint, lavender, basil and citronella grass are just a few of the natural alternatives to making an outdoor area more pleasant, and there’s the added benefit of increased curb appeal.
Expensive utility bills
Although we hope to get more time outside, COVID-19 is still making many of us spend more time indoors than we have been, which can lead to higher energy bills.
Consider investing in a programmable thermostat. These handy devices can be controlled from your smartphone and will help keep costs down throughout the year.
Don’t you love the idea of taking a road trip this winter and returning to a toasty house?
A gross, brown lawn
In a recent article for National Association of Realtors’ Houselogic, Nancy Mann Jackson shared great insight into summer lawncare.
She writes, “Brown grass isn’t always nature’s fault. It might be the result of you mowing your grass too short. Leave at least one to 3 inches of grass above the root so the grass can absorb enough water to combat the heat. If your grass is browning because of drought, make sure your sprinklers are adjusted properly and water less often for longer periods.”
Jackson continues, “If you live in a drought-prone area, you might be better off removing most of your grass and opting for hardscaping or another drought-friendly groundcover. What’s not to like about stone walls, gravel paths or paved patios? Install enough of it, and you can ditch your lawn completely.”
Water damage
Yes, water damage. Sure, the temps are hot, but that doesn’t mean it’s dry all the time. Severe weather never takes a vacation, so you should always keep an eye out for possible water and storm damage.
Overgrown limbs could spell big problems for you if they fall on your fence, garage or house. Not to mention how limbs that touch your house provide critters easy access to your roof or possibly a compromised part of your attic.
And don’t forget the gutters, which are often overlooked in the summer. Make sure those are clear of any obstruction. That way, when downpours happen, the water goes where it’s supposed to, and not anywhere inside your property.
Realtors are here to help our clients all year long. Hot or cold, your Realtor knows many vendors who can assist in whatever maintenance project you might have. We’re here to serve property owners. That’s Who We R.
Greater Chattanooga Realtors is The Voice of Real Estate in Greater Chattanooga. A regional organization with more than 2,000 members, Greater Chattanooga Realtors is one of 300 local boards and associations of Realtors nationwide that comprise the National Association of Realtors. Greater Chattanooga Realtors service Hamilton and Sequatchie counties in southeast Tennessee and Catoosa, Dade and Walker counties in northwest Georgia. For more information, visit www.gcar.net or call 423 698-8001.