In the current real estate market, a lot of attention has been given to staging a home to help it sell.   I am a big fan of staging, but think curb appeal is even more important.  After all, it doesn’t matter how nice your home looks on the inside if buyers drive up, take a […]

Growing plants in South Florida is very easy.  When I first moved here, I remember someone  telling me,  “plant once and cut it forever” .  Well, after successfully growing tomatoes, jalapenos, and a variety of peppers by simply throwing seeds from my kitchen into assorted pots, I am convinced that growing just about anything is […]

In a state where water is in short supply and there is a year-round growing season,  Florida friendly landscaping is important and can result in: lower water bills better looking yard during dry season and droughts decreased maintenance requirements increased presence of wildlife shade and lower energy bills minimizing the need for pesticides and fertilizers […]

Governor Charlie Crist signed a bill into law today that will give rebates on energy-efficient appliances.  The details are still to be worked out, but according to the Governor’s office consumers could save an average of up to 20% per appliance.  If you do plan to use the rebate, apply quickly.  Both the State’s  Solar […]

Chinese drywall could be present in your home if it was built or extensively remodeled between 2004 and 2008.  Due to the building boom and major hurricane damage during those years, drywall had to be imported for the first time.  Unfortunately, Chinese drywall has high levels of chemicals that we do not find in drywall […]

The right landscaping  can help you save money.  Properly positioned, plants will  shade your home and lower cooling costs.  Using plants that don’t require a lot of water can minimize water usage while still allowing you to have a beautiful yard. Miami-Dade County wants to encourage tree planting and offers the popular “Adopt-a-Tree” program several […]

Water conservation is extremely important in Florida.  Even though we are surrounded by water, we are in the middle of a several-year drought and we all need to do our part to save water.  In addition to complying with current watering restrictions, there are steps you can take around your home to cut down water […]